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Upcoming trip to Egypt
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Sep 14, 2021 14:30:02   #
wannabe63 Loc: Bellevue, Washington
 
In October of this year, my wife and I will be joining a tour group to Egypt hitting the usual popular spots in Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, River Cruise on the Nile, etc. We will also be going to Petra in Jordan. As my everyday go to equipment I plan on using a Nikon D750 with Nikkor 28-300 f3.5-5.6, and a Nikkor 16-35 f4 lenses.

1st question concerns the camera settings while inside the tombs. I'm guessing that the lighting will be different in each tomb so settings will be critical and change in each tomb. In order to cover most situations I was thinking of setting the camera to shutter priority at 200, auto WB, turn on auto-ISO set to minimum of 100 to maximum of 6400. What are your thoughts? Any other specific settings?

2nd question relates to the entire tour in general. What filters would you recommend?

3rd - I would like to get a shot of the Milky Way with a pyramid, sphinx or something Egyptian in the foreground. I will be using a tripod and a Rokinon 14mm f2.8 lens. For those that have been there, and assuming the right conditions, no light pollution exist, do you think this is doable?

Stay tuned. I may have more questions as they come to mind.

Thanks for your input.

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Sep 14, 2021 15:09:25   #
ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca
 
GREAT!!
We are also slated for a trip to Egypt in Feb. 2022 - But unfortunately skipping Petra
Have been considering as you have what I'll take
Plan to take 3 Primes 24(1.4)/35(1.4)/85(1.8) one zoom 100-400(+1.4 extender) plus a tripod along with the 5Ds
This is what I "think" I'll try doing within the Tombs - Assume sufficient electric lighting to see --
Plan on using the primes handheld (hopefully all of them) set @ 1/100 shutter plus whatever ISO is sufficient
REALLY -- Looking forward to your photos & your real-world experience

As for filters -- Only plan on taking one filter a 77mm Polarizer

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Sep 14, 2021 15:21:05   #
wannabe63 Loc: Bellevue, Washington
 
Ken, this has been on my bucket list for a long time so am really excited to finally get to do it. To get an idea of what to expect in the tombs, if you haven't done it already, I suggest looking at Valley of the Kings on Goggle Maps and look at some of the photos that are posted there.

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Sep 14, 2021 15:32:01   #
ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca
 
OH YES!!
GOOGLE maps plus almost all of John Romer's books on Egypt
Have been wanting to visit this place forever & always came up with really great reasons for not doing so --

NOT THIS TIME -- We are going (with booster shots & masks)

So please let me know when you get back & post your award-winning "snaps" what I can expect in Feb.

Reply
Sep 14, 2021 16:01:22   #
Hip Coyote
 
wannabe63 wrote:
In October of this year, my wife and I will be joining a tour group to Egypt hitting the usual popular spots in Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, River Cruise on the Nile, etc. We will also be going to Petra in Jordan. As my everyday go to equipment I plan on using a Nikon D750 with Nikkor 28-300 f3.5-5.6, and a Nikkor 16-35 f4 lenses.

1st question concerns the camera settings while inside the tombs. I'm guessing that the lighting will be different in each tomb so settings will be critical and change in each tomb. In order to cover most situations I was thinking of setting the camera to shutter priority at 200, auto WB, turn on auto-ISO set to minimum of 100 to maximum of 6400. What are your thoughts? Any other specific settings?

2nd question relates to the entire tour in general. What filters would you recommend?

3rd - I would like to get a shot of the Milky Way with a pyramid, sphinx or something Egyptian in the foreground. I will be using a tripod and a Rokinon 14mm f2.8 lens. For those that have been there, and assuming the right conditions, no light pollution exist, do you think this is doable?

Stay tuned. I may have more questions as they come to mind.

Thanks for your input.
In October of this year, my wife and I will be joi... (show quote)


Its my understanding that Nikon is not allowed in the country. Only Olympus shooters are allowed.

Ok, I joke. Im kinda spitballing here. But:

1- When you say 200, I assume shutter-speed? I might go a bit lower on that since you are (should be) shooting a wide angle lens...can maybe get away with 60? Maybe even slower. I like the auto ISO parameters you set.

2- Polarizing filter for sure. Maybe an ND in case it is quite bright out? Given the sand and possibility for lens damage, I'd make sure my lenses have filters (uv or what ever you use) just to keep the element safe. (Let the games begin on that tired debate!) Also, FWIIW, a lot of people do not like people in their shots at such places. I was on a photo tour in Prague and the teacher had us use ND filters and very very long exposures (meaning stacked up ND filters) with cameras on tripods so that people walking by would not be captured in the the shot. The place would look deserted. If I had it to do over again, I 'd actually want fuzzy images of people in the shot to give it some drama, interest, etc...meaning I'd use less dark ND and shorter shutter speeds...say 15 seconds rather than 90. Hope this makes sense.

