Marrakesh Trip - Advice??

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efunc

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Hi All,

I'm really struggling with this as I want to make sure I pack the right things and am prepared. I'll be taking a 7 day trek around Marrakesh, Atlas Mountains and Sahara. Mostly with a organised guide by 4x4 but also a long camel trek over the dunes. I am travelling light (Ryan Air, hand luggage).

What should I take, and how should I carry it?? I've never travelled with a camera before, particularly something this demanding. I've bought a Canon 5D Mk2 with f2.8 24-70L, but also have a f1.4 24L, a f1.8 50mm and 450D body.

I don't think it'll be practical to carry a choice of lenses, so would I be better off with the 24-70 because of the extra reach? The problem is it's much bigger and heavier than the 24L, and that might become a much more attractive consideration. Also the f1.4 at night might be very nice if I don't have a flash.

I've got a Lowepro SlingShot 200AW, but it's too much to carry so I've just ordered this bag: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waterproo...D-II-600D-1100D-550D-Large-Size-/270953859846

I think this can just hold the 5D & 24-70mm. I could then put this in a backpack for travelling and also my Aircraft hand luggage. Anyone done this and can recommend a bag. I'll just be carrying water, a change of clothes and the camera.

Finally, I really concerned that I'll be missing a lot of essentials out. I plan to pack 3 charged batteries, 2 spare CF cards, but would anyone suggest I take my 580EX II Flash? I can't see it being useful in the desert, but possibly in town. Actually scrap that. I can't see myself walking around markets inconspicuously with a huge flash! What about tripod, or monopod? Again, it needs to by small and light enough to carry through the desert. Maybe a bean bag instead. Again, any recommendations?

As you can see, this will be fraught with compromises, so I just want to settle on some basic considerations, and maybe hear from someone who's done this before and learnt some valuable lessons!

Many thanks!
 
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Just to keep this alive, I've ordered that Lowepro Passport Sling now and will be carrying little else for the trip. I need to consider what options I have to mount the camera, should I need to. I'm still toying with the idea of a monopod. I just don't know if it'll be worth the hassle. If I do, can anyone recommend one which is really light and compact? I have no real experience of them. If not, I will look for a beanbag camera mount or something. Suggestions, advice?

Thanks.
 
Thanks for the tip. I've been aware of the Jobys for ages and was going to get one for my old compact, but I realise they're a bit controversial, and many people find them useless and frustrating. Can I ask how you're using it? I looked at the SLR version, but it's doesn't seem to be suitable for a 5d and 24-70. It's more of a mid-sized slr tripod. The one for the 5D would be new Gorillapod Focus: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joby-Gorillapod-Focus-Tripod-Ball/dp/B003II3FD0/ref=dp_cp_ob_ph_title_1

The reviews aren't that promising, but I'd be interested to give it a trial if money was no object. However at £100 and weighing almost 1kg, I suspect I could just get a normal tripod with none of the compromises. It does look promising though. If only I could be certain it would be solid...
 
Ah, the Focus wasn't around when I bought mine so the SLR Zoom was the most suitable to a heavy cam/lens combination.
It's served me well, have had it wrapped around railings, posts, etc. I've found it to be pretty sturdy. Sure it's not as solid as a full tripod but I found it suited my needs.

As an aside, I'd like to know how you get on with that Passport Sling... it looks the bees-knees.
 
Yeah, me too. I hope it arrives in time because I ordered it from China! You can get the sky blue ones for only £30 in the UK, but the darker colours are more like £50. The reviews I read say it should be fine for my 5D with large lens. The Joby could even be chucked in with all my other stuff too. Maybe external zipped compartments would be good, as well as hooks to hang a monopod or something. But I'll have to improvise.

About the Joby, I'm sure it could be put to good service, but it ain't a cheap impulse purchase. It should do well on most normal shots in the daytime, but a long 30" night sky exposure may well reveal its weaknesses. Or maybe I'll be pleasantly suprised. A combination of this and light carbon monopod might be a winner.
 
BTW, would anyone bother to pack a beanbag? I don't have one but may consider it. I notice they're quite bulky though.
 
Yes, I think my 24L 1.4 will be nice in the evenings, and the 24-70 during the day. One issue I've noticed with the 5d is that if I step down from f1.4 it jumps to 1.8 which is a bit naff. I want to shoot at 1.6 often for optimal sharpness compared to 1.4. Anyone experience this?
 
efunc said:
Yes, I think my 24L 1.4 will be nice in the evenings, and the 24-70 during the day. One issue I've noticed with the 5d is that if I step down from f1.4 it jumps to 1.8 which is a bit naff. I want to shoot at 1.6 often for optimal sharpness compared to 1.4. Anyone experience this?
Click to expand...

Optimal sharpness wont occur at apertures so close to being wide open, the sweet spot is usually a couple of stops off, f1.4 to f1.6 will make next to no difference
 
were flying with Ryanair next week 10kg hand luggage, so be careful of the size of your case, flown with them before and they do check it fits in the size testing thingy me jig
 
robhooley167 said:
Optimal sharpness wont occur at apertures so close to being wide open, the sweet spot is usually a couple of stops off, f1.4 to f1.6 will make next to no difference
Click to expand...

By that I simply meant that the Mk1 24L lens is particularly softer at f1.4 than the Mk2 version, but at f1.6 performance improves much more. It's a good compromise. Afterall, why have a fast prime and only use it at f4 and above? My problem, since getting a 5Dmk2, has simply been that I can't seem to get to f1.6. It steps from 1.4 straight to 1.8 on this body. Perhaps a setting in the 5D I can change?
 
Just Dave said:
were flying with Ryanair next week 10kg hand luggage, so be careful of the size of your case, flown with them before and they do check it fits in the size testing thingy me jig
Click to expand...

Yes I know. I'll have to check out the dimensions when it arrives, but the lowepro passport sling is collapsible, so provided I don't over pack it I'm hoping I can get it down to the right size. It's definitely a ballache though!
 
Slightly off topic but don't forget some sort of imodium-type medicine...
I like to eat whatever the locals eat wherever I go but my gut can disagree so being prepared is a good idea !
Also some sort of tissue paper can be worth having handy if you are off the beaten track.

Also, as you suggest efunc, what about a bean bag - how about an inflatable pillow ? Not as good but takes up less space and can do the job if required.
 
efunc said:
By that I simply meant that the Mk1 24L lens is particularly softer at f1.4 than the Mk2 version, but at f1.6 performance improves much more. It's a good compromise. Afterall, why have a fast prime and only use it at f4 and above? My problem, since getting a 5Dmk2, has simply been that I can't seem to get to f1.6. It steps from 1.4 straight to 1.8 on this body. Perhaps a setting in the 5D I can change?
Click to expand...

You should be able to set aperture steps to 1/3 stop in the menus somewhere, dont remember exactly where
 
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