Israel trip (Page 2): Lots of valid points give so far here. I was there a year ago, about this time of year. Contrast is one of the main problems, particularly in Jerusalem itself.

Baz Loc: Peterborough UK

Lots of valid points give so far here. I was there a year ago, about this time of year. Contrast is one of the main problems, particularly in Jerusalem itself. Deep shadows and bright highlights. There is a lot to see, so take your time and enjoy doing it. I found no problrms with street scenes, people photos etc. However do be aware of any military about. Look out for grafitti, particularly in Bethlehem, even if you do not agree with the sentiment, it can be very photogenic. Typical M.E. weather, sunny, but not hot during the day, but can be quite cool at night. A good compact (I took a Canon G12) is useful in the crowded souks in Jerusalem, but the trouble is, that is the way to some of the religious sites you would wish to visit, where you would want more comprehensive gear. What was nice is that there was very little of the "Pushy touts" that you tend to get in the rest of the M.E.
Do as I do and go twice. First time to get a feel for a place, and second time to correct the photographs that I screwed up the first time. Above all, enjoy.

ddonlewis

My wife and I loved it, and I'm sure you will to. The mid range zoom, 18-55/70 is a good one. You will be around citys a lot (Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jerrico, Nazareth). The wide angle will be important since the old citys/markets are very cramped with vendors etc. You will also spend a fair amount of time indoors in churches, buildings so a flash will be handy. You will be on and off tour buses 8 hours a day so you don't want anything to heavy. I had a DSLR but a good compact would work. I wouldn't worry to much about filters, you can always tweak later. You may be able to buy some pro photos on a disk of some of the sites like the garden tomb to supplement yours. These were taken in perfect light etc. Have several memory cards.

RMM Loc: Suburban New York

Polarizing filter for sure. If you're in Jerusalem or any "old" cities or towns, you'll want a wider angle lens, or a zoom lens that gives you a wide angle, as spaces are very cramped in some places. A telephoto lens can be very handy in other places, like the Dead Sea, Masada. You didn't mention what kind of camera you are taking, but if it's a DSLR, you'll probably want a couple of different lenses, depending on where you are going to be.

cherylpeters Loc: Kentucky

wow, thanks for all the good advice.. I have a bridge camera with a flash and a video on it also. I had to sell a lot of camera equipment to go. I am excited.

wingincamera Loc: Spanaway, Washington

I can't answer your question about filters, but thought you might be interested in seeing my wife's blog about her trip to Israel a year ago. She did a great job documenting the the trip. On the blog she is Suzette.
Here are two different url's in case one does not work.

http://israelsues.blogspot.com/
http://israelsues.blogspot.com/2013_03_01_archive.html

wingincamera Loc: Spanaway, Washington

One other thing, all my wife brought with her was a Canon G9 point & shoot. She was in a tour group and things moved fairly quickly. One of the other members in the group was carrying a dSLR with multiple lens and found it too slow to try changing lens and carrying everything. He realized he spent so much time with the camera and not seeing the land. He ended up just using one lens so he could enjoy the experience more. If your by yourself you can slow down, not so much in a group.

cherylpeters Loc: Kentucky

Thanks

Modnar Loc: Batley' West Yorkshire, UK

They have just had a very deep snowfall in Jerusalem. Also in Syria, Lebanon, parts of Turkey, Gaza Strip etc. So maybe take some warm clothing.

cherylpeters Loc: Kentucky

Yes, I know. I have a friend in Jerusalem on Facebook and I see her pics, it is melting fast. :)

RMM Loc: Suburban New York

wingincamera wrote:

One other thing, all my wife brought with her was a Canon G9 point & shoot. She was in a tour group and things moved fairly quickly. One of the other members in the group was carrying a dSLR with multiple lens and found it too slow to try changing lens and carrying everything. He realized he spent so much time with the camera and not seeing the land. He ended up just using one lens so he could enjoy the experience more. If your by yourself you can slow down, not so much in a group.

Good point. Depends on how the trip is being led, but you're right, things can move fast. However, if she's using a bridge camera, all she'll have to worry about is polarizing filter on or off.

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

RMM wrote:

Good point. Depends on how the trip is being led, but you're right, things can move fast. However, if she's using a bridge camera, all she'll have to worry about is polarizing filter on or off.

Cats are so smart ! lol :thumbup:

psychnet Loc: Philly + Delaware River

Depends on how a photo you want...bridge vs dslr w good lens quality.

cherylpeters Loc: Kentucky

At least I will have good lighting, also I am bringing my flash.