Apologises for the epic-ness of this post!

J

jacob12_1993

Active member
Hello this is my first post on this forum,

I have been reading round and there is some really good stuff on here! I apologise beforehand on the length of this post :Drogar-Happy(DBG):

I am an 18 year old photographer from the UK and for the last year I have heavily involved with a school based on the Thai-Burmese border. In the summer I spent 5 weeks working as a labourer to help build a new school building. Whilst there I shot a small e-book project to help raise money for the school. The project had a few quite high profile photographic manufacturers and distributors who helped to support it. However I don't want to bore you all with this, if you want to read more on this project the page is here: http://www.jacobjamesphotography.co.uk/forgottenborders.html

Okay bear with me :Drogar-Happy(DBG): This year I am on a gap year and currently trying to get a job to try and raise some funds so that I can go travelling around SE Asia for 4 months. I am hoping to visit Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and S China. Whilst there I am hoping to spent 6-7 weeks working on a project on the Thai-Burmese border. This project will involve shooting a documentary (This project is currently on crowdfunder: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/investment/forgotten-borders-photo-video-short-documentary-470) to show the work of the school, villages and NGOs working on this volatile border.

This is where I need your help!

Having never shot a full documentary or travelled carrying video equipment I need your help and advise on a few points. The kit I choose needs to be carefully chosen because I will be carrying it along with my personal items on my back for 4 months through jungles, paddy fields on the back of wagons (you get the idea).

My ideal kit would comprise of:

Nikon D7000
Nikon D90*
Tamron 17-50 f2.8
Nikon 50mm f1.8
Sigma 70-200 f2.8
Tokina 12-24 f4*
Nikon SB700 Flash Gun
Schneider/Hitech ND/ND Grad/Circ Polariser Kit
Zoom H4n or Tascam DR-40/DR-100*
Rode NTG 1 (Rycote S Series 330 Windshield Kit)
Shoulder Rig (I have built a lightweight DIY rig)
Small field monitor*
Small compact travel tripod
Manfrotto Nano Light Stand
Slider Dolly*
Lighting Kit*
Follow Focus*

*The starred ones I have yet to purchase

Still reading? :Drogar-Happy(DBG):

I need your expert advise on a few points:

1) Audio

I have planned to run a rode ntg 1 through a DR-40/100/H4n for normal recording/on the rig recording etc. I now need a solution for recording the ambience of cities, towns, jungles etc? Will the rode suffice for this or is there a better option? I am also considering picking up a lavalier mic for >£80, will this be a better option for planned interviews? If so what is the best value Lav at this price point

2) Field Monitor

I am not to desperate for peaking, reverse colours etc so I am thinking about purchasing a small 3.5" reverse monitor off ebay to aid composition for low shots etc? Would this be the best option for a real compact system?

EDIT: Another option is a 5" 800 x 480 touchscreen sat nav unit that has an av-in input http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-0-Car-G...GPSSystems&hash=item3cbd3ef05c#ht_7539wt_1037

3) Slider Dolly

I am really struggling to see an extremely lightweight slider option, I can't afford to haul 2.5kg of solid metal on my back for 4 months. Does anybody have a good value compact option or an even better diy option (not pvc though please)

4) Lighting kit

Would a small LED light cover me for most eventualities? Can only see it being used for late evening interviews.

5) Follow Focus

I have found a cheap Right Angle Huco Gearbox does anybody have any instructions to convert this into a nice follow focus kit?

6) Tripod

I will be taking a 3LT X1.a Brian tripod with me as its extremely compact so perfect for travelling with, it uses a brilliant ball head, however I know these are not ideal for panning shots. Is there a workaround for good panning with a ball head?

I understand that this is a huge post asking a lot of questions but if you can answer just one or two I will be most appreciative :Drogar-Happy(DBG): I'm young and still learning so try and bare with me!

Thanks in advance

Jake
 
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man, you need to travel light.

