rafaeldelgado

<p>Hello again everyone.</p>

<p><strong>Anish: </strong>Wow, that is one beautiful image. I can see how taking a tripod would be worth it even if I only got a couple of shots like yours. Given the weight though and the other activities I will be engaged in i'm deciding to leave it at home. However, I am debating buying a Joby Gorillapod. Their SLR Zoom model is just sturdy enough for my camera and a 70-200mm 2.8 lens. (It holds a maximum of 6.5 lbs) It is under 10 inches I will have a much easier time dealing with it than with a much larger tripod. Does anyone have any experience shooting with this Gorillapod? </p>

<p><strong>Simon: </strong>So you're saying less is more. I can definitely relate to that. What did the job consist of if I can ask? That is quite a bit of equipment to take.</p>

<p><strong>Update:</strong> Yesterday I went out and purchased a Thinktank Airport International V 2.0 rolling bag. I am highly impressed by both its design and build. I am now considering taking all of my lenses because of this bag. Basically I would leave behind my tripod, flash, and macro lens but take all the rest. I would also take a Kata shoulder bag to use for my daily exploring. It is small enough to pass through the airline as a 'handbag' so I shouldn't have a problem with that. The Thinktank roller bag has cable and lock system so I would feel much more comfortable locking it to to say the bed in the hotel room and then locking the contents as well. Whatever equipment stayed behind for the day should be safe enough. I feel that is a decent solution for both the weight and my equipment's safety. Any opinions on this? Thanks!</p>

<p><strong>Joe: </strong>That is quite a load! Actually with that set up i'm sure I wouldn't miss a thing. I'm debating taking the 70-200 still but i'm not sure it would be that big of a deal if I did. I might be able to sneak this other small Kata bag I have over for daily walkabout use while I keep the gear i'm not using in the hotel room. We will see.</p>

<p><strong>Chris: </strong>Great Pic! And you're right. No riots in sight! hehehehe My trip to England / Scotland is actually on again. I'm booking hotels tomorrow as well as the train reservation up to Edinburgh. I really can't wait. I'll be sure to keep you guys posted on what I ultimately take and i'll be sure to post pics when I get back. What lens did you use for this London Eye pic if I can ask?</p>

<p><strong>Charles: </strong>I can't even image what the Delhi Belly is. hahahah Care to explain?<br>

<strong> </strong><br>

<strong>Colin: </strong>I'm thinking the same thing. I'm sticking to my guns and making it there. I'm pretty psyched about the trip already and didn't start this thread for nothing. : ) Besides, it looks like it will be a perfect excuse to buy and fly with a new Kata bag for my gear. I'll definitely let you guys know what I end up taking. You guys have been a ton of help.</p>

<p><strong>Colin, Steve, Charles, William, and Sally:</strong> Thank you for the added replies and tips...and some great images too! I'm sad to say but for now my trip is officially 'on hold'. One of my friends is really tripping out about the events unfolding there and is actually calling Virgin-Atlantic to see what we can possibly do about a refund or credit for another destination. I personally do not think things will be a problem in a month but then again things don't look too good on t.v. now either. I'm thinking maybe all this will result in is just less-expensive hotel rooms. Who knows, I might end up there with two weeks for myself.</p>

<p>As far as the tips go, we each purchased a Rick Steves travel book for both Great Britain and London and plan to follow some of his 'walks' in the city. For the first day we plan on following his 'Westminster Walk' and going to the British Museum. The second day we will try his 'City Walk' and end up at the British Library. There's also a 'Tower of London Walk' that he suggests. </p>

<p>What I might also try to incorporate now is some of these 'less-travelled' suggestions you guys are giving me. I know from experience it's by spending time in the less touristy spots that can you really take in what a country and its people has to offer. </p>

<p>Anyhow, i'll keep you guys posted as things develop. Thanks and I hope you all enjoy your day.</p>

<p>Rafael</p>

<p><strong>Hello all,</strong></p>

<p><strong>Andrew: </strong>No joke! Now i'm actually thinking of ditching the tripod for a large baton. Hopefully things will be in order once we get there next month.</p>

<p><strong>Colin: </strong>Thank you for your advice and good wishes! In regards to the lenses, you're right...that set up would work out very well for this trip. However, I don't have the choice of a lighter load. What might work is dealing with the heavy load just to get all 3 lenses there and then to lock one away in the safe while i'm out and about with the other two. (given that the safe is big enough for the 70-200) Most people seem to think it's not that good of an idea to take that lens though.<br>

As far as planning goes, we've actually agreed on a pretty good itinerary together. This way there will be no complaints or disappointments once we are there. We are a pretty light hearted group so i'm thinking the only decisions we will be struggling with is which bitters to order at the pub. : - )</p>

