waffler

Hi All
Going to India in January bring my d7100
20 mm 1.8 - 180 prime appreciate suggestion
On one more
Thanks
Waffler

dukepresley

Went to India & took my main (at the time) D300s & 16-85mm lens. Also took a Sigma 16-270mm, but never put it on; the earlier combo did everything I needed.

Tony R Loc: Westport, CT

If you've never been to India it's sensory overload. The colors, odors, sights and sounds are unlike anything you're probably used to . It's the loudest country I've ever been in, they have raised horn honking to an art form. Also, the pollution is overwhelming and January will be extra hazy due to winter heating where they use mostly coal & wood. Deli is in a constant state of hazy almost fog due to the smog as are most of the developed cities. A UV and Polarizing filter is almost a must. If you have Lightroom or an equivalent, shoot in RAW. You'll definitely need a little post processing to pull out the best in your images.

I would also recommend you remove a Logo camera strap if you have one, it screams tourist and identifies an expensive piece of equipment. Another thing you should consider is to cover over any logo or ID on your camera with black gaffer tape. As you will most certainly stick out in a crowd, pickpockets and street thieves won't pay as much attention if they can't determine what you're carrying. Gaffer tape is cheap and it doesn't leave any residue when removed.

Prime lenses are usually the best way to go for tack sharpness but there is a lot of variety visually and you might consider a walk around zoom lens. Tamron's 16 to 300 or the 18 to 400 will cover just about everything and they're pretty sharp not to mention you only have one lens to worry about. Take a lot of memory cards and change to a new card each day just in case. And carry a back up battery or two. Be cautious taking pictures of people. Many do not like their photos taken. Before we traveled I practiced shooting from hip level zoomed out fairly wide to sneak shots while walking around. If the camera isn't in your face people don't think you're shooting. If you want to take someones picture ask first or buy something if its a store clerk.

Bottom line it's truly an adventure traveling in India. Do not drink any of the water! Only drink bottled water, beer, wine, soft drinks or any liquid that needs to be opened with an opener. "Kingfisher" beer is a great local option, its always really cold and very affordable. Be wary of plastic bottled water that has a screw cap, they are artists at removing them without breaking the seal and then they refill them with tap water. Perrier or bottled water that has a bottle cap is safest. We ate in local restaurants and didn't have a single issue. Oh, and don't forget to brush your teeth with bottled water, you can usually trust the bottled water in hotels. In a pinch I've brushed with beer or a soft drink. Water is the biggest carrier of stomach killing bugs. And wash your hands every chance you get.

You'll have a wonderful time! English is spoken just about everywhere and the people are remarkably friendly and courteous.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

The 20mm f1.8 will work well in low light. And you will have a FOV of 30mm. I know someone who has a Tamron 180mm prime. A 270mm FOV for that lens on a crop sensor. He gets very good results from it. However, you are going to have to sneak in a zoom lens to fill in the gap. The choices are many. There was one lady on this forum, who had a Nikon 20mm, used on a full frame camera. She said she traveled most of the world with only that lens. But, I would prefer more than just that one. Good luck on any other choices. And enjoy your future trip.

fourg1b2006 Loc: Long Island New York

That sounds like it's going to be a great trip.

EdU239 Loc: The Northeast

India covers a lot of different territory, landscapes and climates. We have been three times over the last 11 years to visit friends in Bangalore and Mumbai, and my best advice (already given here and what you will probably hear if you go to a specialist for your pre-travel shots) is bottled water/soft drinks only and no ice cubes. Eating street food from a vendor is not a good idea either.

I have made the trip with both a DSLR and compacts. I would not carry the former if you are in a city or using public transportation—the crowds are too big and too dense and you really don’t want something that big and awkward hanging around your neck or over your shoulder. It’s great when/if you are in the countryside or villages. I would recommend a small camera with a 1” or MFT sensor, e.g., something from the Sony RX 100 series, the Canon G#X series, the Lumix LX 100, or the FZ 100. Unfortunately Nikon seems to have abandoned this market segment—their older P7800 or the equivalent from Canon or Olympus would also be good. For my last trip in January 2015 I carried a Canon S120 and a G16. I was glad to have both, and former was perfect for walking around in Mumbai.

Have a great trip. It is an amazing place to visit.

jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

India is big with great variety in locations so you need to consider that. Will you be traveling around from city to country to mountain to desert or just staying in cities? That's critical. I just got back from Morocco where we hit all of the above so for my d7100 I stuck to my Tamron 16-300 and used all focal lengths on the trip. I also had a 50mm 1.4 Nikon for low light situations and it was a good extra.

All of the other advice above is good and applies to travel in many countries. I'd only add one thing--be sure to take an Rx of an antibiotic in case you get the stomach troubles despite all other precautions--that's the only thing that will knock it out quickly. Also, if you'll be rural take an Rx of pain medication as it can be hard to get medical help in rural areas.

I'm sure you'll have and I wish you a wonderful trip.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Be careful not to bring bedbugs home with you.

banjo-player

Just got back from India . . . will be heading back there in a week to cover the Camel Festival (largest camel auction/sale event in the world). I often read suggestions made about "disguising" the type of equipment you're carrying. If you're going to use any reasonable size DSLR then masking the brand will not help - the size of the equipment gives it away. I've done photo shoots in almost every country in the world. Have had a few problems here and there but not because of the camera I carry. People are poor in most places (compared to the US) and they will take anything of value to exchange for money/food. Most important thing is to always be aware of your surroundings and make sure you understand the risks in the area you're entering. Most important . . . before you go, plan what you would like to see and where you would like to go. You'll get the most out of your trip that way. The comment about the Rx for stomach problems & the bottle drink suggestion - definitely good advice!

You'll have a great time . . . enjoy!

banjo-player

Forgot to mention . . . I took a D810 and D850 and used both at different times. Went into several shanty towns including the one where Slum Dog Millionaire was filmed. Encountered no problems.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Very good advise, one of my granddaughters just got back from a 6 week trip to India - first thing she did was start to dress like the locals and blended in - she had a fabulous trip and used her cel phone camera.

Mickey Jetpur Loc: California

Hi, will you be going to any of the tiger sanctuaries? If you are, you will need a long lens, 70-300 perhaps.
India is a very colorful place and you’ll have a great time taking street pictures of people and buildings. A wide angle would also be handy.
Have a great time.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Big country
I have a couple of friends in NE India near the coast I could get information for you for that area if you are going that way.
PM me if you are.
Otherwise enjoy the country and be safe.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I'm jealous! India is one of the places on my bucket list :)

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Just my thoughts, but with a once-in-a-lifetime trip you need some "reach" with your lens choices. If I were you I would buy or rent a lens that is at least 300mm. I think you will be happy you did.