What to bring - first time cruising

[dmz]

This is a bit of a reverse of the other questions on here. I've already got a bunch of camera gear. But I've never been on a cruise.

 

I'm trying to figure out if I should bring everything, or just the bare essentials. And what exactly would *be* the bare essentials? I'll be visiting St. Thomas, St. Marin, and Princess Cays.

 

To go with my 30D, I've got available:

17-40mm f/4 (which I'll be taking for sure)

70-200mm f/4 IS (most likely on the list)

30mm f/1.4 (sigma)

50mm f/1.4

85mm f/1.8

flash

tripod

various filters

 

I can also beg/borrow/steal other lenses from a number of other people I know.

[pierces]

This is a bit of a reverse of the other questions on here. I've already got a bunch of camera gear. But I've never been on a cruise.

 

I'm trying to figure out if I should bring everything, or just the bare essentials. And what exactly would *be* the bare essentials? I'll be visiting St. Thomas, St. Marin, and Princess Cays.

 

To go with my 30D, I've got available:

17-40mm f/4 (which I'll be taking for sure)

70-200mm f/4 IS (most likely on the list)

30mm f/1.4 (sigma)

50mm f/1.4

85mm f/1.8

flash

tripod (Optional...I use mine, but usually only on the ship in the morning)

various filters (Polarizer and graduated ND)

Point & shoot "dinner camera" - A DSLR doesn't go with a tux on formal night...just ask my Wonderful Wife.

 

I've taken everything from just a P&S to a whole Pelican carry-on full of equipment. After 20+ cruises, the pieces I indicated above are what I found I used 99% of the time. I just got a Tamrac Adventure 7 backpack before the Hawaii trip and was able to carry everything I needed in it. Great bag!

 

Dave

[Tater1800]

Whatever you take there will be something missing in the bag.

 

I have to disagree with Dave. The tripod is a necessity. There will be shots that require it. The ones that stick in my mind from our first cruise are the "before dinner" self-portraits. I took a small pocket tripod and could have used something bigger.

 

In St. Thomas, I recommend a tour of St. Johns. If you like I will post a few shots.

[dmz]

I really like the primes though. :p They're just not very versatile. :mad:

 

I wish I had an UWA for on the ship. The Canon 10-22 is really nice, but my goal is to go full-frame soon. And then the 17-40 will be my ultrawide. Too bad I can't swing that before the cruise.

 

I don't have to contend with a wife yet; but I think similar rules apply with the GF! I got her an XTi for her birthday, so we'll have that with us too.

 

Do you have / have you used a fisheye on a cruise? I'm thinking it could make for some fun shots.

[dmz]

If you like I will post a few shots.

 

Can't say no to pictures. I'm leaving in a week -- starting to get excited.

[pierces]

I really like the primes though. :p They're just not very versatile. :mad:

 

I wish I had an UWA for on the ship. The Canon 10-22 is really nice, but my goal is to go full-frame soon. And then the 17-40 will be my ultrawide. Too bad I can't swing that before the cruise.

 

I don't have to contend with a wife yet; but I think similar rules apply with the GF! I got her an XTi for her birthday, so we'll have that with us too.

 

Do you have / have you used a fisheye on a cruise? I'm thinking it could make for some fun shots.

 

Not versatile doesn't cut it when hauling stuff half way around the world.

 

I haven't used a fisheye...never had a great enough need/desire to get one (yet!;)) I just got the Sony 11-18 with the A700 and so far, I really like it! Way sharper than I expected and when used judiciously, very distortion free. it has earned a place in the bag! I hope to use it for some big ol' scenics on our repositioning cruise next March.

 

That makes for three lenses that I'll carry, plus the Lensbaby. I may pack the 7D as a back-up if I have room.

 

BTW, I have a Velbon UltraMaxi travel tripod that I carry. I stated that it was optional (and it is...), but as little as I use it, I always take it.

 

Whatever you take, please use it and bring back some great photos!

 

Dave

[Terri102066]

Can't say no to pictures. I'm leaving in a week -- starting to get excited.

 

My photography is nothing special but it may give you an idea of what to expect. I personally didn't like St. Martin. Princess Cays is a great beach. I rented a sailboat and had a blast. These are from St. Johns.

 

 

 

[dmz]

Your pictures are making me forget about cameras and just want to be there!

 

I'm in Canada, and right now it's 20ºF, and snowing. (Which as abnormal for this time of year.)