Beginner Canon 1100d advice for trip to Antigua

Chris Fallon

Chris Fallon

Suspended / Banned
Messages
493
Name
Chris
Edit My Images
Yes
Hello all,

I am new to photography and this forum, along with many others it seems;)

I own a Canon 1100d with 18-55mm lens and a Calumet 7100 tripod.

In November I head to Antigua and have booked a few trips by boat and helicopter. The helicopter trip will be over an active volcano so am wondering what lens would be recommended as we will not be able to get off during the trip?
I also hope to get some decent photos of landscapes, wildlife , etc...
As I say I am a beginner but wonder what equipment people would recommend.
I don't really have a budget as I appreciate that, you get what you pay for...

Thank you in advance for any advice given.
 
The Canon 55-250 is well regarded as a good lens. Maybe that won't be long enough for all your needs, but the last thing you need to be doing is dragging a massive bag full of kit around with you unless it's a pure photographic holiday.

The 1100d, 18-55 and 55-250 would make for a nice lightweight kit that wouldn't particularly tire you out over the course of the day travelling around.

As you say you have a tripod so if you don't already, maybe look into some filters aswell such as a circular polariser and an ND filter if you like the idea of longer exposures.

Most of all, enjoy your trip! :)
 
Hi Chris. I'm a Nikon shooter, but when I was considering a Canon I was told that the 55-250 was better than the 75-300. I never looked into this advice but I trust him fully so have no reason to think otherwise. BUT for something to document your holiday then I dare say either will be fine and obviously it's a bit longer too. (And bigger and heavier, probably.)

Here's what I'd go with

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-CANON...=UK_Lenses_Filters_Lenses&hash=item232b8823df

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brand-New...=UK_Lenses_Filters_Lenses&hash=item2c842f3f8c
 
No worries. Never used the wide angle thing you linked to, but a good quality CPL would be worth every penny, especially if you're expecting good weather for your trip.

Here is a 10 stop ND filter that I would recommend

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/58mm-ND10...es_CameraLensesFilters_JN&hash=item4ad6c046eb

And HOYA are well regarded too so I would consider this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hoya-58MM...es_CameraLensesFilters_JN&hash=item1c1f86afca

A fair few quid for something that seems insignificant but you get what you pay for.

Maybe do a little research into them and see if you think they're worth the money. The cheaper ones usually degrade the IQ considerably so that is worth baring in mind.

Above links are for 58mm versions as that's what size you linked to. Is that the size of the filter thread on the 18-55 you have?
 
I use 2 16gb PNY cards from Currys but if going on holiday I would recommend taking a few 8gb cards and change them regularly as if you get a card that goes kaput you run the risk of loosing all your shots if they're all on one massive card so swapping smaller ones out regularly is a good habit to get into.
 
minnnt said:
The Canon 55-250 is well regarded as a good lens. Maybe that won't be long enough for all your needs, but the last thing you need to be doing is dragging a massive bag full of kit around with you unless it's a pure photographic holiday.

The 1100d, 18-55 and 55-250 would make for a nice lightweight kit that wouldn't particularly tire you out over the course of the day travelling around.

As you say you have a tripod so if you don't already, maybe look into some filters aswell such as a circular polariser and an ND filter if you like the idea of longer exposures.

Most of all, enjoy your trip! :)
Click to expand...


Hello again David. Just an update. I ended up buying the Canon 55-250 lens, the circular polariser and ND filter you recommended and some extra memory cards - ended up going for x3 8gb cards so I can swap and change.

Would you mind advising if I should be looking to purchase a hood for my new lens?
 
I've always used hoods, I would have thought going somewhere like Antigua would mean there is alot of sun so flare may well be an issue so probably best to get one just to be on the safe side.

Just be aware that it will be a bit awkward to adjust your polarising filter with it in place so it may be a case of one or the other.

Glad to hear you got some goodies! :)

David.
 
Hi David. Hope you are well.

