Photography gear restrictions...

I asked on the nature forum but only got 2 replies. Maybe this is a better place to ask...

My wife and I are going to Machi Pucchu with some friends in about 2 months. I've read they won't allow large tripods and any lens that's 200mm or longer unless you pay a hefty fee. My question is are there any restrictions on camera bodies? I want to take my 1Ds MK II but not sure if I'll have a problem getting in. I'm not worried about lenses, will be taking my 15mm FE, 16-35 and 28-70. I apologize if this is the wrong place to ask.

Thanks guys!

I just returned from a fabulous trip to Machu Picchu two weeks ago. Took my 60D and Canon 15-85 IS lens, which covered everything I wanted to shoot. I didn't take a tripod, but I saw quite a few there. One key observation: they require even walking sticks to have rubber tips, and I'm sure the same is true for tripods. The point is that metal spike tips will slowly wear down some of the rocks on the site, and that is in nobody's interest.

You'll have a fabulous time; it's mind-blowing!

Thanks Hugh! Maybe I should bring my wife's 5D instead. It's not so "in your face" type of camera. If I do bring a tripod it will be a mini table top version with rubber feet. I might want to try out the big stopper there

HughR wrote in post #13937536
I just returned from a fabulous trip to Machu Picchu two weeks ago. Took my 60D and Canon 15-85 IS lens, which covered everything I wanted to shoot. I didn't take a tripod, but I saw quite a few there. One key observation: they require even walking sticks to have rubber tips, and I'm sure the same is true for tripods. The point is that metal spike tips will slowly wear down some of the rocks on the site, and that is in nobody's interest.

You'll have a fabulous time; it's mind-blowing!

Hugh, did you feel safe carrying your gear around? I was planning on taking a small tripod, not for Machu Picchu, for some sunset and night shots in Cuscu, Lima and Puno but if it's not safe I won't bring it. Thanks again!

I don't think you'll have any problem getting your 1Ds MK II into the site. If you're worried, just keep it in your camera bag until you get in. It's a large place.

Great! I'll put in the bottom of my bag

HughR wrote in post #13937604
I don't think you'll have any problem getting your 1Ds MK II into the site. If you're worried, just keep it in your camera bag until you get in. It's a large place.

cmoy wrote in post #13937589
Hugh, did you feel safe carrying your gear around? I was planning on taking a small tripod, not for Machu Picchu, for some sunset and night shots in Cuscu, Lima and Puno but if it's not safe I won't bring it. Thanks again!

We were in Lima and Cusco as well. In Lima we stayed in the Miraflores district, which is quite upscale with many foreign embassies, etc. We walked around all day and in the evenings and never had any trouble. Still, this is a second world country, and outside the city (and in some downtown districts) there are shanty towns where people are really poor. So there are places you should not take either yourself or your camera at night. The center of Cuzco seems to be safe, as they rely on the tourist trade as a major part of their economy.

You will probably find the altitude in Cuzco to be somewhat of a problem: 11,000 feet. We were short of breath and only ended up walking downhill (even though I run at sea level). Machu Picchu is at 9,000 feet and definitely much easier.

Thanks again Hugh! I think we're stay near the center in Cuzco so hopefully we'll be fine. I'm so excited! Can't wait to go!

I'm a bit worry about the high altitude. I hope I get use to it for the day and half we're there before heading to Machu Picchu.

HughR wrote in post #13937699
We were in Lima and Cusco as well. In Lima we stayed in the Miraflores district, which is quite upscale with many foreign embassies, etc. We walked around all day and in the evenings and never had any trouble. Still, this is a second world country, and outside the city (and in some downtown districts) there are shanty towns where people are really poor. So there are places you should not take either yourself or your camera at night. The center of Cuzco seems to be safe, as they rely on the tourist trade as a major part of their economy.

You will probably find the altitude in Cuzco to be somewhat of a problem: 11,000 feet. We were short of breath and only ended up walking downhill (even though I run at sea level). Machu Picchu is at 9,000 feet and definitely much easier.

Wonder if I can get in with a Benro C-068M8 Travel Angle into Machu Picchu? If so then I won't bring the mini tripod. One less thing to lug around.

I have never heard of any restriction on gear to Machu Picchu. When I was there, the ticket takers at the entrance to the ruins check to make sure you do not look like a professional photographer, otherwise you need a permit.

I took a tripod, two bodies, one with a 100-400 lens and the other with a 24-105, and I wore it all under a black ripstop nylon military poncho, which I took off as soon as we were out of eyeshot of the entrance. Never had a issue, but you have to be wily. Or give your long lens to your wife to keep in her purse.

It is a spiritual experience, and you should have all the gear you need to document it. I have some shots that are now licensed, that I wouldn't have had without the two lenses...and a Powershot s95.

Thanks Jay! I found some posts on other forums dated to early 2010 and early 2011 where some were charged a +/-$300 fee to take in their large tripods and long lenses. This got me scared! I think I will bring my 1Ds. I don't wait to deal with my wife's 5D, can't get use to the controls

tvphotog wrote in post #13943106
I have never heard of any restriction on gear to Machu Picchu. When I was there, the ticket takers at the entrance to the ruins check to make sure you do not look like a professional photographer, otherwise you need a permit.

I took a tripod, two bodies, one with a 100-400 lens and the other with a 24-105, and I wore it all under a black ripstop nylon military poncho, which I took off as soon as we were out of eyeshot of the entrance. Never had a issue, but you have to be wily. Or give your long lens to your wife to keep in her purse.

http://www.outdoorphot​ographer.com …/viewtopic.php?​f=4&t=3230

http://mmphototours.wo​rdpress.com/2011/05/13​/

http://www.tripadvisor​.in …Picchu_Sacred_V​alley.html

This is the poncho that I took with me. Not only does it cover down to the knees, there's plenty of room under it for equipment which it will also keep dry. The great thing about it is that it weighs next to nothing, and folds flat to about 9" square, and that it's tough as nails.

In various camo patterns as well. $30.

Photo courtesy Galaxy Army Navy

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This is GREAT! Thanks Jay!

tvphotog wrote in post #13943314
This is the poncho that I took with me. Not only does it cover down to the knees, there's plenty of room under it for equipment which it will also keep dry. The great thing about it is that it weighs next to nothing, and folds flat to about 9" square, and that it's tough as nails.

In various camo patterns as well.

Photo courtesy Galaxy Army Navy

cmoy wrote in post #13943430
This is GREAT! Thanks Jay!

You're welcome, Chris. BTW, I wore that poncho even thought the sun was out. But it was raining a half hour before.

The weather is so changable there that it won't surprise anyone including the staff, that you're wearing a poncho even if it's a clear day.