Good Setup?

Hello and a happy new year to all of you from Denmark.

I´m going to Afghanistan in a couple of weeks.

I don't have a DSLR at the moment but I'm buying one before I go.

As it's VERY dusty in Afghanistan I have decided on the K20d with two weather proofed lenses - DA* 16-50 and DA* 50-135.

I can understand from the discussions that January would be a good time to invest in this equipment.

Would this setup be a good all round solution and can You recommend some on-line dealers in the UK/Continental Europe.

Thanks, Jacob

www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk

Welcome to the forum Sobriquet,
When you have a moment would you please fill in your location details, Thanks and Happy New Year.

Thanks.

They have the setup for £1400.

The K20D and the lenses would serve you well in Afghanistan and lookforward to seeing some photos.

SRS will post to you, and there prices are the best around.
Just one thing you might need is a BULLET PROOF VEST

Good Luck..

The set-up you mention would be an excellent choice. You should however consider whether you might also want a longer lens. If cash is running short, a second-hand Pentax 80-320 might fit the bill.

G

Thanks. And yes. Cash is running short as the "whole package" rounds up to £ 2000 with tripod and accessories.

My plan is to purchase the DA* 300. And at that time the promised Pentax TC.

I planned on purchasing a CaNikon DSLR but one quote "...the K20D is build like a tank..." changed this. When I got hold of the K20D in the store I was sold.

add a pelican case to that list.

Can You recommend a specific type number...

Excellent set of lenses and camera although I am not certain where you'll put the film?

Maybe with a little brutality...

Couldn't move the post to the right forum.

Sobriquet

I hope you don't mind me going off topic slightly. But I am interested in your trip to Afghanistan as I have been there myself a couple of times in the past, fortunately before the current climate.

I was there first in 1978 in the days it was still possible to travel overland all the way to India, just took the usual route, staying in Herat and Kabul.
The second time was about 6 years ago on a caving expedition we were staying in Baluchistan and had a few trips over the border.
Fantastic country and lovely people I would love to go back.

Are you there for work? And whereabouts? A few pictures would be nice when you can.

Yes. Going there for "work" as part of the Danish Contingent in the Helmand Province. Looking very much forward to working together with the British Contingent. There is a great cooperative spirit and a good understanding of how to work things out among the Danish and British troops.

I'm looking forward to seeing this amazingly beautiful country. But as I'm going to Helmand there are not going to be that many photo oportunities besides inside the camps.

In that case, I'd pack a small p&s too, preferably the Pentax W60 (which is water and dust-proof, to some degree).

G

I got the 1520 for my motorcycle rack... you may want to find out what the airlines carry on limits are, and choose a model that fits. I prefer to avoid the "Pick apart" foam packing, and go with the models that have the inserts you can re-arrange like a camera bag... one or two models even have a lowepro camera bag made to fit inside...