Heading to Israel...

EphTwoEight

Any advice, what to bring, where to shoot, etc. Would it be worth having a 400mm?

David_S85

Its been since 1979 when I was there, but I can't remember at any time on the tour that I had wished I had one. However a 70-200 could come in handy. Mostly I used a 50.

EphTwoEight

Cool, I may just stick with the 70-200.

David_S85

So, if you're standing on top of Masada and you want to catch something really far away, or wildlife (I never saw any there) then yes, maybe a 400mm. Our guide took us right up to and into everything they wanted us to see, so if anything, a bright wide angle would be a good other lens. If I did it again today and wanted quality glass along, I'd have:

3 lens kit
16-35
24-105
70-200

2 lens kit
24-70
70-200

[Deleted User]

Advice, but not about the lens...
I was there Nov. 2011. Loved the country. Found the people to be warm and friendly. If you're flying in at Tel Aviv, would recommend you not take pictures as you enter the airport on your return. Body with big gun, who must have had 360 vision, stopped and entered our bus, making me (right back of the bus) and another person (left front of the bus) delete pictures...in my case, of a simple sign and some flags. I'm sure the same is true at any checkpoint, but I didn't realize we were crossing one (still not sure we did) at airport entrance. I'm sure you'll come home with many beautiful images.

EphTwoEight

Wow, thats just crazy, but, good tip!

knapph

I have found I use my 16-85 (on a 1.5 crop sensor body) more than any other when traveling. I also take a 70-300 which I use occasionally and I like to have as a security blanket. When I was in Israel I found a good flash to be helpful. There were a lot of dark places that made great photos. I also shot quite a few panos while I was there. You can see some photos my wife and I shot for a Israel tour group here: http://smu.gs/WCB5yQ

The tip about photos around any security is a good one - it is a big NO NO.

EphTwoEight

Those were fun to look through! Some were just awesome! And I'm sue they will make more sense once I've been, or fun to know the story behind them. But thanks. So I guess a flash or two would be good and my long lens, in case I see some security guy off in the distance.

Travel

Lots to shoot at Bet She'an. A 200mm is really good to get interesting ground shots from Masada. Shot the signs of everwhere you go it is far easier to sort things later. Be sure to go into Dominus Flevit on the mount of Olives for a shot like this. http://www.moments4ever.com/website/src/agent/popup.cfm?http://media.moments4ever.com/images/website/agent/1855/large/Dominus%20Flevit%2Ejpg.

EphTwoEight

Travel wrote: »

Lots to shoot at Bet She'an. A 200mm is really good to get interesting ground shots from Masada. Shot the signs of everwhere you go it is far easier to sort things later. Be sure to go into Dominus Flevit on the mount of Olives for a shot like this. http://www.moments4ever.com/website/src/agent/popup.cfm?http://media.moments4ever.com/images/website/agent/1855/large/Dominus%20Flevit%2Ejpg.

Cool thanks!

any more?