Do you take your DSLR on trips with you?
Jul 18th, 2007, 12:51 PM
#61
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ShelliDawn - I have a Lowepro shoulder bag in red. It works great for my G6, but was too small for the XT and gear.
My Road Runner is in bright blue and I really love it. It's going to hurt when I get a bigger lens and it won't fit. Right now, I use it and turn it so the pack is over my right leg. That allows me to get in and out of it without taking it off, I have visual view and control of the contents, and it doesn't hamper my mobility.
I also have 2 camera backpacks, but I hate having to take them off whenever I want to switch lenses, etc. They also don't work well for me when hiking because they throw off my center of gravity.
My Road Runner is in bright blue and I really love it. It's going to hurt when I get a bigger lens and it won't fit. Right now, I use it and turn it so the pack is over my right leg. That allows me to get in and out of it without taking it off, I have visual view and control of the contents, and it doesn't hamper my mobility.
I also have 2 camera backpacks, but I hate having to take them off whenever I want to switch lenses, etc. They also don't work well for me when hiking because they throw off my center of gravity.
Jul 18th, 2007, 02:19 PM
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Pausanias - that stabilizing strap isn't very well designed for the female body, if you understand my meaning. 
Thankfully, the 100 works well for me without it. I don't know if the bigger bags (200/300) would be too big so that the second strap would have to be used.
Thankfully, the 100 works well for me without it. I don't know if the bigger bags (200/300) would be too big so that the second strap would have to be used.
Jul 18th, 2007, 03:50 PM
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I use the lens hood on my Tamron 28-75mm lens. It's a nice petal shaped one that came with the lens. I bought a couple cheap rubber hoods for the other two lenses, but they just irritated me, so I don't use them anymore.
I don't use UV filters EXCEPT on the Tamron. For that lens I use it because otherwise I have a hard time getting other filters and the lens cap on inside the hood (my fingers are too short and stubby to reach well).
I occasionally use the polarizer filter. I use the ND filters a lot more for water shots.
I use the close up filters with the 18-55mm lens a lot. In my insects gallery, I have some shots of a brown butterfly that I took with the 18-55mm and +10 filter. I was within 2 inches of him and he was about 1-1/2 inches big. The photos weren't cropped. (http://tinyurl.com/2fjoo6)
I just got a set of extender tubes and am enjoying them - it takes practice to get it right.
P.S. Tonight I'll be adding my hummingbird shots to my animals gallery.
I don't use UV filters EXCEPT on the Tamron. For that lens I use it because otherwise I have a hard time getting other filters and the lens cap on inside the hood (my fingers are too short and stubby to reach well).
I occasionally use the polarizer filter. I use the ND filters a lot more for water shots.
I use the close up filters with the 18-55mm lens a lot. In my insects gallery, I have some shots of a brown butterfly that I took with the 18-55mm and +10 filter. I was within 2 inches of him and he was about 1-1/2 inches big. The photos weren't cropped. (http://tinyurl.com/2fjoo6)
I just got a set of extender tubes and am enjoying them - it takes practice to get it right.
P.S. Tonight I'll be adding my hummingbird shots to my animals gallery.
Jul 18th, 2007, 04:20 PM
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Hi robjame. Just catching up with this thread (I've been away since Monday). First thought that came to my mind when I read your post was: aren't you also taking your laptop with you in September? You'll find it a great combination, as you can download from your camera to your hard drive, review your photos, edit a bit, and then burn a back-up CD whenever you want.
The downside is weight. We solved this by dividing up the burden; Margriet totes the laptop in her carry-on and I carry the camera in mine. Then there is the peripheral gear, such as chargers, cables, and everything else that goes in one's carry-on. (I have twice carried the laptop and my camera by myself to France. To be honest, I found the weight extremely frustrating when walking through an airport, but I wanted both pieces of equipment, so I lived with it.)
As to what else I carry with the camera, I take only one lens, an 18-70mm zoom, plus a polarizing filter and a lens hood. I once carried the camera manual, but I find I can get along without it now.
The only other tip was implied above. I take a small stack of blank CDs and burn a backup set each time I download from the camera. I also burn a copy of our trip journal every day or two. This only takes 20 or 30 minutes every day or two and can usually be done with a drink by your hand before going out (or preparing) dinner.
Looking forward to seeing your photos after you get back.
Anselm
The downside is weight. We solved this by dividing up the burden; Margriet totes the laptop in her carry-on and I carry the camera in mine. Then there is the peripheral gear, such as chargers, cables, and everything else that goes in one's carry-on. (I have twice carried the laptop and my camera by myself to France. To be honest, I found the weight extremely frustrating when walking through an airport, but I wanted both pieces of equipment, so I lived with it.)
As to what else I carry with the camera, I take only one lens, an 18-70mm zoom, plus a polarizing filter and a lens hood. I once carried the camera manual, but I find I can get along without it now.
The only other tip was implied above. I take a small stack of blank CDs and burn a backup set each time I download from the camera. I also burn a copy of our trip journal every day or two. This only takes 20 or 30 minutes every day or two and can usually be done with a drink by your hand before going out (or preparing) dinner.
Looking forward to seeing your photos after you get back.
Anselm
Jul 18th, 2007, 04:51 PM
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Hi Anselm
Glad you joined this thread. Yes we are taking our computer - a very small 11" laptop - and I hope to get it and my camera and lenses into National Geographic messenger type camera bag. The peripheral gear I will pack in the suitcase, although I have considered getting a 20" carry on to put all that stuff in for the trip (Briggs and Riley have a 20" computer roller suitcase).
I love the idea of downloading and writing in the apartment/gite with a glass of wine in my hand and the bottle nearby. (Margariet's chicken recipe cooking on the stove?)
I have a filter on each of my lenses for protective purposes (old SLR habit?). I wonder about the need for filters as most of the filter functions can be carried out by my K10D after the photo?
How do you people manage your lens hoods and caps. Mine invert over the lenses but must be removed, reinstalled, before the lens cap and lens controls can be used. Seems really cumbersome. Do you leave your hoods on all the time?
Surfmom - the lensbaby looks interesting. I would love to hear some feedback on it.
Anselm - nice camera. My Pentax won't take cat pictures. hmmm.
Glad you joined this thread. Yes we are taking our computer - a very small 11" laptop - and I hope to get it and my camera and lenses into National Geographic messenger type camera bag. The peripheral gear I will pack in the suitcase, although I have considered getting a 20" carry on to put all that stuff in for the trip (Briggs and Riley have a 20" computer roller suitcase).
I love the idea of downloading and writing in the apartment/gite with a glass of wine in my hand and the bottle nearby. (Margariet's chicken recipe cooking on the stove?)
I have a filter on each of my lenses for protective purposes (old SLR habit?). I wonder about the need for filters as most of the filter functions can be carried out by my K10D after the photo?
How do you people manage your lens hoods and caps. Mine invert over the lenses but must be removed, reinstalled, before the lens cap and lens controls can be used. Seems really cumbersome. Do you leave your hoods on all the time?
Surfmom - the lensbaby looks interesting. I would love to hear some feedback on it.
Anselm - nice camera. My Pentax won't take cat pictures. hmmm.
Jul 18th, 2007, 05:29 PM
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robjame, that inability to take cat pictures is a well-known problem with the Pentax, LOL.
Funny you mention the wheeled computer case carry-on. My brother just bought one (but not a B&R model) and is very happy with his choice.
Yes, I always have a clear filter on my lens. On the occasions when I think I need the polarizing filter, I simply screw it onto the clear filter. As to whether or not your camera software (or photo editing software) can compensate for the absence of a polarizing filter, I'm hoping other photographers can add their comments. It seems to me, though, that the polarizing filter is designed to reduce glare, which at its worst would create areas that are significantly overexposed. Not sure that you can subsequently recreate data that isn't there. On the other hand, white balance controls should negate the need for the other filters we used as film photographers, but I hasten to add that I am a babe in the woods on some of this stuff.
My lens hood does invert over the barrel of the lens and I can install the lens cap when it is in that position. It's very fiddly, though, to the point that I often wish I didn't have the hood ... until I remember a photography instructor explaining how important they are.
I'm going to e-mail you the full chicken recipe tomorrow. Might be nice on a cool Dordogne evening.
Anselm
Funny you mention the wheeled computer case carry-on. My brother just bought one (but not a B&R model) and is very happy with his choice.
