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.
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
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)
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.
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?
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!