Hi Folks,
Just came back from Coasta Rica in the rainy season. Some observations:
* Very worthwhile--rainy season does NOT mean monsoons!
Mostly manifested as overcast and hence very good for
photography. BUT, remember (as I did not) to bring a
small towel and clear plastic sheeting to protect your
gear. Also, a light nylon poncho would be good.
* Film--bring lots. PARTICULARLY Kodak 100SW!!! Kodak 100SW
is an E6 slide film with a saturated + warm look--ideal
for overcast days. Coasta Rica supposedly allow ONLY a
6 roll maximum, but I brought some 30 rolls of various
types, hand checked all the way in clear plastic bags.
* System was OM4T, OM2S and OM1, with 100F2.0, 50F1.2, 28F2.0
and 21F3.5 lenses. This is the BEST vacation system I can
think of!!! Left home and NOT missed were the 65-200 zoom,
Vivitar S1 90 macro, 50F3.5 macro. At NO time did I feel a
need for any longer lens! Nor did I feel the need for any
intermediate lenses--24, 35 or 85! And absolutely NO need
for zooms of any kind.
* One reason, I felt NO need for a macro is that the OM 100F2.0
is ALMOST a macro itself. With it's ability to focus to 1:5
or 2.2 ft, I find the 100 focuses close enough to handle
most flower shots with comfort. Closer than that, I felt no
need! I did have a 2 element 55mm close up, screw on lens,
but I never used it.
* Tripod--brought the Bogen carbon fiber one/4 section. I picked
and like this one. It was light enough not to be a major
burden and I carried it everywhere I went. Even though they
are expensive, I recommend carbon fiber tripods.
* Ball head--I bought a nice looking, petite Giottos MH1002
head and while nice enough, changing cameras and setting up
over and over again, made me a firm believer in quick
release heads. So the next thing on my shopping list is an
Arca Swiss B1, Kirk TH19 or the new "Ultimate" from Acratech
(www.acratech.net). No reviews yet on the latter, but it weighs
less than a pound. Comments wanted on this point in particular--
what's the best quick release head under 1 pound in weight?
More later!
Alex
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