KD Stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

Dear Hogs:
Don't remember if I have intro myself --- If not my apologies & will do so --- But could use some advice or conformation on what to & not to take --- --- 11 day - Trip to So. Italy = Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Amalfi, Poestum --- Sicily = Just about all of the Greek/Roman temples plus Mt Etna
Want to of course take everything -- but previous experiences prove that I'm just too old & those days are long behind me ----
Here is what I'm planning on taking --- Canon --- 5Dmk2; 24mm 1.4; 35 1.4; 85 1.8; 100-400 IS (old model); Gitzo G1127 mk2 with Acratech GP ballhead ----- What i'm leaving behind = 50mm 1.4 & my favorite lens 135 2.0 plus all the filters, flash & close-up lenses ----- per the bathroom scale that's still almost 15lbs of "stuff"

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Hey KD Stern...if you need someone to help carry luggage and equipment, I'm available! (LOL) All those places are on my bucket list. By all means, if you have the room for all that photography equipment, take it with you and have a great trip.

KD Stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

cjkob ---Thanks for the offer -- But -- As we both know -- my real issue of course is not the "stuff" but the shooter --- So I'm stuck with getting the shooter in better shape to carry all the stuff --- We use to do these trips every year until we both finally admitted we were "Like good wine in that we traveled poorly" So it's now every other year --- Would really be nice to get away from that totally beat-up I'll just sit here & drink feeling at end of a long day ---- This time I even want to leave/pass-up the bar go out & take some night shots!!!!!!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

OK, I'll up the ante. Get another body. I'll carry the extra body and a bunch of your lenses, and will gladly change lenses for you so you don't have to be burdened with that chore. I can sleep in a closet and clean equipment at night. You can even call me your personal porter. A frittata in the morning and a bowl of spaghetti at night will suffice. Shall I get started now on renewing my passport?

mrova Loc: Chesterfield, VA

I went to Italy last year - Bergamo, Bellagio, & Milan. Had a Canon 60d and took lots of stuff, but I never used my 70-300 and it was added weight. I mostly used my 11-16 and a few shots on my kit 18-135. I'd definitely leave that 100-400 home, just don't think you'll be using that. And, you are really gonna appreciate the fast glass you have (1.4, 1.8) for the indoor shots you are sure to get.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I go to Europe often and I especially love Italy. My carry-on is all the equipment I can stuff into my carry-on roller bag. I put my tripod in my checked luggage. I'd rather leave clothing behind than equipment. I also often travel by train and I have not experienced my equipment to be a burden. Be careful in Naples as it has a bad reputation for crime. I'll be going to Florence and Milan in April 2016. You will love Sorrento and Amalfi. Have fun.

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

When we went to Italy in 2012, my 24 - 105 lens never came off my 5D II. When we go back, I will most likely use only my 24 - 70 f/2.8, but I'll have my 70 - 200 with me. You are going to love southern Italy, the pace is slower and the people are much friendlier. I left a big part of my heart there.

Creta1 Loc: Vancouver, BC

Been there done all those spots. I question taking the 100-400 don't, think you will need it as most images will be wide angle. Better to use your 35 or ha e a good all round 18-135 type walk around. Or better yet a wide angle lens. In Pompei everything is right there up close & personal. Get a shot of Mt Etna from across the way with people walking the crater on the other side.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

I'd leave the 100-400 home and take the 135.

KD Stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

Dear Hogs ----- THANK YOU -- THANK YOU -- THANK YOU
At 3lbs 9.5oz the 100-400 is by far the beast in my barnyard. It's fess-up time --- Should have told you good folks just why I really wanted to take it ----- Felt GUILTY! Guilty that I had only taken it on one other of our planned often over organized trips - Patagonia -- Really worked well on that trip just as long as i did not take it on those long "organized" hikes ---- Will take the 135 instead & leave the 100/400 & 50 at home ---- Have made a very short list of photo related tasks I want to try to improve upon ---- For obvious reasons use the tripod more -- I mean if you take it why in the hell would you then leave it at the hotel or on the damn bus --- Use the 24mm a lot more --- Paid the most for it but use the 35mm almost all the time -- The 35m has become what my FD 50mm was when I used my ancient Canon FT-QL --- Last but not least "Think" before I press the bottom --- If anything comes out looking almost good or hopefully good enough I'll send a few of them along
Again --- Thanks for all your good advice
Ken S.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

Have a great trip!

rustfarmer

I did this trip last year and I guess the lens choice depends on what you like to shoot. I love close ups of architecture, boats, people, light fixtures, old equipment, so the big zoom is important to me. Only you know what you like to shoot.

KD Stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

Thanks for reminding -- It was more then just guilt
I'm totally with you on that type of shot - However - It's - at least for me - one big heavy lens --- Will try using the 135 - on a tripod of course - to get those shots -- When I get home I'll see how much cropping I can get away with & still have a print worthy copy
THANKS

Marvin 80 Loc: San Diego

You are downloading your self with a lot of lenses. (heavy and clumzy) I would take a telephoto zoom, a midrange zoom and a wide angle in the 18-18 MM. range.
In addition a polarizing filter might be most useful.
God luck, I did a similar trip a few years ago which turned out to be most pleasurable
MC

JPL

You can also leave the 85 mm at home. I think you will get all you want and need with the 24, 35 and 100-400 lenses.