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11-06-2011, 08:27 AM   #1
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What gear to bring to New Zealand

Im leaving for new zealand in two weeks and am not sure if I need to bring alll my camera gear?? i have a k-5,K-R, Sigma 70-200mm,17-70mm,wr 50-200mm and Sigmas 120-400mm and wondering if i should leave the 120-400mm at home because of the extra weight but would really regret it if i got there and needed it.If anyone with travel experience could help me out, that would be great. cheers travis.

11-06-2011, 11:22 AM   #2
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It really depends on what you are shooting. For travel photography I tend to use shorter focal length (below 100mm), and occasionally something in the range up to 200mm. Worst case you can use the K-5 with the 200mm and then crop the image to match 400mm when you come home. That would still leave you with a decent image.

If you shoot birds and other wild life you'll want to bring the 120-400mm. In any event I'd leave either the 50-200 or 70-200 at home since they overlap.

Since you have two bodies I'd recommend that you look for a camera bag that can take both cameras with lenses attached. It makes it so much more convenient to not have to switch lenses.
11-08-2011, 10:14 AM   #3
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DD. Try posting this in the Kiwi thread instead.
11-08-2011, 11:10 AM   #4
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i would take the 17-70 / 70-200 / 120-400 (considering weight is no matter).

But if you need to be light, take the 50-200 instead.

Kiwi thread is a good idea too.

11-09-2011, 05:19 AM   #5
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I took a prime lens (40mm) only to NZ once. I was very happy with the result and glad i took one prime lens only.

I zoom with my legs... I don't tend to use telephoto though...

All the best with your trip...

Enjoy!
11-09-2011, 09:05 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by Bestzoom Quote
I took a prime lens (40mm) only to NZ once. I was very happy with the result and glad i took one prime lens only.

I zoom with my legs... I don't tend to use telephoto though...

All the best with your trip...

Enjoy!
I'd like to see you do that in the mountains of South Island or out whale-watching ! I'm sure that was a good walkaround lens, though I prefer 30mm for that as 40mm seems a touch too long - for me personally - on APS-C.

Since I'll be there for 5 weeks myself next year (visiting my sister, my first time down there) so I'm really interested in seeing answers and opinions - especially from Kiwis ?
11-09-2011, 09:36 AM   #7
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Of those lenses, I'd take the 17-70 and 70-200 and both bodies.

11-10-2011, 02:45 AM   #8
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Faced with a similar situation I bought a bridge camera. Light, no lens changing, no regrets! I wanted to enjoy NZ, not be encumbered by kit, plus I heeded warnings of thefts from obvious tourist hire cars.
11-10-2011, 03:14 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by Frogfish Quote
I'd like to see you do that in the mountains of South Island or out whale-watching ! I'm sure that was a good walkaround lens, though I prefer 30mm for that as 40mm seems a touch too long - for me personally - on APS-C.
I agree....It depends on what activities you are planning to undertake. If you plan to do a great deal of walking or bush walking, then you need to minimise your gear. If you are planning to drive for days at your leisure around the South Island, by all means bring all your gear. It is a beautiful country...

If i travel to NZ again or join a tour(during my last trip to South Island), i may bring one standard zoom and 'maybe' a telephoto.

I have been to Singapore, Malaysia, Seoul, Canberra and Brisbane within the last 2 months (1 to 2 days per destination and doing plenty of walking). I took a total of 3000 shots with K5 and FA31 Ltd and absolutely enjoyed it. On rare occasions, i missed the wider end but loved the light weight of the combo.
I can happily get by with one Pentax prime.

Enjoy your trip!

Last edited by Bestzoom; 11-10-2011 at 04:21 AM.
11-10-2011, 03:18 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by JohnX Quote
Faced with a similar situation I bought a bridge camera. Light, no lens changing, no regrets! I wanted to enjoy NZ, not be encumbered by kit, plus I heeded warnings of thefts from obvious tourist hire cars.
Why buy a DSLR if you are going to leave it behind on one of the trips of a lifetime ? Cameras are covered under household insurance anyway. Why would anyone leave a DSLR in the car !! Sorry John no valid points there at all for me.
11-12-2011, 06:55 AM   #11
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Depends what you use most at home.
If you use one lens a lot at home and decide to not take it then the chances are you will miss it in NZ.

If it's a once in a lifetime trip then I would take the best that I have.
In your case, the k5, 17-70, 70-200 and 120-400.
Or I might go with k5, 17-70 and 120-400.
11-12-2011, 09:03 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by Bestzoom Quote
Enjoy your trip!
Thanks mate ... not getting excited yet but I'm sure it'll kick in after Xmas !
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