camera purchase for trip to NYC

[Stu W]

I would go with the CL and a wide angle. Do the hyperfocal thing and shoot from your chest for people shots. People seem touchy lately about having their pictures taken. You would also need a wide for architectural shots. The Cl would also fit nicely under your jacket when you ride the trains.

 

[lmd91343]

As a native New Yorker who relocated to Texas(right on the border with Mexico),and one who comes in contact with a lot of Canadians and MidWesterners,let me tell you
that the old "Fun City" impression that a lot of people have is that NYC is a crime ridden hell hole whose denizens line up in the mornings looking for tourists to mug and rip off.

Perhaps parasko feels a pricey camera is an invitation to theft.

New York is really one of the safest and tourist friendly cities in the world;he need not fear using pricey gear in the open.

But like ALL big cities a certain amount of street smarts is needed.

Mikey

I've been to NY (Manhattan) at least 20 times. I've only been mugged once! Got a broken jaw, but kept my camera and wallet! (1977) I am much more street smart now.

NY is a fun and safe place. Bring a wide lens for the street shots and buildings. Bring a fast lens for indoors (museums). Bring a long lens if you want to take a picture of the Statue of Liberty from Battery park.

When I went a couple of months ago, I took a 24-35, 55/1.2, 100-300, and an F1N. I did not use the 100-300. I used the 24-34 at 24, and the 55/1.2. If I were to go now I would bring my 17/4, 24/2.8, and 55/1.2.

Enjoy the trip! NYC is a wonderful place!

 

[Benjamin Marks]

On my NY street shooting days, I take either: a camera with a nice wide prime lens (e.g 24mm) that can be used at f8 and the hyperfocal distance.
OR an autofocus camera (e.g Nikon F4 or your Canon mega-whumper) with a moderate wide/normal like a 35. A cost-effective combo could be a Bessa T with a CV 25.
Less cost-effective, but auto-everything option would be a G1/G2 and 28. (does anyone know whether the G1 works with a 28?).
Let your subject matter be your guide. Oh, while you shouldn't worry too much about safety, don't put your camera bag down while your attention is focussed on something else. Have a great trip.

 

[ch1]

On a kinder, gentler note 🙂 if you're coming in the next week or so - plan on shooting some color film. Central Park is in full Spring bloom right now. You could burn half a dozen rolls there in no time.

Besides B&H, there is also Adorama for used gear - as well as our RFF sponsor - Photo Village. And if $ is no object, I think Tamarkin is having an auction this coming weekend.

 

[ddunn]

The last two times I was in NYC I took my Olympus Stylus Epic (Mju in Europe) and found it was great for everything I wanted to do--including Times Square at night. Fits in a shirt or pants pocket & is easy to carry around.

If you don't have one, you can get them at B&H or Adorama for around $85.

 

[broadie]

Definitely don't experiment with an RF for this trip. Stick with what you know as others have advised...I like JohnL's suggestion of a small, cheap EF body for your canon lenses...why not just bring a zoom lens that covers the bases and that's it...one camera, one body, be it your 1DS or other, that's what I would do. Maybe a P&S with flash that you can take around with you in your pocket at night (remember, it's the city that never sleeps!)

 

[sychan]

I don't think a Contax G2 is all that small. I had a G1 and while the lens on it was exquisite, the body was the same size as a full sized RF camera and I remember the G2 being bigger. Why not a G1 instead? Or if you are going down that route anyway, get a Hexar RF and start picking up M-mount lenses. A Hexar and maybe one of the flatter VC lenses like the 40/1.4 or 35/2.5 would be fairly pocketable and turn out really good photos.

As heretical as it sounds, I think a Fuji F11 is about as good as it gets for something you can keep in the pocket of your jeans.

 

[sychan]

FYI - here's a pretty good deal: http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00GHmN&tag=