jdm Loc: Cape Cod

I just found out that I will be headed to South Carolina for a very short trip. One afternoon, evening, and morning in Charleston, then off to Kiawah Resort for 3 days and two nights. I'm completely unfamiliar with the area and am struggling with what gear to bring as I don't know what I'll see. I have a Nikon d7100 with Nikon lenses that include 18-200 mm DX kit lens, 24-70mm 2.8, 70-200 mm 2.8, 50 mm 1.4, and 105 mm 2.8 macro to choose from. I will fly with my gear in a carry on and stow it under the seat, so I know I need to winnow down the list to keep it light. I hope you awesome Hogs can recommend what you would bring based on your knowledge of the area. And please throw in any "must see/must do" recommendations! (FYI, I don't golf ... pity.) My thanks in advance!

Regards,

Jennifer

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

the 18-200 should be great for overall use and the 105 macro for special shots. leave the rest behind and enjoy the vaca

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

High Jennifer,

As an ex-Boston area resident (32 years in Andover, MA), I think you will enjoy Charleston; in some ways it is very similar to Boston, but I think they have done a better of preserving the old town. We were there for a couple of days about five years ago. You didn't say when you are going, but if it is before Spring, don't make the mistake of thinking of Charleston as 'the south' and therefore always warm. Bring a jacket, perhaps rainproof, in case you hit some cool weather.

Regarding camera equipment, you will probably want the same stuff you'd take for a couple of days in Boston: something that covers the normal 50mm range, perhaps your 24-70 mm for around town stuff, and the 70-200mm for longer shots. Charleston, like Boston, has an interesting waterfront where you may not be too close to your subjects, an "Old Downtown" & Park along the bay where you will be reasonably close--I'd suggest taking a carriage ride through the old town. Their aquarium is nice and informative about the area's sea critters, but we felt the Boston Aquarium had a broader focus. There are also a lot of small museums, the slave market, open market, a slave museum (don't remember the actual name), parks & architecture.

The trip, by NPS ferry (it's the only way to go), to Ft Sumter has a lot of good opportunities for distance shots, and the Fort, up close and personal, has an interesting history (that isn't taught in "yankee land") well presented by the NPS guides and lots of picture opportunities, but it will take probably 1/2 a day. I don't remember the ferry schedule, but at this time of year, I suggest a trip that covers the mid-day--not as cool on the water. Although they don't tell you this, it is not necessary to take the 'next' ferry back (unless you are on the last trip out) and the Fort deserves more than the time allotted to look around.

Enjoy your trip, and take an extra day in Charleston if you can swing it.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

In addition to old Charleston near The Battery and Fort Sumter (the target of the first shots of the Civil War, fired by the cadets of the Citadel), consider Patriot's Point ( http://www.patriotspoint.org/ ) for an unguided tour of some really interesting naval vessels including the USS Yorktown carrier (complete with many great restored vintage airplanes on the below flight deck), a wonderfully complete WWII submarine, The Savannah (first nuclear-powered merchant ship), a Fletcher-class destroyer, and others. Also the Citadel and their Friday afternoon parade if you're there on a Friday. Then there's the Charleston Museum and the H.L. Hunley (Confederate submarine) at the Lasch Conservation Center. Pat Conroy's "The Lords of Discipline" is good background reading, and perhaps they're still showing "Dear Charleston" at the museum, a great short film made by my friend Mark. Lots to see in Charleston...

cwilliams31 Loc: Salisbury, North Carolina

18-270 would be your best bet -

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I think your equipment should be fine with what you got. I have been to Charleston and loved it. Attached take your pick based on your interests. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g54171-Activities-Charleston_South_Carolina.html

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Thank you so much for your reply! I do agree that the 18 - 200 is the most versatile, but it is not the best glass in my bag. Do you think I could live with the 24 - 70? Again, based on what is available to shoot? Add in the extra weight of the 70-200? Not sure. Again, thanks for your input.

Regards,

Jennifer

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Thank you so much for your reply! I do agree that the 18 - 200 is the most versatile, but it is not the best glass in my bag. Do you think I could live with the 24 - 70? Again, based on what is available to shoot? Add in the extra weight of the 70-200? Not sure. Again, thanks for your input.

Regards,

Jennifer

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Thank you so much for your generous response! Andover is lovely! Your recommendations are most helpful!

I will be mindful to pack a jacket worth the wind. (Trip is this week.) Great advice.

Regards,

Jennifer

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Thank you, Pixel! Just trying to skinny it down to a small bag. I most appreciate your response.

Regards,

Jennifer

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Wow! I wish I had more time in Charleston. Perhaps I must book another trip! Thanks for your feedback.

Regards,

Jennifer

jdm Loc: Cape Cod

Thank you so much!

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Be glad to carry your bag with all your lenses and put my 12 years of teaching photography at your disposal.

:)

brow3904 Loc: Upstate South Carolina

What you are planning will probably be fine. Your problem will be not enough time! If you run out of things to do there are several nice plantations in the area. Hope you have a wonderful time.

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SteveR Loc: Michigan

Two lenses that I find cover a great range are the Nikon 28-300mm and the Tamron (or Nikon) 10-24mm. If you feel like you need extra length I highly suggest the 28-300mm, which would give you the field of view of 42-450mm. Those of us who have it are quite happy with it. It's an fx lens, so you get the center sweet spot on a dx camera. I use it on my D800, too, and am still quite happy with it. It's just versatile and sharp.