rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

In September, I am spending 6 days in the Owens Valley with High Sierra Photography between Lone Pine and Bridgeport. Several days will be spent at altitudes approaching 11,000 ft, with both day and nighttime shooting. Brisclecone Pine forest photographing the milky way....

So, in paring down my gear, which has to reside on my back, this is what I am thinking of carrying:

Mindshift Rotation -180 Backpack with camera insert, 3 liter Camelback, Cliff Bars and trekking poles. http://www.mindshiftgear.com/products/rotation180-panorama
Nikon D7100 body.
Sigma 18 - 35 f/1.4 as main lens for landscape use with CPL, Protection Filer and a set of graduated NDs (class requirement)
Sigma 24 mm f/1.4 for nighttime shots with CPL, Protection filter and step up ring for the ND holder.
Sigma 18 - 300 Zoom for possible Wildlife shots
Three Legged Thing Brian tripod - lightweight aluminum with ball head and RRS panorama rail.
Usual collection of filters, allen wrenches, Leatherman, batteries, headlamp, etc.
Flashlights
GPS Receiver for documenting the "secret" sites.....
SPOT GPS device for when I fall off the cliff or wander off into the Sierras trying to "get the shot of a lifetime."

My questions:

1) The class is primarily focused on landscape and scenic photography, do I need to carry the 18 - 300? Zooms, they say, are optional.
2) Speedlight yes/no?
3) My RRS Carbon Fiber tripod is unbelievably stable, but big and HEAVY when you have it on your back. I will leave it in the car. Yes/No?

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I'll leave the camera gear to you, and I'm not sure what your schedule is, but if you're in Lone Pine take a pre-dawn side trip to the Alabama Hills Recreation Management Area to watch the Milky Way rise over Mount Whitney. I parked in the Mobius parking lot and noticed it seems to diminish just after 4:00am so check the charts before you go.

While you're there take the short walk to the Mobius Arch before sunrise to frame Mount Whitney in between. And, for an easy view of The Mountain without having to climb it drive to the Whitney Portal and start shooting just after the Whitney Portal Recreation Area sign and continue shooting to The Portal where you can have an amazing breakfast or lunch. There's more to The Alabama Hills if you have time including plenty of movie history.

And depending on what you're doing and where you're going, trekking poles are a must, but 3 liters of water is more than 6 pounds, add the weight of your camera gear and you might have a heavier load than you need. Granted it's hot in the Owen's Valley right now, but I'd travel light if I still have access to my vehicle where I can store the rest. Additionally, Cliff Bars are good, but if you're not used to the heat I'd bring a banana or two to alleviate cramps. Gatorade and electrolyte tablets work just as well, but aren't as tasty.

If it was me, I'd think about my shots, carry as little as possible, and leave the rest in the car until I need it. Be wary of bears if posted and be sure to use the bear boxes if available. I've just returned from day-tripping Whitney so I'm happy to help with anything I can! S-

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

The second day starts at 5 am in the Alabama Hills before a trip up to the Whitney Portal. The one benefit of a Camelback is it get lighter as the day goes on.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

The Milky Way is lost to the morning light by 5:00, but I understand. There's potable water at the Whitney Campground, otherwise fill yours to the brim or expect to filter it. The streams are snow-melt and probably safe to drink, but I use a Sawyer Mini and bring it everywhere. You can always buy water, and other tasty treats from the store though!

If I may leave you with some advice from a Whitney day-tripper; heat and elevation suck you dry so travel light, drink more water than you know how, calories, calories, calories, travel with a group, know the symptoms of AMS, and don’t be afraid to turn around. There's more to it, but it's more for being on The Mountain rather than looking at from The Portal.

You'll have an amazing time! S-

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Personally, I'd carry the 18-300. Not all landscape photography demands a wide angle lens. If the longest lens you have only goes to 35mm you may find you are missing a lot of great shots that could be nicely composed if you have the longer lens.

The speedlite is probably not a necessity, especially since you will be with a group. I have used it to light a tree on a long exposure night shot up in the bristlecones, but I was alone and its use was not going to interfere with anyone's shot. (see below) Beyond that you can most likely do without it.

I think you might be better off carrying your RRS tripod. It sometimes gets a bit windy up in the bristlecones. For longer exposures shooting the Milky Way the stability provided by the RRS will be welcome. I have a RRS tripod myself, and honestly I would use it exclusively. You may be shooting on rough or uneven terrain and in breezy conditions, and the stability of that tripod far outweighs its weight, IMHO. Usually workshops of this type do not take the group on extended hikes where additional weight would be a deal breaker. For instance, when you go up to the Patriarch Grove in the bristlecones you will seldom need to hike more than a 100 yards from the parking. If your leader tells you you will be hiking a few miles or more, then take the lighter tripod. Otherwise I think you'll find your RRS is the best option.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Brilliant shot. I hear what you are saying regarding stability in heavy winds, which is most definitely an issue at 11,000 ft in the White Mtns. Ok, for that night, I will bring the RRS.

Could I get the same effect with a quick on/of of an LED flashlight?

LarryFB Loc: Depends where our RV is parked

Just one quick comment, and not necessarily related to photography. You are going to a beautiful area with a fantastic history, both good and bad. Obviously you will probably start in Lone Pine, a town with a fantastic movie history (think Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Lone Ranger, and many others) in the Alabama Hills. A bit North of Lone Pine is the Mazannar National Historic Site, all I can say is not to forget our sins of the past.

