lambertpix
No longer a newbie, moving up!
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2013
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- Columbus, OH
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Are you backpacking (like, multiple days) or day-hiking? This will quite likely make a difference in how you load up. I spent 10 days hiking in New Mexico last year, and I had to choose the gear I carried pretty carefully. As it is, I probably carried a little more than I should have, but not more than I used.
The tripod idea is paramount. If you're backpacking, you might have to compromise a bit, but there's no question you'll want *something* to stabilize your rig. I had a Trekpod -- one of those hiking sticks w/ legs that fold out on the bottom to make a quasi-tripod. This basically winds up being a device that isn't a great tripod *or* a great trekking pole, but it's better than nothing on both fronts. If you can swing a real tripod, though, it'll make your photography much easier and the results will show.
The shot you posted in #6 isn't really the sort that needs super-fast glass, provided you've got a really good tripod. Remember, you can expose up to 30 seconds or so without any special equipment, and if there's even a little bit of ambient light, you'll be fine. The fast glass winds up being helpful for stars, among other things, because you'll start to see star trails on your long exposures.
Give some thought to whether this is primarily a hiking trip or a photography trip -- the two aren't always compatible. My NM trip was a hiking trip, so I had to fit the photography in where I was able. This often meant shooting at entirely the wrong time of day, shooting without properly supporting the camera, and so on. For me, it was also paramount to have fast access to my camera without dropping my whole load, so I hung a TLZ case (with weather cover) on my chest and kept my camera there. I liked this arrangement a lot, and I do this even with day packs now. Whatever you decide to carry, do some prep hikes with the gear you plan to carry so you can (1) get used to it and (2) see what doesn't work. I've tried carrying my tripod about a dozen different ways to find a position I can reach it quickly and not have it bang my knees every time I take a step.
The tripod idea is paramount. If you're backpacking, you might have to compromise a bit, but there's no question you'll want *something* to stabilize your rig. I had a Trekpod -- one of those hiking sticks w/ legs that fold out on the bottom to make a quasi-tripod. This basically winds up being a device that isn't a great tripod *or* a great trekking pole, but it's better than nothing on both fronts. If you can swing a real tripod, though, it'll make your photography much easier and the results will show.
The shot you posted in #6 isn't really the sort that needs super-fast glass, provided you've got a really good tripod. Remember, you can expose up to 30 seconds or so without any special equipment, and if there's even a little bit of ambient light, you'll be fine. The fast glass winds up being helpful for stars, among other things, because you'll start to see star trails on your long exposures.
Give some thought to whether this is primarily a hiking trip or a photography trip -- the two aren't always compatible. My NM trip was a hiking trip, so I had to fit the photography in where I was able. This often meant shooting at entirely the wrong time of day, shooting without properly supporting the camera, and so on. For me, it was also paramount to have fast access to my camera without dropping my whole load, so I hung a TLZ case (with weather cover) on my chest and kept my camera there. I liked this arrangement a lot, and I do this even with day packs now. Whatever you decide to carry, do some prep hikes with the gear you plan to carry so you can (1) get used to it and (2) see what doesn't work. I've tried carrying my tripod about a dozen different ways to find a position I can reach it quickly and not have it bang my knees every time I take a step.