Chicago... need to travel light... which lens(es)?

I'll be flying to Chicago next week for the babywearing conference. :) I am going around in circles about what to bring. I'm also going to be carrying a laptop and a small camcorder... so, I need to travel as light as I can with my photo gear. I am thinking of just bringing my Tamron 17-50mm as I think it will be good for getting groups of people in tight quarters in the exhibit hall - although it certainly is not the best lens for people... but it will also be good for city shots, should I have time to do a little sightseeing.

Should I bring my 50mm or 85mm for better portrait shots? Should I bring a flash for all the time I'll be indoors? Am I even going to have time to take pictures, what with all the socializing? :)

Any suggestions?

 

I wish I was going to the conference! If you are trying to keep your load light, take whatever is your most versatile lens. When I was there I found myself using my 18-55mm kit lens more than my zoom. That's what I used for most of my building shots and pictures at the Cubs game. Are you traveling alone or with kids? The less you have to carry, the better. If these pictures are just for sharing with friends and family, I would recommend bringing whatever is the easiest for you to carry and not worry as much about the quality of the pics. You are a very talented photographer and I'm sure that whatever lens you take, you'll be able to make it work for you. DH and I were just talking about how we miss Chicago style pizza (we at at Gino's East 3 days in a row when we were there last month). Have fun!!!

I say 50mm it will work for everything

Cuties02q:

I say 50mm it will work for everything

 

ITA with Stephenie, looking foward to meeting you!

 

I think you will be fine with your 18-50 tamron. the 50 mm end will work fine for people shots, its a normal length, so no distortions there, kwim? :)

and i'd practice a little with your on camera flash and high isos. if you have your aperture  pretty wide open and your flash on slow sync your pics won't be half bad. but i'd run thru a few test shots at home first, just to see what the results are. Its my opinion that some decent pics with on-cam flash are better than none at all! :) I have had too many occasions when my 50 1.4 is not wide enough and stepping back doesn't work so well. so i am finding the 18-50 range to work very well. I really think it will suit you fine for light travel. :)

hth!

Tammi:

I have had too many occasions when my 50 1.4 is not wide enough and stepping back doesn't work so well.

That's what I was worried about... I was imagining getting shots of groups of babywearers in the exhibit hall and worried that 50mm isn't wide enough.

It's just Jonas (5 months) and me going. I know I'll be doing a lot of walking, and will need to have a decent-sized bag with me, but don't want to be too loaded down. Especially if it will be hot. I am such a wimp in the heat.

 

MonteMama:

 I am such a wimp in the heat.

 

OH MY GOSH, so am I. 

Body/50mm/Flash/Batteries and charger/LOTS AND LOSTS of memory cards! (zoom optional... just thinking weight+ baby gear)

 

 

I'm so jealous- I WISH I could be there with you all!!!

Now see, I'm thinking about wussing out and just bringing my p&s. 

I know I'm going to have a grabby baby in my arms (or strapped to my body) 99% of the time...I think I'm just only going to be able to take one-handed and simple shots.  But I know that I will sooooooo wish I had my "real" camera there.  Hmmmm.  What to do, what to do...

 

juicifroot:

Now see, I'm thinking about wussing out and just bringing my p&s. 

I know I'm going to have a grabby baby in my arms (or strapped to my body) 99% of the time...I think I'm just only going to be able to take one-handed and simple shots.  But I know that I will sooooooo wish I had my "real" camera there.  Hmmmm.  What to do, what to do...

 

I hear ya.... there was a time I was seriously thinking of not bringing a camera at all... and if I had a functioning PAS I would likely do the same. After all Jil and Stephenie will be there :) But I know I'll want my own and will miss it. Still haven't decided on the lenses, I think I'll wait until I pack.

Someone needs to invent a mini-DSLR!

Oh bring your cameras we can take photos of each other  taking photos

Welll... I'm back - and glad I brought the Tamron for my landscape shots, which I'll post some time, but you're all right, I should have squeezed in the 50mm too for portraits. I'm so not thrilled with the ones I got (see thread at tbw)

you know what....you might have needed a shootsac. 

And I was like the only one who didn't say 50! 50! 50! :D  sorry....maybe one more push and you might have done it. I just thought the 18-50 would do it. :(

 

can't wait to see your pics!

I don't think a shootsac would have helped ;) and it's not your fault Tammi. I actually had the 50mm in my bag and I took it out. D'OH!

 I saw your pictures at TBW and I thought they were great! They may not be what you wanted them to be, but they are pretty darn nice! You did a great job with what you had.