FIFA World Cup 2010. Should I take my M8?

[JBC]

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Hi, I will be in Johanesburg and Cape Town for the World Cup in a group of 4 friends. I have tickets for 3 matches (2 in Joburg, 1 in CT). After that i will take a 4 day safari in Kruger Park and Sabi Sands. Never been there, and always wanted to go (specially to the safari).

 

I am planing to take with me:

m8 and 2 lenses 21mm and 40mm

D200 + f801s, with a 300mmf2.8 ais or 300mmf4 + tc, and a zoom.

 

I have been reading how great and beautiful South Africa is, but also so much negative in terms of getting robbed even in the hotels.

 

I plan to carry my m8 with me all the time.

The nikon gear I will leave it in the hotel while in Joburg and CT, and use it when I go the safari.

 

I am crazy to take this equipment?

Should I just get a P&S, or a used small slr

or Should I just stick with my plan and try to be carefull.

 

I realy thank for your advice

 

JBC

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[andybarton]

I am sure that thousands of people visit South Africa every year without being robbed, but the usual precautions would obviously apply. Make sure your insurance company know where you are going and the value if your kit.

 

I wouldn't dream of taking my M to a football match, though. Something pocketable, yes, but something that needs to be carried over a shoulder, no.

 

I am sure you will have a wonderful time!

[spylaw4]

I am sure that your hotels in CT/JB will warn you of the "does & dont's". When I was in CT over New Year I walked around with my M9 over my shoulder without problem, although I did keep it discreetly positioned and my hand on it at all times.

One does however need to be "street aware" - don't go on foot into the CBD after 5pm weekdays, or after 1pm Saturdays and preferably not on Sundays. There are of course areas that you should not visit, at least not without an escort!

JB is AFAIK worse than CT - but I"ve only been through the airport!

[earleygallery]

There is very specific information about what you cannot take into the stadiums I suggest you read that first.

[aesop]

...prohibited items include "cameras (except for private use and then only with one set of replacement or rechargeable batteries), video cameras or other sound or video recording equipment".

 

See FIFA's Stadium Code of Conduct for more details.

 

Personally, I would recommend one M body and one lens, preferably between 35mm and 50mm. Take great pains to look like a simple fan - this has been my MO for the last 4 World Cup tournaments.

[JBC]

Thanks, for your recomendations,

I think the best is to insure the equipment, hide the equipment as good as I can in the hotels, and common sense!

 

greetings

 

Juergen

[Colin Barnes]

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i take my m6 to every game i go too..never have a problem

 

i took my d2x and 70-200 to rangers v celtic game a couple of years ago, far too big, though rangers did win (well we always win) and i got some good shots...one that make front page headlines in scotland for a couple of days....

 

i find my m6 great for taking pics of the crowd , but not the game...ohh im using a 35mm cron so its not much use for the actual game..

 

but long story short...take it