San Diego: Which 70-200 to bring? Any events between 5-30 and 6-13?

[SnlpeR]

im going on a trip to SD for the first time.
actually first time to go to the states.
im from Guam.

i will be bringing my 40D with 17-40 attached as my main walk around
ill also have the 50 1.8

i have a 70-200F4L and an 80-200 F2.8L
what should i bring?
im leaning more towards the F4L for its weight...but i havent used it since i got the 80-200

not really sure how often ill use the lens.
im thinking just for the zoo


i also dont know if i should grip the 40D
should i leave it compact without the grip and look like a typical tourist?


what events will be worth going to between may 30 and june 13?
im more into the auto industry and auto racing scene (carshows, autox, circuit racing)
how far is Laguna Seca from SD?

[SuzyView]

I honestly think less is more. If I was traveling to a far away place and had one bag to take it all, I'll bring the 40D and 17-40, 50 1.8 and the 70-200 f4. Chances are you will be outside. If you are set on the 80-200, it's okay. I have the 70-200 2.8 IS, but I bring the f4 when I travel unless I know I will be shooting an indoor event and that's why I'm going. This last trip to Denver, I took the 70-200 2.8 because it was for an indoor event.

[SnlpeR]

ok...F4L it most liekly is,...thanks
id like a list of places to check out...food to eat...etc
i dont know what to expect when im out there

ill bring the grip with me...but im not sure if ill leave it on the camera when im out
what would you do?

[SuzyView]

There is a great restaurant right on the water. Hubby said the waves literally come up to your feet. Food is expensive, but worth the experience and view. Go for it! And the whole shore is amazing. He never brings a camera when he goes there. He just went two weeks ago and took 0 pictures.

[KirkHMB]

According to google maps, Laguna Seca is 7 hr 15 mins from San Diego (in Monterey, nearly San Francisco). If you take the scenic route up Hwy 1, they say only 8:15, but thats BS, it takes 8 hours to drive from Paso Robles to Monterey, but FANTASTIC scenery.

IMO, leave the grip in Guam, you won't need that much battery in a day. How long are you staying? Balboa Park is cool, and not just for the zoo. Coronado Island is a nice diversion, but no pix on the way there or back last time I went, you're traveling through naval docking of carriers etc. The coast north around LaJolla is nice. Beware of traffic on I5, it'll kill your plans to be late. Take the coaster if you are car less, it stops in all the great beach towns.

[sevans16]

70-200 f4 it is sunny CA after all.
I am not sure about events but, Old Town and Seaport Village, USS Midway are right near the airport. Traveling a few miles north you get to Mission Bay: nice beach front you can walk, SeaWorld, about 10-15 miles from there you can hit Scripps Aquarium and Research center. There is a nice zoo and wild animal park in the area too but haven't been sincve I was a kid.

[Juan23]

You just missed the Red Bull Air Races. But, you can go out to Petco Park and catch a baseball game downtown... even though the Padres are horrible right now.

As for cars, if you wanna stay local... here's a few events (http://socalcarculture.com/events.html).

[SnlpeR]

thanks for the info guys

i dont plan to do a lot of beach going

i live on an island and im at the beach half the week...drive alongside the beach daily...etc...haha

but i would like to see what a cali sunset looks like while im there
seaworld and balboa park are on my list
ill see if i can attend the auto events posted above

[SnlpeR]

okay im all packed

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2222/2527344289_8d250fd035_o.jpg

gripless 40D + 17-40
70-200F4L
50mm 1.8
580exii
off camera cable

or should i take a bigger bag....hmm