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Anonymous
Hey /p/

This is gonna be a kit thread so apologies in advance.

I'm going to Mongolia for a month and bringing my EOS 400D / XTi. I have to carry everything I bring (and protect it from thieving fingers), which means one lens.

Currently, I've got the kit lens (18-55 f/3.5-5.6, no IS, no USM, shitty), a 50mm f/1.8 and the EF-S 55-250 f/4.5-5.6 IS (I like the quality, lens is light but not very small).

I don't really think any of these are suitable by themselves. The 18-55 just doesn't have the image quality for photos that I'll never get a second chance at, and while it is cheap, light and not too much of a worry if it goes missing, I don't think it's worth it.
The 55-250 has image quality I like, but doesn't have any wide angles, which I think will probably be important in Mongolia.
The 50mm prime is nice, but a prime probably isn't the best choice when only one lens is available.


I'm sure I'll be shooting some landscapes, but also animals and portraits - horses, kids, towns/cities, eagles etc are all prominent.
Most photos will be outdoors with plenty of light, and the few indoors ones will probably be of the people I'm travelling with - in other words, the on-board flash will be a fine substitute for a particularly fast lens.
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>> Anonymous
I'm currently looking at a few lenses:
The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is apparently a step up from the kit lens, and while very cheap the sample images I've seen make me doubt the improvement in optics.
EF-S 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS USM - seems to have somewhat better quality at a price, plus zooms a bit further and widens out a bit more. I'm not sure how good the quality is compared to others though.
EF 17-40 f/4 L USM - right at the very top of my budget, so it would be a stretch but possibly affordable. Seems to be pretty high quality (no shit, it being an L lens...) but doesn't zoom as far in as any of the others, which may be a disadvantage for portraits etc. Not particularly fast either.


Any advice on either the lenses I mentioned or other recommendations would be really appreciated!

slightly-relevant image is what my 18-55mm can do, i.e. not a lot
>> Anonymous
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here's the slightly better 55-250mm in case you wanted some more photos.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 400D DIGITALCamera SoftwaredigiKam-0.9.1Firmware VersionFirmware 1.0.5Owner NameunknownSerial Number0930556964Lens Size55.00 - 250.00 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image Width3888Image Height2592Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2008:05:25 15:50:07Exposure Time1/80 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating200Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias0.7 EVFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length250.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3888Image Height2592RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypeStandardCamera Actuations-1846214528Color Matrix129Color Temperature5200 KExposure ModeAv-PriorityFocus TypeAutoMetering ModeEvaluativeSharpnessUnknownSaturationNormalContrastNormalShooting ModeManualImage SizeLargeFocus ModeOne-ShotDrive ModeSingleFlash ModeOffCompression SettingFineMacro ModeNormalSubject Distance1.340 mWhite BalanceCloudyExposure Compensation5Sensor ISO Speed192
>> Anonymous
Get a 28/2.8 or 28/1.8, depending on budget. You'll appreciate the extra aperture, and the focal length is a nice normal, wide enough to stand in well for a wide, long enough to do portraits well.

The 50/1.8 should be able to fit in a reasonably sized pocket, so you could bring that too, and/or budget and pocket space permitting, a 20/2.8.
>> Anonymous
>>199420
Oh, but if you really need the wide angle, I'd see if you can get the 17-40L and carry the 50/1.8 in a pocket like I said for the portraits.

Or the 20/2.8, if that's wide enough and etc. etc. Wide and medium tele can complement each other well.
>> Anonymous
I'd agree with don't take just the 55-250. That limits you to just medium tele and longer shots. Also agree with your don't just take the 50mm idea.

If you're certain about only taking one lens then I'd go for something with a fair bit of zoom range such as the EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM you mentioned. I'd also recommend looking at what sigma etc. have to offer that's around that range of zoom.

I'd also bring the kit lens as a backup. The op pic you posted isn't that bad, and good composition etc. is more important than lens quality.
>> Anonymous
I forgot to mention it (I've never taken a single photo with it) but I do have a 28 f/2.8 from my dad, who now uses a compact digital and I got the 28 and 50 from him (hurrah for long lasting lenses, I suppose).

