Packing for travel
Dec 21, 2017 11:23:16 #
I am planning on a 3 week trip to Ireland in July. My itinerary traverses the entire Irish perimeter by car giving me flexibility for stops. There are 3 other people in our party including another photographer. Space will be at a premium since our rental car will not be large. I would love any suggestions you may have as to what lens and equipment I should pack. I shoot with a Nikon D810. I have a 50mm/1.4, 70-200/2.8, 85/1.8, 24-70/2.8, 14-24/2.8 and a 28-300/3.5-5.6. Thanks for any suggestions you may have. 
Dec 21, 2017 11:33:14 #
For my trip to Ireland I took 2 lenses to save on space/weight. Given your gear, I think I would do well with your 14-24mm and your 28-300mm.
Dec 21, 2017 11:43:15 #
With due respect, rent a bigger car or buy a smaller travel camera!
Went on a two week driving trip in Europe with friends. Rented a Mercedes station wagon in Germany from Hertz. Four airline type carry-ons fit perfectly in the back. We all had knee room and space for one small additional bag. The designated driver had a full sized Nikon and only one lens. It was a PITA. If it was out and ready, there was nowhere to put it. The cup holders were too small and the dash not flat. When we went to restaurants there was no place for it either, so it had to be hidden in the car. He ended up with few pictures and frustrated by it all.
I had a new Sony RX100 and got lots of usable images. It was never in the way and I could put it in my pocket, on a strap around my neck or in a cupholder while driving. I could even shoot out the window while driving.
Went on a two week driving trip in Europe with friends. Rented a Mercedes station wagon in Germany from Hertz. Four airline type carry-ons fit perfectly in the back. We all had knee room and space for one small additional bag. The designated driver had a full sized Nikon and only one lens. It was a PITA. If it was out and ready, there was nowhere to put it. The cup holders were too small and the dash not flat. When we went to restaurants there was no place for it either, so it had to be hidden in the car. He ended up with few pictures and frustrated by it all.
I had a new Sony RX100 and got lots of usable images. It was never in the way and I could put it in my pocket, on a strap around my neck or in a cupholder while driving. I could even shoot out the window while driving.
Dec 21, 2017 11:49:07 #
Suzkas wrote:
I am planning on a 3 week trip to Ireland in July.... (show quote)
Minimalist kit: 28-300 which will cover just about everything.
Flexible kit: The 24-70 for street shooting and the 28-300 for Landscapes.
Take extra batteries and a 3rd party USB battery charger, plus plug adapters for the UK.
Dec 21, 2017 11:52:13 #
Suzkas wrote:
I am planning on a 3 week trip to Ireland in July.... (show quote)
What is the other photographer shooting? If it is also Nikon, maybe you can work something out. Otherwise, it is a once in a lifetime trip, rent a bigger vehicle.
Dec 21, 2017 12:23:26 #
ricardo7
Loc: Washington, DC - Santiago, Chile
I explored Ireland for several weeks with two other photographers. We each had
extensive gear, tripods, lenses etc. and had no trouble fitting everything and our
luggage in a small econo rental. Unless you are packing steamer trunks I wouldn't
worry about a few lenses or camera bodies.
extensive gear, tripods, lenses etc. and had no trouble fitting everything and our
luggage in a small econo rental. Unless you are packing steamer trunks I wouldn't
worry about a few lenses or camera bodies.
Dec 21, 2017 12:30:34 #
bsprague wrote:
With due respect, rent a bigger car or buy a small... (show quote)
Agree. My choice was a Fuji with an 18-55 lens for 10 days in France. It doesn’t fit in my pocket— but I limited my travel bag to “overhead compatible”. I did see lots of DSLR mules with oversized bags and sour faces....
Dec 21, 2017 12:31:12 #
By the way, you should check daily for changes in car rental rates for your dates. I have saved thousands of dollars by doing so.
Dec 21, 2017 12:45:35 #
The car is not your problem - even the teeny ones will have enough space for your gear (unless you take a bunch of large suitcases for your clothes) - pack light, and be prepared to do laundry every couple of days, and socks and undergarments every night so you always have a fresh change available. Buy some detergent when you get there. Wear jeans or, better, trekking pants - the jeans you really don't need to wash; the trekking pants wash and dry easily. But if you can't convince everyone to travel light, get a bigger car.
The bigger issue is how much you can carry on the airplane - you really don't want to check any of your camera gear.
The bigger issue is how much you can carry on the airplane - you really don't want to check any of your camera gear.
Dec 21, 2017 13:05:55 #
I can give you my humble opinion as we have identical gear. I would bring the 24 - 70 f2.8 and the 28 -300 f3.5. Be sure to bring a charger and extra batteries. Also be sure to purchase a UK converter for power. a small suggestion as others have mentioned get a small walk around camera (a good one) and you will be surprise on how much you can use it and get great photos from it. I purchases a Sony RX 100 M3 from B&H worked great for me. this camera shoots at 24mp in RAW with a f1.8 lens... go light and you will be happier. One last suggestion do not under any circumstance check you camera gear on the plane carry on only.. Good luck and have a great time!
Bob
Bob
Dec 21, 2017 22:47:55 #
Thank you Everyone for your helpful suggestions. It is a trip of a lifetime and I certainly hope to capture it. You have all been great in your suggestions.
Dec 22, 2017 05:55:12 #
Suzkas wrote:
I am planning on a 3 week trip to Ireland in July.... (show quote)
For me the 14-24 and 24-70 would be my first choices and enough of lenses for that matter. Then if you have more space in your luggage you should fill it with the lens you think you have the most need for in addition to the other 2.
Dec 22, 2017 07:14:35 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Suzkas wrote:
I am planning on a 3 week trip to Ireland in July.... (show quote)
I have been to Ireland twice. I could do it easily with the D810 and the 28-300. Travel right, travel lite.
Dec 22, 2017 07:26:52 #
JPL wrote:
For me the 14-24 and 24-70 would be my first choices and enough of lenses for that matter. Then if you have more space in your luggage you should fill it with the lens you think you have the most need for in addition to the other 2.
Yep.
Dec 22, 2017 07:43:52 #
Yankeepapa6
Loc: New York City
Suzkas wrote:
I am planning on a 3 week trip to Ireland in July.... (show quote)
D810 and 28-300MM extra battery and charger with adapter to convert to their electric system a CPF. We have been to Ireland many times. It will be busy in July.
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