A question for frequent mongers. How safe is it in pattaya to walk around with a DSLR around? Looking at the photos, it seems its fairly safe, with all the tourists around, even in the evenings.

 

There are people with 70-200mm lenses. If I was to carry those bazookas around, Id be shitting myself.

 

Also, how are the safety in the rest thailand, in places like chiang mai. And also elsewhere in SE asia in places like Vietnam and cambodia. Ive heard some horror stories about vietnam. :24:

Depends on your drinking habits really

pretty safe in my experience.

 

Closest I've ever come to loosing something was ambushed by two lady boys trying to get into my pockets, I think having a DSLR strapped on my neck would've actually been safer (harder to slip off) than the point and shoot in my pocket. (but I put my hands on my wallet and camera and just kept moving instead of trying to push them off or keep them away from my junk).

 

Sonkran is whole different issue (it'll get wet and destroyed).

Depends on your drinking habits really

 

Amen to that!

 

I bought a DSLR and have went overboard as I have gotten more into photography. During the day I carry mine around and take random shots of the shit I see. I was inspired by Nuff and life in Pattaya through his eyes. Usually I'm pretty good about heading to my room and dropping the camera in the room for the night and just using a point and shoot at night that I don't give a shit about it. There have been a few nights where the plan went to shit because the party never really stopped. I have jumped from bed worried I lost the camera. Then again I have woken up and looked at the pics I have taken not remember the full on porno shoot I have taken.

 

In all seriousness just take precautions and keep a firm grip on the strap and be wary when you are in crowds and you should be fine. If you are a heavy drinker then consider leaving the camera at home.

This thread has eased my fears somewhat.

Since I have never been to Thailand before, my plan was as mentioned by Spanky99...to leave the DSLR in my room at night and bring out the el cheapo model.

I would flip out if someone tried to rip off my Canon DSLR.

I seem to see more and more people walking about the BKK/Pattaya and surrounding areas with DSLR looking cameras, both Thai's and foreigners alike. Seems like DSLR's are the new 'status' symbols to be seen holding about town. I don't think it's a situation where having a DSLR is so 'unique' that everyone stops to take notice. Not that one shouldn't be wary of thieves and all.

Im always cautious, never worried...

I have never had a problem and I have traveled all over Thailand with my Nikon D700 kit. However, I now just carry a Canon S95 because it is much easier to carry around.

I used to carry the 5D2 around (sometimes with its 70-200 bolted on, more often than not its 35mm) - but its bloody heavy! I always (always) make sure it has lens covers (clear filters) on its lenses at all times ( a number have been found to have sticky coke or sprite marks over them in the morning - and I would have cried if it had been the lens glass). But now, I take the Fuji X100 out - if I find a really good model (girl that's willing) the 5D2 can come out to play.

The only problem I have carrying my 60D around is bumping into things.. but that's just me.. No problems at all feeling "unsafe" but I won't carry it around at night simply because I drink too much, and I doubt mongers would appreciate having the white lenses pointing anywhere near them while misbehaving!

i agree with red, not really worried bout the camera, just drinking too much and bothing other mongers.

You'll just look like a Japanese tourist

No problem as long as you have it around your neck and not slung over a shoulder (where it can be snatched from a passing motorcycle) also avoid taking your DSLR to bars when you go on the piss, better to have a compact for the bar shots.

No problem as long as you have it around your neck and not slung over a shoulder (where it can be snatched from a passing motorcycle) also avoid taking your DSLR to bars when you go on the piss, better to have a compact for the bar shots.

 

 

reminded me of this scene lol

 

reminded me of this scene lol

 

 

LOL, good scene...me so horny...lol

I Have been to Bangkok and Phuket servral times with a DLSR and have never had a problem. I always use a backpack, and carry the camera around my neck. Although I have recently got a Panasonic GF2 because of it video quality.

So that's where the phrase "me love you long time" came from. I was wondering about that ever since it kept popping up in different shows like Southpark, Family Guy and various asian porn scenes. Learn something new every day!

I have always carried my DLSR but I do it in the daytime and i carry a much more portable digital camera that I can slip in my pocket at night. The advice of staying sober when carrying items of obvious value is also great info.

I have 2 DSLR cameras ,a older canona 40d and a new 7d, i will be taking the 40d with me on my trip,Dont want to take my current lens with me, was thinking of buying a sigma 18-250 mm lens.What are you thoughts on this lens?? And what bag do you use ? I have a crumpler 6 that i use all the time just love it.

Never had a problem carrying around my 5d. I made a mistake before bringing too much lenses! I say travel light! My next trip in May, I'll just have the 24-70 on my camera. no battery grip. I have a Lowepro AW70 toploader, but it'll probably stay in the hotel.

I carry a Lowepro backback with me all around ASIA, Cambodia, Laos , Thailand, Vietnam and Philipines and touch wood never had a problem there is around $7000 worth of kit in there all the time.

 

The camera usually is around my neck most of the time with lenses and filters speedlight etc in backpack.

I take loads of gear at times and have never had issues except the occasional "don't take my photo".

I have 2 DSLR cameras ,a older canona 40d and a new 7d, i will be taking the 40d with me on my trip,Dont want to take my current lens with me, was thinking of buying a sigma 18-250 mm lens.What are you thoughts on this lens?? And what bag do you use ? I have a crumpler 6 that i use all the time just love it.

 

I would bring a fast prime like a 50mm if you plan on shooting at night or other low light environments unless you want to use flash. The 18-250 is good for general walking around shots. I used a 18-200 Tamron myself.

 

Personally you guys hauling those full bodied DSLR's are insane. I am converted to Micro 4/3 cameras, all the power of a DSLR and none of the weight! Yes, I do have Canons laying around, but for normal everyday stuff give me a Micro 4/3 camera.

I've been interested in this opic for awhile as well, I own a D300, 50mm, 70-200mm, and have been considering getting a P/S canon s90 for night time stuff.

 

FYI my D300 and 70-200 look like shit! But honestly I like it that way as it shoots great and attracts less attention.

A question for frequent mongers. How safe is it in pattaya to walk around with a DSLR around? Looking at the photos, it seems its fairly safe, with all the tourists around, even in the evenings.

 

There are people with 70-200mm lenses. If I was to carry those bazookas around, Id be shitting myself.

 

 

 

I feel safe walking around with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II with a EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, ( I guess it is the set up that would make you shit )

 

During the day for the most part Pattaya is safe, and at night walking street should not be a problem.

 

I don't go out with my camera if I plan on drinking. ( So that means most nights )

 

I have been traveling for years with a DSLR, so I feel comfortable, but always keep your senses and don't go where you don't feel safe.

Some people have asked to "borrow" my gear. Even if they are close friends I don't allow it, unless I am with them all the time. Cause if they break it, most of the time you will only get a "sorry".