European River Cruise
Oct 27, 2016 08:41:18 #
I did the Rhine cruise last year. One thing no one has mentioned is to be wary of pickpockets and thieves. On our smallish river cruise two(!)people lost their wallets in Cologne. If you're one of those people who insist on carrying your passport with you, the implications are awful. This is a real threat.
Oct 27, 2016 08:48:44 #
We did the trip last year. Your lens combination should serve you well. Ditto on the CP filter suggestion. However, I would dump the tripod. I certainly didn't need it and doubt you will either. You'll probably find that the 18-55 will be your workhorse. 75-300 will be for along the river shots. I took a 6d with 24-105 plus a SX50 for long shots. That combination worked really well. Just a thought, if you have a bridge camera, bring it and leave the 75-300 home. Enjoy!! It's a great trip.
Oct 27, 2016 08:56:57 #
When on Danube cruise, Grand Circle took passports and put them in a safe place; we had boarding passes. Which worked very well. As for pickpockets, you do need to be sure to keep your money, credit cards, etc. near your body....maybe a money belt or something you can keep under a coat or shirt! If you use a backpack, you want one that would be difficult to get into....I got both a daypack and money belt from Amazon.
Oct 27, 2016 09:04:11 #
I was walking through a market in vietnam with a fanny pack. A kind merchant came to me and said to move fanny pack to front as people unzip it from the back in jostling crowd and take stuff. So for fanny packs and back packs this is also something to consider and deal with.
Oct 27, 2016 09:12:37 #
Be aware when in crowded areas if someone yells out about pickpockets being around. Everyone will instinctively signal where their wallets are.
Oct 27, 2016 09:14:49 #
Best thing is not to take wallet! Put credit cards and money somewhere safer....like money belt or fanny pack that can be put under clothes. Also, watch cameras; make sure the strap is around your neck!
Oct 27, 2016 09:21:47 #
sheldonhy
Loc: Randallstown, MD
Go a couple days early and stay a couple days after. There is so much to see and photograph in both cities. I used a Canon 70D and 24-105 with great results.
Oct 27, 2016 09:57:20 #
mikedent
Loc: Florida
If you are going in the winter season, bring some plastic bags to cover the camera and lens if it's raining or snowing. Or find a way to stow the camera by its strap inside your coat until ready to shoot, maybe bring along a towel to wipe off moisture. Gets dark early in winter in Europe- about 4-430 pm. Lots of cloudy days, at least when we were there. Hoping for better weather this time!
Oct 27, 2016 10:22:57 #
sheldonhy
Loc: Randallstown, MD
Pickpockets can be really crafty. A friend on a recent trip reached behind him and held his camera up for a photo. Only then did he realize that a thief had taken the lense. Needless to say, that ruined his day.
Oct 27, 2016 10:36:00 #
desperante wrote:
I'm planning to use the tripod on the boat. I'm not sure about safety using tripod in town. Thank you about bringing up a possible permit.
I haven't been on a River Cruise, but generally speaking, tripods and mono-pods are about useless on boats/ships. There may not be much movement because of river surface waves, but whenever the engines are running, even at a dock to generate electric power, there will be vibrations and the_ _ _pods will just magnify them. I've never had occasion to regret not having a tripod on any cruise we've taken on the Atlantic, Caribbean or Alaskan waters; a high shutter speed combined with a proper ISO will solve the vibration problem.
Since almost all shot from the boat will be at some distance, I expect you will use the 75-300 mm lens most often and want the 18-55 mm for on land tours & pictures taken on and of the boat and passengers.
Enjoy your cruise!
Oct 27, 2016 11:08:25 #
Totally agree with ditching the tripod. 70-200 lens came in very handy on the cruise for getting shots of castles, etc. on the shore. Tripod would have been useless in most instances on and off of ship.
Oct 27, 2016 11:10:16 #
I'm planning to use the tripod on the boat. Not sure how safe it'll be in the crowded towns. Thank you.
Oct 27, 2016 11:13:29 #
I may have to wait until the next trip. Too late to order now. That will be on my to do list when I get back. Thank you.
Oct 27, 2016 11:14:44 #
Oct 27, 2016 11:15:59 #
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