dandekarv Loc: Lake Forest, Ca, US

Going to Argentina, Chile and Brazil in September. Wondering what camera and lens I should carry with me. Do I need to have a camera for fast action photography like animals in action? I have Nikon D4 and D810. Appreciate your help.

Vasant Dandekar

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Bring the same camera and lens along you would typically want with you on an extended road trip in the U.S.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

dandekarv Loc: Lake Forest, Ca, US

Will do. Thanks

Vasant

alolewis

I doubt you will need a fast lens for animals. We took photos of mostly the scenery in those places except for penguins but they do not move fast. I usually used my 18-140, my wife used her 18-300mm, both are about 4.0 lens.

dandekarv Loc: Lake Forest, Ca, US

Thanks. I have 28-300 lens. That is my walk around lens. I think that one should be enough.

Vasant

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

I went to Argentina and Brazil a couple of years ago. My D7100 with a 2.8 24-70 lens did all I needed. But, particularly in parts of Brazil, the big lens was a handicap. Never felt threatened, really, but was aware of locals watching me, and was sometimes sort of put off taking a pic. In the end took a lot of pics with my little Lumix. Never saw any fast animals.
Some of the poorer areas of Brazil can be a bit dangerous. English speaking locals can be few and far between. If I was going again Id learn a few phrases. One useful little trick we learned, only drink fizzy water (agua con gas). Some small local shops bottle their own water in reused bottles for sale. Not good. They cant regas the water, so if its fizzy you know it should be safe to drink.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

If you have to ask this question then I would recommend a simple point-and-shoot, or perhaps use your cellphone's camera.

ppkwhat Loc: Gibsonton, FL

Vasant,
I was born in Brazil and it is a beautiful country to photograph. Said that, I would be very careful with your equipment in some areas. As with many countries going thru a difficult economic situation, there will always be people that would want to make a fast money by selling your stolen goods. Brazil's economy is in shambles, unemployment is rampant - upwards on 20% in some areas. Ask around the hotel managers where you should or shouldn't go.I would take one camera only with a single set of lenses, some like the Nikon 24-120 mm and use it as a walk around. I don't know what cities you will be in Brazil, therefore I think the less you keep changing lenses and carrying them in a bag the less conspicuous you will be. Keep your Cell phone in your front inside pocket as well your documents/money and avoid using the cell phone in the streets: it will most likely be stolen and don't use fancy rings or watches like Rolex and the like either. I really feel bad and hurts me by telling you all this but better you be aware of your surroundings than be unprepared. Brazil is not a dangerous place and you will be safe over there - just be careful. Have a great trip, enjoy the places and the fantastic Brazilian food.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

SSSHHH

dandekarv Loc: Lake Forest, Ca, US

Thanks for the word of caution. I am not taking too much of a gear. Will try to keep limited.

Vasant

dandekarv Loc: Lake Forest, Ca, US

Yes, I am convinced not to take expensive camera gear.

Vasant

dandekarv Loc: Lake Forest, Ca, US

Sad that you have to write such a post and give a word of caution to others. I am convinced not to take expensive camera gear.

Thanks for your info.

Vasant

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

I have traveled a lot over the years. Recently I have advised people to be careful. A good friend for years just went to Morocco and went
with the flow and picked up a pleasant driver took the all over. I told him to read the NYTimes recently they had an article about how
interesting and what delicious food they have. It said women might not want to be alone in some places. He was invited to eat with folks.
I used to travel to Mexico to work with corporate productions. Last time I went with my wife I was not that comfortable in some spots.
The problem with expensive gear in brand name cases the are a target. Expecially in Brazil. Beautiful country. But problematic.
With the cameras I really favor small high quality cameras. And the gear in an old backpack. A huge lens is a target for theives.
I really wish this wasn't so and my wife and I traveled in Asia & some spanish countries and it was OK.
Even italy where the folks so friendly and helpful I had a incident of the window knocked out of my rental car
and 2 guys on a motorcycle grabbed my bag in back seat and rode away.
A D4 and D810 are pretty valuable. I had the D800. Look for alternatives and have a great time.
I have Sony's now and the RX100 series is great. Like having a big camera but fits in the palm of your hand.
The a6000 series with a small zoom might due. Nikon had variations that are good. You will enjoy yourself more.
Good luck.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

You said it better than I could Vasant. But I didnt want to offend anyone, like you, who had ties there.
Almost anywhere can be dangerous these days, even here in NZ, occasionally a tourist gets done over, but its often because they are in a remote area and just arent aware that not everyone is a nice person.
Having said that, I would just add that I was amazed at the colors, everywhere, we experienced. It truly is a very photogenic country.
We carried quite a few little New Zealand souvenirs which we gave to children. Only problem with that was we had to make sure there werent too many kids in sight as they all wanted one. As my daughter spoke Spanish (she lived in Paraguay for 12 months at school there), we got on fine. One of the great experiences was using local buses, especially later in the day when they were very crowded. On almost every occasion, the driver made someone give us their seat. Embarrassing but an example of the friendliness we experienced.