3- My understanding is that the pyramids are quite close to the city (at least the ones near Cairo) so light pollution (and other pollution) might be a problem. Frankly, it might be a problem as well going there at night from a personal safety standpoint. If you do shoot at night, I think you may want to incorporate the city lights perhaps? I recommend looking at photopills to see what the moon might be doing at the time you are there as well. You could actually plan an entire shoot based of that...where to stand, time to be there. I've taken one night - astro class and know enough to be dangerous but not competent so can't say further.

What ever you do, please update this post when you get back...Egypt is on my bucket list and I will need your debrief on this! Safe travels.

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Sep 14, 2021 19:29:34   #
Seabastes
 
Quote Reply In October of this year, my wife and I will be joining a tour group to Egypt hitting the usual popular spots in Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, River Cruise on the Nile, etc. We will also be going to Petra in Jordan. As my everyday go to equipment I plan on using a Nikon D750 with Nikkor 28-300 f3.5-5.6, and a Nikkor 16-35 f4 lenses.

I went into my files and checked to see which lenses I used several years ago on a ten day trip to Egypt.
The most used lenses were a 18-55 and a 18-200. Both were fairly slow lenses F4-56 range. ISO 100 to 200 were the most common settings. The lenses you plan on taking should be ideal for your trip.

Things you should know.

You may be hit on for tips. I say this based on being in Egypt some 12 years ago. Carry some fairly small bills in your shirt pocket where you have fairly easy access. Don't be surprised if someone you photographed or bought from reaches into your pocket when you say that is all the money you are carrying. Smile a lot, in a way it is a game. If you have the opportunity to sit on a busy street, you can take make many photo situations that will be around you. There are some places that don't allow photos.

Take a second camera body. You can't be sure when one will break when you most need it. A good P&S is worth having with you if you don't take a second camera body.

Have a wonderful trip. Here are a few images I made.


(Download)


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(Download)

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Sep 15, 2021 07:05:18   #
Jimmy T Loc: Virginia
 
wannabe63 wrote:
In October of this year, my wife and I will be joining a tour group to Egypt hitting the usual popular spots in Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, River Cruise on the Nile, etc. We will also be going to Petra in Jordan. As my everyday go to equipment I plan on using a Nikon D750 with Nikkor 28-300 f3.5-5.6, and a Nikkor 16-35 f4 lenses.

1st question concerns the camera settings while inside the tombs. I'm guessing that the lighting will be different in each tomb so settings will be critical and change in each tomb. In order to cover most situations I was thinking of setting the camera to shutter priority at 200, auto WB, turn on auto-ISO set to minimum of 100 to maximum of 6400. What are your thoughts? Any other specific settings?

2nd question relates to the entire tour in general. What filters would you recommend?

3rd - I would like to get a shot of the Milky Way with a pyramid, sphinx or something Egyptian in the foreground. I will be using a tripod and a Rokinon 14mm f2.8 lens. For those that have been there, and assuming the right conditions, no light pollution exist, do you think this is doable?

Stay tuned. I may have more questions as they come to mind.

Thanks for your input.
In October of this year, my wife and I will be joi... (show quote)


After yesterdays post with six pages on this subject . . . .
I will not bite, grin.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-711336-1.html

Reply
 
 
Sep 15, 2021 08:35:10   #
PhotoDerek Loc: County Durham, UK.
 
wannabe63,
went to Luxor in 1998 - few comments
lost weight 1lb a day with loose bowels,
hot and dusty,
walked down into a tomb - hot, dusty and claustrophobic - was shooting film so skylight filter and not removed from zoom lens, lens was covered with dust,
did not use a polariser as sky was blue, nor any grads,
carry a lens cleaning cloth or use a blower when outside the tomb,
do not change lenses in a tomb,
keep yourself fit (especially leg strength) as walking down into the tomb was quite physical - bent over due to low roof and carrying a SLR with zoom lens in one hand and holding a hand rail as the descent into the tomb was steep,
my lungs are ok, never smoked but if you smoke maybe time to stop as the tombs will stress your lungs with dust and heat and physicality.
Just watch out especially around Hatshepsut's temple as this was the site of a terrorist attack on tourists - be aware,
People usually finish these article with a would you return? NO.

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Sep 15, 2021 09:45:30   #
Stardust Loc: Central Illinois
 
Been to Egypt in 2019 & 2017, lenses are good choices, a polarized filter and/or clear filter to protect from sand is max needed if any, no ND required because sand helps avoid hot spots. Unlikely to get Milky Way near Pyramids with fair amount of light pollution from Giza, shops, cars, etc. Cairo never sleeps! Plus basically can only shoot Pyramids from Giza side at night unless can get your guide or known taxi driver (someone hotel recommends) to take you out at night. If you go inside the Pyramids (venture to climb to the Tomb Room) your camera or photos are not allowed - makes no sense - but EVERYONE carries their cell phones. <wink>. Finally, I won't waste space on do's & don'ts except do not shoot inspection points. (I was shooting street scene, they saw my camera raised, had to show last dozen shots to prove no photos & guide did some smooth over talking).

