Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

I'm going to Fairbanks Alaska & traveling to Denali, Talkeetna & Anchorage in September.

I plan to take my D850. I have 2 lenses 24-70 & 70-200, my question is do I rent a longer lens to take with me, can I rent it there? I don't think I'll be bringing my RRS tripod as it weighs about 12LBS.

I'm asking for help with what I lenses etc I should have to photograph the sites, maybe the Aurora, and the other sites.

Thanks ~Kevin

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

You will want a big ƒ-stop lens to gather as much light as you can for the aurora, AND a tripod.
The amazing images you see around are time exposures.

stevefrankel

That's a lot of gear to shlep. I'll be in the Aleutians and Western Alaska in May on a cruise from Japan; and I've been to Alaska every few years from 1985 on. You can have lenses shipped to you by any of the national rental organizations, but I wouldn't count on buying or renting anything there.

What I've done to prepare for this cruise and one to Australia is sell my full-frame Canon RP with 3 lenses, and buy a 2.5 lb. Sony RX10-IV with an f2.4-4 24-600mm lens as my primary camera ($1699); and a Sony RX100 VA with an f1.8-2.8 24-70mm lens as my backup. The VA weighs 11oz and fits in my pants pocket. I bought a "renewed" one from Amazon for $729 that I suspect was a customer return since it show absolutely no wear. I also purchased "drops & spill" insurance on both cameras for $200 for 3-years.

In return for giving up the full-frame sensors, I'm getting these cameras which have nearly identical 1" sensors, and $2000 in change, by selling off the full-frame gear ($4500 for the old gear vs. $2500 for the new). My entire Sony outfit fits in a small 140 size camera bag and weighs -- including the bag and several batteries for each camera -- 5 lbs. vs about 15 lbs. for what you'll be bringing. Further, the RX10 is weather proof and I won't have any lens to change with either camera. In Alaska, driving rain in summer and snow in winter can make any outdoor lens changes somewhat challenging.

I've made tack-sharp 20x30's that I've displayed in galleries with the RX100 cameras and I suspect that the RX10-IV will do even better. Unless you want to go much larger than 20x30" with your enlargements, I doubt if anyone will care about the sensor size you were using when they see your photos. Also, being able to shoot 24 frames/sec at f4 and 600mm gives me a wildlife camera unlike any others.

Just a thought ...

Zooman 1

I think you will need a longer lens if you intend to photograph animals. Rent or buy is your choice, but I would not go with less than a 400mm or a 300mm with a 1.4 X or whatever Nikon has in that range.

kc48girl

I have a D500 nikon, We were going to purchase a 200 to 500 or more, However due to the weight and size . we went with a 18 to 400 it did cover a lot of our needs. However it wasn't quite enough length for wildlife in the distance. I don't think there is an extender that attaches to the Tamron.I used a 35 mm lens for landscape and it worked beautifully. It's relatively good in dark light but I'm not familiar with nighttime photography yet. I now have a 11 to 24 wide angle that would have been awesome.For daytime photography we never used our tripod. Animal sightings weren't Abundant often, they were on the move, so be ready with faster shutterspeed and settings. A moose against dark hardwood trees is hard to get. So incredible, the locals are soulful people who care deeply about their environment. Have a great journey

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

There is a lot to think about for a trip like this. If it is mostly about wildlife you will need more fire power. The most popular setup here in Alaska is a zoom that puts you in the 400mm range. Of course many here use more than that. Your 850 gives you 43mgs so you have lots of cropping power. Wildlife is almost always best from a tripod but 12lb is to much to lug around. I would find something more reasonable. Float planes take you to most bear viewing spots and they are used to carrying tripods, but if you end up on buses it is more of a problem.
September is a bit early for the Aurora. December, January and February are better but you might get lucky.
Don't expect to rent anything here. From my house in Juneau to the nearest camera store is 900miles.
...Cam

hpucker99 Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

The only camera shop in Anchorage is Stewart's Photo and they rent the longer Nikon lenses;

(https://stewartsphoto.checkfront.com/reserve/?header=0&inline=0&options=hidesearch&src=https%3A%2F%252#).

The two lenses you are taking will be fine for the typical wildlife/landscape shooting. You should be able to photograph the aurora in September. In Fairbanks, it's easy to drive out of town in find a dark spot away from the city lights. I have always liked the Steese or Chena Hot Springs roads.

hpucker99 Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

I used this pair in Norway a few years ago. Not only was there less weight to carry but both cameras used the same battery.

stevefrankel

The Sony RX10-IV now has a larger battery than the RX100-VA, but even better the two cameras have mostly the same menus and software. Given that the Sony menus are far from intuitive, this means that there is only one set of menus you must learn to use. How were your photos using this combo?

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

Thank you for that information.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

Thank you for the info and it makes a lot of sense, I had considered the Sony RX10IV but I don't know if I'll have enough time with the camera to understand the menu system. Did it take you long to get comfortable shooting with it? I have an Olympus TG-5 I was going to bring as a pocket camera.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

Thanks for the helpful info.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

Thank you for the info Cam, I agree the RRS tripod is to much to carry on this trip. I appreciate the info about possibly looking into a float plane to see bears.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

Thank you hpucker99, that info is greatly appreciated.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

hpucker99 may not know that your question was for him, I'm interested in his response also, use the "Quote Reply" button and he should get your question.