Gear advice: Going to New Zealand...

Mike LaneMike Lane Registered Users Posts: 7,106 Major grins
edited December 27, 2005 in Accessories
I'm going to New Zealand for 3 weeks. I'll have plenty of photography time I'm thinking which means I'll have plenty of photography gear. What is the best bag to hold my 20D, 15" laptop, 50-500 Bigma (will I even need it :dunno), 17-85 kit lens, and misc other gear?

Also any recommendations on a lens that's a few hundred bucks that could be a good replacement for the 17-85. Something faster than f/3.5 with a similar range would be ideal.

Thanks!
Y'all don't want to hear me, you just want to dance.

http://photos.mikelanestudios.com/

Comments

  • W.W. WebsterW.W. Webster Registered Users Posts: 3,204 Major grins
    edited December 27, 2005
    Come on down!
    Mike Lane wrote:
    I'm going to New Zealand for 3 weeks.
    There's no winter happening here!
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  • Mike LaneMike Lane Registered Users Posts: 7,106 Major grins
    edited December 27, 2005
    W.W. Webster wrote:
    There's no winter happening here!

    I can't wait!!! 6 days on the North Island, 10 on the south, 2 on the north, and 2 days travelling across the pond... It's gonna rule. Now, I need to get in gear to figure out what to get so I can get it before I go...
    Y'all don't want to hear me, you just want to dance.

    http://photos.mikelanestudios.com/
  • W.W. WebsterW.W. Webster Registered Users Posts: 3,204 Major grins
    edited December 27, 2005
    Your kit looks fine as is
    Your 17-85 kit lens and 50-500 Bigma should work well, even at 'only' f/3.5 for the wide angle.

    Depending on the timing of your trip, there will be no shortage of light over the next few months to illuminate the wide landscapes and scenics you will encounter, and the effective 27-136mm with the kit lens on the 20D will serve you well for the most part. However I'd also bring the Bigma and you'll have all bases covered. IMHO I wouldn't invest in more glass for this trip alone.

    Here's a small taste for you:

    49743105-L.jpg
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  • Mike LaneMike Lane Registered Users Posts: 7,106 Major grins
    edited December 27, 2005
    W.W. Webster wrote:
    Your 17-85 kit lens and 50-500 Bigma should work well, even at 'only' f/3.5 for the wide angle.

    ...snippety snip...

    IMHO I wouldn't invest in more glass for this trip alone.

    Here's a small taste for you:

    49743105-Th.jpg

    schweet!!! Thanks for the advice thumb.gif I will need a proper bag though. I prefer a backpack I think. I'm thinking crumpler and maybe the karachi outpost. That'll be more bag than I need it looks like, but it'll give me room to grow. Any reviews on that one? Better ideas???
    Y'all don't want to hear me, you just want to dance.

    http://photos.mikelanestudios.com/
  • marlofmarlof Registered Users Posts: 1,833 Major grins
    edited December 27, 2005
    The Karachi Outpost is a new name for an exisiting bag. I believe it's the backpack Humungus is using, and is very pleased with. May be you could ping him.
    enjoy being here while getting there
  • cmasoncmason Registered Users Posts: 2,506 Major grins
    edited December 27, 2005
    I have been very happy with the Lowepro Computrekker. Fits my two bodies, zoom, kit lens and flash, with room for my point and shoot. Plenty of room for other bits, including chargers, etc. Plus it is not too big, just right. If you need more room, check out the Plus.

    292331.jpg
    Photos
  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,938 moderator
    edited December 27, 2005
    I know Andy travels with a Crumpler. And on a slightly different note, they're
    all the rage around the office for folks that travel a lot (the laptop version, no
    cameras :D).

