Germany - What to Bring

My gear is in my sig, what should I bring on a quick 4 day trip to Germany? I won't be walking around a lot, it is mostly business with some free time at night, etc. Is the OMD going to be good enough or should I bring the 5D, 1D, or what?

I lived in Germany for 2 1/2 years when I was in the army. A lot depends on how much walking you plan on doing if you plan on doing a lot of that the OMD would be best if not I would say take the 5D3 and at least the 17-40 and 70-200L you will need zoon to capture the castles up on hills. If you take the OMD I would suggest getting a long zoom lens. It's just my opinion.

After thinking about it, I kind of want to take the 1D and my 35L. Would this be a huge mistake (barring photos of castles in the distance)? Or maybe the 1D/35 and also the OMD w/tele lens....

Where in Germany? More city or country?

flying into Stuttgart and will be in Affalterbach the whole time. small town.

Don't know that area very well. I was going to say, if you'll be in a big city, just go with the 35. I could spend a week walking around Nurnberg or Munich with a 35 and never lack for shots. But a small town in the middle of nowhere is a different story.

Do some research on the surrounding area and see what you think you might want to shoot. Only having evenings will make it more likely you won't need any long glass.

the only thing the town is known for is AMG.... otherwise, it's hard to find out any other info.

I would think there might be a rail line into Stuttgart. You could take it into town for some nighttime street photography. Unless you're renting a car and can drive in.

unfortunately I am being driven in and will most likely be stuck..... is it going to be all cows and race cars? haha.

I'm like you in that I always spend way too much time thinking about what gear to pack on a trip. I've found that for travel the answer is almost to pack something wide and something fast just in case. 17-40 and 35 should do the job no matter what you find. Landscapes in the small town or street shots if you can find a way into the city.

What do you think if I got a Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 for the OMD? I know it is like a FF 5.6, which I worry will be too slow and I will still wish I'd brought my 1D.

I'm probably wasting my time, like you said, I'll probably be fine either way. I have also considered getting a 24-70 MkII, which I really have no use for in the long run.

There is a suburban train/bus ride of 40 minutes between Stuttgart and Affalterbach.

If you're into cars there are the Daimler-Benz museum and the Porsche museum.
There's the old castle in Stuttgart city centre, with changing exhibitions.
The TV tower is closed FAIK, due to reinterpretation of health&safety policies
Lots of hills and vineyards with the grape harvest imminent. Perhaps go and meet the locals in the small wine bars; these are private homes of the wine producers open only this time of year. The wine festival started this week.
Other suburbs, like Esslingen, well worth a visit.

As it's going into autumn it's going to be dark earlier. Prepare for some rain and cool evenings.

As for photo equipment, 17-40 for sure. Tele lens according to your personal interests.

Have a good trip!


Edit: if you prefer beer to wine you might like the local equivalent of the Oktoberfest: the "Volksfest" running from 27th September to 13th October

Hmm, if the 17-40 is a must then I will not bring the OMD, just the 1Dx.

So maybe 17-40 and the 35L for night? Will I need the 70-200? Just as I feared, I can't leave home without the whole kit.

I'll definitely be at the Merc museum and the AMG factory as that is where my business lies. Outside of the cars, it sounds like alcohol and landscapes....

I won't be there until late November.

Higgs Boson wrote in post #16250996
Hmm, if the 17-40 is a must then I will not bring the OMD, just the 1Dx.

So maybe 17-40 and the 35L for night? Will I need the 70-200? Just as I feared, I can't leave home without the whole kit.

I'll definitely be at the Merc museum and the AMG factory as that is where my business lies. Outside of the cars, it sounds like alcohol and landscapes....

I won't be there until late November.

I just looked up the OMD and I understand the Focal length multiplier is 2x, so your 12-50 is a 24-100mm full frame equivalent. Personally I'd still go with the 17-40, but it's entirely up to you what you are prepared to lug around (weight-wise).

Last week of November the Christmas markets start. Again, Esslingen (only 10 minutes on the tube from the Daimler museum) has a very nice one with a medieval theme.


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Very cool. I really appreciate the info!

You think the 17-40 will be enough on it's own? Am I over thinking needing a faster lens? I guess I can always bump the ISO.