BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Photography Question 

Leslie L. Steinkraus
 

An upcoming trip to Yellowstone


I'd like to know what CAMERA GEAR each of you with Canon DSLR' would pack for such an endeavor? Thank You All for the valuable input! Sincerely, LLS
Using Canon 40D & Pana-Lumix(walk-about)


To love this question, log in above
August 13, 2010

 
- Carlton Ward

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Carlton Ward
Carlton Ward's Gallery
 
 

BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick  
img 3070tz1
img 3070tz1
Halfdome 2006

Carlton Ward

 
 
Hello Leslie,
Take em all. I would use my 17-40 & 24-70 for wide angle landscapes (I use full frame 5d/1Ds) but would still use my 70-200 & have even used my 100-400mm lens for capturing a coyote playing in a field. If you have the 10-22mm, bring that as well since you are shooting on a cropped sensor. Tripod (mandatory) and remote shutter and use some HDR techniques if you wish. DOF like f/22 or f/36 are great if your lens will accommodate which makes the tripod necessary. Ansel Adams used to shoot at f/94... Time of day and the constant change of lighting are continually ongoing. You can watch El Capitan change right before your eyes as the sun moves or clouds appear or change. The bridge looking at Halfdome late afternoon is a popular spot to setup & catch the setting sun as it makes Halfdome starts to glow. A Circular polarizer or ND filter may also come in handy. '
Have fun and be sure to use the bear boxes and dont leave ANY food in the car. A few years ago a friend had brought along a couple of Salmon steaks that he stashed under the front seat of his car. Bear came along and smashed his window and ripped up his interior to get to the back of the car to eat the Doritos and but he left the Salmon steaks :)
Carlton


To love this comment, log in above
August 14, 2010

 

Bob Cammarata
  I thought Half Dome and El Capitan were at Yosemite.

Here are a few valuable tips I learned when I visited Yellowstone:
*While hiking among the active geisers, keep your gear stowed in a camera bag until you are ready to shoot something. Even when you pull the gear out, keep your lens cap on until you are about to press the shutter then quickly put it back on when you are finished. The sulphur gasses and acidic steam vents can wreak havok on glass and sensitive electronics.

*Early morning is the best time.
There are no crowds and the resident wildlife are most active.

*Lenses from wide-angle to medium telephoto will suffice. If you have a heavy super-telephoto you can leave it at home. The wildlife at Yellowstone are pretty tame and easy to photograph up close.

*And when you visit Old Faithful, pray for a clear blue sky to get the best possible contrast of the geiser's spray.


To love this comment, log in above
August 14, 2010

 

Nobu Nagase
 
I agree with Bob on 2 points:
One, Half Dome and El Capitan are at Yosemite, not at Yellowstone.
Two, about the camera equipment and most about the animals.
However, some animals such as coyotes and bears are "usually" stay in the distance. Super telephoto lens should come in handy if you have opportunities to spot them. Elk, buffalo, and moose are not afraid of human and you may come face to face encounter. Big Horn sheep are hard to spot. They are far in distance ever if you are lucky to see them.

Definitely you pray for blue sky at Old Faithful.

If you are going there in winter, there are other things you will have to be prepared for because of extreme cold temperatures, one being keeping battery and camera gears operational. (need for spare battery as well), and water condensation when you go into a warm building, etc.


To love this comment, log in above
August 14, 2010

 

Bob Cammarata
  That's certainly true about the bears, coyotes and other large predators. They do tend to keep their distance and are seldom seen.

One other thing I failed to mention.
Definately reserve at least one day to head south and visit Grand Teton N.P.
You won't regret it.


To love this comment, log in above
August 15, 2010

 

Leslie L. Steinkraus
  Hey thanks for your input, & Carlton we will be in Yosemite late Oct so I'll keep info for reference. And yes we definitely plan to to take in the Grand Tetons. Going directly from Idaho Falls into the GTNP. We shall also be in Cody, Wyoming to visit the museums.
Sure looking forward to it! Last year at this time I had my daughter,s wedding, that was no small expense, so now we can afford to go.....


To love this comment, log in above
August 15, 2010

 

Nobu Nagase
 
Has anyone told you about about the ghost of Old Faithful Inn? Check this out:

http://www.ghostinmysuitcase.com/places/faithful/index.htm


To love this comment, log in above
August 15, 2010

 
- Carlton Ward

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Carlton Ward
Carlton Ward's Gallery
  Ooops - I did get that backwards :)
A dyslexic guy walks into a bra....

I agree with Bobs tips and about visiting the Grand Tetons.

Have fun with your shoot Leslie.
Carlton


To love this comment, log in above
August 16, 2010

 
Log in to respond or ask your own question.