For me, it depends on the shooting event. I photograph triathlons and marathons using a monopod, but other sporting events are handheld. The weight becomes a factor in longer events. At 71, weight is a factor. It does pay to stay in shape!!!

I have owned only 1 Sigma lens which was an 80-200 2.8 and got great results from it. The only negative I have heard came from a local camera store claiming the Sigma had quality control problems. You get great lenses from them, but then you get some that are not so great.

Most overseas electrical systems are 220 rather than 120 and are 50 hertz as opposed to 60 hertz, therefore a conversions device is needed. They are readily available with various adapters to different systems.

Boy--What a trip down memory lane!!!!

Instead of using a warming filter, you might want to change your white balance to the cloudy day setting. This will add a little warmth to your photos.

Hope you got some great sausage and wine there. Those folks do both quite well.

Metering is going to be critical. If your camera has a spot metering option, I would suggest you switch to that as a starting point. Also using a high ISO will be necessary.

If shooting digital, you could also adjust your white balance for shooting on cloudy days. This should provide a little warmth.

I prefer the Epson. I presently use a R2880, but would like to have either the R3000 of R3800. I don't usually print larger than 13 wide, therefore I don't need the 3800. Epson feeds from back to front so the paper stays flat which is my preference.

I also have the V500 and am well pleased with it. I scan many old photos for inclusion in our genealogy research and have always gotten great results.

If you choose to by a Speedlight, which I would greatly recommend. Try KEH to see if they have used ones. I would look into a book called "The Hot Shoe Diaries". It is a wonderful book describing all the uses of the speedlight.

I don't know all the brands, but there are newer hybrid rechargable batteries on the market. I first purchase the Rayovac hybrids and have had wonderful results from them. I use them for my flash. They hold a charge for quite some time when not is use.

Super glue and duct tape!!! Just get on their level and give them something to distract their focus on you being there.

I invested in the Nero data and music disc burning application. I is great for both data, photos and music coping. You can even create disc covers for the cd's and dvd's.

I carried two lens with my Nikon D300. One was a fast 16-50 f2.8 and my walk around 18-200 Nikon. There can be some very interesting rainbow effects at the falls, therefore a polorizer would negate those effects. I would carry the polorizer but not keep it on the lens all the time. You might want to carry something to protect the camera and lens if you ride the Maid of the Mist to get close up to the base of the falls. Quite a moist environment. At my age, weight is the thing I am concerned about, thus the 18-200 for a one lens application. I have 300 f2.8 and an 70-200 f2.8, but don't travel with them.