junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

My wife and I are planning a trip to England then Scotland in late May. I have an artificial knee and my wife has a bad back. My question is, I will be taking my Canon 80D w/ 18-135 lens. Will this be too awkward with the crowds/groups? Will a travel tripod be too much?
This will be my first time to London and appreciate any advice for seniors who would like to take some photos.
Thank again,
Jim

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Hey Jim, you should be just fine with that camera and lens. On tours I think a tripod will prove to be too much.

Enjoy your trip.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

On a recent tour of Ireland I took my 70D with the 18-135 without tripod. Got a spectacular series of photos covering our trip. I'm in my early 80s with leg problems but I functioned ok. People thought I was brave! Rather than a tripod may I suggest a monopod. But I did it all handheld. Both the 70 and 80 have good low light abilities.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

As I always say, I prefer a compact camera for situations like that. It will have either a neck strap or a wrist strap, so I probably won't drop it, and It will fit into a pocket. You have to decide if the purpose of the trip is photography or enjoyment.

ncribble Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Jerry is right on suggesting a small light camera. We were in England this passed spring for a month, and carrying my Canon 5Diii with a
24-70 f2.8 at times was a little heavy. My wife carried a Canon G7X and a couple of days I borrowed it just to rest up the neck an back. We're both 85. Enjoy and shoot away :)

regularguy55

I now use a Canon G7X Mark II for all our travel. Excellent pocketable (great in photo vest or light cover jacket) size and weight with 1.8-2.8 lens, 20mp and 24x100mm. Have a monopod which doubles as a walking cane, but the lens is excellent in handheld mode. Enjoy the trip and obtain great photos with little effort.

therwol Loc: USA

My wife and I are visiting the UK now. We are staying near the Lake District and use a rental car to get around up here. This is a rural area. Driving is easy.

London is entirely different. It is congested, both on the streets and on the sidewalks. The people there tend to walk very fast and will walk right into you if you stop suddenly (often because their eyes are glued to their phones) . Make sure you have a well planned agenda, including how you're going to get from point to point on your visit. Understand that things are not always next door to one another. Their tube system gets you almost anywhere, but not without some walking to and from, and some of the stations require considerable walking underground to change from one line to another. The sidewalks, aside from being crowded, can have obstacles from nearby construction. There is construction everywhere. It is not unusual to run into sidewalks that are uneven or partially made of cobblestones.

If you and your wife really can't tolerate much walking, consider taking taxis. Having a taxi app on your phone could help with that. At some times of the day, nearly all that pass you will be occupied.

As for what camera to take, I agree with taking something that you can put in your pocket. Like two other posters in this thread, I take a Canon G7X when I travel. There are some trade offs, but this and similar cameras with 1 inch sensors made by Canon, Panasonic, Sony etc. Are quite good.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

I have a Canon Power Shot S2 IS (5 mp). Would this be better to bring than 80D?

therwol Loc: USA

In my opinion, no. Way too old (2004). You can make 8x10 prints with 5 megapixels, but sensors have improved so much that I think you'd see the difference in image quality. Also, when was the last time you used the camera? Do you have a battery or batteries that haven't gone bad?

If I were not interested in buying a second camera, I'd just take the 80D. There is nothing wrong with that. Just be aware that you'll be moving through crowds in London, and something in a pocket would be an advantage.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Thanks a lot to consider

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Maybe just bring my Smart Phone?

therwol Loc: USA

Not entirely unreasonable. Only you can decide if that's giving up too much. If photography is a major reason you're going on vacation, it may be a compromise, but only you can decide.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Thanks!

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

You can 'see London' on an open top tour bus. Certain tickets allow you to leave one bus and catch a later bus to continue the journey. Tripods are not generally liked in crowded places - some churches for example do not allow them. A monopod however is often allowed.

Like all crowded places, there are thieves about. Especially at 'tourist' places. Perhaps black tape over CANON labels and a generic camera strap and bag may lessen its 'value' in their eyes. Places can get extremely congested. Carrying an bright blue and red A - Z of London in your hand can make you a target. Plan your route ahead of time. (It is not Beirut or Mogadishu.....!!) just be aware

But, our Police and traffic wardens are approachable and are often a font of local knowledge. Do not be afraid to ask for help or directions from them. Most 'workers' are also helpful (bus conductors and taxi drivers etc)

Have fun

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Good advice and appreciate the tips. Always have to be heads up.