Phototrip to Istanbul

Just about to tke a short break to Istanbul without the kids, si I can afford to take the Camera equipment rather than the P&S, my dilema is I've been taking P&S for a long time now and recently made a few new purchases so wondering what to take.

My options are !ds Mk2, !d Mk 2 or 500D
Lens - 17-40, 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 F2.8 (if it arrives in time), 100 Macro

1've only just bought 1Ds and although used to 1D controls not sure what Full frame difference will make.

My current options are the Works - 1Ds, 17-40 and 70-200, or light 500D and 17-40mm

Any suggestions from seasoned travellers.

BTW the trip is sighseeing, although I am a little nervous about a 1Ds around my neck

Don't be worried. I'm a petite female and I wandered solo all over Turkey with a 30D & 24-105 L. (And also overland via train to Athens and environs. And all around India, also by myself, for 6 weeks prior to that.) At no time did I ever feel that I or my gear was a potential target, other than typical stuff that has nothing to do with theft or bodily harm.

Personally unless you're a pro on a specific assignment I say bring only 1 body (definitely one of the 1-series) and one or two lenses. You have a nice lineup of glass so it's hard to say what would be best. If it was me personally, I'd take the 17-40 and a slight toss-up between the 70-200 or 24-70. The 70-200 is bulkier and heavier though, and that stuff really starts to weigh you down faster than you think. But that's just me.

There's LOTS to photograph there and you'll have a fabulous time! If you have a chance to get out of Istanbul I really recommend Ephesus, just south of Izmir and 3km outside of Selcuk.

I went there around March time for five days. I took D300 with 16-85mm VR on one body, which was great for fast shooting on the fly, and D700 with Zeiss 25mm or 50mm depending on mood on the other, great for more considered shooting as MF. Worked really well.

Took a light bag for my gear and slung bodies one over each shoulder (I use the UP Strap which is very secure). No dangers, people seem used to shooting. Lots of great options in places to go. I walked all over each day. I also took the 70-300mm VR but never used it.

I would probably take your FF with 24-70mm and leave it at that. A faster prime would help indoors as some of the locations are dark with bad lighting. My most used lens in such places was the 25mm Zeiss which is fine wide open - despite being a 2.8 the ISO performance of the D700 is superb so no worries there. If your 24-70mm is good wide open then you'd be Ok; some aren't. I'd keep the 17-40mm in my bag and swap if needed for specific opportunities, or use on the 500D.

Some shots here: clickand click

Watch for the taxi drivers and other scams/sales hassles.

Been there last December. I brought 40D and 20D, Tamron 17-50 and Canon 70-300 IS (now sold). Yeah, 2 cameras plus 2 zooms will be more likely adequate.