devil-dog wrote:
My wife & I are taking a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to London, Paris, & Nice in September. I have a Nikon D750 with 50mm 1.4, 15-30mm 2.8, 24-70mm 2.8, & 70-200mm 2.8. We'll be walking a ton. Any recommendations on taking all of the above (& just suffer through the heavy backpack) or simplifying & lightening the load with just a couple select lenses?
I've also read a lot about taking extra precautions due to theft & pick-pockets (especially in Paris). Any advice on this from experienced travelers/photographers would be appreciated, as well.
Thank you!
My wife & I are taking a once-in-a-lifetime va... (
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Re what which lens to take on travel:
When I travel overseas I take one body and a 24-105mm F4 lens, two batteries, two large SD card, one charger, some pre-moistened lens cleaners and I do quite well. I have even quit lugging the flash along. I shoot raw and instead of using a long lens I crop the pic or use my "foot zoom" to get what I want. By all means document the highlights, but make sure that you ENJOY the trip.
Re pickpockets in Paris:
The threat is there and it is VERY real. They work in pairs, or more, in ANY crowded place. The Louvre is a MAJOR target destination. In the Louvre they start on the escalators by holding you at the top while pretending to read a floor plan of the facility. While everyone is trapped they go through your backpacks, fanny packs, pockets, etc. It is then that you begin to notice all of the zippers on the backpacks are open and ladies are trying to figure out who was groping them. Some are highly skilled and some work undistracted while on crowded elevators. Beware of people very apologetically crowding into elevators at the last minute. It is merely a distraction, the pickpockets are already on the elevator with you. Lesson: AVOID Crowds of people bunched up together.
Maintain your situational awareness:
Wear your passport (better a copy, leaving the original in the hotel safe) in a passport holder, around your neck, and UNDER your clothes, along with the bulk of your money, credit cards, and other valuables. Keep only a small amount of money and perhaps one credit card in your FRONT pocket with a rubber band around the credit card and folding money. Lastly, place a handkerchief loosely placed on top of your stash. This makes it doubly hard for a pickpocket to get to your valuables. Remember, every time you spend money the pickpockets make note of where you keep your money. I know that this seems so negative, but except for the pickpockets, Paris is a WONDERFUL place to visit and I can't wait to return! Bravo Zulu, Paris.
https://smile.amazon.com/My-JAXO-Premium-Family-Passport-Blocking/dp/B01MS0NV8H/ref=sr_1_14?crid=1KG3MKQR56CCS&keywords=passport+holder+for+men&qid=1557827304&s=gateway&sprefix=passport%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-14There are many wonderful museums in Paris. However, if you go to the Louvre, buy your tickets online to avoid the 2-3 hour lines for walk-ups. During the tourist season they often sell out and you have been waiting in line for hours for nothing.
https://www.louvre.fr/enWe loved London and had no concerns there for our safety. The pubs and taxis are great!
Smile,
Jimmy T Sends