phil_marion

Also....my gallery of Myanmar linked above contains many photos taken with a tripod. Consider a travel tripod if you haven't already.

from the link: Do Not Apply If... You have no photography experience or background. We want seasoned photographers who love showing off their work.

I use a Tamrac Velocity bag for a dslr and 3 lenses...but they seem to be discontinued....

Was there for a month just last year. Click this link for inspiration and ideas: Myanmar Mrauk U is safe and under touristed as people have stayed away - it is far from any of the border troubles between gov't and Rohingya groups.

My travels are usually with my wife who does NOT share the same passion for photography as I do....luckily she is a late riser so I do have the sunrise and a few hours afterwards all to myself. I wake her up for breakfast at the hotel. I try to pick somewhere interesting for the sunset. My wife loves a good sunset though I'll be the one watching it through a viewfinder. Here's a link to our travels the past dozen years: CLICK HERE.

On my Alaskan cruise I brought a Tamzooka 150-600 which I used frequently from the ship's deck. 200mm won't cut it. Here's a gallery containing some of those shots: Pacific northwest cruise - B.C and Alaska

I once traveled to southern Ethiopia in 1996 and was able to find fellow tourists to share hotel and a landcrusier with driver - I located them on a Lonely Planet forum. I wonder if there are any photographer oriented forums where lone photographers can come in contact with others looking to pool resources. Most organized 'photography tours' are prohibitively expensive and are geared to either unskilled photographers or well heeled ones to lazy to research properly the location they want to visit.

<p>Recently I moved to within a 2 minute walk of Lake Ontario which opens new photographic opportunities for me. I am ready to take my photography to the next level and want to buy a quality 10 stop ND filter and polarizing filter. Up to now I have been using a cheapo Cameron variable ND filter. Although photography is my hobby, I’ve been able to generate income through image sales on Getty Images. So I am willing to pay for a top-end filter.<br> I am trying to decide between the Singh Ray, the Lee Big Stopper and the Breakthrough Photography X3 ND. I had never heard of Breakthrough Photography until I read this stellar review on<br> <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/10-Stop-Neutral-Density-Filter.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/10-Stop-Neutral-Density-Filter.aspx</a><br> I have trusted that site for lens reviews many times previously (the lens quality comparison tool is great).<br> However, NONE of the other ND filter reviews I’ve read mention the Breakthrough Photography ND filter so any feedback on that filter would be very useful.<br> The Lee filter system looks like it is more time consuming to use in its set up but exposure metering and focusing could be faster once set up. And it looks like there is a more pronounced colour cast with it. I am also curious if they are more likely to be dropped by a klutz such as I. Looks like the system is good for stacking filters.<br> Can one stack the Singh Ray filters (i.e. polariser and ND filter) without significant vignetting?<br> Any insight on these systems would be greatly appreciated !<br> I thank you in advance.</p>

<p>Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon are beautiful after a dusting of snow.</p>

<p>I agree. Marina Sands Hotel Sky Park is PERFECT. I just came back from Singapore last month and i even sprang to stay at the hotel so I could access the Sky Park whenever I wanted ...and could cool off inside the hotel or Infinity pool. But man is it expensive.<br> https://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_marion/sets<br> I was in Singapore for about 5 days and I still haven't uploaded all my photos ( I shoot RAW and have yet to process them all).<br> I believe there are other hotels that have rooftop bars/patios/pools that can be acessed.</p>

<p>I travel with a heavy DSLR and 3 zooms that cover me from 156 mm to 200 mm - even greater as I also pack a 1.4 converter. Last trip I even brought my Tamzooka 150-600 mm. Is it excessive? To some people. I may not carry it all each and every day. I leave the hotel with the lenses I need for that day. But I always ensure my gear is safe in a secure hotel and locked in luggage as well.<br> https://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_marion/sets<br> I meet people that just carry a 28-300 lens and for some that is sufficient. I don't mind the heavy lifting - it is like a workout to me. I had a telephoto zoom die on me on a trip to SE Asia. I still had 2 other lenses to play with. If it had been my sole lens that died....</p>

