just got the dream wedding photo gig

[menos]

nikon d3
24-120 streetsweeper
50/1.8 d (so light and tiny you simply have to make this your fast 50 in the pocket)
60mm micro 2.8 + ring flash instead (nice for detail shots - rings, shoes, clothing, cake)
80-200 2.8
500 mirror
fisheye just in case
2 flashes with cable to slave them
bunches of cf cards (better double those CF cards and keep the shots on the card as backup)
ir converted point and shoot

Leave the Leica M and R at home - way to heavy to carry additionally + it's redundant glass to the Nikon gear.


Take the F5 as a backup to the D3 and share batteries with flashes.
Don't forget enough film, just in case the D3 gives up.

Instead of the hunky 500mm mirror you could see, if a 2x teleconverter fits your 80-200 and shoot that in manual focus for the surfers.

Don't forget chargers.

Have fun!

 

[nikonosguy]

yeah -- the f5 would be easier than the r/m series -- and chargers ---

my clothing bag will be 2-3 pairs shorts, swimsuits, 8 t shirts, toothbrush, no razor, no shaving cream, shoes, sandals, room for extra gear in that bag- -- the non critical stuff --- also have to carry my kindle& laptop as i'll be able to edit and post on the fly --- plus if work needs me --- it's the busy season at my day job

 

[seakayaker1]

what's a good camera bag that fits tsa requirements and will be useful and durable?

haven't flown since 2000 and there's been some changes from what i understand

I have used the LOKA F-Stop backpack with a large ICU inside the backpack that holds the Camera Gear when traveling. When boarding I have the back pack and a Artist & Artisans Camera bag and have not any problems.

Hope you have a great trip and successful wedding shot!

 

[keithp]

I have travelled a bunch by air and I use a think tank airport security v2 for my travel and local weddings. Carries a ton of gear, well made and fits in major airline overheads. Sounds like fun. I shot a wedding in Oahu and this is the bag I used.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-security-v2-roller-camera-bag.aspx

 

[nikonosguy]

Like the think tank. What else is similar...

Any native dishes that are a must?

 

[nikonosguy]

Have decided the hexar af is going with me. Less finicky than the leica iid, lighter than the r5, plus it's such a great camera

 

[nikonosguy]

bag shopping -- slow process here --- crumpler, pelican hard shell, or other? am carrying my kindle and laptop with my nikon gear --- just trying to get ahead of the curve here because december will come quickly

 

[menos]

When travelling I always do a two bag approach:

Rimowa Topas pilot style cabin roller - has locks and is bombproof, so while through airports and on flights valuables and heavy gear as batteries, charger, laptop, etc is in there.
A large messenger style camera bag, which holds the camera gear, I want to access during travelling (heavy and redundant camera gear goes into the Rimowa as well).

I have used while travelling the largest Crumpler bag (I thing "Billion Dollar Home" or alike is the name) and currently use one of those largest size Billingham bags in black/black with proper shoulder pad.

I always carry my backup hard drives and digital cards in the messenger bag in case the Rimowa gets lost.

You can exchange the Rimowa and Billingham for lower priced alternatives (take any tough half sized cabin roller with good reputation and get the largest Crumpler you are willing to deal with).

The Messenger bag size should not be chose by how large it is, but by how loaded it will be weight wise and how long you are willing to carry that weight on one shoulder.
The Crumpler, I have is extremely heavy when loaded, so I tend to use it exclusively when travelling.

I always have for on site stuff an unpadded thin canvas Domke or A&A bag in my check in luggage, as these are way more comfortable as camera bags to use (I never use the large "travel camera bag" for walk arounds, just for transportation).

 

[nikonosguy]

here's my kit as of now:
D3, not carrying the f4 or f5 - heavy and more to schlump around

nikkor af-d 28/2.8

nikkor af-d 50/1.4

one flash just in case

chargers and such, just got 4 new 16g cf cards

nikkor af-d 80-200/2.8

500 tamron adaptall mirror /f8 --- looking for either a nikon 500/8 or a 500 where it's not going to cost me a fortune -- i think i'd prefer autofocus -- but that costs a king's ransom--- might have to trade my leica r5,24mm,90mm,teleconverter,grip,motor, and 180/2.8 for such a beast.... anyone have any sensible suggestions for the 500mm or greater?

digital ir-converted p&s -- i'm certain of some stellar imagery with this little bit of hocus pocus -

carrying the hexar af, a few rolls of film - may drop the cl with 15mm into my carryon bag -

2 gopros

still on the fence about the 60mm/2.8 micro w/ ring flash - i know the opportunities are there for some shots, but i might be able to leave it at home ---

i carried my bag fully loaded for two days as a way to figure what was not critical

are there any other good fast af-d or newer lenses i should look into?