I just dug it out and took some photos with it - you're right, it is a fairly nice focal range, although I'm still not sure of the versatility of a prime (you're right again though, it is small enough that I could take the 28 and the 50).
While the aperture is nice, as I said before I suspect most of the photos will be outdoors, which means lighting shouldn't be a massive problem.

I didn't mention in the op but I'm also happy to make panoramas of multiple photos which helps work around lenses not having much wide angle, but it's still a pain if they are too telephoto like the 55-250.

Thanks for the advice!
>> Anonymous
>>199422
17-40 + 50 could work out pretty well, although it does stretch the budget pretty considerably. It would be nice to have an L lens...

>>199423
Having backup is less important than the weight and volume - I will be carrying it all on my back and keeping all the camera stuff with me all the time when in the city/towns/working with kids - I don't want to lug around a massive camera bag.
If it does get stolen or broken, I'm unlikely to have the body but not the lens.
>> Anonymous
>>199423
I haven't had much of a look at the Sigma lenses, but will do so now. Any suggestions?
Also, can anyone say anything of the 17-85's quality? I've heard varying things and it's a reasonably expensive lens, so it would be a shame to find I'm only paying for an extra 30mm of zoom.
>> Anonymous
>>199426
The thing about a normal focal length is just how insanely versatile it is; there isn't really anything it's not suited to except wildlife and sports in the cliched supertele style they're all shot in. I use a 42mm equivalent that's just a smidge wider all the time, to the point where I have to tell myself to switch to a medium tele when I shpuld probably use one. I hardly ever go wider.

Something like 95% of Cartier-Bresson's work was done with a 50mm, with maybe 4% with a 90mm and 1% with a 35mm.

I'd suggest to try shooting around with just the 28mm and 50mm for a while before you trip and see if it will work out for you.
>> I haz camera hurr !QgACNkSwFA
One lens? Seriously??

The thought of visiting some place with a good camera and one lens hurts me, but I did only have a 49mm prime with my Pentax K-1000 for a good few years until I got a 28mm and an 80 - 200mm. The 80-200 was pretty good (although it had been dropped a few too many times), but after I got the 28mm, I used it on almost every landscape shoot.

Anyway, this probably wasn't very helpful, but yeah... one lens?
>> Anonymous
>>199429
I've heard very bad things about Sigma zooms.

They make a nice line of primes- 20, 24, 28mm f/1.8 macros. The downside is that they're all gigantic and heavy (short focal length, short minimum focusing distance, large aperture=immense) and so probably wouldn't work for you.

They also make a 30/1.4, but again, it's a pretty big lens.
>> Anonymous
>>199431
I'll have a play with them - the 28mm f/2.8 seems fairly good quality anyway, so I'll see if I can't go photograph something tomorrow and get a feeling for it. The 50mm is lovely for portraits and similar, and exceptional quality - I could certainly see using the two of them working out.
It's also the far cheaper option ;)

>>199432
Yea, one lens. (Or two small ones, see above :P)
I won't be able to swap lenses all the time, especially not if hiking (without having the group stop), horse riding (just no), etc. This is where the zoom comes in handy I guess.

>>199433
The two or three in similar focal ranges that I checked are getting fairly damning reviews compared to the Canons. They are also a lot cheaper.
>> Einta !!MWv3ICYobCM
>>199436
The 30 1.4 does pretty well against the Canon 28 1.8. It's actually 90% of a stop faster (go figure) and BQ is similar. It's a bit softer around the edges, around the same price and is crop-only so the real choice is whether losing FF capability and getting some softness in the corners is worth having a lens that is usable at f/1.4. I'm thinking it is...trying one out this weekend then deciding whether to buy it or not.

OP: If you can stretch to it, the 17-55 f/2.8 IS is _the_ lens for crop bodies. Unfortunately it's £622 on amazon.co.uk so..yeah.

