Lou Salamon Loc: Calabash, nc

Hello, folks....

Heading in early May to Shenandoah for a week May 8-14; staying 6 nights at Skyland on the Drive as a base for daily hikes to waterfalls, scenic overlooks, wildlife. Haven't been to Shenandoah since the mid-70s when my wife and I would camp at Big Meadows. To say I'm excited is an understatement!!

I have, all Nikkor, 10-20 w.a.; 35 1.8; 18-300; and my brand new GAS toy 200-500. camera is D5500. my backpack is ready, my tripod is ready; my spirit is ready; my legs are getting there. I'll look to photograph all manner of mushrooms, spring flowers, waterfalls, distant ranges, maybe a bear or two (at a distance!)...whatever is there. Even should I not have gear with me, it will be a spiritual renewal for me.

Should I take everything? What areas should I not miss? During the days I'm there, I'll drive the whole Drive; but always back to Skyland for food and sleep. trails I recall are to Old Rag, Stony Man, BlackRock overlook...whiteoak canyon falls.

Laptop will go along to nightly downloading.... Can't wait!!! Tips, etc. sought.

Thanks, Lou

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Old Rag gets to be a scramble to get to the top, bring a pocket camera on that trip and leave the bigger stuff behind. Or, just the DSLR and the 35.

There's more wildlife in the southern section, but you're liable to run into anything anywhere on the trails. It will arrive randomly and probably move faster than you can set-up a tripod and remove and mount a camera from a backpack. You might consider having the long lens mounted and the tripod somewhat prepared in the backseat while driving in the event you pull over quickly for an unexpected site. That would have worked for me the time the baby bears were slowly crossing the road. Have fun.

twowindsbear

6 days at just 1 campground? Why not a day or 2 at several campgrounds??

Either way, sounds like a GREAT adventure!

Safe journeys!

Lou Salamon Loc: Calabash, nc

Actually, staying in a bed in the Skyland Lodge! not camping. Tent days are far behind me!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

If your in your car and not with a group of folks, take everything including the kitchen sink. Your on your own time and have room for it all. Enjoy and share when your done.

JRD3 Loc: Richmond, VA

A man from Fredericksburg who spoke at Richmond Camera Club has written an e-book on Photographic tips for the Park. You can find it on Amazon. Sorry I can't recall his name , but I am away from my computer. The author is a real enthusiast. Worth looking for.

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

This may be the book that JRD3 recommended:

Shenandoah National Park: Photographer's Guide Kindle Edition
by Andrew Sentipal (Author)

Tommy II Loc: Northern Illinois

👍 I hear you! Roughing it for me is a hotel room without room service.

mrreebe

Don’t leave gear in your car when it’s parked in isolated areas! My car vandalized at Old Rag trailhead. Park ranger said it was gang related.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

A couple of years ago we spent one rainy day on the drive, only day we had you take what you can get right?, used my 17-70 on my T4i all day, got as far south as Skylands. Photos posted on my FAA site if your interested. http://robert-mcculloch.pixels.com

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

Hey Lou - We'll be right behind you! My wife and I leave April 25th to spend 4 days in Luray, exploring the Shenandoah Valley, followed by 5 days in Lexington, driving the northern end of the Blue Ridge Highway. Like you, I have a D5500 as my camera of choice. Based on UHH advice, I purchased the Nikkor 18 - 200 mm lens that stays on my camera 90% of the time. It's a great all-round lens that should cover most situations on our trip although I also have Nikon's 18 - 55 mm lens and 55 - 300 mm lens. I bought the D5500 because it's light weight and compact...easy to carry on long hikes. However, a long zoom lens more than doubles the weight and although I use a comfortable Optech shoulder strap, I will be leaving the 55 - 300 mm lens home. I bought my wife a Sony HX400V with a 1,200 mm super zoom lens that we'll rely on for really long shots. My advice is to keep everything light. If it's warm and humid, a heavy camera/lens combination can feel like a bowling ball hanging around your neck after a couple of miles.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

If it were me, I’d bring the 18-300 as a walk around. You’ll be prepared for anything and not be heavily burdened when hiking. The last thing you want is to try to change lenses at a critical moment. The bear will have crossed your path and be out of sight before the switch is complete. Your GAS lens would be good if you’re in a blind or set up somewhere or not walking very much.

ELNikkor

My guess is, if you take the 200-500, it will seldom be on the camera. The 18-300 will cover 95% of what you see.

Lou Salamon Loc: Calabash, nc

Yes; the 18-300 is on the body 95% of the time. Stunned with the quality and clarity of the 200-500; will use it when doing tripod setups, or looking across Big Meadows in the evening or early morning.
Easy to switch off the 18-300 for the 10-20 when lying on a trail looking at a mushroom or flower. No matter what it will be an adventure!

Lou Salamon Loc: Calabash, nc

most of my gear will be in a backpack, as will the 200-500. It's all a big unknown for me; when Carol and I went in the 70s, we had an Instamatic with stubborn flash cubes. That trip way back when led me to my first SLR....a Sears!... then on to Oly 2m-n? and interchangeable lenses. Still have it all. It will be poignant, too, as she is gone now almost 2 years (Apr 20)...yesterday, for sure.