Gear to bring to europe

[MasterOfKtulu109]

I am hoping to take a trip to europe for a couple of weeks in June before I start work (just graduating school). What should I bring along on the trip?

I bought an XTi a few months ago, and the only lens I have is a Tamron 17-50 (I figure this would be a good all-around lens for shooting there; a zoom doesn't seem very useful, plus they're heavy).

My parents said they would get me something for graduation, so I'm trying to figure out what would be most useful to spend my money on (probably $500 max, unless I throw a little of my money towards something, which I might do).

Things I'm considering:

Flash (probably the canon 430EX)
Camera bag (something that isn't too obvious, so I don't get robbed overseas)
More memory cards (any deals out there now? I only have 4GB right now)
Filters (what filters would you recommend for landscape/architecture shots since that is what europe is known for)

Is there another lens that would compliment the Tamron I have? Not that I wanna add a bunch of extra weight, but if there is something good, small, inexpensive (50mm 1.8 perhaps?).

 

[Kelvrick]

I'd get a camera backpack. Or just a backpack with two compartments so you can put other stuff in there too.

I can't help you much on filters, except maybe a circular polarizer. I recommend 2filter.com or hvstar.net

A tripod. I'm ordering this one:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/...AXiF_Tripod_with.html#

Got extra batteries? Are you going to bring a laptop?

 

[Jawo]

I have the same primary lens...but you will want a telephoto to pull in the far away. A flash would be good, but even with ETTL its limited in use closeup.

SanDisk just had a huge rebate promotion....I have loved the lowepro slingshot 100, but it screams camera bag. For landscapes, I would get a circular polarizer and maybe a neutral density filter.

 

[soydios]

a 430EX would be a good idea; photography is about capturing light, so why not control how it's created?
if you have enough memory cards and at least 2 batteries, don't bother getting more of either.
the only filters that digital still needs are ND, ND Grad, and CPL.
a camera bag would be a good idea. tip: when traveling between locations, you can put the camera bag inside a duffel, so it doesn't scream "expensive!".

this is what I would do:
Canon 430EX
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
bag
telephoto zoom

 

[ElFenix]

that lens is a zoom


for years i carried my camera in a regular jansport backpack. now i have a camera bag, and would still rather use the jansport backpack.


i'd suggest a few more 4 GB cards. the xti can really fill up cards if you use raw.


the canon 50-250 IS lens would be a decent addition as well.

 

[ghostman]

If you're going to be Europe taking RAW for a few weeks, then you definitely need more memory. Then get some spare batteries (perhaps SterlingTek brand if not Canon). Then get a bag. A backpack or messenger bag with padding (perhaps: http://www.adorama.com/TBPDPI.html ) will do. Then, as soydios said, get some quality neutral density (ND), graduated neutral density, and circular polarizing filters (CPL). And don't get cheap filters like I did. Then learn how to use these filters.

I'm not a huge fan of the 50 f/1.8. Nice aperture, but poor autofocus in dark conditions. If you don't mind manual focus, then sure. But I doubt you'll be taking that Tamron off very often.

I suggest a flash in general, but try to learn how to use it before the trip. Bounce the flash and such. And get used to how behaves in P/Av/Tv modes, since it might not behave how you expect it to and ruin your photos. This will need a spare AA batteries and a charger too, so I'm not sure you'll want to carry all this around.

EDIT: BTW, someone recommended a tripod. If you intend to take night landscapes, it's a must. I own the Velbon Maxi (one generation older than the MaxiF that was linked earlier). It was the smallest folded full-sized tripod I could find (and it can do low shots too). It'll shake during heavy winds and fully extended legs, but it's sturdy enough for most purposes.

 

[Alyx]

Check out this bag, I've got it and love it. I took it to Europe with me last time I went and it worked great. Small enough for carry on with all airline companies, opens toward your back so people can't access stuff while your walking (don't have to worry when you're in crowded area), holds plenty of stuff, doesn't look like a camera bag.

http://www.wigglesworld.klebos...views/dakine/index.asp