Originally posted by sholtzma I appreciate any help with what camera equipment to take to Greece in March....
First, the context. I and another professor will take a group of 13 honors students to Greece for just over a week in early March. Along with us will be four other adults, each of which can help with oversight responsibilities of the students. The trip is structured by a tour company: we'll be in Athens at the beginning and end, and in between we'll be in Dephi, Patras, Loutraki (i.e., Corinth), Argos, Mycenae, Epidaurus, and the island of Aegina (off the coast of Athens). I will not have my family with me.
I tend to take too much equipment. But I also kick myself if I don't have something with me that I could have used.
I intend to take a Pentax 12-24 f4, an FA* 28-70 f2.8, a Sigma 70-200 f2.8 EX APO, and my only camera body, a K5iis + grip. After that, everything is up for grabs....
By then I expect to have a DA* 300mm f4 and maybe the Pentax HD 1.4x TC. I also have a Sigma 180 f3.5 macro. And for now I have a Tokina 400mm f5.6 SD (though that might get sold if the DA* 300 works out).
I was not going to take any flash equipment.
I can't decide about filters. A circular polarizer, of course. But I have a P-series Cokin system with various kinds of polarizers and graduated neutral density filters.
I also can't decide about my carbon fiber tripod.
Lastly, which containers?. I have two long holster cases that could fit a good four lenses and my camera. I also have two largish knapsack packs. And I have a hard Tundra case (think something like a large Pelican hardcase), that might provide safety on the flights to and fro. And, no lack of other small soft bags and cases if needed.
I don't mind carrying around a good bit of equipment. It's not like we're going to be hiking for hours up mountains. And we'll have a coach for travel.
My photographic goals are mixed for this trip. I need to take images for my school. And I want to make good images for my own portfolio and website. I don't mind taking time to make photos, but I know that fairly often I'll be constrained by the limits of the tour.
Suggestions?
A wide angle zoom lens (you have) a medium focal length zoom (I use a 17-50 f2.8 but your 28-70 is good) and a telephoto zoom (I used the DA 55-300 for least weight). I wouldn't take anything else lens wise. I found that I did not use the 55-300 much if at all. But your needs may vary from mine. Bring your tripod. That is something you won't regret. Circular Polarizer for the filter. Grad Neutral Density would be cool too but I rarely used mine. Forget the flash - few places will let you use it inside.
Pickpockets are rampant and they are good - particularly in Athens itself. Whatever you try arrange it so its not over your back unprotected. If its on your back ensure the zips or fasteners are either lockable or secured with a tie wrap or something to slow them down. If you can manage it I'd advise to get the kit down to one knapsack. One of the larger size Lowepros for example. I expect you will do the Oracle at Delphi and that is a side of a hill. Also if you do Meteora the paths up to the top of the rocks to the Churches are fairly narrow and can be a bit if a walk. So light counts.
Hope that helps.