tgreenhaw

My wife and I are vacationing later this month in Rome for two days, a week in a villa in Chianti and finally two days in Florence. We'll be doing a day trip to Sienna and Montalcino and maybe another day in Lucca with our rental car. Barring catastrophe, I'll post pictures here next month when I get back.

I'd like to tap into the UHH brain-trust and all suggestions are welcomed especially concerning where the best spots photographs & short videos are allowed and what problems to look out for.

I'm second guessing my original plan to pack my full equipment backpack (Canon 5ds, 70d, Ricoh Theta-S, 10-18mm, 18-135mm, 35mm 1.4L, 24-70mmL, 100-400mm L, 320EX Speedlite, Manfrotto Travel Tripod, batteries, chargers, filters, etc.)

I've been forewarned about thieves in Rome; is Florence risky as well? (bear in mind, I live in Chicago :-)

Auerbach Loc: Chappaqua, New York

Florence is very risky. Street thieves specialize in grab and go. I wouldn't walk around with your bag; just a camera around your neck.

WetCoaster

Stay off the the bridge (Ponte Vecchio?) in Florence. Our tour guide described it as a den of thieves. You should look at the thread about a Rhine cruise. The overwhelming consensus is that you need a minimalist approach to gear. Your situation may a bit different than a cruise, but most of the comments still apply.

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

Personally, I would only take your 24-70mm lens. You do not want to have to carry it all around and leaving items in your hotel room can be risky as well. A lot of places will not allow flash, so your fast lens will be good. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and you will be fine. Most of all enjoy your trip!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I would think your 24-70 or a 24-105 would be enough unless you like really wide shots. You might consider one fast lens like the 35 f1.4 for the inside of museums, etc. where flash is not allowed. I would take the 5Ds (and plenty of cards) unless you feel you need a spare body. Not sure there would be much use for the 100-400. I would pay attention around the coliseum (snatch and grab - often children), but other than that, I have found Rome to be very safe. Enjoy - my favorite city.

tgreenhaw

Thanks for all the great tips!

repleo Loc: Boston

We just got back from a week in Umbria and Southern Tuscany. Some of the most signature Tuscan landscapes are in the Val d'Orcia area. You will find spectacular shots from the Belvedere walk on the south side of Pienza. More classic scenes along SP146 between Pienza and San Quirico d'Orcia. Bagno Vignoni is worth a stop when you want to sit and relax over a nice lunch and glass of vino. The oft-shot 'S' poplar lined driveway up to the farmhouse is just a mile west of La Foce but there are even better examples to be 'discovered' all over the area.

The road SP14 from Torrenieri to Asciano takes you through the unbelievably beautiful scenery of the Col Senesi - those rolling rumpled hills with poplar lined roads and driveways and castellos sitting on hilltops. Try to time it to catch the late afternoon light - breathtaking. You could do this area and Montalcino in a day but trying to take in Sienna in the same day would be too much unless you stay a night in Sienna - which you should do anyway. North of Sienna, try to get to San Gimignano although it gets very crowded and can be hard to photograph. In the Chianti area, Castello di Brolio, Abbazia di Coltibuono and the little village of Virtine near Gaiole are an easy day trip and very beautiful.

I brought my Sony A6000 and a half dozen lenses. The only ones I actually used were my 18-105 / F4 and 24/F1.8. (on crop sensor). Wide and fast is best. Those tall narrow streets and alleys get dark pretty quick.

Tips?? Pack light - hill towns are actually on hills which usually means climbing. Drink two glasses of water for every glass of wine. When you arrive at a hill town, drive to the top of the town instead of parking at the first lot at the bottom - you might be lucky and find a spot at the top. Smaller towns close down and are pretty well deserted between 1:00 pm and 4:00 PM - good time to take pics. Watch out for restricted driving areas in Florence and Sienna - heavy fines if you don't have a permit. Most important - have fun and post pics!!!

picsman Loc: Scotland

Don't forget how hot Italy can be. When I went I took a single lens 24-120 to travel light. I suppose it depends on whether you are holidaying with a camera or going on a camera holiday!

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

Pack lightly with half a dozen lenses? I would be curious to know what lenses those were.

Inglese

Two days in Rome is nowhere sufficient but as you have already booked so be it. I suggest one camera and one all-purpose lens. The threat of pickpockets and thieves is not exaggerated by any means and don't expect any help from police either. Keep it simple and keep it tight. I was picked on a near empty Metro train whilst my Italian friend was actually watching me and warning me and that was from a front pocket. On the same day I saw a gypsy-looking woman walking behind someone and dipping the woman's bag (fortunately a taxi gave timely warning). You start putting up tripods and such and you will get drive by snatching. Just enjoy what you see and forget most of your gear.

repleo Loc: Boston

Rokinon 12 /f2.0; kit 16_50; kit 55_210; zeiss 24/f1.8; 50/f1.8 and 18_105/f4. I really only used the 18_105 and switched to the 24 for a handful of 'special' shots. The rest never left the bag.
Lesson learned - leave the arsenal at home and travel light.

rafikiphoto Loc: Spain

I took my 5DS R to Venice recently with a 16-35 f4 L IS and the 24-105 f4 L IS. Over 90% of shots taken were with the 24-105. The 5D was attached to a Peak Design Slide Lite strap across my chest and the alternate lens, spare batteries, other valuable items etc. in a PacSafe Venturesafe 300 secure bag. I've had that bag for a few years and used it throughout Europe and in Africa. https://www.amazon.es/dp/B00AE0NW2Y/ref=pe_386191_41384461_TE_item

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

I second the advice about San Gimignano and with your 5D a 24 - 105 lens, maybe a wide angle prime.

jgunkler

You'll miss a lot if you go to Lucca without a local guide. You won't need a long lens anywhere on this trip.

rdemarco52 Loc: Wantagh, NY

I have been to all those places and never had a problem. I am from New York, so I am programmed to be aware of my surroundings; that is what you need to do. That 18-135 lens will be plenty for Florence and Rome. The smaller places like Sienna and Lucca offer many interesting opportunities. Chianti scenery and landscape is spectacular. Don't miss Verrazzano Castle. Enjoy and share your photos.