<p>I have always lugged the same type of kit when I travel, be it to hot and humid places like SE Asia or nearby in freezing Canada. I carry the same type of set up - 3 types of zooms. I use a sling case so I can access my camera quickly and I don't have to have a DSLR hang out of a bag around my neck when it is not in use. <br> Is it heavy? Yes. Does it deter me? No. I just consider it a workout. It is like hauling my ass out of bed before sunrise while on vacation. You have to suffer to create something of value some times.<br> Is it worth it? You be the judge:<br> https://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_marion/sets<br> Could I have achieved the same shots with a P&S - probably not. With a mirrorless? Yes but I don't need to buy a whole new set of expensive gear when the only thing stopping me is a bit of sweat. If photography is your passion then a bit of weight shouldn't deter you. However, if photography is a mild interest/hobby then maybe a lighter set of gear is the route to go.</p>

<p>I have had the 5DIII for 2 years now and I find it has helped me immensely in lower light when compared to my 30D. I shoot up to 3200 ISO whereas I rarely went above 800 on the 30D. Through Flickr I am selling a few shots on Getty Images:<br> http://www.gettyimages.ca/Search/Search.aspx?query=z.i.H4sIAAAAAAAEAH2T30vDMBDH06WtMvVFfffBN0HopsNHYaAiDBX8C7IudYN1Dcl--T_q36S5dLlchhgIvU-S-97lLs3k4vpp-P01umfZcy0-ZMIY69rJkh87WDs6rwv2z0j8t6ubZvkmtKhNx7vC7BVw5KpVOrGffPv-aR623jkh7JxEhdo7G3S4qEqMRYHDQuFC1cvgWS_TnX3aZoFmP5g3wRw4M7XCcxRBghiZBV1jCjEewFIPKHfrY9TYY-dWxSpVpFKgSrWnUsUqOvkbnUofVfSeSmBbRUlLKjktaQ-sI38WGuf6YGsiFa1QIC7HBnc8uMbIkAOxO9KQZbS5USEAgM_xHB3XZXBclz7tM-ACrVu03FXSRpNHh-S2xpJueXLJTDb4_BMP8LJSsyK3jYhLEfKjYG1FNxAyE6nFyLePo9AmC7ghNMnNgv_vLuw8VNPZfKaU9At5LfSscQ7HpmyUHK4WkzlpQbTqA15CnLti4K5tX-AqXJmSbRO5MoF0qttTbWk9wchf5EYa_GV_AZ_3xYyOBAAA<br> The vast majority of them were taken with the 30D though.<br> https://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_marion/sets/</p>

<p>I hope you wander a bit in to a cactus field at sunset to silhouette a few cacti. But not too far - they are a bi+ch to walk out of in the dark.</p>

<p>I spent 4 days in Rome - I had a 10-22 EFS, 24-70 L and a 70-200 L with my 30D. People will tell you to travel light but I don't find the gear weighs that much that it prevents me from doing what I want to do (except jump in a fountain to cool off).</p> <p>I'm glad I don't travel light and leave the 70-200 at home. All taken with 70-200<br> <img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3604/3568535365_6f76dc0787_z.jpg?zz=1" alt="" width="640" height="426" /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3076/3568535653_b43be7bd1c_z.jpg" alt="" width="427" height="640" /></p> <p><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3621/3579724964_79d784dc3f_z.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="640" /><br> <img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2471/3580730432_2d57dbb8a9_z.jpg?zz=1" alt="" width="426" height="640" /><br> <img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3352/3589037216_67cb360bfe_z.jpg?zz=1" alt="" width="640" height="417" /><br> <img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/10352918516_e33f0a69e5_z.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="428" /></p>

<p>I used a Lowepro Toploader before I switched to the Tamrac sling bag. But with 3 lenses I felt gravity was pulling it downwards too often and at awkward places. Plus, the load obstructed my thighs when walking, especially uphill. But at least there was a nice bag to hold and protect the camera.<br> I like the Think Tank skin and modular systems but I wonder where the camera goes when it is not in my hands. And how would I carry the Tamzooka if I eschew the backpack? I guess it would be the Digital Holster.<br> And the Spider system looks fast but it seems to be it is a good weather setup. If it rains most of the time while I'm in Alaska how do you protect the camera? And it must be difficult/inconvenient to sit down or lay on the ground with it.</p>

<p>"<em> However, having a really big lens in a pouch dangling from your belt is a bit</em><em>awkward. you</em><em> can lock the pouches into a set position on their belts or let them slide around <strong>but wherever you put the big lens that's where gravity will pull the belt down</strong></em>. "<br> <br> that is my experience with lighter lens attached to a Lowepro Toploader - I was thinking the TT "Keep it Up Shoulder Strap" might mitigate that (or gouge a slice in to my shoulder).</p> <h2><strong> </strong></h2>

<p>I'm thinking maybe i'll have to do a hybrid system.: the heavy lens chest mounted (with a Spider, Cotton Carrier or LowePro bag) and a TT belt system for the other.<br> What I don't like about Spider is how do you protect the gear if it rains?</p>

<p>I really don't think I will go with a backpack option. The 8 hour fjords cruise will be a major part of my trip and I don't want to be reaching for the backpack when i need to go long lens. I also will be using the big lens in urban environments (festivals, parades, waterfront, sports ect.) and I think it is time I go to a cross-body strap or belt system. I think a lot of people avoid these because they look silly or scream 'look at me the professional". I used to use a toploader lowepro with 2 padded velcro'ed lens containers but the belt kept loosening due to the weight of the 3 lenses. And the camera pack rubbed against the thighs when walking (more so uphill) which expended extra energy.<br> I guess I need to hear from those that have used Think Tank, Spider, Cotton Carrier, LowePro type systems......or maybe a simple belt and carrying case for the Tamzooka and I stay with the Tamrac sling bag (but this limits me to the single body)</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice - I've only played with the lens hand held after I removed the collar. I guess I assumed the collar could be locked in place tightly to stop it from rotating. I hesitated from using it on my Manfrotto monopod because I assumed my cheap looking Joby Gorillapod Ball Head wasn't up to it.<br> The ball head works fine with my other lenses (16-35 L, 24-70 L, 70-200 f4 L)</p>

<p>I am a city-slicker with little wildlife photography experience beyond pigeons, squirrels, ducks/geese in Toronto harbor and my dogs. But I am going on a cruise to Alaska with the in-laws. However, I will have some time to do a few day hikes as well as a small boat excursion in the Kenai fjords and want to photograph the wildlife (bald eagles, puffins, whales, bears, sea lions ect.). To that end, I recently purchased a Tamron 150-600 Tamzooka that is VERY large and heavy - even when compared to my Canon 24-70 L Brick.<br> Urban photography is my hobby and for that I carry my 5D3 and 3 lenses in a Tamrac Velocity 9 sling bag (I also attach a monopod). I am wondering how I am going to cart this new lens around when I incorporate it in to my hikes. Easiest solution may be to put the Tamzooka in a lens bag that attaches to a belt. I suppose I will hike with just the Tamzooka, 24-70 brick and a wide angle for the landscapes. The Tamzooka will fit with the 5D3 body in the middle column of the bag but not the 2 outside compartments. This means I will have to do a TON of lens swapping whenever I take a photo and return the gear to the bag. So I need a different system. I am considering a second body (a 70D) for the Tamzooka.<br> <em>So how do you wildlife photographers get your gear around in the great outdoors (please there is no mule rental in Alaska AFAIK)?</em><br> <em>Similarly if you are an urban shooter how do you carry a multi-body setup containing at least one huge telephoto zoom?</em><br> I don’t really want to use a back pack that requires removing the pack every time I need to shoot. My tarmac velocity is quick as I just swing it around. But rather than a new bag, I am more open to a belt/strap system as it would take strain off of my back/neck. I have given cursory looks at Think Tank, Cotton Carrier, LowePro and Spider systems but would love to hear from those that use them or others I am not aware of. I defer to the wisdom of this board.<br> Wildlife photographers: How would you carry around 2 DSLR bodies, the Tamron Tamzooka 150-600 and 2 other lenses and a monopod?<br> Also what monopod accessories should I get in order to use my heavy Tamzooka on a monopod? I doubt my monopod ball head is up to it.</p>

<p>Japan is incredibly safe compared to American standards. There are no yahoos with guns, there are no slums with poor desperate people, no scared people packing for self-protection, no gangs, no nutbar armed militias, no large numbers of crack addicts. I would feel safer for a month in Japan than I would for 3 hours in New York City. Japan is incredibly clean, well mannered and polite. Tokyo is an incredible megalopolis than just works great. It is INCREDIBLY clean and safe. Compared to LA or NYC it seems like Sesame Street clean and safe.<br> I was there for 2 weeks a couple years ago and I was amazed.<br> https://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_marion/sets/72157628659379751/<br> https://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_marion/sets/72157629563149574/<br> https://www.flickr.com/photos/phil_marion/sets/72157629933571667/</p>