    Ian
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • bwgbwg Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 2,119 SmugMug Employee
    edited December 27, 2005
    Mike Lane wrote:
    schweet!!! Thanks for the advice thumb.gif I will need a proper bag though. I prefer a backpack I think. I'm thinking crumpler and maybe the karachi outpost. That'll be more bag than I need it looks like, but it'll give me room to grow. Any reviews on that one? Better ideas???

    dunno if you saw this or not mike:

    http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=24826

    i've got my eye on that one.
    Pedal faster
  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited December 27, 2005
    PM sent mike but i might add here for the motorbike riders. The Karachi replaced the model i have 'brians hot-tub' Identicle except the karachi has the tripod holder in the center at the rear...this would make it impossible to sit on the bike with the tripod in as the seat would be in the way.

    As it is with the Brians Hot-tub...the tripod holder is on the side & thus the tripod extends down past the side of the seat.
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited December 27, 2005
    Crumpler bags are the shizzle. I have 2, one backpack, one shoulder bag. The backpack is the Schrinkle, which I believe is discontinued or renamed. I don't know the name of the replacement. Sorry, the flying pig covered website is hard to figure out. I just hop on a plane for Prague and go to the crumpler store there, everything in stock, much easier...

    lol3.gif

    No, seriously, my schrinkle is the bomb for hiking/trekking, if you're NOT carrying a laptop. It will hold a laptop, but it hinders quick access to the photo gear.

    I really need to do a thorough photo review of that bag like that link to the Kata thread. I just need my new stuff to show up, and some motivation.
    :D
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]

  • Mike LaneMike Lane Registered Users Posts: 7,106 Major grins
    edited December 27, 2005
    I went with the karachi outpost mwink.gif. They happened to have one at Glazers and it really fit the bill nicely. Fortunately I don't ride bikes so the tripod placement isn't a problem. I also decided to get a new tripod head (the tripod is decent enough the head needed an upgrade though it was still in perfect working order). So I got a Giottos MH1000 ball head and a Manfrotto quick release system to go with it (and an extra plate one for the 50-500 and one for the camera body :D). So I think I should be set so long as the wife doesn't cut my junk off.

    Shouldn't be a problem ... :uhoh

    My messenger style bag and my tripod head will be showing up in the flea market later today hopefully mwink.gif
    Y'all don't want to hear me, you just want to dance.

    http://photos.mikelanestudios.com/
  • bwgbwg Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 2,119 SmugMug Employee
    edited December 27, 2005
    DoctorIt wrote:
    .... Sorry, the flying pig covered website is hard to figure out. I just hop on a plane for Prague and go to the crumpler store there, everything in stock, much easier...
    i thought it was just me...ever since i stopped sniffing glue, things like that just stopped making sense.
    DoctorIt wrote:
    I really need to do a thorough photo review of that bag like that link to the Kata thread. I just need my new stuff to show up, and some motivation.
    :D
    not to hijak mike's thread, but i would love to see reviews of a crumpler bag
    Pedal faster
  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited December 27, 2005
    Mike, the most important piece of equipment that you'll need is a sherpa. Luckily, these can be had for free, the only cost being transportation, room and board for the trip. I will happily step forward as the first to offer my services of lugging you camera equipment all over NZ in exchange for transportation, room and board. PM me with the flight number, and I'll be there.
    Moderator Emeritus
    Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
  • bwgbwg Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 2,119 SmugMug Employee
    edited December 27, 2005
    Mike Lane wrote:
    I went with the karachi outpost mwink.gif. They happened to have one at Glazers and it really fit the bill nicely. Fortunately I don't ride bikes so the tripod placement isn't a problem.
    sweet, i expect a full review!

    i'd also like to get your feedback on gear when you get back. I'm going on a 2 week mediterranean cruise in May and i'm starting my mental inventory now.
    Pedal faster
  • Mike LaneMike Lane Registered Users Posts: 7,106 Major grins
    edited December 27, 2005
    bigwebguy wrote:
    sweet, i expect a full review!

    i'd also like to get your feedback on gear when you get back. I'm going on a 2 week mediterranean cruise in May and i'm starting my mental inventory now.

    Wilco:D

    Oh and David... I just checked, the flights are booked. Sorry bro ne_nau.gif
    Y'all don't want to hear me, you just want to dance.

    http://photos.mikelanestudios.com/
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