2018 Danube River Cruise - Equipment??
Jun 30, 2017 12:37:27 #
Hi, Mark
We just returned from the Budapest to Prague River cruise on AMA Waterways. It was spectacular, exceeding our expectations. I also faced the same dilemma re: camera and lenses. I too have the 5DIII and many L lenses. My wife has a Lumix FZ200 with a stationary 24-600 2.8 Leica lens. I bought a Tamron 28-300 lenses and it was the only one I took-also no tripod. The only time I might have wanted a tripod or any wider lenses was when we had extra time in Budapest before the cruise or in Prague, where we spent 3 days at the end of the cruise. I found that the ISO range of my 5DIII was so good I was able to hand hold the 28-300 even in old, dark cathedrals. Also, the range on my wife's bridge camera was outstanding. You won't find much need for any tele distance beyond 200 since the distances to either shore from the ship are really quite close. Also, when touring the various smaller cities, you won't have any time to set up a tripod.
Have a wonderful time and spend more time enjoying the sights and cultural and a little less on photography.
We just returned from the Budapest to Prague River cruise on AMA Waterways. It was spectacular, exceeding our expectations. I also faced the same dilemma re: camera and lenses. I too have the 5DIII and many L lenses. My wife has a Lumix FZ200 with a stationary 24-600 2.8 Leica lens. I bought a Tamron 28-300 lenses and it was the only one I took-also no tripod. The only time I might have wanted a tripod or any wider lenses was when we had extra time in Budapest before the cruise or in Prague, where we spent 3 days at the end of the cruise. I found that the ISO range of my 5DIII was so good I was able to hand hold the 28-300 even in old, dark cathedrals. Also, the range on my wife's bridge camera was outstanding. You won't find much need for any tele distance beyond 200 since the distances to either shore from the ship are really quite close. Also, when touring the various smaller cities, you won't have any time to set up a tripod.
Have a wonderful time and spend more time enjoying the sights and cultural and a little less on photography.
Jun 30, 2017 12:43:11 #
Prague to Budapest great trip did it a few years ago take your best gear don,t worry about the weight of camera gear its called wouda couda shuda I took a D3x 24-70 70-200 and so glad I did my 2 cents Mike
Jun 30, 2017 13:05:51 #
Hi Mark,
I was on a similar cruise 2 years ago. Took a Canon 70D with 18-135 Lens. All I needed and I got many great images worthy of putting on a wall. I have since purchased the Fuji XT-2 for similar type trips with the 18-55, 10-24 and 35mm 2.0 lenses. Everything fits into a small bag with also holds 3 batteries, the charger and memory cards. It took me a long time to find the "perfect" photographic "tool kit" that fits my needs and style but also produces spot-on high quality images. And although I also have the Fuji 55-200mm lens, I leave that at home and forgoe those few long-range shots which would require the heavier lens. European river trips are wonderful and you won't be lost about finding great images. Enjoy your trip and good luck with your equipment decisions. It really is very personal.
I was on a similar cruise 2 years ago. Took a Canon 70D with 18-135 Lens. All I needed and I got many great images worthy of putting on a wall. I have since purchased the Fuji XT-2 for similar type trips with the 18-55, 10-24 and 35mm 2.0 lenses. Everything fits into a small bag with also holds 3 batteries, the charger and memory cards. It took me a long time to find the "perfect" photographic "tool kit" that fits my needs and style but also produces spot-on high quality images. And although I also have the Fuji 55-200mm lens, I leave that at home and forgoe those few long-range shots which would require the heavier lens. European river trips are wonderful and you won't be lost about finding great images. Enjoy your trip and good luck with your equipment decisions. It really is very personal.
Jun 30, 2017 13:25:46 #
DStone wrote:
...Also remember many indoor locations don't allow photography (Melk Abbey is a good example).
That's interesting. We were in Melk Abbey two years ago and there was no prohibition on photography. I don't remember if they prohibited flash, as I don't use it due to lack of sufficient range for the things I would want to capture. So unless rules have changed Mark should be able to take some nice photos inside the Abbey (if his river cruise stops there) where there are lots of good subjects.
As an aside, we found the town of Melk itself to be one of the most charming we visited.
Jun 30, 2017 13:49:04 #
Regarding prohibition on photography inside European Cathedrals, Abbey's, etc. for the most part you are ok as long as you do not use flash. High ISO settings work fine along with a steady hand. There are a few (St Marks in Venice is one) that do not allow any photography.
Jun 30, 2017 13:50:02 #
Mark, my wife and I took the Viking Romantic Danube cruise (Nuremberg to Budapest) two years ago. We did not do the Prague pre-cruise extension as we were at a wedding near Berlin prior to the cruise. It was a beautiful trip despite a few misty times along the way.
As far as equipment goes, I did not see much use for a tripod and my most used lens (>85%) was my 17-50mm f/2.8. My other lenses were 12-24mm and 55-300mm, the latter used the least and only on board for distant buildings. I also did not take an auxiliary flash.