Yes, I always have a clear filter on my lens. On the occasions when I think I need the polarizing filter, I simply screw it onto the clear filter. As to whether or not your camera software (or photo editing software) can compensate for the absence of a polarizing filter, I'm hoping other photographers can add their comments. It seems to me, though, that the polarizing filter is designed to reduce glare, which at its worst would create areas that are significantly overexposed. Not sure that you can subsequently recreate data that isn't there. On the other hand, white balance controls should negate the need for the other filters we used as film photographers, but I hasten to add that I am a babe in the woods on some of this stuff.
My lens hood does invert over the barrel of the lens and I can install the lens cap when it is in that position. It's very fiddly, though, to the point that I often wish I didn't have the hood ... until I remember a photography instructor explaining how important they are.
I'm going to e-mail you the full chicken recipe tomorrow. Might be nice on a cool Dordogne evening.
Anselm
Jul 18th, 2007, 06:15 PM
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I don't put UV/Skylight filters on my lens anymore. Instead, I use lens hood. On the Canon 10-22 and 17-55/2.8IS, they really help cut down on flare and increase contrast. [And they look cool.]
I have circular polarizers for my lenses, but I use them less frequently these days. Often I can darken the sky on the computer at home, and a polarizer will create uneven sky with the ultra wide-angles.
I have circular polarizers for my lenses, but I use them less frequently these days. Often I can darken the sky on the computer at home, and a polarizer will create uneven sky with the ultra wide-angles.
Jul 18th, 2007, 06:37 PM
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I have clear UV filters on my lenses, but more to protect from scratches than anything else. I had a polarizing lens for my older camera, but never really got the hang of using it, so haven't got one yet for the new lenses.
My hoods came with the lenses and invert over the it for storage. Its second nature now to take them off/on. In the cases where I want to use the lens without the hood (usually using flash in close-up shots and it causes shadows), I just drop it into my bag.
My caps are leashed, so I don't have to worry about losing them.
My hoods came with the lenses and invert over the it for storage. Its second nature now to take them off/on. In the cases where I want to use the lens without the hood (usually using flash in close-up shots and it causes shadows), I just drop it into my bag.
My caps are leashed, so I don't have to worry about losing them.
Jul 18th, 2007, 07:29 PM
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When I first got my XT, I was using the UV filter on all the lenses for the protection. Then one day I just decided I didn't need to anymore. I haven't had any problems.
I also use the "lens cap leash" so my caps are all connected to the lenses. I really like them and they only run about $2-$3 each. Before I got them, I was losing lens caps about once a week.
I will use the polarizer, but it is really only effective for lens flare at a specific angle and I can never remember the angle. I really like the petal hoods - the rubber ones aren't worth it. With the 2 lenses without hoods, I will use a piece of paper. a reflector, or my hand to block the flare.
I never bother reversing my lens hood. It's either on in the "working" position or off. As I mentioned earlier, I have a UV filter on that lens so I can reach it when the hood is on it.
I also use the "lens cap leash" so my caps are all connected to the lenses. I really like them and they only run about $2-$3 each. Before I got them, I was losing lens caps about once a week.
I will use the polarizer, but it is really only effective for lens flare at a specific angle and I can never remember the angle. I really like the petal hoods - the rubber ones aren't worth it. With the 2 lenses without hoods, I will use a piece of paper. a reflector, or my hand to block the flare.
I never bother reversing my lens hood. It's either on in the "working" position or off. As I mentioned earlier, I have a UV filter on that lens so I can reach it when the hood is on it.
Jul 18th, 2007, 07:36 PM
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I just looked at my images and with none of my scenics did I use a polarizer. I was able to bring out the detail and contrast in the skies with Photoshop. One of the tricks I learned for bringing out detail in a portion of the image is to have it at full-size (don't reduce until the end of the process) and use the feather tool. For a full-size image, I can use the lasso tool to select just to the outside of what I want to adjust and then use the feather tool at about 100-250 pixels. Then do the adjustment. It will gradually reduce the adjustment as you get closer to the edge so you don't get a harsh line. It works well with levels, blur, etc.
Jul 18th, 2007, 08:08 PM
#74
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Interesting that there are so many Pentax users on this thread. I recently sold my old *istD and all my Pentax gear for a Nikon D200. 
In fact, part of the reason I switched was so that I could get the Nikon 18-200mm VR lens, which to me is the perfect travel lens - nice long zoom range and about the best quality of any superzoom. Alas, I still need something at the wider and longer ends, but at least I don't have to swap lenses that often.
