[sbtm]

Hi all,

I am going to Istanbul on Friday with family (wife and 13month old kid) for a week.

I've got two simple questions:

1. Do I need to take my flash gun with me for night? Or should I depend on my camera flash? What does everyone out here do?
2. What lens would be more suitable? The kit lens or the 28-200 I've got? I like the kit cause it give me a fuller pic

Thanks

[andysmee]

I'd be asking a few questions in order to answer this one, although your camera gear says most things...What kind of shots are hoping for?

If your camera has decent low light capability (350D?) then a flash may not be required as the natural lighting often lends more atmosphere to shots in busy cities like Istanbul. Also, if your camera has an on-board flash this may be enough for people pictures without lugging a larger flash around.

Is Istanbul safe to carry an SLR around? Adding a flash to the kit may make you more obtrusive both for thieves and for taking candid shots. I reckon the 18-55 will be most useful.

Personally I carry a D300, 16-85 and 80-400 in a surrepticious shoulder bag when travelling. I take my flash in the hold luggage but rarely use it. The 16-85, a little on-board flash, and high ISO seem to prevail for my night shots, but these are only good enough for holiday snaps. If you are more serious then take your tripod.

Bit of a ramble but hope that is of interest.

[muscle750]

I took my D300 17 55 a 18 200 and a 50 1.8 plus loaded my CF velbon tripod Night shots i would use the tripod at all times, Lugged the lot to Dubai and back and glad i did even if my arm did fall off

[AQ]

Istanbul was one of my favourite destinations when I was working. It is quite a safe city and very cosmopolitan. Although, as with all cities, at night there are some places it is better not to go to. Your hotel will advise. It is also very big but if you are staying in the centre the buses and trams are good and the taxies are not expensive.

It has some of the best fish restaurants in Europe.

I assume you have been told about the £10 "visa" you have to buy on entry before passport control. There can be very long queues at passport control on leaving.

Check the weather forecast as it can be very cold and snowy at this time of year.

Finally to answer you questions I would not take the flash gun and if you only take one lens the 28-200 will give you more options.

[sbtm]

Thanks all... am off tomorrow for my trip... can wait

Anyways, am not going to take my flash gun and moreover, will have my 28-200 as my primary lens. I might get me a lens that would replace the two with just one