On board we had one individual who consistently had two DSLR bodies around his neck, one with a 70-200 f/2.8. He did not seem to have a smile on his face too often. I suggest traveling light and enjoying your experience.
As far as equipment goes, I did not see much use for a tripod and my most used lens (>85%) was my 17-50mm f/2.8. My other lenses were 12-24mm and 55-300mm, the latter used the least and only on board for distant buildings. I also did not take an auxiliary flash.
On board we had one individual who consistently had two DSLR bodies around his neck, one with a 70-200 f/2.8. He did not seem to have a smile on his face too often. I suggest traveling light and enjoying your experience.
Jun 30, 2017 13:52:41 #
Your wife will be happy enough on this wonderful trip (mine was). Take/rent your best gear and use is happily. Otherwise, the entire time you are there, looking at the wonderful sites, you will be kicking yourself that you did not maximize the opportunity.
Jun 30, 2017 14:45:15 #
markngolf wrote:
My wife & I have scheduled a cruise (Prague to... (show quote)
Did not do a river cruise, but spent 3 weeks in Prague, Vienna and Budapest last year. Most of my shots were done with an Olympus 12-40 (24-80 equivalent). I brought an UWA, but most of the time I shot panoramas and stitched. But I brought a tripod and used it for those shots. I shot some concerts (used fast primes) and portraits (used telephoto zoom); that was planned work so I brought those lenses for that purpose.
If you don't mind stitching and your technique is good, you can get away with just bringing the 5DMiii and 24-70. Otherwise, I recommend bringing the Tamron as well. One camera, two lenses, have a good trip.
Jun 30, 2017 15:05:28 #
markngolf wrote:
My wife & I have scheduled a cruise (Prague to... (show quote)
I would definitely take a Sony RX10III. For higher quality stuff and time permitting, add a Sony A6000 series with Sigma 19, 30, and 60mm f2.8 primes. - have FUN !
Jun 30, 2017 15:15:05 #
Took the Great Rivers of Europe cruise a while back and have been to Prague. Two lenses were sufficient.
90% of my shots were with my 24-105 and the rest with my 70-200. The latter were all from the ship getting close-up shots of castles and other interesting buildings. Hope you're blessed with better weather than we had. Rained almost every day for the better part of 3 weeks. Enjoy your trip!
90% of my shots were with my 24-105 and the rest with my 70-200. The latter were all from the ship getting close-up shots of castles and other interesting buildings. Hope you're blessed with better weather than we had. Rained almost every day for the better part of 3 weeks. Enjoy your trip!
Jun 30, 2017 15:26:33 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
I can understand the excitement, but don't get bogged down with gear for travel. I think your 7D Mkll with the 17-35 will handle the majority of the shots. If you were stuck on the 5D lll, I would probably go with a 24-105 which can be rented. Nothing not to like about either of the Sony's you mention. Safe and happy journey,
Jun 30, 2017 15:56:27 #
A 17-35 will be too short for many shots along the river and 105 also. I recommend going to 200mm if you want to do castles, etc. along the rivers.
Jun 30, 2017 15:58:57 #
I've made 5 River Cruise trips in Europe with Grand Circle Cruise Line. Prague and Budapest were included in these trips. The thing I've liked for the last three trips is the fact that two cameras and two lenses were adequate for this kind of travel. I shoot a Pentax K5 and a Pentax K5II and carry a Sigma 18-250 on one and a Tamron 18-200 on the other. So far I've never needed to go for the back-up camera but I carry it on the trips so I have it if needed. My primary lens has been the Sigma on the K5II. The cameras and some cleaning equipment is a relatively light load and I can pack two days of clothing and shaving gear in the backpack. This works for me, not necessarily any one else. I've been able to catch dancing, evening shots, night shots on the Danube, indoor events, inside cathedrals, and just about anything I was interested in at the time. A lot of the purpose of my trips has been to learn more about the people and places of Europe. By photographing the people and places and putting the photos in a family travel journal, the memories of each trip continue to be sharp in my mind. If the photograph is the main purpose of the trip, then my equipment list probably won't work.
Enjoy your trip. You will be well rewarded with memories.
Enjoy your trip. You will be well rewarded with memories.
Jun 30, 2017 17:53:55 #
In regard to Melk Abbey photo rules: I was there just two weeks ago and the chapel and some other rooms were prohibited. The guide always told us where it was OK and where it was not, and the chapel was clearly marked. Shame about the chapel -- only a novice would use flash, but we all pay the price.
Jun 30, 2017 19:22:50 #
I did the Rhine river a couple of years ago, and took a Fuji xt1 with an 18 to 135 lens (about 24 to 200). On excursions you really won't want to lug a heavy backpack. On an off the bus. It is nice because hese boats usually dock all day in a town so you can walk back into town on your own. The other thing to keep an eye on is all these electronic rules on airplanes. Right now you are ok but who knows what next year will bring.
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