What to do...what to do...

[MagicNikon]

Folks, my winter vacation is quickly approaching. My wife and I are goign down to Orlando (again). The last time I was there, I didnt have a digital SLR. I had an OLY P&S. It did a fine job, but no I'm spoiled by the quality from my 30D and various lenses.

My dilemma is, do I want to carry a gripless 30D, 17-55mm and a telezoom? Or do I get a P&S like the G9...or spend the money on a Sigma 18-200mm OS.

I really dont want to lug around a bunch of gear...but I want high quality. I will be outdoors most of the time...so I assume low ISO P&S should be fine..

Anyone else in this situation? What did you do? Lug the gear and get great quality photos? Compromise with a G9 or a Swiss army lens like the Sigma?

[saravrose]

hehe.. well, i'm not one to really talk about downsizing gear that you bring to a vacation.. My camera bag weighed just a bit over thirty pounds when I went to Africa, but I'd take your 30D a wide angle lens and then something a bit longer.. and then get a small comfy camera bag that fits only what you need it to.. You'll regret not having your camera with you... Or you could buy the point and shoot and then alternate between the two depending on the situation.

Sari

[Woolburr]

There is plenty to shoot in the Orlando area...I take everything with me when I go...can't envision not having the right tools for the right shot. I vote no compromise.;)

However; since you said you don't want to carry anything...get a G9 or an S5IS and enjoy your trip.

[GilesGuthrie]

I really dont want to lug around a bunch of gear...but I want high quality. I will be outdoors most of the time...so I assume low ISO P&S should be fine..

Anyone else in this situation? What did you do? Lug the gear and get great quality photos? Compromise with a G9 or a Swiss army lens like the Sigma?


So work on what you think you'll be shooting. I've been in this situation before, and will be again. You have to take your "home bag", and strip it of all the things you're unlikely to need while on holiday. So, your gear list:

Two Canon 30D's: Take 1
70-200mm F/2.8 IS: Definitely take
17-55mm 2.8 IS: Definitely take
85mm 1.8: Leave (you won't have time to faff foot zooming; fast lenses don't help you capture large scenes in low light (your 70-200 IS will do though)
28mm 1.8: Leave (see above)
2 430EX's: Optionally take 1, I would.
ST-E2: Leave
100mm 2.8 macro: Tricky. Try to take it, but the 70-200 should be able to help at a pinch.
300mm F/4: Leave.

I couldn't leave a dSLR system at home while I was on holiday and make do with a compact. I'd hate it while I was using it, and I'd hate it while I was PP'ing the shots.

Just my $0.02.

[csm328]

I think it depends on your plans. We recently went to Disney World in Orlando and I made the conscious decision to leave my gear in the car. We did all the rides and obligatory stuff, got some P&S candids and at about 8pm I took the monorial back to the car and grabbed my gear. 30D, 15-55, 75-300 and Tripod. In all, took about 30 mins rountrdip.

At 9pm I moved over to the area that I wanted for my shots and basically hung around. 15 minutes before the fireworks started, setup my tripod with 30D and 17-55, hooked up the remote, set to bulb, adjusted settings, practive shots and i was set!

Got the shots I wanted and didnt have to lug the stuff around all day. Was hard a few times wishing that I had my 30D but I had a goal. Maybe you could do the same?

[BigBlueDodge]

MagicNikon, the 30D and 28 1.8 in your signature make a fantastic walk around combo. Without a grip, this combo is actually pretty small and very easy to carry. These days you can pick up a used Rebel XT for about $300-400 (or the same price as a good P&S). The XT is even smaller than the 30D, so with your 28 1.8, that's a nice, small package.

[MagicNikon]

You guys all make great sense. I think that I will likely take a gripless 30D, the 17-55 and the 100mm 2.8 macro (cause its lighter than the 70-200mm). If I can get a 70-200mm f/4 before vacation, that will round out my kit.

[Familiaphoto]

I was in Orlando in August and took my 400D with 17-55 IS and my 70-300 IS. My general travel kit. The 17-55 was on my cameral 95% of the time.

[MagicNikon]

I was in Orlando in August and took my 400D with 17-55 IS and my 70-300 IS. My general travel kit. The 17-55 was on my cameral 95% of the time.

Thats probably what I'lld do...I may take the 70-200mm for our daytrip into Seaworld.