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Machu Pichuu
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Aug 14, 2018 19:19:37   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
dancers wrote:
our friends had their shoes stolen as they slept...be very careful!


I’d say don’t sleep with your shoes on..., put them in the safe!!! LoL
SS

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Aug 14, 2018 19:20:44   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
wbauknight wrote:
I will be going to Machu Pichuu next year and will be limited to 11 pounds when I take the bus to Machu Pichuu. I will be 72 when I go and not very steady holding my camera. Should I try to take a tripod of some type or just increase the shutter speed? I hate to increase the ISO and lose detail. Has anyone made a visit under similar cercumstances and can make recommendations? Later going to Galapagos.

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Aug 14, 2018 19:22:05   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
wbauknight wrote:
I will be going to Machu Pichuu next year and will be limited to 11 pounds when I take the bus to Machu Pichuu. I will be 72 when I go and not very steady holding my camera. Should I try to take a tripod of some type or just increase the shutter speed? I hate to increase the ISO and lose detail. Has anyone made a visit under similar cercumstances and can make recommendations? Later going to Galapagos.

Never heard of being limited to 11 lbs on a bus?!
Maybe take a lightweight monopod.
What do you do to stay steady now?
SS

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Aug 14, 2018 19:26:36   #
wbauknight Loc: Buda, TX
 
Wow, had never heard anything about not using a tripod! Thank you for the heads up on that! I will need to be balancing ISO, shutter speed and apiture to control exposure and eliminate movement. I will need to shoot at a higher shutter speed than average because of my shortcomings. This was a very helpful response!

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Aug 14, 2018 20:42:31   #
wbauknight Loc: Buda, TX
 
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
You cannot take any type of camera support to Machu Pichuu. Since you have to go with a Government registered Tour Guide, whoever is leading your tour should have that information.

See: https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/new-rules-machu-picchu-changes-entry-visit-guides-huayna-picchu

I do not know if you can purchase a tripod permit. The rules reference any type of camera extension or pole. You might be able to get away with a Platypod:

https://platypod.com/



Just ordered a Platypus Mac to take. Again, thank you!

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Aug 14, 2018 21:06:31   #
TonyP Loc: New Zealand
 
wbauknight wrote:
Wow, had never heard anything about not using a tripod! Thank you for the heads up on that! I will need to be balancing ISO, shutter speed and apiture to control exposure and eliminate movement. I will need to shoot at a higher shutter speed than average because of my shortcomings. This was a very helpful response!


I went up Machu Pichu about 2 years ago with daughter and grand children.
Couple of tips probably already mentioned; altitude sickness can be a biggie so avoid alcohol for a few days, and aclimatise, if possible, on the way.
We took some pills, forget their name but go to a good travel doctor and get advice.
A UHHer gave me very good advice before we went. He's a travel doc with a lot of SA experience. Maybe he'll see your post.
Some warn about thieves etc in Cuzco. We had absolutely no problem and found the locals helpful and fun to talk with (my daughter is bi lingual). Never asked to pay for taking pics and had kids lining up once.
We got to the entry to the 'park' via a mountain bus from Cuzco and no one queried my collapsed tripod that I carried attached to the D7100, 24-70 2.8 lens. Im a lightweight 71 year old with dodgy back and did find my gear (including a large water bottle, recommended) and some snacks for lunch a bit of a 'nuisance'. Especially the climb up to the top watch house (recommended tho).

Just had a bright idea and looked up an earlier post https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-383126-1.html
You will find some great advice there. Helped me a lot.

Cheers, have a great holiday.
I found 24-70 ideal for the photos I wanted. Only once I recall wishing for my 70-300 and that was getting a photo of the mountain overlooking Machu Pichu (forget its name).
There are photos on my website under South America, if you want to get some ideas.
Didnt know about any weight limit for bags, some of the tourists on our bus had all their gear as they were back packing. Would have been heaps more than 11 lbs. The tracks around the mountain are very well maintained and we found no need for special shoes or boots. Might have been different if the weather was bad, but my 3 grand children just wore the ordinary shoes they wore everyday. No problem.
Many guides/rangers on the mountain. Some helpful some not so much, but none we met spoke English.
For best pics try and get on the very first bus of the day. The early morning light coming up is stunning. I missed the early bus, but my grandson got some fantastic photos on his phone (wouldcha believe it!).

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Aug 15, 2018 06:12:59   #
sb Loc: Florida's East Coast
 
Tom G wrote:
Wear cheap shoes.


NO - wear the best shoes you can - just don't remove them for sleeping!

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Aug 15, 2018 06:14:48   #
sb Loc: Florida's East Coast
 
Mostly you will not need a telephoto, so shutter speed should not be a problem. Be sure to take a wide angle lens.