IMHO I would bring only a camera, a lens and a monopod. (ok, maybe the h4n)
 
Tokina 12-24 f4*
Dont bother.. just for 3 mm
Small field monitor*
Dont bother .. too many batts
Small compact travel tripod
See below
Manfrotto Nano Light Stand
Dont bother
Slider Dolly*
Dont bother
Lighting Kit*
Dont bother - use the 50
Follow Focus*
Dont bother

Consider getting a small video tripod instead, or binning the rig, and the tripod and trying a monopod, and maybe a gorrilla pod, which can give you both table top static shots and also make a rig!

Consider losing the 70-200 and getting something smaller 105 for example

S
 
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Photography/Video will be the main focus of my trip so I don't want to really travel with just my camera, I don't mind carrying the kit I just want to make sure what I'm taking is right
 
You'll mind the moment your bag gets stolen/dunked/trampled upon/lost/humped up a steep incline in tropical heat.

With DSLR's, skip the lighting and bring a few cheap collapsible reflectors instead. Prioritize what to bring (see above) and give primacy to camera, at least one good lens, media, and power. Figure out beforehand how you're going to charge batteries and store media. Electronics and jungle humidity are known adversaries, so plan accordingly - airtight containers with dessicant bags are an absolute necessity. Make sure you can pack everything essential into a single airline carry-on bag that never leaves your sight. More important than sliders and monitors, IMO, are DEET and anti-diarrheal medicine.

Know what your back-up body is for, and choose it properly. Unless you have time for a time-lapse, you won't be using both simultaneously.

Some thoughts for now, fwiw
 
mcbob said:
You'll mind the moment your bag gets stolen/dunked/trampled upon/lost/humped up a steep incline in tropical heat.

With DSLR's, skip the lighting and bring a few cheap collapsible reflectors instead. Prioritize what to bring (see above) and give primacy to camera, at least one good lens, media, and power. Figure out beforehand how you're going to charge batteries and store media. Electronics and jungle humidity are known adversaries, so plan accordingly - airtight containers with dessicant bags are an absolute necessity. Make sure you can pack everything essential into a single airline carry-on bag that never leaves your sight. More important than sliders and monitors, IMO, are DEET and anti-diarrheal medicine.

Know what your back-up body is for, and choose it properly. Unless you have time for a time-lapse, you won't be using both simultaneously.

Some thoughts for now, fwiw
Click to expand...

I am going to use a litepanel mini plus and some reflectors for the video and then the SB700 w/reflectors for stills. I will definately be taking an UWA such as the 12-24 and also my 17-50 f2.8 as they are my priority for stills and video. The 70-200 f2.8 I may swap for the Samyang 85mm f1.4 and a 105 f2.8 macro. Batteries etc will be okay to charge as the places I plan on being based for the most part have electricity. The times I have to veer off the trail, I will slim down to my D7000 and ditch the power hungry items so that I get maximum battery life. The airtight containers and silica comes in very handy from my experience this year, A/C is a B***H for condensation in lenses etc. I use an f-stop Loka with Large ICU and that is capable of carrying a lot of kit, although I may upgrade to the Tilopa BC for this year. I don't however use DEET, this year I took 4 bottles are differing strengths 33%, 50%, 80% and 100%. Not only does it remove the wording etc of the cameras etc but the locals (who know more than I will ever know) all use citrulline based repellents and they are just as effective without having negative impact on your skin/equipment. I have chosen the d90 as a back-up body because the still quality is very similar to my D7000, so its ideal for time-lapse use. It also has basic video functions incase the D7000 goes tits up.

Cheers for taking your time to reply
 
I would advise you to take the above advice from people that are doing this for a living. it seems all nice to take all that stuff but you will quickly realize in a documentary situation it really comes down to barebones and moving quickly .Your list is WAY 2 long. and that's not travelling light at all. I'd be taking 3 lens max. the range would be 17-50, 70-200 (both f 2.8) and a 30 or 35mm 1.4 for a normal lens thats fast when i need that extra light. U'll quickly see why these zooms will help greatly.
after that its some 1.
1. collapsible reflectors (2).
2. A loupe for to see out in the sun (or EVF)
3. the tripod.
4. zoom hn4 and mics.
5. heliopan Variable ND
6. some kind of small gunstock kind of shoulder support.
thats it. You dont need anything more.

