Travelling South America - Equipment List

Tom Tom

Tom Tom

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Hi people,

Just looking for some advice on a forthcoming trip around South America for around 6+months.

My equipment list is currently:

Canon 60D (purchasing from Panamoz)
Canon 24-105mm F4 + UV Filter + Polarizing Filter
Canon 50mm F1.8

Several 2 GB SD Cards
500GB external Hard Drive
Charger

I mainly will be shooting landscapes, people and wildlife . I previously travelled South East Asia and Australisia for around a year with a 450D , 18-135 and 50mm. I found that equipment very manageable in a small lower pro bag.

The purpose of my trip is for travelling, experiences etc not photography but a nice photo along the way is a bonus.

Looking for some advice on :

Bag - I will be taking a 75L Backpack and daypack for my camera. I have been looking at the lower pro range as I like easy accessible pockets but worried somebody will target that sort of bag and they don't look like they will hold much else- bottle of water, towels, etc

Zoom Lens - I have a feeling I will regret not taking a zoom lens especially for wildlife and am really struggling to decide on one.

I originally wanted a Canon 70-200mm F4 non-IS and here are some of my thoughts...

- the IS model would be better an option but now talking nearer 600 rather than 300 secondhand . I have to consider the possibility I may have this equipment stolen from me

- Ill miss IS

- IS model is weather sealed (some areas worry me, amazon etc)

- its big and grey therefore will attracted possibly unwanted attention in areas such as the favelas in Rio.

- weight and size - I will have to lug it about on top of all other equipment

I have then considered something like Canon 55-250mm IS and 70-300mm IS - obviously not as good as the 70-200mm but more compact, less in your face, smaller , lighter .

Then is it worth looking at something from the likes of Tamron, sigma?

I think I'll leave it there and see what comes back first .....

As you can see I have lots to think about and I'm trying to narrow my equipment list down but ultimately as a keen photographer I'd want to bring back some lovely pictures and will I kick myself for not spending that little bit extra for the quality lens despite the additional hassle it may bring?
 
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I use a macpac kahu 22 when abroad. I have my extra lens in a simple Canon pouch and the camera is just wrapped around a t-shirt or jumper. Not as padded but I don't tend to chuck this bag about and it's kept the equipment unscathed. I also carry in this a Giotto's Vitruvian tripod as well. Still plenty of space for any fluids, map etc and the bag is extremely comfortable on long distances/time.
 
vala said:
I use a macpac kahu 22 when abroad. I have my extra lens in a simple Canon pouch and the camera is just wrapped around a t-shirt or jumper. Not as padded but I don't tend to chuck this bag about and it's kept the equipment unscathed. I also carry in this a Giotto's Vitruvian tripod as well. Still plenty of space for any fluids, map etc and the bag is extremely comfortable on long distances/time.
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Thanks I'll take a look at that.

Jackwow said:
You'll regret not having anything wide.
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You mean like a 10-22mm? :)
 
I'm in the middle of a trip round SE asia, Cambodia at the moment. I impulse bought a Sony RX100 the day before I left, but still brought my D5100 + 18-300 + 17-50 2.8 + 35 1.8. The DSLR is still in the bottom of my pack and hasn't been touched, I will never travel again with a big camera the RX100 is that good. The panorama and twilight modes are amazing, and the sensor is at least as good as the D5100 in low light.

My 2 cents :)
 
Jackwow said:
You'll regret not having anything wide.
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With a crop frame camera I would also definitely agree you need something wider than a 24-105. I often fell the need for something wider when using this lens on my 5D MKII which as you know is full frame.

I did a long trip wthout my DSLR once and regretted it from day 1. It is bit of an inconvenience carting all your gear around for weeks or months on end, but the results are worth it IMO.

I did a 2 month trip to India earlier this year and took...

5D MKII
24-105L
100-400L
50mm f1.8

I was fairly happy on the whole with this set up, but next time I go somewhere I may well invest in a wide prime and take my 35mm f2 rather than the 50mm f1.8.
 
SMT said:
With a crop frame camera I would also definitely agree you need something wider than a 24-105. I often fell the need for something wider when using this lens on my 5D MKII which as you know is full frame.

I did a long trip wthout my DSLR once and regretted it from day 1. It is bit of an inconvenience carting all your gear around for weeks or months on end, but the results are worth it IMO.

I did a 2 month trip to India earlier this year and took...

5D MKII
24-105L
100-400L
50mm f1.8

I was fairly happy on the whole with this set up, but next time I go somewhere I may well invest in a wide prime and take my 35mm f2 rather than the 50mm f1.8.
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Thanks but really funds will only allow me to go for one more lens (400-500) so I guess I needed to decide whether it's a zoom lens or something like the 10-22mm - now even more confused lol
 
mid_gen said:
I'm in the middle of a trip round SE asia, Cambodia at the moment....
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I'm in Thailand at the moment and was in Cambodia last week. I have my 7D, 10-22, 15-85 and 70-300L with me but the 15-85 has been on my camera for 99% of the time, to the extent that, if space or weight was an issue, I would happily travel with only the 7D and 15-85.
 
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I would not even dream of walking around with all that kit on a trip like that, especially in the fovellas. I'd get something small enough to fit in a small case that I can put in the top of my rucksack or a small waist pack, and which does not look too nick-able.

The Fuji X-E1 and NEX 5/6/7 or Oly OMD each with a couple of well chosen lenses will all pretty much match your SLR kit for IQ (seriously) and weigh you down a lot less. A Sony RX100 would be an option too if you don't mind losing a bit of high ISO performance (stick a small Gorillapod in your bag too).

I have used an Xpro1 for a few months now as a travel option with 3 primes and have some of my best results ever. I sold my D7000 without any regrets, though I do still have a D600 for paid work. Thing is, the Xpro1 does not really lose out much to a D600 for IQ, even at high ISO. Crazy I know, but true all the same. The new X-E1 with the 18-55 "kit" zoom would be a great travel camera IMO.
 
Janitor. said:
Agreed! When I hit south america I had a 28mm as my widest - REALLY regret not even taking a cheapo 18-55efs thing just for some of the things you'll see (especially if you go to eduardo avaroa park in Bolivia!)
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I do still have my 18-55? I see what you guys are saying so I will consider a 10-22mm but again will I not miss a decent zoom lens? Maybe it would be an option to junk the 24-105mm and go for a 70-200 F4 and 10-22!

Critical I said:
I would not even dream of walking around with all that kit on a trip like that, especially in the fovellas. I'd get something small enough to fit in a small case that I can put in the top of my rucksack or a small waist pack, and which does not look too nick-able.

The Fuji X-E1 and NEX 5/6/7 or Oly OMD each with a couple of well chosen lenses will all pretty much match your SLR kit for IQ (seriously) and weigh you down a lot less. A Sony RX100 would be an option too if you don't mind losing a bit of high ISO performance (stick a small Gorillapod in your bag too).

I have used an Xpro1 for a few months now as a travel option with 3 primes and have some of my best results ever. I sold my D7000 without any regrets, though I do still have a D600 for paid work. Thing is, the Xpro1 does not really lose out much to a D600 for IQ, even at high ISO. Crazy I know, but true all the same. The new X-E1 with the 18-55 "kit" zoom would be a great travel camera IMO.
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Ok just to confirm I will be smart - I'm not going to go walking about Favelas with a grey L Lens around my neck but I do agree I need to keep my equipment hidden as much as I can.
 
my 2cents -

- something wide (tall buildings, views, big waterfalls etc)
- macro - wonderful creatures out there :D
- portrait/fast lens - on a crop something in the 30-35 mm
- Zoom for those longer shots (ie very wildlife not too close, birds)


Its a bit of a weight, but it depends what you are intending to shoot (ie you have a plan of places to go and what to take pics of whilst there). Besides, is it likely you'll be going back? If so then use this as a test run. If not... well take as much as you can. :)

Extra memory cards or a portable hd to offload pictures whilst you eat.


Enjoy the trip !!
 
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How about 10-22, 70-200 and a small prime around 1.8 (say the 28mm or 50mm)?
 
I'm currently in SE Asia, Cambodia last week, now Vietnam - seems to be a theme in this thread!
We have a 10-22, 55-250 and small primte (50mm F1.4) and we barely use the prime these days. The wide and the slightly longer lens seem to give us good range for people, landscapes and general daily use while on the road.
PS, jealous of 6 months in South America, on my list one day :)
 
v16ben said:
I'm currently in SE Asia, Cambodia last week, now Vietnam - seems to be a theme in this thread!
We have a 10-22, 55-250 and small primte (50mm F1.4) and we barely use the prime these days. The wide and the slightly longer lens seem to give us good range for people, landscapes and general daily use while on the road.
PS, jealous of 6 months in South America, on my list one day :)
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How do you find the 10-22mm? Landscape lens or zoom lens - I'm really torn at the minute!
 
Tom Tom said:
Yes have Considered that and not even taking the 24-105mm.....
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And it will definitely all fit in the Macpac Kahu 22 along with a travel tripod and other little day to day essentials....I know as this is what I have and take when travelling.
 
I'd sell your 24-105 I've never understood it as a choice on a crop camera.

Then I'd invest the money in a tamron 17-50mm f2.8 and the 70-200mm f4. Put a nice fast prime around 30mm in the bag for when you want something small and light and never leave the country without a gorilla pod mine has been so valuable!

Brazil is very dodgy I've been all round the world with my SLR and never felt as vulnerable anywhere as I did in Rio. My camera spent most of it's time wrapped in a t-shirt in an unmarked carrier bag. I wouldn't venture into a real slum with an SLR unless your with a local.

Outside of Rio we felt much much safer, weather sealing in the amazon wasn't an issue but we were there at the start if the dry season.
 
vala said:
And it will definitely all fit in the Macpac Kahu 22 along with a travel tripod and other little day to day essentials....I know as this is what I have and take when travelling.
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Just looking at the bag now!

a1ex2001 said:
I'd sell your 24-105 I've never understood it as a choice on a crop camera.

Then I'd invest the money in a tamron 17-50mm f2.8 and the 70-200mm f4. Put a nice fast prime around 30mm in the bag for when you want something small and light and never leave the country without a gorilla pod mine has been so valuable!

Brazil is very dodgy I've been all round the world with my SLR and never felt as vulnerable anywhere as I did in Rio. My camera spent most of it's time wrapped in a t-shirt in an unmarked carrier bag. I wouldn't venture into a real slum with an SLR unless your with a local.

Outside of Rio we felt much much safer, weather sealing in the amazon wasn't an issue but we were there at the start if the dry season.
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Thanks for the advice Alex ! Hadn't thought of a gorilla pod I'll add it to the list :)

Do you think I'll need a 10-22 for landscapes?

Quite tempted to sell the 24-105 and go with the following

60D
10-22mm
70-200 F4 IS
50mm F1.8

Could always throw in my 18-55mm just in case
 
Mines a full frame, but on a crop body I'd go with

17-50 2.8
35 1.4
70-300 IS

but when I went to argentina and chile last year, we took a GF1 + 20mm and a 14-140. Size & weight were the key factors and I was delighted with the kit.
 
Tom Tom said:
Just looking at the bag now!



Thanks for the advice Alex ! Hadn't thought of a gorilla pod I'll add it to the list :)

Do you think I'll need a 10-22 for landscapes?

Quite tempted to sell the 24-105 and go with the following

60D
10-22mm
70-200 F4 IS
50mm F1.8

Could always throw in my 18-55mm just in case
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For me the 10-22mm is a nice to have the 17-50mm is already pretty wide but it depends on your style I always struggle with composition much wider than 28mm (full frame) but your millage will obvioulsy vary.

The 24-105mm is a great lens on full frame but such a compromise on a crop if you take that I certainly wouldn't go without the 10-22mm.

There were times when I wanted something longer than a 200mm (on full frame) over the summer but that always the case with wildlife you can never have enough length. For the amazon it was also great to have something that could focus close(ish) a true macro would have been great but extra money and weight I could live without.
 
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Tom Tom said:
How do you find the 10-22mm? Landscape lens or zoom lens - I'm really torn at the minute!
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The 10-22 is great for landscapes and close ups like in historic towns, buildings, churches etc and there are plenty of both in South America :)

I haven't used it as much as I expected to, but the SE Asia trip has been more street/people photography than landscape and I expect South America might be a little different with all those incredible vistas to shoot.
 
I'm currenlt in planning a trip to asia for about 4 months.

I have decided to take 10-20, 18-200, nifty fifty and 28mm along with my 450d. I am thinling about a small tripiod and 270 exIi too. I will be taking all of this in a lowpro flipside 400, i can fit other things in the bag and it opens against your back (if that makes sense) so feels secure - it is also comfortable to wear.

I am currently looking at maybe upgrading to a 60d. How do you find the difference in quality from 450d to 60d??

I would love to get a 24-105 but this is out of my range at the moment.

Personally i would take a wide angle (10-22). However if that means selling/not taking your 24-105 then i'd probably keep this anf forfeit the wide angle.

I see you are taking an external storage device i would still take plenty of sd cards too. Amazon and my memory do decent price 16gb sandisk extremes for about £10-£12.

On a sife note whereabouts are you going?? I fancy south america next - some stuuning places.
 
a1ex2001 said:
...Brazil is very dodgy I've been all round the world with my SLR and never felt as vulnerable anywhere as I did in Rio. My camera spent most of it's time wrapped in a t-shirt in an unmarked carrier bag. I wouldn't venture into a real slum with an SLR unless your with a local...
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I went to Rio in February 2002 and was mugged at knifepoint on my first day in broad daylight and I wasn't even in the favelas. He got my Canon SLR but I managed to do a runner before he got anything else. :bang:
 
:eek:


The only time I've ever felt threatened was in Luxor 20 years ago, I had a dynax 700si on a tripod at night photographing the ruins, a local came up started asking questions then took my arm and tried to take me to a better spot through a dark alley

It may have been perfectly innocent because they were always trying to get tips for unwanted advice

I made it perfectly plain I wasn't going with him and he backed off

It sounds like you did the right thing , it's not worth getting stabbed for anything less than protecting your family , certainly not a camera
 
fox in the box said:
I'm currenlt in planning a trip to asia for about 4 months.

I have decided to take 10-20, 18-200, nifty fifty and 28mm along with my 450d. I am thinling about a small tripiod and 270 exIi too. I will be taking all of this in a lowpro flipside 400, i can fit other things in the bag and it opens against your back (if that makes sense) so feels secure - it is also comfortable to wear.

I am currently looking at maybe upgrading to a 60d. How do you find the difference in quality from 450d to 60d??

I would love to get a 24-105 but this is out of my range at the moment.

Personally i would take a wide angle (10-22). However if that means selling/not taking your 24-105 then i'd probably keep this anf forfeit the wide angle.

I see you are taking an external storage device i would still take plenty of sd cards too. Amazon and my memory do decent price 16gb sandisk extremes for about £10-£12.

On a sife note whereabouts are you going?? I fancy south america next - some stuuning places.
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You will love in Asia - like I said previously I travelled Asia and Australisia for around a year and really loved it. I am going into London this week to have a look at bags - I wil look at the 400 but I really didn't want an obvious 'camera' bag so if prob rip the logo off at least!

I used a 450D on my last trip with an 18-135mm IS and 50mm F1.8. Im taking a 60D this time but haven't got it yet - I'm 99% sure I'll be buying it new from Panamoz Cameras though.

Last trip I took around 15 2GB SD cards - I then regularly copied to a hard drive, kept the old SD cards in separate bag and also backed up to CD. I almost lost half my pictures in Vietnam - I paid some local Vietnamese wizz kid to fix it - only charged me 2 quid lol (gave him 20 ;) - so I then did everything I could to ensure I didn't have the problem again :)

Jackwow said:
I went to Rio in February 2002 and was mugged at knifepoint on my first day in broad daylight and I wasn't even in the favelas. He got my Canon SLR but I managed to do a runner before he got anything else. :bang:
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That's awful! Jesus ok well Ill try and be more careful.

v16ben said:
The 10-22 is great for landscapes and close ups like in historic towns, buildings, churches etc and there are plenty of both in South America :)

I haven't used it as much as I expected to, but the SE Asia trip has been more street/people photography than landscape and I expect South America might be a little different with all those incredible vistas to shoot.
Click to expand...

Just to add I now have a Canon 10-22mm :thumbs: - bought it last night through the for sale section. Now to get myself a 70-200 F4 IS :D
 
I've done some of Asia before and used the bag all the time. I have never thought about taking the logo's off but I think it's a good idea, I'll do that this time in order to help disguise things a bit. Thanks

I think the wide angle will be useful and allow for some nice landscape shots, esp if you're going to do the Inca Trail.
 
fox in the box said:
On a sife note whereabouts are you going?? I fancy south america next - some stuuning places.
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Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador , Costa Rica - no plan just going with the flow but that's the general route :)
 
i spent 9 months in central and south america. If i were to do it again it would be the following. I had a 40D and a 24-105L Sigma 10 20 and a 70 - 300? cheapo. 50 1.8

I would take the following if using a crop sensor
Wide - 10-22 or Sigma 10 -20 - You will regret not having this
Medium 24 -70 f2.8 - Great fast sharp walkabout lens. HEAVY!! (24-105 is good as well although the DOF of the 2.8 would be more usefull).
Long 70-200 f4
Canon 2X extension
ND Filters
Polarisers
Tripod. DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT. I got sick of trying to balance my camera on fence posts, chairs etc.
A small daypack / rucksack that doesnt look like a cmara bag. I used one from redsnapper and it worked a treat.
Padlock
Black electrical tape - Always handy
Insurance - get camera specific insurance. Worth it!

Now - Safety! You may know all this already but
If you can get a locker at your hostal do so. If not, never let the gear out of your sight. Its not always the locals you need to be carefull of. Sadly many other travellers have light fingers too!! Never be showy with your gear. Keep it out of sight as much as poss.
I kept my expensive kit on me at all times.

NEVER put it on a bus rack either inside or out. It will be passed down the bus without you knowing and then out of the window to another part of the theif team. Seen this done!! Allways between your feet and loop the strap around your ankle.

Do not walk around late at night with loads of gear, on your own, in the poorer parts of town. Taxis are relativly cheap. Im speaking from expereience when i say its not nice staring down the barrell of a hand gun! (I didnt have any camera gear on me only 30 dollars or so but it was the wrong part of town at the wrong time of night!)
Always ask at the hostal/hotel where the dodgy spots are. They will be more than happy to help.

Having said that, in all the years that i have been travelling (since 1996 asia, india, africa, central and south america to name a few. All 6 month plus trips) i have been robbed only 4 times. Once was in Thailand when they somehow got into my room and took some travellers cheques. Once was pickpocketed in Guatemala for a small digital camera and once was in panama, at gunpoint. But that was my own fault as i had been super carefull all through the trip and dropped my guard as nothing had happened...until then. My worst expereinec of being robbed, ironically, was another Brit who was sharing a house with me in Aus. He stole credit cards, cheques (from the back of a mates chequebook) and ran up thousands then disapeared. But thats quite a funny story.
 
Very helpful post there mate thanks!

gpc1 said:
I would take the following if using a crop sensor
Wide - 10-22 or Sigma 10 -20 - You will regret not having this
Medium 24 -70 f2.8 - Great fast sharp walkabout lens. HEAVY!! (24-105 is good as well although the DOF of the 2.8 would be more usefull).
Long 70-200 f4
Canon 2X extension
ND Filters
Polarisers
Tripod. DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT. I got sick of trying to balance my camera on fence posts, chairs etc.
A small daypack / rucksack that doesnt look like a cmara bag. I used one from redsnapper and it worked a treat.
Padlock
Black electrical tape - Always handy
Insurance - get camera specific insurance. Worth it!

.
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Looking through this I think I'm almost there

Got the Canon 10-22mm
Got the 24-105mm F4 although a this stage I think I'll be leaving this one behind
About to put an order in for the 70-200 F4
Already got a Canon x1.4 II Extender on the way
Have a 50mm F1.8

ND Filter - hadn't even thought about these

Polarising Filter - looking a the Hoya Pro 1 77mm filter for the landscape shots - would you advise taking one for the 70-200 too?

Tripod - haven't got but someone mentioned a gorilla pod - can you recommend one ? Must be light and small to carry

Rucksack - still not decided and struggling here because there is soo much available. I wanted something that will carry camera gear and double up as a decent day pack but nothing fancy . Could go with a normal bag but worried any lenses won't be protected especially in transit.

I like your outlook on the more negative experiences you've had - Ive had a few incidents (got mugged in Bali, room broken into etc) and looking back now you do kinda laugh about it - not sure about a gun in the face though! :shake: Guess its all part of the experience hey!
 
For a bag i used this

http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-accessories/Verso_Backpack_Shoulder.html.

Did the job lovely and didnt look like a camera bag. I mainly kept the 24 - 105 and 10 20 in it, plus the 50mm 1.8. Cleaning gear filters etc. Couldnt fault it really for the price.

The bigger the bag you buy, the more ***** you will fill it with.

Just bought a tripod off these guys too. Good gear for the money.

Oh yeah get a remote release as well. You can get a cheapo one from amazon for about 2.95 that you can use in bulb mode. If you are into long exposure you can get a digital timer one for a few quid more so you dont have to use a stopwatch / iphone.

Again, if i were to do the trip again i would certianly invest in a digital timer one.

The thing is, you could take one of each lenses canon does and you WILL find a use for it. You need to think about your photography, what you want to acheive, your style and then select three lenses that cover it. Even then, you will be in situations where you think.."I wish i had that ....... lens".

I met a guy that travelled with nothing but a 5d and a 85mm 1.2L. he had some stunning shots, mainly beacuse his style was a really shallow DOF, but it didnt really do it for the landscape stuff.

I found that the 24 105 at the 105 end was great for street photography. Although i would have liked the 200 as you would get more candid shots.

I wouldnt use a gorrila pod. They are handy but when you are standing knee deep in water for an amazing sunrise with the mountains, and your gorrila pod gives way and drops your beloved gear into the lake it kinda ruins it.

Get a decent travel tripod. I didnt have one and it was a nightmare. i look back and think of the shots i could have had if i had a decent sturdy tripod. You find ways around it but it does restrict creativity options. The tripod is the difference between a good shot and a great shot!
 
Again thanks very much for the input - lots of useful information there. Will take a good look at the bag :) does it have compartments for the lenses?
 
Good choice on getting the 10-22.
I was shooting with mine in Phnom Penh a few days ago and love it again!
That route sounds great. It's on my travel list for the future!
 
Tom Tom said:
Again thanks very much for the input - lots of useful information there. Will take a good look at the bag :) does it have compartments for the lenses?
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Have a good think about straps. I just got back from 5 months holiday and when I had to wear my backpack or shoulder bag and wear a sling strap I was pretty uncomfortable. There's a limit to the number of straps one shoulder will be happy with! When I wasn't luggin lots of gear I wore a small pouch on my belt to hold a wide lens or flash and the camera on a rapid strap. Small shoulder bag or backpack to put the dslr in as well if I felt threatened anywhere that was normally empty except for a compact or sweater ( I was sick a lot).

Found myself looking for straps that will attach to my backpack straps when I got home. The perfect list for next time continues.
 
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