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Aug 15, 2018 06:19:01   #
prosaschi
 
I just got back from Galápagos and Machu Picchu. Fabulous trip! I took Celebrity Cruises and did the after cruise package to Machu Picchu. If you are going on a cruise- it is very fast paced even the land tours. I was always the last in line trying to get pictures. The monopod suggestion as a walking stick is a great idea but because of the fast pace, you might find it difficult to actually use it. If you are going Celebrity Cruises, they will provide you with a walking stick if you want. Our bags were never checked on the bus going up to Machu Picchu but we were cruise line sponsored.
As far as cameras, I used my Canon 80D and at Machu Picchu, I used my Tokina 12-24wide angle and my Canon 18-135 lens.
In the Galápagos, you will want a longer lens for some of the excursions. There are some treacherous terrain in the Galápagos so be careful. If you are not 100% steady on your feet and have an option to use a walking stick- take it.
Have a wonderful trip. It is truly a once in a lifetime trip!

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Aug 15, 2018 06:24:00   #
prosaschi
 
Diamox is the perscription medication used for altitude sickness. It helps so contact your doctor before you leave and have it just in case.

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Aug 15, 2018 07:22:43   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Tom G wrote:
Wear cheap shoes.


Yeah, it's not like there will be any hiking or rough ground involved.

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Aug 15, 2018 08:00:11   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
wbauknight wrote:
I will be going to Machu Pichuu next year and will be limited to 11 pounds when I take the bus to Machu Pichuu. I will be 72 when I go and not very steady holding my camera. Should I try to take a tripod of some type or just increase the shutter speed? I hate to increase the ISO and lose detail. Has anyone made a visit under similar cercumstances and can make recommendations? Later going to Galapagos.


I was there about 10 years ago and no tripod is needed, in fact, it may get in your way and in the way of the several groups that are all over that site on a daily basis. I believe I had my D7200 with two lenses, the 18-200 and the 10-20. Covered everything I needed.
And a word to the wise, if you don't like sitting on the ledge of cliffs, close your eyes on the bus ride up, and down.

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Aug 15, 2018 08:19:20   #
PhotosRfun
 
Check out the Hand Held Helper at
www.coolcameragadgets.store

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Aug 15, 2018 08:57:29   #
thrash50
 
Have a great trip, exercise, exercise, exercise, and travel light, one wide angle, and one light telephoto, two extra charged batteries. I also agree with Lieb, and rfarris1, a light weight mono-pod is a great tool for steady shots, as a walking stick, and also wards off small critters. exercise.

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Aug 15, 2018 09:09:41   #
gwilliams6
 
repleo wrote:
My 16 year old niece just came back from a 3 day Inca Trail hike up to Machu Picchu. She is not a photographer, but she took some amazing pictures with her cell phone. Judging by the pictures she took, I think the Sony FE 24-105mm F4.0 G would be the only lens I would need or want for my A7Rii. It is not light but I'm sure it is much lighter than your Canon.

My niece said it took her awhile to acclimate to the altitude at Cusco. She was in Cusco for two weeks before the hike, but Machu Picchu is actually at a lower elevation than Cusco, so they were well prepared for the hike.
My 16 year old niece just came back from a 3 day I... (show quote)


FYI the Sony 24-105mm f4 lens weighs 23.4 ounces. I use it as my favorite all-around lens on my Sony A7RIII and A7III. Another suggestion, the Sony 10-18mm f4 APS-C lens can also be used for fullframe shooting on your fullframe A7RII (just turn off the auto crop feature in your camera's menu). If used at 12mm-16mm it will cover your fullframe with NO vignetting (A pro trick). That lens is only 7.94 ounces in weight.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/892389-REG/Sony_sel1018_10_18mm_F_4_0mm_Optical_SteadyShot.html/xpcur/xCHF/IWB/mx?InitialSearch=yes&N=0&c3api=0980%2C110369373053&gclid=CjwKCAjwns_bBRBCEiwA7AVGHpq_6kca0uwa17xGSfkMnyyqv3P4VoWl33r46SutnC0dvAF4gBSAkxoCS3IQAvD_BwE

I have never been to Macho Picchu, but it is on my bucket list. As a pro shooter for four decades, I second those who suggest maybe taking a monopod for double duty steadying your camera and as a walking stick. Also the lighting will help make your shots more dimensional, and that is all unpredictable. Just go with the flow and I found often that bad and/or changeable light can be very dramatic. Packing food and water along so you can stay longer is also a great suggestion, so you can catch that changing light. Enjoy and share a couple of your results when you get back. Cheers

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