Pre-Vacation Mode

I'm in pre-vacation mode at the moment. You're probably familiar with it: You spend large amounts of time planning where you're going to go, how to get there, what you'll be photographing, and what equipment you'll use to do it. If the equipment you own is "inadequate," you'll spend additional time deciding what you need. If you buy something new, you will of course have the foresight to test it before you leave. Murphy's Law is always in full-force during vacation travel.

The fact is that because I've got three small kids, the time I'll have available for solo photography is limited. What I need most is a kit that's reasonably small and lightweight but does well in low-light without a flash. Unfortunately, that rules out most compact digicams. What I'll be taking with me is my Canon EOS 30D, Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and Canon 50mm f/1.4. I'd rather have two primes with fast apertures than one slow zoom with image stabilization. In my experience, with all things otherwise equal, IS is no substitute for a wider aperture and a faster shutter speed.

For what it's worth, I'll be vacationing in Troy, New Hampshire and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. I've had good luck in both places in  the past, but nevertheless, wish me luck.