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Advice please - South America trip.
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Apr 20, 2016 15:52:28   #
TonyP Loc: New Zealand
 
I have a dilemma.
I am visiting several countries in South America during June.
Here in NZ the 24-70 2.8 tends to live on my D7100. (I do have a 70-300, a 50 1.8 and an 18-200).
I am limited in what I can carry so was planning to stay with what I know and just take the 24-70 and work around it.
Is this going to work?
Or am I going to regret not taking say the 70-300.
Comparing results from the 18-200 (originally bought as an ideal travel lens) I've never been happy with results compared to the 24-70.
Anyone visited Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, or been on the Andean Explorer that can offer advice?

By the way, any travel advice also greatly appreciated.

Reply
Apr 20, 2016 17:50:02   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
I've never traveled to South America but I've been all over a lot of North America, travelling on a motorcycle.

If you can only bring 1 lens I strongly recommend one that will give you the greatest range of focal length, something like a 28-300 or anything you may have that's close. Don't concern yourself with taking the sharpest lens in your bag, you really, really want the most versatile.

If your trip is going to be to cities only you may get away with the 24-70 but once you get outside the close confines of a city, it doesn't have enough reach.

Travelling on a motorcycle forces one to figure out what's really necessary and what you can leave behind. There are books that will tell you everything you need to know. Get a couple and follow the guidelines spelled out in them. Only bring what you need.

Travelling in the USA and Canada is somewhat easier than South America because, with the exception of French Canadians, everyone pretty much speaks the same language and the same dialect. In S.A. you have Portuguese and several variations of Spanish, not to mention local dialects. If you have strong Spanish skills, you should be ok except for Brazil and there many better educated people speak enough English to get by.

One trick we use to use when going on long trips on the bikes is, if you know where you are going, you can mail supplies to yourself and pick them up at post offices along the way, but I don't know if this is something you could do from NZ to South American countries.

Anyway, the best lens for a trip is the most versatile. The more focal lengths you can cover the more versatile your photos will be. Trust me on this one...

Reply
Apr 20, 2016 18:00:14   #
RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia
 
Can't help with South America, however may be able to help with the gear.

On our (my wife and myself) last big vacation, of 6 weeks, we visited Canadian Rockies, Quebec, New England (in the fall), and back home to Australia via Paris.
Gear wise I took a full frame body and a crop body, both used the same batteries.
The full frame body had a 24-105, and was used for 95% of the pics.
The crop body had a 70-300 on it and was only used for a bit of wildlife and a couple of 'scapes.
Also had a 35mm f2 as a backup lens, howver it was never used.

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Apr 20, 2016 18:46:37   #
TonyP Loc: New Zealand
 
Thanks RMorrison. I hear what you say. I get the impression after googling a lot of pics that they seem to be taken at long distances, particularly those of 'ruins' and 'locals'.
Sugg4sting perhaps that its difficult to get up close and 'personal'..
Thanks again.

Reply
Apr 20, 2016 18:51:46   #
TonyP Loc: New Zealand
 
RichardTaylor wrote:
Can't help with South America, however may be able to help with the gear.

On our (my wife and myself) last big vacation, of 6 weeks, we visited Canadian Rockies, Quebec, New England (in the fall), and back home to Australia via Paris.
Gear wise I took a full frame body and a crop body, both used the same batteries.
The full frame body had a 24-105, and was used for 95% of the pics.
The crop body had a 70-300 on it and was only used for a bit of wildlife and a couple of 'scapes.
Also had a 35mm f2 as a backup lens, howver it was never used.
Can't help with South America, however may be able... (show quote)


Thanks Richard but am limited in space for what I can take. Going for 6 weeks and due to weight limitations (that I can tote) am only able to take a small check in bag and a smaller carry-on.
Have a back problem that means I cant carry a lot, combined with what seems to be a lot of walking.
Would love to take my D300s with the 70-300 on it as well but just too difficult.

