Cuba trip: I am planning a trip to Cuba for 11 days and am limited to 44 lbs. of luggage, including carry on. Just wondering if I should take my LUMIX GH4(14-140)or Canon 6D(50mm...

Teacher22 Loc: Texas

I am planning a trip to Cuba for 11 days and am limited to 44 lbs. of luggage, including carry on. Just wondering if I should take my LUMIX GH4(14-140)or Canon 6D(50mm or24-70). Or both since this will probably a one time trip.
I like to shoot both JPEG and Raw but the software for Photoshop and Lightroom are not up to date to take the Raw from the GH4. Any suggestions?

PeterDragon Loc: Harlan, KY - Kona, HI - Phoenix, AZ

Enjoy! And bring some great photos home. I envy you.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Once I wore my camera with a sling strap through check in and then placed my camera in my carry on at the gate while I was waiting to board. I was only ounces over the weight limit but have had experiences where the gate agent acts like they have no discretion even for four ounces over.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

I envy you. Have a great trip. Just my opinion, but I find that if I can only take one camera (or lens) on a once in a lifetime type of trip, I go with the longest zoom.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

First, I greatly envy you regarding this trip - Cuba will offer some classically great architecture, art, dining and entertainment. Amazing landscapes and Hemingway's cats. Suggest subscribing to the Adobe Creative Cloud program which gives you the most recent versions of LR and Photoshop on the spot. Given the significance of this trip-of-a-lifetime, I also suggest you consider renting a came/lens outfit - since you are familiar with Canon, perhaps a 7D Mk II or a 5D Mk III. May your travel be joyous and safe.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

If quality is not a question, I'd go for the flexibility with the 14-140. Will this mean a smaller sensor and will that be a problem for blowing photos up to the size you desire?

However, a bridge camera may be just the thing. You don't want to burden yourself with heavy camera gear on a great vacation.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Teacher22 wrote:

I am planning a trip to Cuba for 11 days and am limited to 44 lbs. of luggage, including carry on. Just wondering if I should take my LUMIX GH4(14-140)or Canon 6D(50mm or24-70). Or both since this will probably a one time trip.
I like to shoot both JPEG and Raw but the software for Photoshop and Lightroom are not up to date to take the Raw from the GH4. Any suggestions?

You have a need for clothes? 44 pounds of camera equipment is more then enough. Buy cheap clothes there and throw it away.

Actually, I'm just envious of your chance to go to Cuba!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

traveler90712 wrote:

You have a need for clothes? 44 pounds of camera equipment is more then enough. Buy cheap clothes there and throw it away.

Actually, I'm just envious of your chance to go to Cuba!

traveler....I know an individual who is a world traveler who takes marvelous photos and that is what he does. He takes the bare essentials as far as clothes goes and washes them while he's there as many times as necessary and uses most of his poundage for gear, including two cameras and a Sigma 150-500mm among other lenses.

AntonioReyna Loc: Los Angeles, California

Take the 6D and borrow or rent the 24-105/4L lens. And a flash for those moments when you will need one. Keep it simple, equipment wise, and focus on the images and the experience.

Teacher22 wrote:

I am planning a trip to Cuba for 11 days and am limited to 44 lbs. of luggage, including carry on. Just wondering if I should take my LUMIX GH4(14-140)or Canon 6D(50mm or24-70). Or both since this will probably a one time trip.
I like to shoot both JPEG and Raw but the software for Photoshop and Lightroom are not up to date to take the Raw from the GH4. Any suggestions?

joseph premanandan

have a pleasant and productive trip.i suggest that you carry a mirrorless camera which is very versatile and easy to carry around and i am not sure that you need a zoom lens,you can always crop your pictures while postprocessing,joseph premanandan

Gaddysmom

I have been to Cuba twice and know that you will both enjoy the trip and find yourself with many, many wonderful photo opportunities. I also know, however, that as an American you will be on a guided trip as part of a group. If you have never traveled this way before, you will be disappointed to discover that "rush, rush" is the order of the day even in as laid-back a country as Cuba. I think you may find that trying to juggle two cameras will only add to your frustration and sense that you are missing opportunities. I suggest you take one camera, and, since the LUMIX covers the same focal range as the Canon/lens combo you suggested, I think that's what I would take.

Have a great trip!

RJNaylor Loc: Delmar, New York

I would take the Canon 6D with the 24-70 and then adjust your other needs accordingly. This is a great opportunity and I think you would rather regret forgetting a piece of clothing than being less satisfied with your photos. I have found that the range of the basic lens is good for 95% of my keepers. The nifty 50 is nice but not flexible enough.

Collie lover Loc: St. Louis, MO

I think it's time to lift the embargo and travel restrictions concerning Cuba. We trade with other Communist countries. We visit Communist countries. Why not Cuba? With their economy, there are probably some good travel/shopping bargains to be had in Cuba.

pghend Loc: Santa Rosa, CA

Took 2 trips to Cuba back in 2001, 2002. Back then still using a film camera but just took my Nikon F70 and 70-200 zoom. I'd recommend taking the Lumix, I have a Lumix w/ 12X zoom as a back-up and it takes photos as good or better than my old Nikon. Less equipment means less distraction (the experience is just, if not more important than the photo opportunities.) I don't think you would be disappointed w/ your results.

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

Cuba is a beautiful island. I was there in the navy in the 50s. Id say take both lens and leave something else home.