The White Mountains east of Big Pine are really something. The Bristlecone Pines are fascinating, although I have never been there after dark. In Big Pine, there is a restaurant (Copper Top) that Yelp rates as the best restaurant in California. It's a BBQ, with no indoor seating, but the food is apparently great. I have not eaten there but, I do want to try it.

Now, my opinion on the photo gear: with the D7100 - the 18-300 would probably be too long. If you had an 18-140 or something similar that would be fine.

A Sigma F/1.4, 18-35mm, and a Sigma 24 mm f/1.4 seems to be a bit of an overkill, since you cover the exact same focal length and speed with the same lenses!

Now, just be prepared for visiting a beautiful area, a misunderstood area, and a wonderful area. See the scenic beauty, learn the fascinating history, and enjoy a truly wonderful and beautiful area!

Carl D Loc: Albemarle, NC.

If you plan to do multi-row pano's then bring your 18-300, otherwise I'd leave it home.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Yes. Light painting is getting more popular all the time.

hiker60 Loc: Northern Idaho

Landscape lens is a must if you are visiting this area; include a decent cpl filter as the skies are incredibly blue. In the white mountains, be prepared for very high winds, so guard your tripod from sudden gusts. Also, be prepared for oxygen deprivation at this high altitude (I've spent many, many days doing research, hiking to specific locations up there and am still winded by the thin air. You can actually dry camp just below the visitor's center.). Hopefully, you may get some clouds to enhance your photos. One other note: bring lots of water and drink liberally. This is high desert area! Enjoy the beauty and try getting up there early and staying late for outstanding shots.

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

Sounds like a good time. I suggest a few things:
1. Get the TPE (The Photographer's Ephemeris) app. You can easily look up sun/moon rise/set times, moon phase/luminosity, and more. September begins with a new moon - great for shooting the Milky Way - but it'll be full on the 16th, which is bad for shooting the night skies. And astronomical twilight (sun is 18° below the true horizon, not the mountaintops) at Alabama Hills is 4:54am on Sept. 1, meaning after that time the camera will pick up light from the sun, washing out the night sky. So I recommend you get the app to plan your shoots. I always consult it. While you're at it you might want to get the Stellarium app to help you visualize the night sky. For example, you can see that the MW does not rise over Whitney from the perspective of Mobius Arch (but the arch is a great place to shoot from!) The pretty part of the MW in September peaks early and it's best shot after astronomical sunset, or about 1.5 hours after nominal sunset, and it runs roughly north-south with the pretty part being just west of due south.

2. A 24mm f1.4 prime is good for night skies, but you might want something wider at times, especially on a crop sensor. Plan on taking the 18-35 as well. How is corner IQ on the zoom? If you have extra cash laying around, you might consider picking up a Rokinon or Samyang ultra-wide for $400 or so. I'd stay in the 10-12mm range on a crop, I think, but you could even go down to an 8mm fisheye for some interesting perspectives. Remember, the wider the lens, the easier it is to get long depth of field so you can add foreground objects to your night sky shots without having to stop down.

3. Look up and become familiar with hyperfocal distance.

4. You WILL want a longer lens in addition to your wide angle lenses, so take your big zoom. Not just for wildlife, but for landscapes, too. I often compose too wide, then end up cropping in post and liking the composition much better. Most agree that a wide angle is not always best for landscapes. However, a wide angle allows greater depth of field and the ability to get some foreground, even as close as a few feet from the camera, which can offer excellent perspective.

5. A sturdy tripod is a must, as is an intervalometer. One can be has for $15-20 in Amazon or eBay. No-name ones are fine.

6. Shot raw + jpeg. You want raw to process (especially the MW), but you'll want jpegs for instant gratification.

7. Have plenty of power. Extra batteries and/or a portable or car charger is a must. I have USB chargers for my batteries I can charge in my car or with a battery pack designed to charge cell phones.

There's probably more I'm not thinking of, but others will offer they're take.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Agree! S-

The Photographer's Ephemeris http://photoephemeris.com

Pinenuts Loc: Genoa, NV

I used to live near Bishop in the Eastern Sierra. You are in for a treat! Be sure to visit the Mountain Light Gallery in Bishop. http://www.mountainlight.com/ You will be amazed at what the late Galen Rowell could accomplish with fairly simple equipment.

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

Although I have only attempted light painting on one occasion I would say that it would depend on the intensity and width of your light source. Being a total neophyte I found it necessary to experiment with strokes and duration to achieve any semblance of acceptance. My first effort.

Attached file:
(Download)

Photocraig

Beware, from personal experience, a Camelback along with the other bladder water carriers CAN leak. This isn't speculation, but personal experience. So, be careful how you arrange the Camelback so water will not damage electronic gear. My water bladder insert failed at the bottom where it is subject to the most weight and abrasion.

The 18th Century Acronym for dried manure transport was Ship High In Transit (For the same reason). Put the expensive sensitive gear high and the water low. A wet butt could prove to be refreshing, and the preferred outcome in the case of a leak. Be sure that the gear has an extra waterproof wrap, as an additional precaution--like a Plastic bag separating it from the rest of the pack, or the bladder is contained in a plastic garbage bag to contain the water.

It is fabulous country. I live about 130 miles north. Enjoy. Stay Hydrated and in the shade. I wish I was joining you. Tell us how well it went.
C