Reply
Apr 21, 2016 06:24:03   #
mike1 Loc: charlotte nc
 
I've been to peru and Bolivia and learned from local guides that a lot of native people in rural areas don't like to have their picture taken.........they believe a printed photo of them can be cursed or even be burned and cause their soul to be stolen..........so you can't just walk up and take their picture.......a longer lens is much more discreet......I use a tamron 28-300 and gave been very pleased with the results..........enjoy your trip........it's an amazing continent

Reply
Apr 21, 2016 08:07:32   #
hawaiidave Loc: Honolulu, HI
 
I assume you've going to see Machu Picchu and also Cuzco. We acclimated at a town at a lower altitude than Cuzco before going to Machu Picchu. Expensive to stay at the Sanctuary Lodge right outside is the park but that gives you the best opportunity to see the place. We hired a wonderful personal guide from Lima. You definitely want a zoom lens that gives you wide angle. After Machu Picchu we boarded an Oceania cruise ship and south. Most of the stops in Cile were lousy. Nothing much to see except Valparaiso. Cruise didn't get good until we got into the starts of Magellan and saw the glaciers. Going further south and around the cape there were interesting countries like Montenegro, Ushuaia, and the Falklands Then to Argentna to photograph Iguazu Falls. I think I used the Nikkor 10-24 DX most of the time there. Buenos Aires is a beautiful city and your 24-70 should be just fine.

Reply
 
 
Apr 21, 2016 08:35:47   #
dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl
 
TonyP wrote:
I have a dilemma.
I am visiting several countries in South America during June.
Here in NZ the 24-70 2.8 tends to live on my D7100. (I do have a 70-300, a 50 1.8 and an 18-200).
I am limited in what I can carry so was planning to stay with what I know and just take the 24-70 and work around it.
Is this going to work?
Or am I going to regret not taking say the 70-300.
Comparing results from the 18-200 (originally bought as an ideal travel lens) I've never been happy with results compared to the 24-70.
Anyone visited Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, or been on the Andean Explorer that can offer advice?

By the way, any travel advice also greatly appreciated.
I have a dilemma. br I am visiting several countri... (show quote)


My argument is simple advice. If you can easily take it then do so. It is much easier to carry equipment that you wont need than it is to need equipment that you left at home. If you are packing and flying/going by ship or whatever, put stuff in your carryon, your wife's carry on, kid's carryon etc. to get it there. If weight is an issue, leave the wife and take the gear. Another option and this has issues since you are traveling overseas and is not as easy as cross country is to have someone ship the extra stuff to you after you arrive. (doing this overseas gets into tariffs etc. and could be less expensive to purchase while there). Also IF YOU PURCHASE CAMERAS, LENSES etc while overseas, keep a copy of your airline tickets, hotel bill etc. to prove warranty for purchases outside of your home country. Nikon USA requires them for warranty on Non-NikonUSA warranties honored in the US and other camera companies appreciate it as it makes their life and documentation easier.(even if they don't require it).

Reply
Apr 21, 2016 08:54:42   #
sb Loc: Florida's East Coast
 
Well - you do not ay where exactly you will be going and what activities you will be doing - that limits what we can advise. Are you going to the Galapagos? Are you going to the Amazon? Are you going to visit the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu in Peru?

I think your lens choice needs a little more range - not just for people, for wildlife, and simply to give you more choice in composition. This is a once-in-a lifetime trip. Can you afford a better longer-range zoom?

Other recommendations regarding travel health: Watch some short videos of mine at:
http://www.rainforesteducation.com/about2/travelhealth.htm

Make sure you have had Hepatitis A vaccine (not the more common Hep B vaccine). Also make sure you take along prescription antibiotics useful for traveler's diarrhea. If you will be going into the Amazon basin you will need malaria prophylaxis. Make sure you take insect repellent (I like the DEET wipes - they can be pulled out when needed and are not greasy) and pretreat your clothing with permethrin.

Also - you are required to have a Yellow Fever vaccination - and an international "Yellow Card" documenting that vaccination - to travel from one country to another within the Yellow Fever endemic zone. Regardless of whether or not you will be going into the Amazon, which would be the only place at risk.