<p><strong>David: </strong>Thank you for your informative post. I mentioned landscapes because it's part of what I like shooting here. You're right though, we are planning more of a city trip. I will be alone the second week and am seriously considering Cambridge or Oxford and will look into your advice on Bath. As far as transportation goes i'm going to try and take a train most everywhere, including Edinburgh. I've researched some fares and they seem reasonable enough. We actually figured that out last night. Who wants to deal with the whole airport bit a few days after arriving there. I'm also thinking of taking the rail option to these other cities. Since, again, I will be alone for half of the trip it seems like an easier option. It feels trickier for me to drive alone all week especially in a place where 'everyone drives on the wrong side of the road'. ; - ) </p>

<p><strong>Pascal: </strong>My umbrella is waiting for me in the closet! Thanks. </p>

<p><strong>Charles: </strong>Another great shot! Even if I do decide to take the larger lens I will take the 16-35 as it really doesn't add that much more weight. So, ultimately, the decision is whether to take the 70-200 or not. Either way, can't wait to see London atop of the 'Eye'.</p>

<p>I knew I was writting this thread for a reason. Thanks for all of the great info. I actually think the 2 days we are planning to stay in Edinburgh is very little. But my two friends are coming back after only 10 days while i'm staying for a week longer. So naturally they want to get the most in while they can. <br>

I'll definitely look for a rail ticket then. I originally looked at britrail.com but i'll try the site you suggested. I would also agree that a train is the way to go as you get to take much more of your trip in. I'll start convincing my two friends tomorrow. <br>

I'm not sure about a kilt but since you mentioned the coffee shop where some of the first Harry Potter book was written, i'll definitely take a look at that. My sister would go absolutely crazy if I brought a pic of that back for her to see. Thanks again for all your help.</p>

<p><strong>Charles: </strong>Excellent images. I love the Avebury one especially. Those are the exact greens i'm longing to see. I'll make sure to pack warm stuff for Scotland. I was looking at a flight because they seem to be a lot less expensive than the train fares. It is about $150.00 compared to about $450.00 if I remember correctly. I imagine you went to Edinburgh. Can I ask how many nights you stayed there? We are planning a 2 night trip only. We figure we'll see the castle and royal mile on one day and the national museum on the last day.</p>

<p><strong>Charles: </strong> Very nice! I know it has to be a rare moment to get an image there without any people in it. I believe we are going on a Monday so hopefully that will help. I'll go ahead and check out those monopods. I know Gitzo is an expensive option but they usually have the best reviews. I have an Acratech GP ballhead on my Manfrotto tripod so I'll see if that is compatible with the Gitzo or the other options you've listed. <br>

As far as sheep droppings go, they probably wouldn't stand in my way of getting a decent pic. : - ) I'll go ahead and mention Avebury to my friends. Thanks!</p>

<p>Wow, what great answers so far! </p>

<p><strong>Scott:</strong> I'll see what I can do about skewing our time towards Scotland. hahaha! Yeah, I know weight is the big issue here. I've read some of the other responses and although the 70-200mm. is probably my favorite lens it's also the least practical. I'll probably end up leaving this one behind because as you said the number of times I would use it probably does not justify the added weight.</p>

<p><strong>David:</strong> I'm flying Virgin Atlantic and their site has a limitation of 9x14x22 for carry-on luggage so my backpack is a couple of inches too tall (9" vs. 11"). Maybe they won't be as strict on the international flight but i'm afraid the flight to Scotland will be a challenge. I'm thinking if I leave the 70-200mm behind I can get a smaller backpack just for the trip. </p>

<p><strong>John:</strong> You've brought up a good point. I've actually discussed this with my friends and they said it wouldn't be a problem with them. And that if it becomes a problem I can always 'catch up' with them later in the day. I'm going to have to balance time between them and those photographs I will not want to miss. And about the tripod, you're right...I might get a monopod for the trip or just buy a smaller tripod once I get there. As much as i'd like to take mine it will most likely end up being a liability.</p>

<p><strong>Peter: </strong>You know, i've heard that before about Stonehenge but my friends are pretty set on going. They're actually making reservations so we get to go into the 'inner circle'. Hopefully I can get a few good images there to make the trip more interesting.</p>

<p><strong>Charles: </strong> Great image! You're not making my decision to leave the 70-200mm. behind any easier. I think you're right about the other 2 lenses too. I plan on taking both the 16-35 and 24-70 and possibly purchasing a monopod. That will be much easier to get into my suitcase below and to travel with. Carbon fiber can be lighter but it is still bulky. Is there a particular monopod you would recommend? </p>

<p>Thanks for the answers so far guys...</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hello Everyone! I'm off to England and Scotland next month for a 2 week trip with a couple of friends. I'm not a professional photographer but a serious amateur who needs some advice on WHAT equipment to take and HOW to take it. I've begun researching some things on this site but haven't found too much information. (at least not in the same place) I'm hoping anyone who has taken this trip or a similar one can help me out with some real-world experience / guidance.</p>

<p>To give you some idea I like shooting a variety of things, especially when I have an opportunity like this. (landscapes, architecture, street, people, etc.) I plan on spending time in London, Stonehenge, Greenwich, Edinburgh, the Cotswolds, and possibly Bath or Stratford-Upon-Avon. I know it ultimately comes down to how much weight i'm willing to burden myself with. However, maybe someone with more experience can help me filter out what might not be as necessary.</p>

