dyximan

I may be going to Machu Picchu soon as I understand they may be closing it to the public sometime soon. I will be taking my 16 to 80 and my 18 to 300 has anyone been and do you think there would be a need for my 150 to 600 lens.Also any advice on tours places to say etc. I use a D500

Robeng Loc: California

I made the mistake of taking a bunch of full frame equipment and a tripod. I was carrying close to 40 lbs of gear. Some might say no big deal that's not a whole of gear except when you're climbing those buildings at Machu Picchu at a very high altitude in the Ande mountains it takes a lot out of you.

I would take your 18mm-300mm & a wide angle zoom if you have one. That's it, keep it simple. At the entrance gate they wanted to charge me more when they saw my tripod, stating I was a pro photographer. Had to explain I was a serious hobbyist. So leave your tripod at the hotel. Do bring your passport because they have a special stamp for your passport at Machu Picchu.

dyximan

I’ve also heard that if you bring a larger say 300mm lens they will consider you a pro and try and or will charge you more to get in calling you a pro.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

The site is not closing to the public, there are strict new rules in effect. You have to book in advance, one of three tours each with specific paths and time frames. No tripods are allowed, period

https://theonlyperuguide.com/2017/05/machu-picchu-new-entrance-rules-july-01-2017/

If I were going, I'd bring a Platypod, which is a pretty handy camera support that does not appear to be a tripod.

For lenses, your 18-300 and 16 - 80 will be best. Bring Polarizers, as it is often cloudy/hazy. Search YouTube for other photographer's suggestions.

repleo Loc: Boston

Yes - what rgrenadophoto above said. I believe you now have to have an entrance ticket just to get on the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (3 1/2 hours each way) where you then get the bus or van up to the site. You may find it hard to get ticket and hotel reservations without going through a local tour guide company.
Tony & Chelsea Northrup did a review of some recent Sony camera or lenses at Machu Pichu on youtube - might give you some ideas what to bring.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Some would say an 18-300 is to much, or at least I would.
The 16-80 should be more than enough on a crop body.
I have not heard they might close it but not sure what that means, ”to the public”.
MP is not all that high, only about 8000 feet. High is Cuzco, and much higher still is Ollantaytambo!! Have a great trip!!!
SS

Leaning Ladder Loc: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

As others said, arrange entry thru a local tour company. You MUST purchase a ticket well in advance, and need ticket AND Passport just to board the bus to the site. Take as little with you as possible. A short or medium zoom and/or wide angle will meet all your needs (I only took my 17-50mm, which was perfect for the setting). A long lens is worthless and only adds weight. A polarizer is invaluable, and tripods are not permitted. Even if it's sunny when you arrive, clouds and rain can roll in VERY quickly, so bring a raincoat, hat, and protection for your camera. Waterproof shoes are a good idea too, and don't forget to bring water and sunscreen. MP is about 7000 ft elevation, not a problem for most people, but consider a day or so to acclimate to the altitude before visiting, especially if you'll be doing much hiking there.

Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places I've ever visited. Good luck with your photos, but don't forget to just "experience" the wonder of this incredible place. Check out my Peru photos at https://www.flickr.com/photos/leaningladder/albums/72157681046707111

dyximan

Many have made reference to my reference about closing Machu Picchu. I was told not unlike the pyramids in Mexico where in the 80s and 90s I climbed to the top of them You are now limited to viewing them from the base only

jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

I didn't see this mentioned but in 2015 they had a rule on the books that any lens longer than 200mm was for professionals and they charged a very hefty fee for that. I complied and took an 18-200 and that was fine for all my needs. Having said that I was never checked and I saw other zooms longer than 200mm there.

Most important--get there as early as possible--stay in the village just below the park if you can. We were there at opening time and almost had the park to ourselves. By the time we had climbed to the Sun Gate and back down and were leaving it was like the zoo on opening day--except the people were ruder and more in the way. Good photography was almost impossible.

All the new rules make sense although it would have made more sense to have closed it for a few years--but it's way too much of a cash cow for any government to do that. The new rules are sensible.

dyximan

I heard the same thing you have to be very careful with the lenses you bring. I heard it was 300 mm but I’ll have to think about it everyone seems to think that I wouldn’t need my 18 to 300 that the 16 to 80 would be just fine. But I am thinking about getting a prime anyway something 10 to 18 max 1.2 to 1.8 Which I could use in low light conditions not necessarily there but for my astronomy shots and inside buildings. Any suggestions on the type of lens. Budget of say 5 to 800 max. I shoot with a Nikon D 500.

davefales Loc: Virginia

Great pose...and super weather

mcpo_ewcm

Not true! I'm planning a trip in 2019.
https://howtoperu.com/is-machu-picchu-closing-to-the-public/