(DITCH that f4 lens)


I have shot a doc with my 7d. The things i thought i'd use i didn't because the fact is you are moving fast...u need to get the shot , not fiddle around with equipment. I ditched (left it at the hotel) alot of gear and it allowed me to move quick and efficiently. You cannot possibly carry all that stuff without a crew and be efficient.
 
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jambredz said:
I would advise you to take the above advice from people that are doing this for a living. it seems all nice to take all that stuff but you will quickly realize in a documentary situation it really comes down to barebones and moving quickly .Your list is WAY 2 long. and that's not travelling light at all. I'd be taking 3 lens max. the range would be 17-50, 70-200 (both f 2.8) and a 30 or 35mm 1.4 for a normal lens thats fast when i need that extra light. U'll quickly see why these zooms will help greatly.
after that its some 1.
1. collapsible reflectors (2). 2.
2. A loupe for to see out in the sun (or EVF)
3. the tripod.
4. zoom hn4 and mics.
5. heliopan Variable ND
6. some kind of small gunstock kind of shoulder support.

thats it. You dont need anything more.
Click to expand...

I understand the slider dolly is too much to carry. The lightstand I need for my stills work, same with the UWA as I was kicking myself this year for not taking it! I have a loupe, shoulder support, ND filters, reflectors, mic etc. The tripod I have the leg and centre column combine to make a simple monopod (should I still bring my normal monopod too?) Should I get a Lav mic as well as Shotgun?

I'm sorry I seem like I am ignoring advice, I'm not, I'm taking everything on board however some of the comments about one lens etc is unrealistic when I will be shooting stills for 4 months. Thank you for your advice, I'm still learning and appreciate people who do this day in day out giving their expert advice

Jake
 
do you realize that having one zoom lens is like having several primes?

I would be set with just one prime 35mm.

What makes good image is not the camera. It's you and the content of your video.
 
Fellipe said:
do you realize that having one zoom lens is like having several primes?

I would be set with just one prime 35mm.

What makes good image is not the camera. It's you and the content of your video.
Click to expand...

I find this post a little offensive, ofc I understand about different lenses and their strengths and weaknesses, like I said above I am a photographer. I can't travel round the whole of SE Asia shooting landscapes, portraits and a documentary with just one lens. Before someone who is pedantic says it is possible yes it is. However I am not shelling out several ££££ to spend time photographing the world to restrict myself with one 35mm prime.

To you question, yes I understand that the range of a zoom is like having several primes but there are a few distinct differences:

Primes - Higher Aperture (f1.4,1.8,2), Lighter, Better contrast and sharpness (most not all) than a zoom will ever be able to achieve. Show me a zoom that is capable of shooting a FOV of 85mm at an aperture of f1.4. No?
 
I think the question here is, have you travelled around SE Asia before?

If so, then maybe you know what you are getting yourself into, bringing all this gear. In this case, you have your answer. People don't think you should bring so much stuff.

If you haven't travelled around there, then I would say to take a step back and consider the advice that was given. It is more difficult to travel there when you have multiple bags moreover bags filled with expensive gear.

Hope this helps...
 
I doubt Fellipe meant to be offensive. We are however definitely trying to help. When I did my doc (7d ) i had the luxury of having a safe and secure hotel room where i could leave certain things and go out on the day with just what i needed. Even then i'd leave stuff in the SAFE production vehicle that would always have the driver in there. Plus i was only the Director of photography...the crew was a four person crew (Director/Producer, sound person, PA and myself). Now you are embarking on an entirely different venture than this...and it would be advisable to really think about the necessities and then be more creative in your photography and cinematography. Backpacking with all that gear is not only unsafe in the environment you will be travelling but also a hell of a chore. Multiple bags means more weight and more gear to have to watch while you shoot (however you are gonna achieve that) and also means more gear to lose in the event of theft or an accident.

Cheers.
 
mojo43 said:
I think the question here is, have you travelled around SE Asia before?

If so, then maybe you know what you are getting yourself into, bringing all this gear. In this case, you have your answer. People don't think you should bring so much stuff.

