For a similar trip (China, Hong Kong) 11 years ago, I took only my MZ-5, PZ 28-105, and Sigma 18-35, with one AF330FTZ flash, and found I had everything covered. All four items fitted into a waist pack, making carrying them easy and not tiring. In my experience, on trips such as this, there is little time for a tripod, and it's an awkward thing to carry around. Nowadays, I'd simply switch the MZ-5 for my ist-D (still my main digital camera) the PZ for the later FA28-105, and the Sigma for the Pentax FA 16-45 - but the kit stays about the same size and weight. I'd certainly take the Optio as a backup. That's pretty much what I've carried on three or four overseas trips in the last few years, and have seldom found the need for much more kit.
HTH John in Brisbane -----Original Message----- From: PDML [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Daniel J. Matyola Sent: Sunday, 3 May 2015 2:23 PM To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List Subject: Cameras and Lenses for Japan/China Trip I need some advice. Later this month, we will be going on a trip. After 3 days in San Diego (including the Zoo), we will fly to Japan for a week, mostly in Tokyo, Kyoto and Mt Fuji/Hakone Park. We then will spend a few days in Beijing, including a day trip to The Great Wall, followed by three days in San Francisco. Because we will be moving around a lot, and shlepping a lot of baggage,I need to keep my camera kit small and light. I could use some advice on what to bring. Of course, I will be taking my K-5 II S, which is my go-to camera, and my most versatile lens, the DA 18-135 mm F 3.5-5.6 zoom. My back-up camera is normally the K-r, but it is pretty big. The same applies to my trusty *ist D. I am considering taking the K-01 instead. Another possibility would be the Optio, which is easy to slip into my pocket so I can take it anywhere. Of course, it is quite limited, but it could allow me to get some shots I might miss if I do not have the big DSLR with me. The GoPro would also be handy and easy to pocket. For lenses, I have been using the FA 100 F2.8 Macro a lot lately, and it would be great for flowers, food and small objects, but it is big and heavy. Other lenses I might like to have with me are the DA F2.8 35 mm macro limited, the DA F2.8 40 mm XS, or the DA 50mm F1.8. I might want another zoom, perhaps the 75-300, DAL F18-55, or DAL 50-200. Can I get by with a monopod, or should I lug the Manfrotto tripod along? Most of the shots will be outdoors, and the K-5 is pretty good in low light, but I might need the external flash as well. There is just too much gear. I can't afford to be overloaded to the point I will spend more time lugging a camera bag than taking images. What do you folks think is essential for a once-in -a-lifetime trip like this? Dan Matyola http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/danieljmatyola -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
