markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

In my opinion, trust and just take the Sony RX10 IV. I did for a river cruise last August. Did not miss any photo ops. I used to carry two Canon DSLR's & 3 - 4 lenses, ... weighing around 30 lbs. No more!! The Sony is incredible!! You'll also enjoy the trip without worrying & lugging all the "stuff"!
Mark

Selene03

Different people will give you different advice. Here is my 2 cents (not worth a lot these days). The canon 28-300 is an excellent lens, but it is a monster—ie Big and heavy. It is also a push-pull type of lens. The only dust I have ever had on a canon sensor was after using that lens in high winds in Death Valley. From the sound of it, you will be using your camera in the desert, though I never had winds there like I did in Death Valley. I would also caution that with a crop sensor 80D, you will be basically missing out on the wide side of things. I used a 16-35 f4 with my 5d mk Iv when I was there and it was perfect for most things. If you are going to get another lens, I would get the 10-18 or, better the 10-22 for crop sensor cameras. There were times when I wished I had a longer lens, but in general, you will be shooting big things from close up or in small streets. I always always take whatever rx100 version I have for certain occasions. I would probably take the 80d with a wide angle and maybe a longer lens (the 70-300 Ii nano lens is nowhere near as expensive as the 28-300 but it is lighter and very good.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

I come down on the side of less weight and bulk. Have fun; don't let your equipment weigh you down. At the risk of stating the obvious, there is a lot of sand (and possibly blowing sand) where you're going, and that may be something to consider. Have a great trip! >Alan

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Not to mention getting all the expensive stuff stolen.

Selene03

I felt safer there and was less concerned about my camera gear in these countries than in just about any place I have been in in the US. For better or worse, soldiers are everywhere.

I would agree that lighter is better, but there are some amazing sites here. If I were the op, i would take the 80d, but I always have an rx100 of some version with me, and I do like the image quality from the two RX 10s I had. With the right lenses though, the 80d is not that much bigger and heavier than the more recent rx10 models (but I know that weight is very subjective).

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

For light travel, i.e. pleasure, I travel light with my favourite, Fuji X100 F with a 23mm lens. It covers 90% of my needs unless it is a photo trip. “Light is right” for that purpose.

Ghery Loc: Olympia, WA

We were in that area 10 years ago. My Sony A100 was my primary camera at the time, but I brought an older Olympus C740 P&S as a backup. This wound up being a lifesaver as the short lens (18-55mm IIRC) had a failure of its focus mechanism while at Masada. For the rest of the trip i kept my long lens (55-250 mm) on the Sony body and shot shoter lens pictures with the Olympus. Its 10x optical zoom was great and it saved the day for the rest of the trip. A backup is critical.

gwestfall Loc: Calabasas, Ca

Go light.

gwestfall Loc: Calabasas, Ca

Go light. Five years ago I bought a Leica M 240 and 28mm, 50mm and 100mm lenses. The entire package wieghs less than my Canon 5D mkIII with a 28-70 f2.8. The Leica lenses range from f 1.2 to f 2.0. Everything fits into a small backpack that fits into a plane’s overhead storage. It’s been to Russia, Ireland and Africa and never disappointed.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

If he has unlimited funds, that might be a viable solution. However, it's a rich decision! He already owns a Sony RX10 IV. A perfect solution.
I was curious:(without lenses)! https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/893170-USA/Leica_10770_M_Digital_Camera_Black.html/?c3api=3679%2Cbing%2C81707499146887%2C4585307087740308&msclkid=8533c75c3cb6105435ef9bd6aaa185b1
Mark

willaim Loc: Sunny Southern California

Last November, I took a tour to Israel and Petra. I have an 80D with a vertical grip. I only took two lenses with me. A Tamron 18-400 and a Sigma 10-20 and a flash(which I really didn't use). Most of my shooting was with the Tamron. Changing lenses only took a matter of minutes. Didn't lug my camera bag as I wore a photo vest to hold the lens and flash. The camera bag held my camera, two lenses and flash without any problems. Enjoy your trip. BTW, if you get the chance while in Jerusalem, see the Light Show at the Tower of David. Never saw anything like it. Petra is something else. Come back with a ton of pictures.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

You will be well served with the RX-10 IV, as you well know. Worrying about lens issues, dust, etc. while traveling is a pain. Have fun first, take great photos second!

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

No I don't know "how that one goes". My wife, who is also my best friend, knows how important my photography is to me, and will do all she can to reasonably accommodate my needs. That being said, one thing I would worry about in that region is security for your camera. Anything big and expensive-looking is a target. And, additionally, you may grow tired carrying around a lot of heavy gear in extreme heat conditions.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

If you worried about security spend $30.00 a a camera or camera bag strap with a cable in it. That way they can't cut and run. B&H has them.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

That's been known to happen in Rome, Italy. But, I guess it can happen anywhere. I may look into that cable strap. Not, that my gear isn't worth stealing? But, all that I have.