If you haven't travelled around there, then I would say to take a step back and consider the advice that was given. It is more difficult to travel there when you have multiple bags moreover bags filled with expensive gear.

Hope this helps...
Click to expand...

Hello mojo43,

I understand that what I was planning on taking originally was a little excessive. I spent 5 weeks in Thailand on the border this year but next year is probably going to be a whole different beast. I am taking all advice on board and looking at what I am now planning to take I will get it all in a large personal rucksack (clothes etc) and a kit specific rucksack. I think two rucksacks will be just about bearable.

Cheers for your time!
 
jambredz said:
I doubt Fellipe meant to be offensive. We are however definitely trying to help. When I did my doc (7d ) i had the luxury of having a safe and secure hotel room where i could leave certain things and go out on the day with just what i needed. Even then i'd leave stuff in the SAFE production vehicle that would always have the driver in there. Plus i was only the Director of photography...the crew was a four person crew (Director/Producer, sound person, PA and myself). Now you are embarking on an entirely different venture than this...and it would be advisable to really think about the necessities and then be more creative in your photography and cinematography. Backpacking with all that gear is not only unsafe in the environment you will be travelling but also a hell of a chore. Multiple bags means more weight and more gear to have to watch while you shoot (however you are gonna achieve that) and also means more gear to lose in the event of theft or an accident.

Cheers.
Click to expand...

It was probably just internet not showing sarcasm etc. Lots of things look different in type than they would be said. I understand he was only helping. I am planning on trying to keep all my kit on my personal so thats why I am trying to make sure it will all go into my Loka, which looking at it, it should just about. I might try and do some backpacking somewhere in the UK carrying all my kit. If I struggle doing that, in the humidity etc it will be impossible. Do you think a large personal rucksack and a gear specific rucksack sounds about the right amount of kit?

Jake
 
Well definitely keep your gear and personal stuff different, but the size and weight of both (not only the gear) is very crucial to how able you can do the work at hand. So even when packing your personal rucksack think about barebones necessaries that will allow you to be effective and comfortable . Personally I said chuck the 12-24 because its a slow lens and while it is wider than than the 17-50, the 17 is still plenty wide and it already covers 17-24 of the 12-24 so its kinda redundant to me. Or depending on the look you want or the majority look you want you may want to keep the 12-24...but then chuck something else. You see only you can make those decisions. Maybe you may not chuck a lens but slim down another area..whatever you do, think about the look and feel of the film and photos you want...and think how to go about it in a creative manner without all that gear. I was watching the BTS of a zacuto documentary somewhere in Africa and they didn't have a bounce board to use for an interview...the sound man( or BTS photographer i cant remember) took off his white shirt and they used that as a bounce. Now that is how to make the best of your situation through creative thinking.
 
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jambredz said:
Well definitely keep your gear and personal stuff different, but the size and weight of both (not only the gear) is very crucial to how able you can do the work at hand. So even when packing your personal rucksack think about barebones necessaries that will allow you to be effective and comfortable . Personally I said chuck the 12-24 because its a slow lens and while it is wider than than the 17-50, the 17 is still plenty wide and it already covers 14-24 of the 12-24 so its kinda redundant to me. Or depending on the look you want or the majority look you want you may want to keep the 12-24...but then chuck something else. You see only you can make those decisions. Maybe you may not chuck a lens but slim down another area..whatever you do, think about the look and feel of the film and photos you want...and think how to go about it in a creative manner without all that gear. I was watching the BTS of a zacuto documentary somewhere in Africa and they didn't have a bounce board to use for an interview...the sound man took off his white shirt and they used that as a bounce. Now that is how to make the best of your situation through creative thinking.
Click to expand...

Cheers for your help mate, I really do appreciate it! You wouldn't happen to have the link to the documentary would you? I fancy looking at how they work. With regards to personal kit, I travel light anyway. Just clothes, first aid kit, money, guide books, passport etc so the weight of that should be 12-14kg with my tipod, lightstand packed in with it.

Thanks again, I've learnt a lot from this thread!
 
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