On our recent trip to Iceland (I just posted the trip report) I took the D200, Nikon 18-200mm, Sigma 10-20mm, and Nikon 70-300mm VR. I also took a strong but lightweight carbon fiber tripod, which I used for long exposures of a waterfall. Also, I wouldn't leave home without my image tank. My DH has an image tank as well, so we each back up our cards to both tanks as a precaution against malfunction or theft. DH is a Canon shooter.
I would never dream of packing my gear in my checked luggage. I bring it all with me, except for the tripod, which gets checked, not that I'm happy about that. Three lenses is probably the maximum I'd want to take with me on a trip, although on this last one I took four. My camera backpack in Iceland weighed 13 lbs, which was bearable. I also took a tiny point-and-shoot to have as a pocket cam and for videos.
I also have a Leica D-Lux 3, which can shoot RAW and has a decent zoom range and image stabilization. I took it on a short trip to Houston recently and I didn't miss the DSLR. However, for a more exotic location or someplace more scenic, it would have to be my beloved D200. Like someone else said, why have it unless you're going to use it?
Someone mentioned the Pentax 50-200mm. It is a fine lens and I recommend it. I got some great shots with it in Greece last year.
On the subject of bags, I am always in search of the perfect camera bag. None is perfect - every one is a compromise. I prefer backpacks, so I tend to go that route unless the load is really light.
In fact, part of the reason I switched was so that I could get the Nikon 18-200mm VR lens, which to me is the perfect travel lens - nice long zoom range and about the best quality of any superzoom. Alas, I still need something at the wider and longer ends, but at least I don't have to swap lenses that often.On our recent trip to Iceland (I just posted the trip report) I took the D200, Nikon 18-200mm, Sigma 10-20mm, and Nikon 70-300mm VR. I also took a strong but lightweight carbon fiber tripod, which I used for long exposures of a waterfall. Also, I wouldn't leave home without my image tank. My DH has an image tank as well, so we each back up our cards to both tanks as a precaution against malfunction or theft. DH is a Canon shooter.
I would never dream of packing my gear in my checked luggage. I bring it all with me, except for the tripod, which gets checked, not that I'm happy about that. Three lenses is probably the maximum I'd want to take with me on a trip, although on this last one I took four. My camera backpack in Iceland weighed 13 lbs, which was bearable. I also took a tiny point-and-shoot to have as a pocket cam and for videos.
I also have a Leica D-Lux 3, which can shoot RAW and has a decent zoom range and image stabilization. I took it on a short trip to Houston recently and I didn't miss the DSLR. However, for a more exotic location or someplace more scenic, it would have to be my beloved D200. Like someone else said, why have it unless you're going to use it?
Someone mentioned the Pentax 50-200mm. It is a fine lens and I recommend it. I got some great shots with it in Greece last year.
On the subject of bags, I am always in search of the perfect camera bag. None is perfect - every one is a compromise. I prefer backpacks, so I tend to go that route unless the load is really light.
Jul 18th, 2007, 11:06 PM
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Sunny you uou should have bought the K10D - inbuilt stabilisor that works with any Pentax lens. Cheaper in the long run than Nikon VR lenses.
And as a Pentax fan it is so nice to see so many Pentaxes in a thread instead of the usual Canon/Nikon mix
I use a circular polarizing filter and an ND grad. I use the Cokin P system.
I used to have UV filters on all my lenses but took them off and never use them now. I do use the hoods that came with the lenses, mostly petals but a couple of solids.
And as a Pentax fan it is so nice to see so many Pentaxes in a thread instead of the usual Canon/Nikon mix
I use a circular polarizing filter and an ND grad. I use the Cokin P system.
I used to have UV filters on all my lenses but took them off and never use them now. I do use the hoods that came with the lenses, mostly petals but a couple of solids.
Jul 19th, 2007, 06:00 AM
#76
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Thanks for answers. You guys are great at sharing your expertise.
Some Back UP questions
I confess to simply storing all my photos on my computer. I burn CD's periodically. I have 500GB so space isn't a problem. I know. I know. I should be backing everything up.
What do you do?
Is anyone using an online backup system. Adobe (PhotoShop) offers anonline service that backsup automatically from your computer (http://services.connected.com/adobe/index.asp?id=PSE5) Any comments?
