What and how much to take to Russia (Page 2): Two things that pop to mind are the Phone number and address to the American Embassy. A Glock.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Two things that pop to mind are the Phone number and address to the American Embassy.

A Glock.

RJNaylor Loc: Delmar, New York

We are going with Road Scholars so I will be with a group and we will have a Russian guide. I think the D7000 with the 17-50 will give me the best quality for a large print -- I hope to get a couple shots I really like but the RX100M will be just fine for documenting and sharing what I see and learn. Photos really keep the memories alive and that is perhaps the best thing about it.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

RJNaylor wrote:

We are going with Road Scholars so I will be with a group and we will have a Russian guide. I think the D7000 with the 17-50 will give me the best quality for a large print -- I hope to get a couple shots I really like but the RX100M will be just fine for documenting and sharing what I see and learn. Photos really keep the memories alive and that is perhaps the best thing about it.

Good luck staying together in the Hermitage, especially the entrance. There is no way that a guide can prevent you from being isolated by folks who want to do that. I still recommend covering the name of your camera and don't use the bright yellow and black "steal me" camera strap. Not so much in Russia as far as I know, but in some oriental countries young boys are used as thieves. They don't read english and in most cases don't read anything. They are given card with the word "NIKON" and "CANON" printed on them and told to steal only those kinds of cameras. Enjoy yourself, just be wary.

RJNaylor Loc: Delmar, New York

Thanks for the advice ... We were on Mallorca a couple years ago, not with a group, and our friend was saved by the cord on her wallet tying it to her purse. I also like the plain black strap for my camera bags. (The story from McVeed about the four guys surrounding in the metro shows the value of thinking fast -- but I can only hope I would be so clever).

Thanks, again!

mcveed wrote:

Good luck staying together in the Hermitage, espec... (show quote)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

RJNaylor wrote:

Any advice on photography in Moscow and/or Saint-Petersburg? I'm trying to decide if I should just take my D7000 with 17-50 walkaround lens or my two camera set-up including D5100 and either 55-200 or 105 f/2.8. I'm concerned mostly about standing out. (I also have a Sony RX100M that I thought I'd stick in my bag, or pocket).

Small and light. The less you bring, the better.

There was a video posted here of a tourist being relieved of his camera equipment in broad daylight in a busy area by three men. 1-2-3 and they were gone. I think it was in Russia, but I wouldn't swear to it

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

RJNaylor wrote:

We are going with Road Scholars so I will be with a group and we will have a Russian guide. I think the D7000 with the 17-50 will give me the best quality for a large print -- I hope to get a couple shots I really like but the RX100M will be just fine for documenting and sharing what I see and learn. Photos really keep the memories alive and that is perhaps the best thing about it.

That's a great organization, so you'll be in good hands. Just be careful.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

The Sigma is a great walk around lens. I have it. Do get a different strap. Get a cross body optec, blackrapid. You be able to walk around all day with the camera and your neck and back will feel great.

RJNaylor wrote:

Thanks, everyone! I will definitely slim down. Since I love my Sigma 17-50 f/2.8, that will be my main thing with the RX100M as a backup. I have found that 95% of my photos are with that lens anyway. I'd put it on the D5100 but ever since I adjusted the focal distance on the D7000 everything has been better and the D5100 can't do that ...
Much obliged to all!!!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

This is the video I mentioned earlier. Notice the tall guy wearing the hat. He removes the lens from the camera and passes it off to someone else.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YWaloz-Duw

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

Altho, i had a rolling thinktank full of equipment i ended up using a12-35mm most of the time. Which on my em-1 relates to 24-70.

It is a beautiful country , the people wonderful and I saw none of these "tugs". I do hope you get a chance to ride the subway in Moscow especially in the downtown area, the stations are amazing photo opts.

I hired a local photographer to take me from stop to stop just to see the amazing art.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Hello RJNaylor,
I went there last year so I would just take the D7000 and the Sony, the crowds of tourists are unbelievable sometimes so the less stuff you have hanging round your neck the better. I would even consider just taking the Sony which as you say is pocketable and is a very good camera.
Cheers, John
PS: be very careful about taking photos in the underground stations as it is officially not allowed.

mikedidi46 Loc: WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA

I have been to Moscow & St. Petersburg twice. I suggest that you have a 10-24, 17-50 and 70-200. They all can be used and should be used while there. The sites are inspiring, and one word about Moscow. In 2010, they did not allow cameras in a couple of the museums in the Kremlin. enjoy

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

Strange about taking photos in the underground stations being offically not allowed.

My photo guide as well as the guide the ship used never mentioned that and we certainly didn't hide.

I am not saying John is wrong, just that was not my experience.

As an aside, be prepared about cost. Moscow is a very expensive city, I believe second to tokyo.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Actually it was in the St Petersburg metro our guide told us taking photographs was officially not allowed, I still took some though.

cockney greg Loc: London E17

amehta wrote:

This might be a situation where "less is more".

DEFINITELY...................
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSU6eZ73N7M

home brewer Loc: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Just do not wear an Obama or Clinton T-shirt.