Am I going to want an ultra-wide in NYC?

[Tom]

Going to NYC in late Nov.
My gear:
10D+grip
28-75mm 2.8
50mm 1.8
70-200mm 2.8
300mm 2.8
1.4x
2x

Buying a 40D next week.

I like the Tokina 12-24mm F4. I don't really like the Canon EF-S 10-22 as much, despite being a bit wider. It is also way more expensive.

Am I gonna hate shooting everything with the 28-75?

[Pascal]

If you intent to get some street shooting done, the 50mm f1.8 will get used quite a bit... usually.

If you plan to do buildings/landscape shots, the Tokina 12-24mm f4 should come in handy.

On the 10D/40D, the 28-75mm may come off as limiting in the city.

All depends on what you plan to shoot.

[Adcox]

Thomas,

When in NYC the lens that stays on my camera is my 16-35mm 2.8L.
The only time I put on my 70-200mm 2.8L IS is when I go out to the Statue of Liberty and when I go to the "Top of the Rock" observation deck. Otherwise the 16-35 works really well especially for places like Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, NYC Public Library, The Brooklyn Bridge ect.
The hardest part about a trip to the city is figuring out what you want to photograph. Unless you are there for a week you aren't going to be able to cover everything.
Have fun and post your photos when you get back.

[Tom]

I'll be there from Sat to Sat.


What about tripod use? Anyone know the rules/laws?

I'd love to do some pano or long exposures at night.

[Adcox]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

I'll be there from Sat to Sat.


What about tripod use? Anyone know the rules/laws?

I'd love to do some pano or long exposures at night.

If you are there for a week you will be able to get some great photos! November is a very busy time in the city. It's usually wall to wall people starting in November up until the New Year. It's still a lot of fun though.

I've only been stopped two times from using my tripod. The first time was in Grand Central Terminal and the second was at Rockefeller Center. Also no tripods are allowed on the Empire State Building or "The Top of the Rock.".

Try to catch Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular while your there. It's a really cute show. If you get up early enough you can take photos of the Camels they use in the show getting their exercise for the day. It's pretty cool.

[Tom]

Can I carry my tripod around Rockafeller Center and just not use it?

What about a camera bag or backpack? Will I be bothered everywhere if I carried a bag with 2-3 lenses and a tripod?

Are there places that a backpack or small camera bag will not be allowed?

[CaptainTom]

A tripod is not very practical in the busy areas of NYC. Some places will hassle you about setting it up. Like Rock Center and Grand Central. They don't want a half dozen photogs with tripods blocking pedestrian traffic. Otherwise, you'll find that if you are not blocking people (and if you are, the people will let you know instantly) you won't be hassled. People in NYC generally don't make eye contact with anyone, and a photographer is not going to be noticed. Use the philosophy that it is easier to ask forgiveness than to get permission.
If you go to times square area and the theater district, most of the people will be tourists. i.e. just like you.
Keep your eyes and hands on your equipment at all times. Don't carry more than the bare minimum. I've walked all over Manhattan with a Canon DSLR and a 17-40L lens and felt pretty safe, but I'm a big guy and a little intimidating to potential bad guys.

You'll have a great time and get lots of photos.

[Debbi]

I brought a monopod to NYC when I went a couple of years ago and it came in handy, especially in Times Square after dark. The only problem I had (as stated before) is going up the Empire State Building. I had to leave it with a guard (with lots of begging) and hope that it was there when I came back down (which it was). I also had a backpack and encountered no problems with it. I even rode the train into and out of the city with no problems with the backpack and monopod. Have fun!

[thelegend1472]

My advice:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._f_2_8_IS.html

Not sure how kick ass the Cannon version is, but if it's anything at all like my Nikkor you won't regret a penny of it. Have fun!

[Jake]

I've never been to NYC, but I would defintally bring a wide angle.
Not sure why you don't like the Canon 10-22, I think it's a great lens. But I've heard great things about the Tokina, so I don't think you'll regret it either way.

The lens Bryan mentions above is supposed to be a really good lens, but I don't really think of 17mm as "ultra-wide" on a cropped body.

[Adcox]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Can I carry my tripod around Rockefeller Center and just not use it?

What about a camera bag or backpack? Will I be bothered everywhere if I carried a bag with 2-3 lenses and a tripod?

Are there places that a backpack or small camera bag will not be allowed?

Yes, You can carry your tripod around Rockefeller Center you can even carry it to the "Top of the Rock." but when going through security the guy will tell you that you cannot use it.

I carry my backpack in NYC all of the time and have never had a problem. I was worried one time after purchasing a ticket to see the Statue of Liberty though. I purchased my ticket and waited in line for about an hour and then saw the signs saying "no backpacks".
When I got to the front of the line I just put my backpack through the x-ray machine and no one said anything to me. That was a relief!

[Dobick]

kinda off topic, but they (don't remember who they is at the moment) make a monopod that has three little retractable feet to form about a 18" diameter base that could probably work in a pinch and be very portable.

I have never been to NYC, but if a monopod is allowed in a location where tripods are not, this might easily and affordably provide a solution.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by thelegend1472

My advice:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._f_2_8_IS.html

Not sure how kick ass the Cannon version is, but if it's anything at all like my Nikkor you won't regret a penny of it. Have fun!

That isn't as wide as I would want and I love my 28-75mm.


I think I may get the feet for my monopod and throw that on there. Nice and light and I can strap it onto the bag without a problem.

[RDM]

Coming from NY/NJ area myself, you're going to want a wide lens. Period.

I visited NYC last July with my 18-70. Wish I bought the 10-20 before the trip haha.

Too many things to shoot, not enough time. It's like a super concentrated sandbox of subjects with infinite possibilities on composition .

[BigEasy]

Yes! I carry a 10-20mm and use it on every trip. Can't say the same for many of the others I have lugged around.

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