Valley of Kings Tombs are fairly well-lit, must buy a camera pass ($3 in 2019). And if I may add two suggestions. Visit the once in a lifetime King Tut tomb, with his mummy now back in it - will cost you an extra reasonable ticket - and consider a daybreak hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings if your trip allows. Very safe equipment - better than States - an amazing, photographic experience. Enjoy, out of 52 countries visited in my top 3-4. Going back soon when new GEM is fully open near Pyramids.

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Sep 15, 2021 10:08:27   #
MichaelStacy
 
Is this thru O.A.T. by any chance? We are scheduled for Nov 2022

Reply
Sep 15, 2021 10:46:59   #
anotherview Loc: California
 
Have you cleared those places for the safety of tourists and foreigners in general? The American consulate can advise you in this matter. Or your travel agent can advise you.
wannabe63 wrote:
In October of this year, my wife and I will be joining a tour group to Egypt hitting the usual popular spots in Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, River Cruise on the Nile, etc. We will also be going to Petra in Jordan. As my everyday go to equipment I plan on using a Nikon D750 with Nikkor 28-300 f3.5-5.6, and a Nikkor 16-35 f4 lenses.

1st question concerns the camera settings while inside the tombs. I'm guessing that the lighting will be different in each tomb so settings will be critical and change in each tomb. In order to cover most situations I was thinking of setting the camera to shutter priority at 200, auto WB, turn on auto-ISO set to minimum of 100 to maximum of 6400. What are your thoughts? Any other specific settings?

2nd question relates to the entire tour in general. What filters would you recommend?

3rd - I would like to get a shot of the Milky Way with a pyramid, sphinx or something Egyptian in the foreground. I will be using a tripod and a Rokinon 14mm f2.8 lens. For those that have been there, and assuming the right conditions, no light pollution exist, do you think this is doable?

Stay tuned. I may have more questions as they come to mind.

Thanks for your input.
In October of this year, my wife and I will be joi... (show quote)

Reply
 
 
Sep 15, 2021 11:52:20   #
charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA
 
I was there in 2009. One of the best trips I ever took.

At the time I only had a Sony bridge camera. I got a lot of really good shots. Wish I had a dslr at the time…there were a few places where photography was not allowed. If I remember correctly it was in the tombs and
In the museum.

Tri pods weren’t allowed in some places either. Check with your travel agency about photography in general and specifically tripods.

If I was going there today I would take my d7200 Nikon with the 18-300 and 18-140 (as a backup lens). I might throw in my 50 mm prime. The 18-300 would be on my camera all the time. I would NOT change lenses at all. And if I did find I had to only in my room or possibly on the motor coach. I would also take my Nikon bridge camera as a backup camera. Personally I would not take a tripod.

We had an armed guard with us at all times. Not advisable to leave the hotel/or boat at night. It was a year and a half after we were there that the uprising happened. We watched some of it on tv and recognized places where the violence was happening.

Have a great trip. I am looking forward to seeing your shots.

Chuck

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Sep 15, 2021 13:16:06   #
mikee
 
My wife and i were scheduled for a Nile cruise in feb, 2020. So now i have a pretty voucher and no memories or photos. Maybe in another year.

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Sep 15, 2021 13:35:56   #
Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL
 
A few years ago I went to Cairo on a business trip. Not having the time for a lot of touring, I went with just my Leica M4 and Summicron f/2 lens; loaded with several rolls of Kodachrome film and without zoom lenses or tripods I was able to freely walk the grounds and stop any place of my choice. No tours, no guides. Not interested in museums and tombs I was able to capture the outdoor scenes and folklore images I wanted with the 50mm lens.

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Sep 15, 2021 13:37:43   #
bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada
 
wannabe63 wrote:
In October of this year, my wife and I will be joining a tour group to Egypt hitting the usual popular spots in Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, River Cruise on the Nile, etc. We will also be going to Petra in Jordan. As my everyday go to equipment I plan on using a Nikon D750 with Nikkor 28-300 f3.5-5.6, and a Nikkor 16-35 f4 lenses.

1st question concerns the camera settings while inside the tombs. I'm guessing that the lighting will be different in each tomb so settings will be critical and change in each tomb. In order to cover most situations I was thinking of setting the camera to shutter priority at 200, auto WB, turn on auto-ISO set to minimum of 100 to maximum of 6400. What are your thoughts? Any other specific settings?

2nd question relates to the entire tour in general. What filters would you recommend?

3rd - I would like to get a shot of the Milky Way with a pyramid, sphinx or something Egyptian in the foreground. I will be using a tripod and a Rokinon 14mm f2.8 lens. For those that have been there, and assuming the right conditions, no light pollution exist, do you think this is doable?

Stay tuned. I may have more questions as they come to mind.

Thanks for your input.
In October of this year, my wife and I will be joi... (show quote)

Aside from equipment, have you considered your health!? COVID-19 is raging in Egypt and not much better in Jordan. My sister-in-law and her husband are in the Middle East at present. Vaccine certificates required for air travel and entry into various venues, and questionable healthcare should problems arise.

Be safe!

bwa

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