What lens combo should I take to SE Asia (Borneo)?

Right, so here's the thing. In about a month I'll be heading to Borneo for 3 weeks. I'll be traveling with my girlfriend (not a tog) and we'll be doing a combination of nice accommodation and more budget hostel type stuff. I'm leaning towards just bringing my 40D and sigma 18-200 and being done with it, but I don't know, there's going to be some pretty crazy scenery and I'll be seeing the orangutans and part of me really wants to use my 5D and L glass (70-200 2.8 IS and 24-70).

Has anyone done the backpacker thing with a bag full of expensive and heavy lenses and cameras? How did you find it? Is the better IQ and low light performance worth the trade off for the size, weight and stress of having your best gear in a humid potentially insecure environment?

I'd love to hear some thoughts.

Cheers.

Hi!

You should take whatever lenses work for you.

If i had your set, i would take the 5d and the L lenses. You are going to need extra mm and the f 2.8 to shot in the rain forest.

Of course you can do it with the 40d and the sigma, but i guess the results are not going to be the same.

If your priority is to enjoy the trip you should take the 40d and sigma. if you want the best image quality take the other equipment.

You can leave the 70-200 in the hotel room when walking on the streets of the city (and have it reserve for the wildlife).

I have been in Borneo just with a EF-s17-85 and EF28 1.8, and it was short for some of the shots.

http://www.pbase.com/g​oncaloferreira/borneo

Enjoy your trip!

Best quality pictures demand you use best quality equipment. Buy some zip loc freezer bag and keep you gear in them to prevent moisture ingress. The gear is there to take pictures not leave at home when you may be getting great opportunities. Weight is an issue. Make sure you take your gear as ''carry on'' and pack it into your rucksac later. Have a good trip.