Heading to Vegas next week... what gear to bring?

Rezen

(Apologies if this is in the wrong forum!)

So in one week (next Thursday), 4 of my closest friends and I are heading out to Las Vegas!

I'm planning on bringing a camera, but not sure beyond that WHAT to bring.

I have two DSLR bodies (7D, Digital Rebel XT) and a Pentax P&S (along with iPhone camera). Also have a few lenses, most notably 24-70 & 70-200, also a 50 prime, 28-135, and 18-55 kit lens.

Ideally I'd like to keep my camera bag as light as possible, because walking around the desert in the middle of summer while probably more than a little imbibed with fermented beverages with a giant heavy bag full of expensive gear is not ideal! haha.

We will be going to Hoover Dam, and doing a "Strip" tour - both day and evening. We'll also do the "Freemont St Experience" once.

If this were any other trip, I'd be bringing along the works! But since it's Las Vegas, and I'm going strictly with my party brigade to Sin City... I'm trying to do the most logical thing. lol.

So, that being said, I was actually thinking the Digital Rebel and the 28-135 IS lens. Main reasons for this line of thinking: everything is lighter, smaller, and most importantly: costs a lot less in case the camera is lost, stolen, damaged, etc. Of course I sacrifice a bit of picture quality, and full 1080 video... but I do have a flip mino HD to use in a pinch.

Any other thoughts? Aside from the 1.5 days of touristy stuff, most of the time will be spent in casinos, night clubs, other more nefarious clubs, etc where cameras are frowned upon at best

Thanks for any advice

BradfordBenn

I go to Vegas quite often for work and can tell you that I have gotten great shots with my XTI (Rebel) and with my PowerShot and even with my Blackberry. The one thing I can say from when I do have a chance to have fun is that the P&S camera is the one I bring. The reason is that I am having fun I do not want to have a large ex$pen$ive camera to worry about. I also don't want to put a barrier between me and the fun. I can take it out and snap a few shots and right back into the pocket it goes. I am just having fun and taking pictures. I also do not have as many problems with people saying "No cameras" with the P&S. When I am out for taking photos, it is the XTi. You can always bring both and leave one in the hotel room or in the lobby safe deposit box.

Also on a side note, the air conditioned monorail is a great way to get around the strip and you can bring fine adult beverages on it. In terms of casinos and the like, Aria at City Center is very nice place to play...... just saying I might not have slept before getting on the 6AM flight.

borrowlenses.com

Second on the Aria. We walked by it on the walkway last time and saw it but didn't go over there -- wished we had!

As for gear the 28-135 sounds like it'll get the job done but personally you might want something faster since it's amazing shooting there at night. Maybe a wide angle rental such as the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8

Seefutlung

A battery-operated personal fan for you and one for the camera maybe a lot of water.

BradfordBenn

Also City Center (Aria) has some great opportunities for photography depending on what your style is. I am taking lots of architectural shots recently and it has some great things to shot both inside and out: