willy6419

Considering one of two, private with professional photographer, 4 others maximum early December, or park service in January, not limited to photography

Worth a winter trip ?

Any comments re park service tours?

Equipment is d500 or d850 with 300 pf 4, tc 1.7, or 70-200 2.8, plus 24-70 2.8

Adequate reach? Or rent 80-400?

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

You might send a PM to "John Gerlach." He can likely fill you in.

Personally I wouldn't rent an 80-400 particularly when you have a 300. Your lenses should cover most anything! A 200-500 or 150-600 rental might be a thought if you think more reach is needed. John has a lot of winter experience in the park.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

My good friend, Scott Dere, has been going to Yellowstone in winter for the past 10 years. He is an awesome wildlife photographer and a great source of information when shooting. I have gone with him to photograph peregrine falcons and recently went to Kenya with him.

He recently published a book on photographing the Birds of Prey.

https://theelementsofnature.net/
https://theelementsofnature.net/destinations

fetzler Loc: North West PA

I was in Yellowstone in December 2018. At this time of the year the park is only partially open to car travel. One entrance is open. I don't recall any services being open. During my visit, I saw buffalo, Elk, wolves, and mountain sheep. I would bring a lens like a Nikon 200-500 or Tamron 150-600mm. I would also have a wide angle capability for landscape use. Incidentally the wolves were only noticeable as small figures using a 20x spotting scope.

I think I would use these long lenses on your D500.

janiebutz

My only regret about our winter trip to Yellowstone was not having a longer lens. I used an 18-300 on a d7100. I also suggest getting really fast at setting up your tripod. Frequently the shots were fleeting and I just couldn’t get ready fast enough. We saw the above mentioned animals as well as moose, eagles, rough-legged hawks and a dipper (guide was really excited about that!). Do give careful consideration about warm clothing, layers, and especially, boots. And last, but not least, check out winter gloves for photographers. One of my all-time favorite trips!

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I'm heading there Jan 20th 2020 with 9 other people. I'm bringing my 16-35, 24-70, 100-400 and two bodies (one crop sensor and one full frame). A group of 10 did this 2 years ago and this is approximately what they all brought. I plan to use the large zoom on the crop sensor body and the 24-70 on the full frame body most of the time. But I'll bring my 16-35 for some landscapes too.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Rent the long lens 80-400 and include your wide angle zoom. Throw in a 35 or 50 just in case.

Jwshelton Loc: Denver,CO

January of 2017 did a week in Yellowstone with Joe VanOs PhotoSafaris. Excellent! Jeff Vanuga was the tour leader and a life-long resident of the area. As others have mentioned, only limited roads open and you need someone to take you to most of the areas you really want to photograph. Old Faithful Lodge is open as is a lodge at the north entrance. You can go on your own, but doing it with a group will greatly improve your experience.
With respect to equipment, I took a 500 mm F4 and used it a lot on a tripod with a gimble head. Wildlife and interesting landscapes are not always close to the road. The area around Old Faithful offers excellent photographic opportunities. My bodies were a D4 and a D700. Used the long lens and a 24-70mm F2.8 the most.
Enjoy, you will have a wonderful time!

willy6419

Thanks

Very helpful

Understand the limited roads

kenabr Loc: S.E.Wisconsin

I agree. Talk to John Gerlach. He is an expert photographer and has fabulous workshops.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

MT Shooter has a camera shop near Yellowstone and is in and out all the time. Check with him. You might even be able to lease lenses from him.

belmarq

I spend a lot of time in Yellowstone (35+ years as a fly fisher, and in more recent years -- older legs -- less fishing; more photography) and have a few thoughts . . .

Consider contacting Trent Sizemore as your guide. He's a younger guy, has been in the Yellowstone photography arena for a several years now and is a terrific guy! I'm sure you would enjoy your time with him. https://trentsizemore.com

There's a new camera/photographer's store in the town of West Yellowstone. The owner is a long time Yellowstone guy (grew up down the road in Idaho). I believe this shop rents lenses. Owner has a ton of information about the area. https://www.yellowstonecamerastore.com

Consider negative effects of thermal features' steam on your lenses -- silica, other corrosive chemicals. I have always used a filter when in Yellowstone (and carry wipes and cleaning spray). Also, have a bag or something else to protect the camera when hiking/walking to your spot -- nearly everything will be snow/ice covered.

Finally, and if you have the time and inclination for wildlife, try to go to the Lamar Valley in the northeast corner of the park for terrific opportunities to watch and photograph wolves. They're spectacular! Guide recommendation would be https://www.wolftracker.com

Best wishes for a great trip! It's a very special place . . .

Golfnut

Disregard this post. Tried to delete it.

MDI Mainer

Carter (aka MT Shooter) is retiring, and plans to close up his shop by Dec 21st. But I would still ask his advice in a PM, as he's been a regular contributor here on UHH, and his advice and experience are exceptionally honest well regarded.

https://www.cameracottage.com/