Going to Iraq...

Hey guys I'm a new photographer and just bought myself a Rebel XTI and the 50mm 1.8. I'm looking for possibly 2 lens that might be able to hold me over while in Iraq.

I'm currently looking at the 70-200 f4/L, 24-70 f2.8/L and the 17-40 f4/L. I'm kind of hoping to invest in good lens early so I don't have to sell and rebuy better lens later on. Any advice would be greatly apprecaited

MaoKhan wrote in post #2699795
Hey guys I'm a new photographer and just bought myself a Rebel XTI and the 50mm 1.8. I'm looking for possibly 2 lens that might be able to hold me over while in Iraq.

I'm currently looking at the 70-200 f4/L, 24-70 f2.8/L and the 17-40 f4/L. I'm kind of hoping to invest in good lens early so I don't have to sell and rebuy better lens later on. Any advice would be greatly apprecaited

Looks like a good combo

Consider bringing one lens to cover a broad range. Trust me when I say you really don't want to be changing lenses that often in that environment. Especially if you're using the XTI. I'd consider the 28-300L if you could swing it. I used the 20D w/ an EF 28-105 II the whole time I had mine over there and acheived exceptional results.


Additionally, consider getting yourself a starlight case to store your body and glass when not in use. Use an oversized ziplock bag as well. You'll also want to invest in a good filter. Clean your camera daily, just as you would your weapon. Don't leave it exposed to the elements. The dust WILL kill it. Also consider getting a Kata E-702. Bring plenty of memory and a means to download and store your images.

Above all, keep your head down and come home safe.

Lord_Malone wrote in post #2699858
I used the 28-105 II the whole time I had mine over there and acheived exceptional results.

Yeah, he sure did!

Oh, and keep your head down...

Just my $0.02, don't take Zooms, get a few good primes instead. No matter how good the weather sealing on the L serries lenses is, you will get sand in it, and it will get ruined, quickly. I would look at a 28 f/2.8, 50 f/1.8, 85 f/1.8 and mabye a 200 f/2.8, and get a few of each, especially the 50mm, it's $80 so get at least a couple. Then get some Gaffer's tape and tape up everything you see that dust mite get into, focus rings AF switches ect.

When going into a dustbowl like Iraq, especialy one with no camera repair shops, I wouldn't take anything you aren't comfortable throwing away before you come home. Don't wast a bunch of cash on nice lenses now, they'll be junk by the time you get back stateside.

maxyedor wrote in post #2699967
Just my $0.02, don't take Zooms, get a few good primes instead. No matter how good the weather sealing on the L serries lenses is, you will get sand in it, and it will get ruined, quickly. I would look at a 28 f/2.8, 50 f/1.8, 85 f/1.8 and mabye a 200 f/2.8, and get a few of each, especially the 50mm, it's $80 so get at least a couple. Then get some Gaffer's tape and tape up everything you see that dust mite get into, focus rings AF switches ect.

When going into a dustbowl like Iraq, especialy one with no camera repair shops, I wouldn't take anything you aren't comfortable throwing away before you come home. Don't wast a bunch of cash on nice lenses now, they'll be junk by the time you get back stateside.

That greatly depends on how much he plans on using his kit. He's not going over there to be a PJ, and more than likely will be snapping a few pics here and there during his down time. He'll be too busy doing actual missions (whether that be combat support, administrative or war fighting) and won't have access to his camera all the time. Storage and maintenance are the key to survival. If my 28-105 II can survive in Iraq in some of the most extreme dusty situations you can imagine, a weather sealed L (zoom or prime) will be more than sufficient.

True, allthough I still say, don't wast you money on lenses that have at least a 50/50 chance of getting ruined, I've ruined thaousands of dollars worth of gear in the desert, even the tiniest bit of sand can, and probably will destroy a lens.

With Lord Malone being a vet..... I'd trust him...

i'd take the 17-40L and a handful of UV filters. it's kinda bright over there so you might want to take a CP too .

take care!

ed rader

Lord_Malone wrote in post #2699994
That greatly depends on how much he plans on using his kit. He's not going over there to be a PJ, and more than likely will be snapping a few pics here and there during his down time. He'll be too busy doing actual missions (whether that be combat support, administrative or war fighting) and won't have access to his camera all the time. Storage and maintenance are the key to survival. If my 28-105 II can survive in Iraq in some of the most extreme dusty situations you can imagine, a weather sealed L (zoom or prime) will be more than sufficient.

hey Ed did you have to clean the sensor often? i'm just wondering how dirty the sensor got if you weren't doing lens changes.

ed rader

I'd opt for a Pentax Optio and a 1911 myself....

When I was in the army, my P&S never left my pocket. There was always some random little event happening that was so engaging. Consider buying a small P&S as well to keep with you to take those shots that you wouldn't normally have had your DSLR with you. It could be invaluable to get some great shots.

ed rader wrote in post #2700269
hey Ed did you have to clean the sensor often? i'm just wondering how dirty the sensor got if you weren't doing lens changes.

ed rader

I didn't have to clean my sensor at all. Then again, I really didn't shoot at small apertures that would reveal obvious sensor dust. I'm pretty sure some dust had to creep in there when the camera was actually in use.

sirsloop wrote in post #2701564
I'd opt for a Pentax Optio and a 1911 myself....

I wish we could carry our own firearms. There are the select few in the special operations community that are afforded that privilege.

purelithium wrote in post #2701740
When I was in the army, my P&S never left my pocket. There was always some random little event happening that was so engaging. Consider buying a small P&S as well to keep with you to take those shots that you wouldn't normally have had your DSLR with you. It could be invaluable to get some great shots.

During my first tour in Iraq I used a Canon s200 which I carried with me everywhere. During our second tour every platoon was issued HP point and shoot cameras.

Lord_Malone wrote in post #2702128
During my first tour in Iraq I used a Canon s200 which I carried with me everywhere. During our second tour every platoon was issued HP point and shoot cameras.

Haha! The Canadian Army would never do that. Too many security/press leaks.

is the thread starter enlisted? I suppose you would have to be crazy to want to go to iraq if you were not enlisted! HAHA! Possibly a government contractor?