[M_Six]

See below.

Originally Posted by Chewy734

haha... learning the hard way, eh Mark?

1. If you could do it over again with any lenses, what gear would you take (and why)?

I left my 10-22 at home thinking I had the Roki 14 2.8, so was covered for wide. Thing is, the Roki is MF only, so not as quick to grab a shot. Wish I'd brought the 10-22. But what I really wish is that I had gone ahead and pulled the trigger on a fast 17ish-50ish zoom.

2. Perhaps you need to work out?

You have no idea. I should go back to work driving for UPS. Workout and job all in one.

3. How about a monopod?

Have one with me. In the trunk. Already carrying too much.

4. Sad, but true (mmm... Metallica).

I was sitting at the intersection of two looooong hallways at the cathedral in Wells yesterday when I heard lots of kids coming down the hall. I was right in the middle of changing lenses and here comes the boys choir all dressed in their choir regalia. By the time I got my lens on, they were on top of me and there was no way to get a candid shot of them. I had to bite my tongue to keep from cursing.

5. This is why I'm considering a smaller, yet powerful (with good IQ) backup. Yeah yeah yeah, I know, smaller isn't always better, but it is if you can't take your dSLR with you, and it'll be a helluva lot better than a camera on your phone.

I have the S95, which isn't bad in a pinch, but like panicos says above, something like the X100 would be even better.

6. This is why people like primes. They are fast and light(er), generally speaking. But then again, refer back to my question in #1, where zooms might be better to take on a vacation?

I have my 135L with me and I plan on some street shooting with it in London.

Originally Posted by dcstep

• Don't be afraid to pump the ISO up to get those night street shots that'll memorialize and personalize your trip for you and those with you.
  
  I ran at 1600 ISO for a bunch of the interior shots at the Roman Baths today. Some of my abbey/cathedral interiors are at 1600 as well.
  
• Be sure to shoot people, including those in your party and some locals. Don't just focus on scenic landscapes and buildings.
  
  Wifey was just commenting about how sterile my images are when it comes to people. I love candid shots. I just can't get comfortable taking them.
  
• Consider taking your tripod for the occasional long exposure night shot, particularly if there's water. I have a four-section tripod so that it'll fit in my suitcase.
  
  I bought a CF travel tripod before I left for just that reason. I plan on making good use of it in London. The weather so far has been dismal except for the one day we were at Glastonbury Abbey. Otherwise it's been cold, rainy, and very windy.