Can I ask you a few things regarding manual settings? The first one is that I will be going on a helicopter excursion while away. We don't get out of the helicopter for the duration of the tour. Can you recommend what settings to set, baring in mind that I will be taking shots through a window of some kind? I have no doubt it will be a bright and sunny day according to the forecast.

(I have the CPL and 10 stop ND filter you recommended remember??)

Many thanks.

Chris
 
Hi Chris. I would set the lowest iso and shoot in aperture priority mode and let the camera decide the shutter speed. Set a mid aperture around f6-8 and adjust from there. You may find the CPL will cut any glare and reflection from the windows so give that a go in there too.

If you find the shutter speeds start to drop a little then boost the iso a bit to keep them high.
 
Hi David, yes I just tested the CPL through the patio window and it really does cut the glare! Very impressed :-)

Do you think it would pay to leave the CPL on for everyday use also?

What settings would you recommend for general out and about shooting?
 
CP filters have a number of uses, but one of the most basic is to darken blue skies. This can help to enhance the contrast between sky and cloud, making it ideal for landscape shots.
Using a CP filter is also perfect for removing reflections and glare from non-metallic surfaces. This enables you to improve the colour and definition in your waterfall, sea and river photos, but it’s also effective for darkening windows in buildings and helping to remove unwanted reflections on still-life subjects.
A CP filter also reduces the amount of light reaching your camera’s sensor by around two stops, which can either be a benefit or a hindrance, depending on what you’re shooting and the effect you’re trying to achieve, it will also allow you to use wide apertures for shallow depth of field effects, or longer shutter speeds for creative blur, in bright conditions. But this reduced light can make it difficult to get sharp results, especially in low light, without using either a tripod or increasing the ISO to compensate.

As for settings, depends on the subject? Are you intending to take a tripod? Wildlife, especially if moving will require fast shutter speeds TV priority. Landscapes the reverse, smaller apertures (large f numbers) slower shutter speeds and perhaps a tripod. The same for sunsets and sunrises. My advice is experiment and take lots of images. If you are unsure what settings to use, then use the auto modes to get an idea, or the program mode, then replicate those settings in the priority modes adjusting the setting to you needs.
 
Hello Pete thanks for your advice.

I don't think I will be taking my tripod due to weight restrictions... The missus takes up the majority of our weight allowance as it is! Haha.

I will be hoping to get some wildlife and landscape photos. Also I will be doing a few boat excursions and a helicopter trip.
 
Chris Fallon said:
I don't think I will be taking my tripod due to weight restrictions... The missus takes up the majority of our weight allowance as it is! Haha.
Click to expand...

Sounds a bit harsh!!!

I'd use the CPL on sunny days as the saturation they provide is nice. Make sure you read up on how they work with regards to angles etc.

I'm a fan of shallow dof but for general shooting I would shoot a stop or two away from your lens being wide open as that will usually give you sharper results. But it depends on the light and the type of shot you want to execute. For hand held evening shots I'd go with wide open and a higher iso with no CPL.

Could you maybe take a little gorillapod tripod? They're pretty cool things and can just go in your camera bag.
 
minnnt said:
Sounds a bit harsh!!!

I'd use the CPL on sunny days as the saturation they provide is nice. Make sure you read up on how they work with regards to angles etc.

I'm a fan of shallow dof but for general shooting I would shoot a stop or two away from your lens being wide open as that will usually give you sharper results. But it depends on the light and the type of shot you want to execute. For hand held evening shots I'd go with wide open and a higher iso with no CPL.

Could you maybe take a little gorillapod tripod? They're pretty cool things and can just go in your camera bag.
Click to expand...

:agree: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002FGTWOC/ref=twister_B00I4OVX50

recommend the gorillapod, used one for walking in the lakes, best check which one you'll need, but I've been using the SLR zoom which can support up to 3 Kgs but never risked above 2. £20 for the gorillapod, or £41 for pod and head
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top