Big trip.... little bag.

[neuroanatomist]

I should lug the big guy. Insurance and light gear load. Case closed.

I didn't want to push the point too strongly, but I really think you made the right decision! I'm going to China early next year (not for sightseeing), and I would have been facing a similar decision - except it's a foregone conclusion that I'm taking my 7D (unless the 5DIII comes out before I go, or I break down under Jon's influence and get a 5DII)and some lenses. The only questions are how many lenses, and which ones. So far, it's theEF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS and theEF 70-200mm f/2.8<span style="color: red;"]LIS II and the 430EX II for sure, then depending on which smaller backpack I get (Lowepro Flipside 200 if I forego the BG-E7 grip, or the Flipside 300 if I take the grip), I'll see how many other lenses I can pack in. (I'd really like to include theEF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5, and maybe theEF 1.4x II Extender).


In any case, have a great clinical and personal experience!


--John

[NFLD Stephen]

Congratulations on your opportunity! I actually just got back from Peru last week. Very beautiful place, definately bring your dSLR, the pictures are worth it! I brought my XSi, 15-85, 70-200 F4 IS and 1.4x extender. For me this was a good compromise: fairly wide angle, decent telephoto length in a relatively small package. The only thing I missed was something with a wider appeture or maybe a flash, but I have to work within my budget!


I wouldn't worry too much about theft. Everywhere I went was quite safe and there didn't seem to be much of a crime rate. Someone with meactuallyasked about how nothing is locked up or secured against theft and the response was that these places are very community oriented: everything they have is a result of help from their neighbors, so why would they steal from them? Mightn not be quite the same "neighborly" attitude in the larger cities like Lima though. In either case, bring your camera gear, get it insured and take some great pictures.


Where in Peru are you going anyway?


Stephen

[mikehillman89]

Everyone's pretty much given the proper advice but here's my two sense. No matter where I go, I always carry a camera with me. If I don't want to carry my overly large kit with lenses all over the place, I will still have my P&amp;S just to snap a few shots.


I find this especially handy if you find a few neat places but are in a hurry. Snap a few wide shots and check them at home and determine what you can make from another trip there and then when you have time go out and spend a few hours, revisit those places with your baby and grab the keepers.


Congrats on the internship! I've always wanted to visit South America.


Cheers,


-Mike