Kit Advice + Questions About Trans-Sib

[lareneg]

Hi there!

I've been into 'proper' photography for about 2 years now, and I'm looking to upgrade my kit around next December... As the title of this thread suggests, I am going on the Trans-Siberian Railway (via Mongolia) in late December, which is one of the reasons for this upgrade. Was wondering if I could get some advice. My current kit is:

Canon EOS 450D
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (Kit)
Canon EF 50mm/F1.8
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM

I'm looking to spend about £1000 (slightly flexible) on upgrades here. I think the really obvious upgrade would be something to replace the kit lens that came with my 450D, and I've been eyeing the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens which has received some good reviews. Are there any opinions on this? Maybe there would be a better lens to upgrade to?

I am also considering upgrading the camera body itself, buying a 40D (or perhaps even a 50D) body, but I'm trying to decide whether the money would be better spent on other lenses... I'm not sure whether it's worth upgrading my lenses apart from the 28-135mm lens I mentioned before unless it's to an 'L' series lens, but I would rather make the upgrade to the XXD series of bodies before buying an L lens. I have considered getting another prime lens, but I think I'd not end up using it much (like my current 50mm lens - the lack of zoom capability limits its flexability).

I also have some questions about going on the Trans Siberian Railway, mainly regarding the temperature. It'll be -10 outside, and probably even colder in places - I know that the battery will cut out when it gets too cold, but I'm worried about condensation when getting back on the train. I know all about using a ziploc bag to let it adjust slowly, but what happens if I screw up and condensation does form inside my camera? Will it cause damage, or do I just need to wait for it to evaporate away?

This would be one of the merits of buying a 40D body - I could keep one camera warm at all times (i.e. on the train), whilst using the other to hop off the train when it stops to snap shots. That way I would be able to immediately continue shooting on the train without waiting for the camera to warm back up. Also, it would be useful in the future having a second body, as I do photos at events occasionally.

What should I do insurancewise? How much would it cost me to get insurance to cover theft and accidental damage on this trip? Would it be included in travel insurance? Are there any other concerns I should have about shooting in such cold circumstances?

Thanks, and sorry for the essay!

 

[seriousrikk]

I wouldn't recommend the 28-135 lens - moreso with your current kit. I tried one and found the peformance mediocre at best.

You have the 50mm F1.8 and the 70-300 IS which are two very capable lenses. The 28-135 overlaps all your current lenses and isn't much better than any of them let alone all of them.

If your budget can stretch to the Canon 15-85mm it is getting some excellent reviews and covers a mighty useful range.

 

[lareneg]

Is it worth spending the ~£600 on the 15-85mm when the 24-105 L can be gotten for ~£800? Admittedly going wide down to 15mm would be nice, but the higher quality of an L lens would be good.

As I said, I have a budget of about £1000, but I'm looking for a summer job before I head out to Uni so hopefully I can get some more money.

 

[seriousrikk]

I guess if it is worth it comes down to you - but I do think with some of the impressive vistas you could be seeing you'll want something a little wider than 18mm.

Another option is get the body and pick up a wide angle such as a 12-24mm and then with the remainder you should be able to stump for a Tamron 17-50 F2.8 to replace you 18-55mm.

 

[purpleclouds]

I'd upgrade the body to the likes of a 40/50D, and try and pick up a Sigma 24-70 2.8 non-hsm (or something in that region). All in all that'll set you back around £700, second hand. which could be reduced with selling your 450D. Plenty of cash left to buy a flash gun, decent bag etc..

Your 50mm and 70-300mm are great lenses so no need to replace those.

Ps. Jammy so and so going on the Trans Sib

 

[lareneg]

I do see RichardTheSane's point here - I'm unlikely to want to be faffing about changing a lens in -15 degrees...

I don't particularly want to sell off my 450D as it will be very useful having a second body, I think...

Thanks for all the advice - I'll have a big long think about the options I have now... If anybody else has any other suggestions I'd be very happy to hear it

Thanks again.