Some Back UP questions
I confess to simply storing all my photos on my computer. I burn CD's periodically. I have 500GB so space isn't a problem. I know. I know. I should be backing everything up.
What do you do?
Is anyone using an online backup system. Adobe (PhotoShop) offers anonline service that backsup automatically from your computer (http://services.connected.com/adobe/index.asp?id=PSE5) Any comments?
Jul 19th, 2007, 06:29 AM
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I regularly back up on to CD, and every couple of years back up the cds - they do deterioriate with time. For really special photos I use Fuji CD-R for Photos, for the rest just whatever CDs or DVDs I have in. I also have everything on a seperate harddrive.
Plus I print a lot of them and have them in albums.
Using Photoshop Elements makes backing everthing up very easy - and you can clear them off the computer too -PSE remembers which disc they are on for you!
I haven't tried an online service - I'm a bit wary of them in case the company or their server goes belly up.
Plus I print a lot of them and have them in albums.
Using Photoshop Elements makes backing everthing up very easy - and you can clear them off the computer too -PSE remembers which disc they are on for you!
I haven't tried an online service - I'm a bit wary of them in case the company or their server goes belly up.
Jul 21st, 2007, 03:42 PM
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fnarf really said it for me -- if you're using the SLR then the weight doesn't matter. I chose a small DSLR though, the Canon Rebel XT (350D) but then bought the 70-300 zoom lens for it and used it ONLY for telephoto shots, which was often.
For normal shots I had the Canon Elph s410 in my belt pack. It was very good for taking pictures inside museums or other places where flash or even cameras are not encouraged. The little s410 was able to bring me memories from the Sistine Chapel. That's at http://www.pbase.com/andrys/sistine
Re carrying these things around, here's a photo of me using the zoom while carrying the belt-pack and the wonderful safety purse I got for the DSLR with zoom. It has metallic nesh in it to protect from cutting but is padded. http://www.pbase.com/andrys/image/61284675
The Uffizi Museum bag full of BOOKS I also was carrying was far heavier than the purse for the DSLR. On the other hands, most other days I had also had a 5-lb notebook on my back in a thin but locked backpack fitting it perfectly. Didn't feel it much though! I like hands-free walking.
I do hate changing lenses so I just kept the telephoto lens on all the time and then put it in that purse in a little open case taking zoom+camera and took it out, ready for shooting, using my little Elph much of the time.
Also, as one who loses lens caps I just kept a UV filter on it to protect it from scratches and dust somewhat.
This was last year in May. If interested, photos from both cameras for that trip to Italy / Tuscany are at http://www.pbase.com/italy.
The main page, though, is at http://www.pbase.com/andrys and includes a 4-wk trip to Turkey (in between Europe and Asia as a country) and I had only the Canon Elph s400 that year.
I was very happy to have both cameras in Italy though and was learning the DSLR as I went, having bought it 2 days before the trip!
- Andrys
For normal shots I had the Canon Elph s410 in my belt pack. It was very good for taking pictures inside museums or other places where flash or even cameras are not encouraged. The little s410 was able to bring me memories from the Sistine Chapel. That's at http://www.pbase.com/andrys/sistine
Re carrying these things around, here's a photo of me using the zoom while carrying the belt-pack and the wonderful safety purse I got for the DSLR with zoom. It has metallic nesh in it to protect from cutting but is padded. http://www.pbase.com/andrys/image/61284675
The Uffizi Museum bag full of BOOKS I also was carrying was far heavier than the purse for the DSLR. On the other hands, most other days I had also had a 5-lb notebook on my back in a thin but locked backpack fitting it perfectly. Didn't feel it much though! I like hands-free walking.
I do hate changing lenses so I just kept the telephoto lens on all the time and then put it in that purse in a little open case taking zoom+camera and took it out, ready for shooting, using my little Elph much of the time.
Also, as one who loses lens caps I just kept a UV filter on it to protect it from scratches and dust somewhat.
This was last year in May. If interested, photos from both cameras for that trip to Italy / Tuscany are at http://www.pbase.com/italy.
The main page, though, is at http://www.pbase.com/andrys and includes a 4-wk trip to Turkey (in between Europe and Asia as a country) and I had only the Canon Elph s400 that year.
I was very happy to have both cameras in Italy though and was learning the DSLR as I went, having bought it 2 days before the trip!
- Andrys
