1 month travel kit recommendations (Canon t2i)

[El Cabong]

OK. So since I've gotten a billion suggestions for lenses, I was thinking to choose from the following:

55-250mm IS (long story)
50mm 1.8 II
50mm 1.4
50mm 2.5 Macro

I'd go for the 55-250 and one of the non-macro 50's.

 

[jeevesofRKdia]

The (mostly) final list:

So thanks to everyone's help, I've got good recommendations for the gear to take. It's going to be minimal (I think/hope):

T2i + 18-55 IS - 700
55-250 - 180
Gorillapod - 60
Lens Cleaner - 9
Flipside 400 AW - 100
50 1.8 II - 100
Extra Battery - 40
UV Filters - 70

And maybe a lens hood here and there.

Now for any tips regarding keeping stuff from being stolen/insurance tips/any tips from India photog veterans (I'll be in a group, if that helps)

 

[fcortese]

So thanks to everyone's help, I've got good recommendations for the gear to take. It's going to be minimal (I think/hope):

T2i + 18-55 IS - 700
55-250 - 180
Gorillapod - 60
Lens Cleaner - 9
Flipside 400 AW - 100
50 1.8 II - 100
Extra Battery - 40
UV Filters - 70

And maybe a lens hood here and there.

Now for any tips regarding keeping stuff from being stolen/insurance tips/any tips from India photog veterans (I'll be in a group, if that helps)

Nice choices. Travel tips-keep your wallet in a front pocket with rubber bands around it to make it more difficult to lift. For the backpack, have a friend walk behind you so it can't be slit open with a box cutter or carry it reversed with the straps in the back and the pack in the front-looks funny but makes access but unwanted hands less likely. And don't put anything down unless you can watch it at all times especially if you go off to take some picutres.. Good luck and safe travels.

 

[Phrasikleia]

For the backpack, have a friend walk behind you so it can't be slit open with a box cutter or carry it reversed with the straps in the back and the pack in the front-looks funny but makes access but unwanted hands less likely.

That's really less of a problem with the Flipside 400AW. I have that same backpack. The opening is through a panel that faces your back when you're wearing the backpack. And the "AW" designation means the pack has a built-in rain cover. When I'm in dodgy areas, I will put the rain cover over the pack while it's on my back, even if it's a beautiful, sunny day. That accomplishes two things: it really obscures what kind of backpack you have, and it makes it impossible for a thief to access even the small, minor outside pockets. Anyone trying to slash their way through a Flipside 400AW isn't going to get very far.

I also removed all of the logos from my backpack, which was easy to do with a seam-ripper.

 

[pukifloyd]

Definitely taking a lens cleaning kit. Any other cleaning kit you suggest?
I'll be in Calcutta for some time and then in Puri and then all over South India. So it may or may not be feasible for me to even find a computer. However, do you think 32GB is enough? If not, how much do you think is enough for shooting in RAW? I have to budget appropriately.

I have a converter already, but in case it breaks, do you think I can get one there?

32 gig should be okay...depends on how many pictures you click
I think it will be easy to find a converter...but only if you are in a city... try taking a spare just in case. Or you can buy one from Calcutta.
If you buy from Calcutta, don't spend more than 500 rupees (about $11) on it...I think it will be a lot cheaper than that...

EDIT
Regarding the safety of your gear...do NOT leave your stuff anywhere...even when using bathrooms...and don't leave it in the car too...give to somebody who you completely trust...(that doesn't include the tour guide or the driver)...there shouldn't be much problem if you keep your bag with you all the time...and always stay in your group 😀
I don't know about any insurance plan but you can get one from here I think...
If you have any other questions I'll be happy to help you 🙂

 

[jeevesofRKdia]

Thanks a lot Phrasikleia, pukifloyd, and fcortese and everyone else on this thread. Thankfully, I'll get some chances to practice before leaving for India in mid-December. I'll be sure to have one of my family members be a supplementary watchdog (aka "take care of my bag while I ______, will ya?"). I also decided that since it is India, I'll wear a Chadar (sheet/shawl) to keep warm in the mornings and cover my backpack/camera. Plus I'll probably blend in easier.

Since some places will be temples (and those that don't allow for any stitched cloth) I'll be wearing stuff with no pockets. So I'm still thinking of the best place to put my wallet/passport (on person in a bag? In my backpack?)

I'm so excited! I'll at least put up my photos from when I get my camera (hopefully monday) until I get on that plane to my month-long adventure!

 

[pukifloyd]

Thanks a lot Phrasikleia, pukifloyd, and fcortese and everyone else on this thread. Thankfully, I'll get some chances to practice before leaving for India in mid-December. I'll be sure to have one of my family members be a supplementary watchdog (aka "take care of my bag while I ______, will ya?"). I also decided that since it is India, I'll wear a Chadar (sheet/shawl) to keep warm in the mornings and cover my backpack/camera. Plus I'll probably blend in easier.

Since some places will be temples (and those that don't allow for any stitched cloth) I'll be wearing stuff with no pockets. So I'm still thinking of the best place to put my wallet/passport (on person in a bag? In my backpack?)

I'm so excited! I'll at least put up my photos from when I get my camera (hopefully monday) until I get on that plane to my month-long adventure!

No problem ese 🙂
Have a safe trip...hope you don't have any problems.
Do post pictures and what you think of India when you come back.

Cheers.