Reply
Apr 21, 2016 10:02:21   #
JimBart Loc: Western Michigan
 
Make sure you also take mosquito repellant as the Zika virus is prevalent in all South American countries It is dangerous and contagious and is only picked up there Spread by mosquitos

Reply
Apr 21, 2016 10:45:49   #
sidpearce
 
Whatever lens you decide on it may pay you to carry a quality .4 converter if one is available for that lens.
An empty bean bag that you can fill on arrival at your destination is another consideration.
They were two of the lightest but handiest items I have carried on many photographic excursions abroad.

Reply
 
 
Apr 21, 2016 11:31:52   #
sb Loc: Florida's East Coast
 
JimBart wrote:
Make sure you also take mosquito repellant as the Zika virus is prevalent in all South American countries It is dangerous and contagious and is only picked up there Spread by mosquitos


Zika is spread by the same mosquito that spreads Dengue Fever, which is present throughout the tropics. Breeds in small bodies of water in towns and cities, and bites in the daytime (as opposed to malaria which is a rural problem from mosquitoes that bite at night-time). No vaccine exists for either Dengue or Zika - neither is likely to kill you but either might make you wish you were dead for a few days. Dengue is nicknamed "breakbone fever" if that is any clue! Again - keep repellant with you and use it liberally whenever you are aware of the presence of mosquitoes!

A cautionary tale: I had a patient who had mentioned he was going to Puerto Rico to visit relatives. A few months later when I saw him I asked how his trip went - he said it was terrible - that he had spent most of it in the hospital. He said he came down with Dengue on the fifth day of his stay! I laughed, and said that he must have set a record, since the incubation period of Dengue is five days - and he said that in fact, the moment he stepped off the airplane at the airport he was swarmed by mosquitoes! He literally was infected minutes after arrival!

Reply
Apr 21, 2016 11:49:03   #
ole sarg Loc: south florida
 
This is easy take the lens you use most.



TonyP wrote:
I have a dilemma.
I am visiting several countries in South America during June.
Here in NZ the 24-70 2.8 tends to live on my D7100. (I do have a 70-300, a 50 1.8 and an 18-200).
I am limited in what I can carry so was planning to stay with what I know and just take the 24-70 and work around it.
Is this going to work?
Or am I going to regret not taking say the 70-300.
Comparing results from the 18-200 (originally bought as an ideal travel lens) I've never been happy with results compared to the 24-70.
Anyone visited Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, or been on the Andean Explorer that can offer advice?

By the way, any travel advice also greatly appreciated.
I have a dilemma. br I am visiting several countri... (show quote)

Reply
Apr 21, 2016 12:59:36   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
TonyP wrote:
I have a dilemma.
I am visiting several countries in South America during June.
Here in NZ the 24-70 2.8 tends to live on my D7100. (I do have a 70-300, a 50 1.8 and an 18-200).
I am limited in what I can carry so was planning to stay with what I know and just take the 24-70 and work around it.
Is this going to work?
Or am I going to regret not taking say the 70-300.
Comparing results from the 18-200 (originally bought as an ideal travel lens) I've never been happy with results compared to the 24-70.
Anyone visited Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, or been on the Andean Explorer that can offer advice?

By the way, any travel advice also greatly appreciated.
I have a dilemma. br I am visiting several countri... (show quote)


I lived in SA many years but many years ago. Due to restrictions on equipment I smuggled an instamatic with me. Got hundreds of shots. If one lens is your limit I definitely would go with the 24-70. Relatively compact and easy to carry. Travel I don’t know it has been 40+ years now. Then I used local busses, planes and foot.

Reply
Apr 21, 2016 14:05:39   #
boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander
 
TonyP wrote:
I have a dilemma.
I am visiting several countries in South America during June.
Here in NZ the 24-70 2.8 tends to live on my D7100. (I do have a 70-300, a 50 1.8 and an 18-200).
I am limited in what I can carry so was planning to stay with what I know and just take the 24-70 and work around it.
Is this going to work?
Or am I going to regret not taking say the 70-300.
Comparing results from the 18-200 (originally bought as an ideal travel lens) I've never been happy with results compared to the 24-70.
Anyone visited Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, or been on the Andean Explorer that can offer advice?

By the way, any travel advice also greatly appreciated.
I have a dilemma. br I am visiting several countri... (show quote)


Will the 24-70 work with a teleconverter?

Reply
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