Re: DSLR hiking essentials
Re: DSLR hiking essentials
Sorry I didn't reply sooner. I saw your post when you made it but I've been buried, hustling out PMA tradeshow videos.
I wasn't sure if you wanted lens recommendations. If so, I encourage you to look at the Canon EF-S 18-200mm IS lens. I own it and use it constantly. I bought it with pretty low expectations but have been very, very pleased. It came as a kit with the 50D. I sold the 50D but was not at all willing to part with the lens :)
One thing that I see missing from what you have is a polarizer. A polarizer is a must-have item for outdoor photography. It deepens the blue in the sky and saturates colors like reads and greens. It gives outdoor photos a lot more pop. Similarly, a lens shade makes a surprising difference in the quality of outdoor photos. It noticably increases contrast and saturation as well as helping decrease sun flare.
Since it looks like you're just getting started with your DSLR, you might want to take a look at this article I wrote specifically for beginning photographers:
Essential Camera Gear for Beginners >>
Let us know if you have more questions or if you're wondering about specific lenses or accessories.
Re: DSLR hiking essentials
A remote shutter release my come in handy for those long exposure shots. If you don't have one of those, the cameras self timer will work.
Re: DSLR hiking essentials
Thanks for the suggestions, I was just wondering what I needed in my arsenal to get the most out of my hiking photos (without spending millions of $$) I've been shooting SLR for about 5 years now, and actually have some college credits in photography but I'm new to the DSLR scene.
I'm going to take a look at that lens, and I'll pick up a polarizer for sure, is linear or circular the way to go?
Re: DSLR hiking essentials
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skydmark1
I'll pick up a polarizer for sure, is linear or circular the way to go?
You will want a circular polarizer. Modern cameras can not meter, or auto focus linear polarized light properly.
Re: DSLR hiking essentials
tamrac makes some cool little straps that can attach to the loops on your backpack straps (assuming you have loops or something of the sort on your backpacks straps), that then click into the receiving portion (the part attached to your camera) of your tamrac strap. It's kinda hard to explain, but it basically just attaches your camera to your packs shoulder straps, making for a lot less sway while walking, and you can detach one to shot vertical, while keeping the camera secure.
Re: DSLR hiking essentials
agreed about the circ polarizer. It's very useful for bringing up the depth of green in leaves and removing reflections from water as well.
keeping your camera on you, accessible, but not in an awkward position is a tough one. Finally I have a system I like. I have a D-link attached to my right pack shoulder strap - high up on my collarbone. From it I hang my camera on a 10" wrist strap. I can shoot horizontal and not even take it off the D-ring. When I walk it hangs just above my hip and I keep one hand on it lightly to keep it from swaying. It works great.
oh and here's what you're missing by avoiding winter. LOL. just have to rub it in a bit.
http://wickeddark.smugmug.com/Nature...42_LA57w-L.jpg
Re: DSLR hiking essentials
I've been using an accessory belt for the first time the last few weeks. Other than thinking I may want to get a set of suspenders (which I think might work just as well as the harness they sell for them), I think it works pretty well. I'm thinking of looking for a small holster case that can go on the belt.
Re: DSLR hiking essentials
What type of camera bag are you going to be using? I hate shoulder bags for hiking, and if you're going to have your child on your back, where is your gear?
I have a Lowepro TLZ AW camera bag that I have used for hiking when I wanted to keep things light, and I already had a backpack to carry. The camera bag has a harness so I can mount it to my chest and have everything right in front of me. It will hold a DSLR w/o battery grip, and 2 small lenses.
The belt style systems like Cara is talking about would work well too.
Re: DSLR hiking essentials
Quote:
Originally Posted by mjs1973
What type of camera bag are you going to be using? I hate shoulder bags for hiking, and if you're going to have your child on your back, where is your gear?
That's what I have a wife for :D :thumbsup:
Re: DSLR hiking essentials
Iguanamom, great picture! I know I'm missing out but I just don't have the gear for winter hiking or anyone to go with. The wife is happy to join me in the warmer months though. First on my list is a circular polarizer, sounds like a necessity for outdoor shots!
Re: DSLR hiking essentials
I always keep my Nikon Coolpix L20 (read full review here: http://nikoncoolpixdigitalcamerasite.com/ )on me for pictures "on the move"....espec. like the gyroscopic stabilizer-function!:thumbsup:
Still working after some rough hikes...being drop'd in deep snow etc.