-=1DS Mark II Admirers, congregate!

I too like number two, Jeff. The only thing I'd change would be to crop out a bit of the street in the foreground and might try adding some vignette to add to the mood. Cool shot.

What does the building look like from the left angle....with the cemetary in the foreground ?

Thanks for the feedback guys! Always appreciated!

The church from the left side is blocked by a number of trees and bushes so it isn't too pretty from that side, especially now before the spring bloom.

I experimented with adding vignetting too and found it looked over produced so decided to not bother as it seemed to have enough "drama" as is!

Cheers!

....ah....that's too bad.....with the cemetary and brooding sky, that could be awesome looking !

george m w wrote in post #9849016
....ah....that's too bad.....with the cemetary and brooding sky, that could be awesome looking !

It might be cooler at night? I've only ever visited it in daylight. The cemetery at night, with a prolonged exposure on tripod might be interesting! I'll have to check that out!

Cheers!

Hey everyone...

The family is heading to Florida (specifically Orlando) for a week and a half... We'll be doing the touristy thing which will include:

- Epcot Center
- Gatorland
- Kennedy Space Center
- Animal Kingdom

This will mark our first family expedition to the wonderful state of Florida... Weather looks promising during our stay... Only two days are forecasted for rain/t-storms... In any event, I'm currently thinking of bringing the following gear for the attractions listed above..

1Ds2
16-35 2.8L (all wide landscapes)
50L (mid range "creative" glass)
70-200 2.8L IS (specifically going to be used for Animal Kingdom)

My other glass inventory that's staying behind is:
35L, 85L, 135L, 500L (yeah right!!!), 24-70 2.8L, Kenko 1.4x & 2x TCon's

CPL's and UV's will be brought along for weatherproofing and creative reasons... With the current gear I'm bringing, would anyone advise otherwise? For example, would anyone recommend swapping out the 70-200 2.8L IS for my 135L+1.4x TCon (for Animal Kingdom) to reduce carrying weight? Or perhaps bring the 35L as my "wide angle" glass instead of the 16-35 2.8L? I have a Lowepro Trekker 200 backpack as my traveling storage unit... However, I will not be bringing all of the glass with me during each attraction... Most likely two of the three will see action...

Any comments and/or suggestions with what I'm currently going to bring? I've got a few days to tinker/change the gear i'm bringing... Anyhoo... Thanks in advance...

- airbutchie

airbutchie,

I did that same list about 15 years ago and did it with a couple of disposable 35mm film cameras!

The quality of the images were pretty sad but it was a light weight solution that made going on all the rides and doing all that walking very manageable and enjoyable. I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed the venues as much, lugging around a loaded trekker 200?

I'm really temped to suggest a G11 and just enjoy the trip and the quality time with your family. YMMV.

Cheers!

Yeah, Butch, you know I'm not one to travel without my gear, either. I take it all...fark it. However, I make sure I keep the glass in the safe, when it's not being used.

On the flip side, I'm kinda siding with Jeff here, in that yeah, you can take it...but, if you're wanting to go on rides and stuff, it's a hassle. If not, then, by all means...bring the best of the best.

It's warming up here, though still cool, but I'm thinkin' Spring Break is happenin'....so, it's gonna be very crowded, as well. However, since you're going to multiple places...might not be a bad thing.

Bah...I'm of no use here...like I said, I just take it all. It's insured for a reason.

Thanks for the feedback, Jeff/Manish... I'll take your suggestions with consideration!!!

- Butch

For travel that's going to be photo-friendly (photogenic locations, free time, safe to use cameras, not all about kids and having fun etc) I'd take that exact setup that you talked about. You want everything sealed for the weather in case some once-in-a-lifetime event happens in crazy weather when you're out with the family.

Headshotzx wrote in post #9852249
For travel that's going to be photo-friendly (photogenic locations, free time, safe to use cameras, not all about kids and having fun etc) I'd take that exact setup that you talked about. You want everything sealed for the weather in case some once-in-a-lifetime event happens in crazy weather when you're out with the family.

Thanks for your comments, Headshotzx... Much appreciated...

- airbutchie

Butch,
I'd consider taking a sub compact tripod for night time long exposures. I have a little tripod that compresses down to about 6 inches long, and extends out to maybe 3 feet. Weights very little, is not very sturdy, but still, I have got some really good results using it. Self timer if not a cable release.

^ Thanks George... I actually am bringing my "travel tripod" with me (Manfrotto 715SHB)... I bring that tripod with me whenever I travel... Small enough to attach to the side of my camera backpack (Lowepro Trekker 200)... Anyhoo... Travel tripod check!!!

- airbutchie

Hey airbutchie,

I also just ordered the 50L. How are you liking this especially compared to your other lens?

-David

^ Hey David...

I like it alot... Especially the focal length... It has a very nice nitch between my 35L and 85L... The weathersealing is a nice feature, along with the large aperture and fast focusing speed... I've shot one event with it so far and it worked admirably... No problems with front/back focusing... I guess I got a good copy... This issue was the real worry I had, though... I'm glad to say that my worries went away once I gave it a test... I truly hope yours does too...

I'll be taking it to Orlando, FL on vacation so I'll definately put it to its paces... I'll let you know how it performed once I get back... Anyhoo, congrats on your acquisition and I hope it's a great copy!!!

- airbutchie

Thanks for the reply. That is why I ordered if from Adorama Ebay store. With the Bing cashback, rebate, and Ebay bucks, I got a new one for what it goes used. Plus I can exchange it if the focus shift is not within the DOF. I am quite nervous about getting a good copy as well, but I won't accept anything less.

I have traveled to a lot of countries and always carried the big zooms with my tripod. Your plan is fine as long as you just take one or two lens with you and leave the rest in the hotel. But make sure you lock it in the safe. The lens you suggested sounds perfect. I would keep the 70-200 as I have found the IS to be quite useful when lighting is minimal.

But most importantly, as others have mentioned, just have fun. Don't let the gear be a hindrance.