Originally posted by Michaelina2 Don't expect to take any 'money shots,' or 'wall hanger' quality images. If you get something you consider interesting, it will only be interesting to you... six months after you return and the dust settles, when all is said and done, no one else will care.
Put first things first... You're going so you can share the adventure and enjoy the company of your friends. "Stuff" gets in the way... keep it to a minimum.
Time is your nemesis. Planning your day and knowing where you are going to enjoy lunch and dinner in advance is essential.
So, photography-wise... Go light and Go wide.
Q-7 (or similar) w/01 (low light & normal FL), 06 (telephoto for details) and 08 (wide and low light) lenses, plus two extra batteries, charger and several 64GB cards. With a little care, you should be able to easily get K-3 quality images inside/outside, day/night.
Many settings severely restrict, or prohibit photography. Having a kit that can be carried discreetly in your pocket/shooting vest/jacket keeps you out of the time wasting bag checking queue, reduces security service hassles and adds greatly to your peace of mind.
'nuff for now...my $0.02 & enjoy... M
I would agree with the sentiment expressed in this the above post.
I went to Europe in the 1970's. For two weeks, my wife and I dragged my camera gear, consisting of a Pentax SP500, a 55mm f2.0 lens, a Vivitar 70-210mm zoom lens, camera bag, assorted filters and 15 rolls of film, around with us. The only things I used were film and the camera with the 55mm lens. In over 300 shots, I used the zoom lens only a couple of times! To this day we recall what a pain that camera bag was as we traveled around.
My suggestion would be to just take your existing camera and the kit lens. You'll worry less about your equipment and enjoy your trip more.