Perhaps a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8? £282.45 on amazon.co.uk. It's quite decent iirc.
>> Anonymous
>>199463
Yea, I've had a look, but it's way out of my price range and would be terrible if it got stolen or damaged.
>> TheGeneral !m7n7x2Yyfo
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sigma-18-200mm-f3-5-6-3-Optical-Stabilised/dp/B000NOQDJ0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&
amp;s=electronics&qid=1212839021&sr=8-3

OP let me introduce you to the sigma 18-200 DC OS.
PROs:
- you get a focal range coverage of 18-200 which suits perfectly well for your needs.
- it's not above your budget.
- it comes with a lens hood.
- image quality is not overly terrible.
- it has Optical Stabilization (like canons IS)

CONs
- it's a sigma. So Quality Control isn't spectacular.
- The bokeh isn't great.
- The lens is slow.
- it's designed for crop bodies only, so upgrading to FF is cut off.
- there have been reports of image quality dropping at certain focal points.

This is the lens I personally use. Though most people will probably give me crap for settling for "second best" Canon just does not have an answer for this lens. It is the lens that is most suited for my needs. and I think this is yours too.
>> Anonymous
>>199699
Do not listen to this man. He will lead you down an long (focal length) and dark (maximum aperture) path that leads to boring pictures without even the slight sparkle a lens that isn't... well, something like that, by Sigma, Canon, or anybody... will give a shitty picture.
>> TheGeneral !m7n7x2Yyfo
>>199702

meh. was just giving a suggestion. OP can do whatever the hell he wants. just throwing out some options.
>> Anonymous
Nikon DX VR 18-200 mm
>> Anonymous
>>199718
...sucks
>> Anonymous
>>199877

That lens is fine. Just don't shoot a wall head on and you'll have no issues with it.
>> Serenar !m827jEgWi.
>>199909
Might as well save your money and get the Sigma, which produces equally acceptable-but-not-amazing results. Then buy some real lenses after or an ultrawide to cover the lengths you haven't got.
>> Warren !!JL+uuUHRNlZ
Someone emailed me and brought this thread to my attention...

Enough has been said about the lens thing that I think you've got plenty to go on.

Make sure you bring at least a blower bulb to help deal with dust on your sensor, as it is going to be very dusty there, especially if you ride at any length through the countryside. Expect harsh light for about 9 hours every day. If you're going to be in Ulaanbaatar or Dalandzadgad, keep your camera CLOSE to you, on a strap around your body, and wear it at the FRONT. Pickpockets are common and they have been known to walk up and cut people's camera straps and run off with their gear. Do not keep your wallet in your back pocket, do not wear a backpack, etc. Make sure you have extra batteries, especially if you'll be traveling in the countryside because you will only occasionally be able to get electric power. To that end, I suggest picking up the vertical grip for the XTi.

Pack a roll or two of toilet paper if you don't want your asshole rubbed raw with the shitty post-soviet toilet paper they have there.

Do not eat lunch in the Beijing airport cafeteria if you have a layover on your way there - I picked up food poisoning there and lost 15 pounds.

Mongolia is beautiful and amazing. Wonderful people there, too. You just have to be smart about things in the cities.
>> Anonymous
>>199925
>If you're going to be in Ulaanbaatar or Dalandzadgad, keep your camera CLOSE to you, on a strap around your body, and wear it at the FRONT. Pickpockets are common and they have been known to walk up and cut people's camera straps and run off with their gear.

Not the OP, but in situations like this, how does having the camera strap wrapped around one's wrist work out?
>> Warren !!JL+uuUHRNlZ
>>199932
Just as long as it's not dangling around everywhere and you can keep the camera close and secure, you should be fine. Wrapping the strap around your wrist would be adequate, I would think.
>> Anonymous
>>199925
Thanks for all the advice!

I'll bring a blower bulb, although I'll try to keep taking the lens off to the absolute minimum. We will be horse riding, walking and driving through the country so I expect everything will be getting dusty.
I'll be sure to keep an eye on the camera - I don't know how easily I'll be able to not have a backpack since as far as I'm aware we won't be staying at the hotel (ha, more like hostel) for two nights running. I will be in a fairly large group for what it's worth.

I've currently got two spare batteries and a 4GB memory card (plus a 2GB spare) - I have to admit I've never really measured how many shots I get from each, and I don't know how easy it will be to charge them at any point of the trip (may not be bringing the charger due to space/weight/power sockets). Do you think three batteries will suffice?

We do have a layover in Beijing both there are and back - both at lunch time D: I'll be sure to avoid the cafeteria, haha.

Do you have any advice on photography while in Mongolia? Things to look out for, what the people there think of it, etc. Any tips would be appreciated!

Thanks again.
>> Anonymous
OP again.
I'm really starting to like the look of the 17-85 as a single lens solution (though I am still considering the 28+50 idea).
Does anyone have any opinions/samples/advice on this one? I seem to remember hearing that the optical quality wasn't all that great, but I can't remember where or in comparison to what.

Thanks!
>> Anonymous
>>200077
Are you going to be able to bring a computer? If not, a mobile photo storage device would be very handy. Card space won't be an issue, then, so you'll be able to shoot raw and as much as you want.

>>200077
I'd still stick with the 28 and 50, for three reasons:

1. I've got a feeling these two tiny primes will probably still take up less space and definitely weigh less than the one zoom. Definitely when you're hiking or whatever, less neck strain, since you'd just have light one lens on, while the other prime is in your pocket/rucksack/whatever.

2. For most people, working with primes pushes them into shooting better.


3. Optical quality will almost always be higher with a prime than a zoom, though I don't know any particulars on these three lenses.

4. Even if they're just the people in your group, come on, you know you want better photographs of them than blasted direct flash shots. Also, the light is always lower than you think it will be. Always.

5. Also, you'll save some money, and with that, you can either just outright save it, use it to buy the aforementioned storage device or whatever, or buy a Powershot A-series (or whatever) as a backup, in case something goes wrong. The latter would still leave you with some money in your pocket.
>> Anonymous
>>200113
*more than three reasons, fuck me.
>> Anonymous
>>200113
Second this man. FUCK YEAH PRIMES
>> Anonymous
>>200113
I won't be bringing a computer, and don't know of any sufficiently small storage device that'd work as backup. I don't really know much about these devices, though. Do I just shove in the CF card and it copies it?

I will probably be able to get to a net cafe at the start, after a week, and then again a few weeks later, just before the end. I'll bring the USB cable for the camera, but I can't be sure that I'll get to upload photos.
Buying another memory card is an option, though I'd rather not have to carry too many in case they get lost/stolen/etc.

The two primes are actually slightly bigger combined than the one zoom (it's 9.2cm long, they are 6+5.5 not including end cap). They do seem to weigh a bit less, and you're right that it'd be less neck strain.

I can accept that working with primes pushes you into shooting better, but at the same time the zoom offers up considerably more wide angle and about as much more telephoto on the other end - which may end up being more important.

Optical quality wise, the 50mm is superior, but the 28mm and the zoom seem to be fairly equal. The zoom does poorly on the wide end, but apparently picks up after 30mm and is pretty good after that.

I'm hoping to get some photos of the group outside, but the 50mm would definitely make the portraits a lot better - it just loves portraits. Light would one of the main issues with the zoom - at f/4 wide open, it's pretty dark, and it soon drops to f/5.

Buying the other camera as backup is a thought (and it's pretty scary that I can get a really good point and shoot for less than the lens) but I don't know if I'll be able to bring both. I could also get the EF-S macro which I've been looking at, and not take it with me.
>> Anonymous
I think my main concerns with taking the 50+28 are that I don't yet know how versatile I can be with just those two, especially given the somewhat unknown subjects, and I don't know how readily I'll be able to change lenses without getting dust everywhere, especially on horseback.
Theft is another issue - with one lens in a pocket or in my bag, it's considerably more likely to go missing, and if I'm only carrying the two primes that would be a pretty big hit.

On the other hand, they are faster, higher quality, lighter, cheaper...
>> Anonymous
>>200135
>I won't be bringing a computer, and don't know of any sufficiently small storage device that'd work as backup. I don't really know much about these devices, though. Do I just shove in the CF card and it copies it?

I've never used one- I've never been in a situation where taking a laptop was impossible- but here's a positive review of an older one.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/accessories/P-2000.shtml

>at the same time the zoom offers up considerably more wide angle and about as much more telephoto on the other end - which may end up being more important.

Honestly, probably not. A little bit longer than a 50 would be good and useful, but the thing is that most pictures taken longer than ~135mm equivalent just aren't that good. You could always crop- a 160mm equivalent five megapixel file sounds fine to me. Another option would be buying a teleconvertor for the 50.
>> Anonymous
>>200158


Wider would be more useful, but like you yourself said earlier, not essential.

>I think my main concerns with taking the 50+28 are that I don't yet know how versatile I can be with just those two,

Try it out. You know how the fifty works already, so for the next few days shoot with just the 28 and take a bunch of pictures and see how it works for you.

>I don't know how readily I'll be able to change lenses without getting dust everywhere, especially on horseback.

You probably wouldn't be able to while moving on horseback, but depending on the distances you're shooting, one or the other should do you for quite some ways. Something that might help- changing lenses under your shirt or something like that, just keeping it away from bare air.

Also, non-weathersealed zooms haet dust, sand, etc. It gets in the zoom mechanism and messes stuff up. It won't crap out on this trip, but do you want to buy a lens, go on a trip, and come home with it already on its way to problems?

>Theft is another issue - with one lens in a pocket or in my bag, it's considerably more likely to go missing, and if I'm only carrying the two primes that would be a pretty big hit.

I don't think it's likely to get stolen in the countryside, but Warren obviously knows the situation better. You'd notice right away if someone lifted it out of your pocket; it's not a slim little wallet. Wrapping it in aluminum foil (with the cap on, of course!) would guarantee some noise if someone reached for it.
>> Anonymous
>>200160
I'll do that with the 28mm and see how it goes. I think it would probably all be worth it for the portraits I'll get with the 50mm.
Good point about the dust, as well - shame the 400D isn't sealed at all, because I get the feeling it'l be seeing a fair bit of crap.


I just found out that one other person on the trip may be getting a 400D / XTi to take with him, and if so I may bring the 55-250mm telephoto for us both to use (and carry) in case there's something particularly worthy of having a nice telephoto - I hear there are some nice eagles and such. That's not certain yet, though.
>> Anonymous
>>200217
Here's the newer version of the thing:

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&infoType=Overview&
amp;oid=63061067&category=Products

The newer version of that storage device.

>Good point about the dust, as well - shame the 400D isn't sealed at all, because I get the feeling it'l be seeing a fair bit of crap.

http://store.made-products.com/products/canon-rebel-xti-400d-slr-camera-armor-black

While not the same as an actual sealed body, and ugly as hell, you'd probably get something out of this. They also have it on the site in grey ("smoke") and red.
>> Serenar !m827jEgWi.
>>200138
Bayonet mount lenses are really a snap to switch, and you'll get used to it fast once you start using primes. My kit for a week in Thailand was a 35 and 50, both in screw mount, and I managed not to drop either (which would've been a disaster on the beach).

IMO those two lengths, or a 28/50 combo should have you covered pretty well for the vast majority of pictures. If you don't plan on taking group shots of people (my kit's main weakness, I found), then you're only lacking on the long end, which is less often used, and you have a lens for it already that you don't always have to take out on shoots. Being able to walk around with just a camera around your neck and an extra lens in your pocket is a liberating experience.
>> Anonymous
>>200224
Wow, it's like an iPod skin but for an SLR? It doesn't cover the access ports on the side, though.

That media loader looks interesting but is probably more than I want to be carrying. I may just get another 4GB CF card.

>>200580
Out of interest, was that on an APS-C sensor or a full frame?
I would probably like some group shots, but I guess I can always make up for that with a bit more distance and the 28mm - I doubt we'll be overly tight on space in the plains!
I could probably also get a really compact point and shoot for those kind of snapshots and things where I need a bit more wide angle.
>> Serenar !m827jEgWi.
>>200582
APS-C. 35/50 is also pretty fun on full frame though - used to do that with film.
>> Anonymous
>>200582
I guess. I think it's probably a bit more rigid than an iPod thing, but that's just a guess.

I would strongly advise bringing one of those. It should fit into the pockets of a pair or cargo pants, or squeezed in on the side of a rucksack, or something like that, and you'll be there a whole month. 10GB of ten megapixel raw files probably wouldn't be enough.
>> Warren !!JL+uuUHRNlZ
     File :-(, x)
>>199953
>Do you have any advice on photography while in Mongolia? Things to look out for, what the people there think of it, etc. Any tips would be appreciated!

Most important thing will be to just go with an open mind. If you really want to get the most out of this trip, be open to just about anything along the way. What does your itinerary look like?

If you spend much time out in the countryside, whether it's in the arid steppe or in the Gobi, you may eventually find yourself visiting someone in their ger (ie yurt, called a ger in Mongolia). If such is the case, you may be offered local foods, sweets, as well as airag or vodka. Airag is the traditional drink made from fermented mare's milk. It tastes weird as hell when you first have it, but if you give it a chance it's actually pretty good. Be forewarned that it gives a lot of people the shits first time around, since it's rich in live cultures (actually good for you, though). The Russian vodka they have there is about on the level of paint stripper. You don't have to drink it if you don't want, but make the gesture - put the glass up to your mouth at least. They know Americans (non-Mongolians, anyway) aren't likely to actually like it, so they won't take offense if you at least just make the gesture but don't actually drink any.
>> Warren !!JL+uuUHRNlZ
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>>200771(continued)


In my experience, the people there were wonderful. Friendly, hospitable, and with a great sense of humor. Yeah, there are assholes like anywhere else, but for the most part people are really nice.

Be prepared for harsh light for longer than you're used to. That said, the early morning/evening light is beautiful and lasts a while.

If you visit the "black market" in Ulaanbaatar, do not bring your camera. It could easily get stolen or, at very least, get you beaten up. If you go to Gandan Monastery, consider leaving the camera at home, as theft there is especially high. If you're going to Kharkhorum, there is another famous monastery there that's worth visiting, without the worries of theft you get at the big one in UB.

It really is a great place, and you're quite fortunate in that you get to go. I went for the first time last summer, and will hopefully go again in the next few years. Having been there once, I know I could make much better photographs of it second time around.

Just keep your mind open for new ideas, photographic and otherwise. Don't concentrate so much on making photographs that you miss out on other things in the trip. Enjoy it, and post shots when you come back.

Photo related
>> Anonymous
>>200772
great pic!
>>200771
this one reminds me of Boards of Canada
>> Warren !!JL+uuUHRNlZ
>>200775
Thanks!

More here if anyone's interested: http://tinyurl.com/49x94a
>> Anonymous
Well, I had a bit of a walk around with the 28mm today and I have to admit, it's growing on me - it is _nice_ to have to focus on the picture and not the zoom, it does make me work harder on the framing.

I'm still not entirely sure of how much wide angle I'll need, but I get the feeling I'll be able to stitch together a few 28mm shots without much problem.

The quality (and dof in f/2.8) really is awesome compared to the kit lens - I don't know why I wasn't using this before, instead of that, so thanks to whoever suggested it!

Sight side question, but does anyone know what kind of performance I can get from the battery? I tried it out today and shot some 500 photos yet only used 20% of the battery (measuring voltage before and after and compensating for the discharge curve), which doesn't seem right at all - on the other hand, I wasn't turning it on and off very much, and I wasn't looking at the LCD a huge amount. I didn't just hold the shutter down, though.
I have three batteries, but no way of charging them while out there, so am considering getting another one.

Thanks!
>> Anonymous
>>200772
Didn't see your post until I posted my previous one.

Thanks for all the advice!
My itinerary is basically:
Arrive, spend a day in U-B
One week working with street kids who've been taken into orphanages at a summer camp 30min out from U-B doing activities and stuff
One week on horseback to Chamin Unde area (with hot springs!), then a week walking in the same region.
A few days in Beijing at the end (just before the olympics, lucky us) and then we're off home.

I've heard about the drinks - should be fun! We will probably be visiting some gers.

We will also probably be visiting the black market - I don't know that I'll be able to leave the camera anywhere safe (at the moment we seem to be staying in hostels) but we will all have our trekking packs, and the camera could disappear into that before I turn up.

Thanks! I'll be sure to post the results here once I'm back :D
>> Anonymous
>>200779
Wow! Those are amazing.
I'll be stunned if I even get one photo anything like yours. Good work!
>> Anonymous
>>200775
Same! The huge flare reminds me of Music Has The Rigth To Children.
>> Anonymous
>>200786

get the 24/2.8 instead of 28/2.8
>> Anonymous
>>200878
For £230 it's fairly expensive, given that I don't know how much I'll be using it day-to-day outside of Mongolia.
Is the image quality any better than the 28, or is it just 4mm wider? For a bit more again I could get a 20 f/2.8 USM, which would presumably be better still.


For storage, those storage devices seem fairly expensive and have to be charged, but I can see how they'd be useful. On the other hand, a 16GB CF card costs about the same per GB, and two of them are smaller and require less power than a 30GB external storage unit.
If I can fit 700-1000 photos on a 4GB card and take 100 a day, I'll need 4 of the 4GBs, or two 8GBs, or a 16GB - all of which would be smaller than the external unit.
Of course, you can get even greater capacity external units, though they do cost more again.
>> Anonymous
>>200886

28/1.8 > 20/2.8 > 24/2.8 > 28/2.8
>> Anonymous
>>200889
Got it, thanks. The question for me is whether it's worth spending the money on any of the 20-somethine primes when I already have the 28, compared to getting a good walkaround zoom (such as the 17-85) or such.

How much better are the others, that said? There's this massive improvement from my kit lens to the 28, and the 50 is better still - I don't know if the 28 f/1.8 is going to top even that or what.
>> Anonymous
>>200886
Don't shoot JPEG. Really. Even for day to day stuff, but on a great trip like this, your pictures deserve raw. That's the impetus behind a storage device, or multiple large cards.

As for the lenses, 24mm is a moderate wide, 28mm is a normal, 20mm is a wide. Pick which one you want. If it's the 28, pick between the f/1.8 and f/2.8 based on whether you need the extra aperture and which one's "look" you like better. Of course, cost is probably a factor, so throw that into this, too. (Free versus not free, for starters.)
>> Anonymous
>>201356
I know, but so far every time I've shot raw I end up just batch converting them to JPG - I don't have the skill or software to really gert much out of the raws.
Memory capacity is also an issue, though I guess enough memory cards will solve that.
>> Anonymous
>>201360
holy shit I take that back
I got the demo of Bibble (I run linux so this is my best choice as far as I'm aware) and gave it a quick go on two or three RAWs I had lying around, and damn!
I'm definitely shooting raw in Mongolia, no doubts about it. Just gotta buy Bibble now...
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
I've decided to take the 28 and 50, and spend some of the saved money on batteries, memory cards, quite possibly a storage device, and Bibble Pro.

Thanks again for all the advice, everyone!
Special thanks to whoever suggested the 28+50 combo, and to Warren for all the advice on Mongolia.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 400D DIGITALCamera SoftwareBibble 4.10aImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:05:25 15:13:05Exposure Time5368709/536870912 secF-Numberf/5.0Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating100Lens Aperturef/5.0Exposure Bias0.7 EVFlashNo FlashFocal Length42.00 mmImage Width3180Image Height2278Exposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceManualScene Capture TypeStandardContrastNormalSaturationNormalSharpnessNormal
>> Warren !!JL+uuUHRNlZ
OP: When are you going? If you/your group needs any ideas for things to do in UB, let me know. My sister actually lives there and could be mined for useful info.
>> Anonymous
>>201844
We leave early July and get back early Augest.
Would you mind if I message you on Flickr? I get the feeling this thread will 404 soon enough.
>> Anonymous
>>202412
>I get the feeling this thread will 404 soon enough.

Not if you post in it without saging.

Good luck on your trip, in all its aspects: humanitarian, photographic, and personal. Post the results on /p/.
>> Anonymous
>>202509
Thanks! I'll be sure to show /p/ what happened once I'm back. It's gonna be a few days of intensive going through all the images!
>> Warren !!JL+uuUHRNlZ
>>202412
Go ahead and contact me via flickr and we can go from there.