I started creating the Excel spreadsheet for my packing list to Bali several months ago. Yep, it’s still that Excel spreadsheet fetish I’ve got. Funnily, that fetish has rubbed off on Ling too. These days whenever she makes an overseas trip, she’ll prepare similar lists too. OK; so it may not be uncommon for travelers to pack according to a checklist. But mine goes one geek level up; I even have columns indicating quantity, item weight, quantity weight, and weight totals against baggage allowance. Beat that! :)
One of the harder things about packing this year though is which lenses and camera equipment to bring. While we’ve engaged a local driver to show us around for three of the six days we’ll be there and the amount of equipment that can go into the boot shouldn’t be an issue, there’s still the problem of how many lenses I can physically cram into the Tamrac Adventure 7 backpack itself. I could just bring everyone of the seven lenses I’ve got stuffed in the other Tamrac shoulder bag, but my shoulders would likely kill me for that.
So, after loads of stuffing lenses, filters and accessories to and fro the backpack and dry cabinet, here’s what I’ve finally decided on:
- D300
- 18-55mm VR
- Sigma 10-20mm UWA
- Sigma 150mm macro
- SB600 Speedlight +Demb Jumbo Flip-it bounce card
- Wireless / remote trigger
- 190CXPRO3 + ballhead
- 52mm + 77mm graduated neutral density, neutral density and circular polarizer filters
The recently acquired Sigma 24-60mm lens still has a backfocus issue which I’ll have to sort out after we’re back. I don’t think I’ll be doing portrait shots, so no 50mm. Now, the 55-200mm I was sorely tempted to bring since I’m thinking of checking out the Bali Bird Park too. But no space.:(
In any case, the both of us are headed off to the airport and Bali in an hour’s time, so this will be the last post for the next couple of days until I can find an Internet connection somewhere on the island. Till then.:)
Have fun! And be sure to get that massage in Bali that Ann and Grace were trying to convince me to look into. :)
Hi CY and Ling! My partner and I are set to visit Bali for 4 days as well and we’re getting so much input from all your posts. Just a Q, how much were u able to pay your driver for your 4-day tour with him? Please be kind to share his contact info with us. You may email me the details. Thanks mucho!