christopher_wyatt1

James, thanks for the bag recommendation! I'll add it to my list.

Hey Jeff, question. Do you think the 5 million dollar shoulder bag fit the body + battery grip + 17-40mm L attached along with storing the 70-200mm f/2.8 L separately? Or would I have to up to the 6 million dollar Crumpler bag for it to fit?

I've heard really good things about Crumpler.

Craig, great advice! I've heard the local taxis try to rip you off like crazy. I'm planning to use the government-run buses as much as possible.

I don't suppose you have a great recommendation for a travel tripod? :) Somehow I don't think my manfrotto is going to fit...

My 24-70mm wasn't overly soft, but it was nowhere near as vivid as the 70-200. In its defense, I don't think anything is as sharp as the 70-200.

I found that a little creative use of the unsharpening mask in Photoshop usually made a bit of difference.

I'm headed to Thailand, Cambodia and possibly Vietnam later this quarter.

This trip is barebones, I'm taking a backpack and possibly a shoulder

bag/daypack and that's it. After some careful soul searching, I've resolved to

take only two lenses -- my 17-40mm L and my beloved 70-200mm 2.8 IS.

The wide angle lens makes sense. On a 30D, it does portrait work acceptably and

is my primary landscaping lens. Its light and not bulky, good walkabout.

The 70-200 is a beast. Its weight and large frame make it cumbersome. Its high

monetary value increases the odds of something undesirable happening.

But its the best at what it does, so I'm taking it. I bought it to take

exceptional photographs in exceptional places. I'll be cautious, but if I leave

it at home I might as well sell it.

If I can muster the space, I'll take my 580EX speedlite with me.

This brings me to my question -- can anyone with "rugged" travel experience with

larger lenses share any tips or advice on transporting them?

Are there any recommended shoulder bags that would carry the body and these two

lenses well?

Right now I'm considering a small Crumpler for the body and 17-40mm and putting

the 70-200mm in the main compartment of my backpack (with the protective case

from Canon on, of course).

Thanks for your time and input.