<p>I'm taking my 5DMkII and will choose from the following lenses/equipment:</p>

<p>Canon 16-35mm. 2.8L II<br>

Canon 24-70mm. 2.8L<br>

Canon 70-200mm. 2.8L II<br>

Canon 100mm. Macro 2.8L (doubt this is necessary)<br>

580EX II Flash<br>

Manfrotto Carbon Fiber Tripod (055CXPro4) - ***BIG QUESTION on whether I should take this or not.***</p>

<p>I have a Kata Bumblebee-220PL backpack which seems to be a bit bigger than what is allowed as a carry-on for international flights. I know that both Kata and Think Tank have at least one or two options to get around this but I DO NOT believe they can be used as backpacks which is what I would prefer once there. I will also be flying from London to Edinburgh and need to worry about those carry-on luggage limitations too.</p>

<p>Anyhow, sorry for the long post. I'm sure some, if not all, of these questions have been answered in threads across the site. I'm just hoping you guys can help me consolidate those answers here. I'm really looking forward to the trip and want to make sure i'm prepared so that I do not come back with any regrets. Thank you and I look forward to your suggestions.</p>

<p>- Rafael</p>

<p>Hello All. I took this photo a couple of weekends ago while at Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge, CA. It is a detail of a typewriter found on the desk of Mr. E. Manchester Boddy, founder of the gardens. His desk was covered with different items but I found this the most alluring.</p>

<p>5DMkII w/ Macro 100mm. 2.8L IS<br>

ISO640, f2.8, 1/40s. </p>

<p></p><div></div>

J. Paul Getty Villa, Malibu, CA<div></div>

<p>As with last week's shot, I took this off of Hwy 395 a couple of weeks ago. </p>

<p>5DMkII w/ 24-70mm 2.8L<br>

Focal Length: 65mm., ISO 400, f16, 1/250s.</p>

<div></div>

<p>Hello All. I took this off of Hwy. 395 on the way to Mammoth Lake this past weekend. The scenery alone on the drive up makes the trip worth while.</p>

<p>5DMkII w/ 24-70mm. 2.8L<br>

Focal Length: 35mm., ISO100, F16, 1/100s.</p>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<p>Hello Canon Folk! I was really looking forward to a trip I had planned to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA this past Sunday. I wanted to finally really try out my new 16-35mm 2.8L II. When I realized the weather had different plans for me I thought, "Ok. I can't take pictures ABOVE ground so..."</p>

<p>5DmkII w/ 16-35mm 2.8L II<br>

Taken at: 16mm, ISO1000, f2.8, 1/200s.</p><div></div>

<p>Taken at the L.A. County Zoo a few weeks back...</p>

<p>5DMkII w/ 70-200mm 2.8L IS II</p>

<p>200mm., ISO200, F2.8, 1/640s.</p><div></div>

<p>Hello Canon Folk!. Congrats on some really great work this week. If I can say, I think this group of images is, so far, one of my favorites out of the Thursday threads i've followed. I took this pic a few weeks back while on 'Suicide Bridge' in Pasadena, CA. </p>

<p>5DMkII w/ 70-200mm 2.8L IS II</p>

<p>Focal Length: 70mm, ISO100, f16, 13s.</p><div></div>

<p>Hello All and Happy Thursday. I took this shot on Sunday while at a local park enjoying the beautiful weather we were having. </p>

<p>5DmkII w/ 70-200mm 2.8L IS II w/ Cirular Polarizer Filter</p>

<p>Focal Length: 200mm, ISO100, F8, 1/100 Sec.</p><div></div>

<p>I took this on Sunday and while it is a pretty simple shot, it is proof that sometimes Los Angeles forgets it's winter.</p>

<p>5DmkII w/ 70-200mm 2.8L IS II</p>

<p>Focal Length: 70mm, ISO400, F11, 1/400s.</p><div></div>

Hello All. I haven't posted for a couple of weeks but I did go shooting at the L.A. Zoo this past weekend. I

must have counted at least 8 different photographers walking around with white Canon lenses. It felt good

to be there among the Canon folk.

 

 

5DmkII w/ 70-200mm 2.8L IS II;

 

Focal Length: 142mm., ISO-100, F5.6, 1/320s.<div></div>

<p>Taken a few weeks back on my balcony just after the morning rain let up for a bit.</p>

<p>5DMkII w/ 100mm 2.8 IS</p>

<p>100mm, ISO200, 2.8, 1/400s</p><div></div>

<p>Happy New Year Everyone! I also have not had time to go out and snap at anything new so here's one from the archives. </p>

<p>5DMKII w/ 70-200mm 2.8L I</p>

<p>Focal Length: 140mm, ISO125, F8, 1/80s</p>

<div></div>

<p>And finally...</p><div></div>

<p>Snapped this pic while up in San Francisco this past August. I found myself standing in the middle of a crowded bus heading to Golden Gate Park.</p>

<p>5D MkII w/ 70-200mm 2.8L IS I<br>

Focal Length: 70mm, ISO 800, F2.8, 1/160 sec.</p>