wonkytripod Loc: Peterborough UK

Hi Fellow Hogs looking for advice and inspiration.

I have been asked to do some training work in the Falkland Islands and unfortunately I will have to spend 4 days marooned there before I can fly back to the UK. I am being transported by the RAF and will have a luggage allowance of 35 kilos but this has to include all my training aids and handouts etc.

I am hoping that some of you well seasoned overseas or regular travellers will be able to help me decide which would be the best way to go as far as kit is concerned.

I have listed below the kit that I am trying to choose from.

Manfrotto monopod with swivel head (has tripod foot built in) or with Benro ball head.
Induro tripod with Benro ball head (Alloy ) or
Hama 30 tripod (lightweight) with Benro ball head

Body Nikon D7000

Lenses
Tamron 10-24 f3.5-4.5 G Wide angle
Nikon 18-105 f3.5-5.6 G VR Kit Lens
Tokina 35mm f2.8 G Macro
Nikon 50mm f1.8 D
Tamron 70-300 f4-5.6 G VC
Sigma 150-500 f5-6.5 G OS
2X converter
I was considering the possibility of hiring a couple of other lenses and leaving my own lenses at home, would appreciate advice on what would be the best lenses to hire to suit my needs.

My hope when there is to photograph wildlife, landscapes, plants and old military installations that remain abandoned since the conflict in 1982. I know this should be an easy choice based on weight and luggage allowance, but stability of kit verses ease of transport, 150-500 or 70-300 with 2X converter, I was hoping that you more experienced photographers would kindly assist me in my quest.

Thanks in anticipation of your most welcomed advice.

billwassmann Loc: Emerson, NJ

Just don't piss of the Brits. they're sensitive about those islands.

wonkytripod Loc: Peterborough UK

I am British, and generally I am known for pissing people off so I should be OK :thumbup:

twowindsbear

Watch out for land mines!

wonkytripod Loc: Peterborough UK

Yes guessed that :thumbdown:

billwassmann Loc: Emerson, NJ

Enjoy the opportunity.

wonkytripod Loc: Peterborough UK

Certainly will, not many people get paid to go there and enjoy their hobby as well. :thumbup:

Photoninny Loc: Monterey Bay Area

Visited the Falklands 3 years ago via cruise ship. Make sure that your mono/tripods are sturdy, as it can be very, very WINDY! Even on calm days.

wonkytripod Loc: Peterborough UK

Thanks, that makes me definitely think big tripod. :thumbup:

wonkytripod Loc: Peterborough UK

What time of year were you there?

Photoninny Loc: Monterey Bay Area

We were there Dec 27 2008. Heard that the cruise ship scheduled for the next day could not enter the harbor due to the winds. The islands are exposed and low. Roads outside of Stanley are all but nonexistent. Photo is our caravan to a penguin colony.

Gobuster Loc: South Florida

Addressing your original question, I'd take the 10-24, 18-105, 70-300 and 2x converter. In addition I'd consider renting a second D7000 body or good bridge camera, trusting luck to one body is risky. Don't forget the charger and extra batteries. Also take extra memory cards. This strictly my opinion and I'm not a professional. Seems a good balance of lens range and portability. As to the tripods and heads, I'd be inclined toleave them home, too bulky and may not be worth lugging. VR lenses really help!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Take a P&S and a damn heavy coat!

wonkytripod Loc: Peterborough UK

Thanks Gobuster. I still have my trusty old d70 as well I know shes only 6m pixels but she served me well before the d7000.
:thumbup: :thumbup:

wonkytripod Loc: Peterborough UK

I work on the principle that there is no such thing as bad weather only inappropriate clothing. Thanks :thumbup: :thumbup: