Little help with holiday setup...

Syx

Syx

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Sam Hissaund
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Hello all, first time poster!

I'm off on holiday to India and the Maldives later this year, and am looking to get some kit sorted for when I go. I think the Nikkor 18-200 should see me in good stead, however usually I shoot motorsport, so I'm more used to 200-300mm as a focal range! Am I right in my choice or should I be looking for something different? I don't want to take many lenses with me so am looking for one or two at most.
It's probably best for me to get a CPL and ND grad filter too I'd guess? Any recommendations on these and where to get them?
Looking at prime lenses, is it worth me getting one prime around 50mm just as a quick snap lens?

Also, any pointers you can give me? There's probably going to be a really wide range of shots so anything to help me broaden my shooting perspective would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for all the questions as a new poster, but we all have to start somewhere!
Cheers! :thumbs:
 
the problem with lenses that have a large zoom range ie 18-200 is often the image quality isn't fantastic. I think you would be better with some like 18-55 then 55-200 or similar. CPL and ND grads would be useful not sure on the best place to get them am sure someone with more advice will be along shortly :D
 
I had heard that towards the long end that lens does suffer a little, but is it worth the trade-off for convenience? I think the jury is still out on that one for me...

I might have to consider taking two though as you suggest, although if I get a prime that makes 3 in total... I guess that's still do-able though. Just not wanting to travel too heavy!
 
I think you should seriously consider taking a decent compact. , I'd recommend taking something like a canon G9 or G10.

The big advantage is size. Although an SLR will possibly give more scope for creativity, a smaller camera will present you with more photo oportunities than an SLR. Simply because you'll have it with you more of the time.
 
Have bought a couple of Hoya filters from here: -

http://hvstar.net/

It's a Hong Kong based Co, so delivery is a little longer than a UK, a week maybe, but they're much cheaper, and they're reliable.

Pete
 
Badger UK said:
I think you should seriously consider taking a decent compact
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I'd agree that's the best way forwards. Lots of kit can just serve as something to stand between you and the experience of the holiday. If it's a pure photography trip then take as much kit as you can muster but if you're going to explore and relax, a small camera will normally be all the creative tool you need.
 
The nikkor 18-200 is very well revied so that should see you fine as a general use walk around lens and your probably right about the CPL and Grads allthough you could braket and make up for the lack of grads in post processing. Personally I would never go anywhere without a quick prime so if you haven't got one I'd pick up a nifty fifty I use mine a surprising amount when away for portraits etc.
 
I took an Nikon 18-200mm VR and a 50mm 1.8 on holiday last year, i never used the 50mm but i think it was still worth taking just in case, there is obviously a trade off in quality but i was happy with most of my shots, well the keepers anyway, not so sure if the 18-200mm would be much good for motor sports though i think you would struggle getting fast AF.
 
Thanks for all the input guys, it's much appreciated.

As regards a compact point-and-shoot, I already have something to cover that for carrying in my pocket, but most places I go I'll have the D300 in my bag so just want to get the lens setup for that. Can't really justify spending any further cash on a G9 as I probably won't ever use it again.
Thanks for the hvstar link, I'll have a look. :thumbs:

I'll definitely get the 50 prime, but I'm still not sure whether to get the 18-200 or 2 lenses to cover the same! Anyone have any recommendations if I were to go for the 2-lens option?

As for motorsport shooting, I've already got my lenses for that but they are too bulky for me to take on a holiday trip! :D
 
Syx said:
Anyone have any recommendations if I were to go for the 2-lens option?
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Nikon 12-24mm f/4, Nikon 70-300mm, and take the 50mm for the bit in between :) although you can get some decent landscape shots with the 18-200mm, take a look HERE
 
Some very nice shots in that set!

Thanks for the help, I'll take a look into the lenses mentioned.
 
I think your kit will be fine.The 18-200 could have been designed for travel.A longer lens is also handy for "just in case shots".The one item that I would add would be a decent Speedlite.It always surprises me how many night/lowlight pics I end up taking.
Have a great trip.
Pete.
 
TheWombat said:
The one item that I would add would be a decent Speedlite.
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Couldn't agree with this more, i never took my SB600 and really regretted it as there were times it would have come in very handy.
 
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