Two Week Arizona Trip - Backpack Way Too Heavy
Mar 7, 2021 14:01:40 #
If going to be in southeastern Arizona, I recommend a visit to the Mission San Xavier del Bac, the "White Dove of the Desert". A trip to the Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains might be in order, too.
Mar 7, 2021 14:02:12 #
Mar 7, 2021 17:25:05 #
No, no, no. My backpacking days are behind me (unfortunately). The most I will hike is 1-2 miles. My back and knees just will not allow it. I think you are right about just bring an extra cards, and forget the iPad Pro - a lot of extra weight. I have to bring the tripod - I plan to do some shooting at sunrise and sunset. In addition I am going to try some astrophotography, something I have never done.
Mar 7, 2021 17:35:09 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
djsteul wrote:
No, no, no. My backpacking days are behind me (unfortunately). The most I will hike is 1-2 miles. My back and knees just will not allow it. I think you are right about just bring an extra cards, and forget the iPad Pro - a lot of extra weight. I have to bring the tripod - I plan to do some shooting at sunrise and sunset. In addition I am going to try some astrophotography, something I have never done.
Milky Way season has just started. You will have fun. I start with ISO 5,000, f/2.8, and 25 seconds with a 14mm lens. Be sure to set your Picture Control to Neutral or Flat so that you will end up with a visible image on your rear monitor after your exposure. Remember that if you drop something on the ground, do not reach down to pick it up until you check the area for critters. Scorpions are a much worse problem than snakes. And add a pair of tweezers to your pack. You'll need them to remove cactus spines.
Mar 7, 2021 17:38:41 #
Thanks Bad Photo. I am really thinking of leaving the 16-35mm lens at home. Can always do panos with the 24-70mm if I need to. I will keep the 70-200mm because I am stubborn. I have a super zoom, 150-600, but its just too heavy and bulky. I have a wireless shutter release, I just didn't mention it. On the tripod, I'm guessing on the weight - maybe it's less. I have a Sirui ET-220, with a Sirui E-20 ball head. It's pretty compact. About 17 inches folded up. I will review my 'accessories'. Thanks for the suggestions.
Mar 7, 2021 17:45:45 #
Thanks 'Real Nikon Lover'. 40 lb. backpack, with your back!!! No way! I couldn't even think about that. You are a better man than me. Totally agree on enjoying the time with my wife, even though she doesn't share my love of photography. Yes a little light painting with astrophotography is planned.
Mar 7, 2021 17:46:12 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
djsteul wrote:
Thanks Bad Photo. I am really thinking of leaving ... (show quote)
I know that you are trying to pare down what you take, but on the D850, the 24-70 will limit you to an exposure time of 20 seconds (rule of 500) or 12 seconds (rule of 300) for your night sky work. That will make you really have to crank your ISO up. Note that the rule of 300 (300/focal length) for max exposure is now considered more appropriate for high pixel count cameras like the D850, if you can do it. You will appreciate having 16mm for that, even with giving up the half stop.
Mar 7, 2021 17:47:41 #
Lieb
Loc: Idaho
CHG_CANON wrote:
If you're talking about backcountry backpacking, n... (show quote)
Does it bother you that the Canon G9X Mark II doesn’t have a viewfinder? What bothers me about using my iPhone for photos is that in bright sunlight the image on the LCD screen is impossible to see. It is also much easier to hold a viewfinder camera steady.
Which camera with a viewfinder would you recommend in the same price range and with similar performance as your Canon G9X?
I own a Canon 80D (which I love) with 6 Canon lenses, but am looking for something like your G9X to use on vacations and hikes.
By the way, I have followed your posts for a long time and trust your judgment.
Mar 7, 2021 17:52:36 #
Gene 51. Thanks for the suggestions. At this point I'll just probably stay with the D850, and occasionally moan about the weight. (I like to complain). If I'm real sweet to my wife, maybe I can convince her to carry some of my gear. Maybe - maybe not! I've got 516GB of cards, so hopefully that is enough. I may even get another card just to be safe.
Mar 7, 2021 17:57:09 #
Wingpilot, I would be lying if I didn't admit it has crossed my mind to switch to a mirrorless camera system, or even something easier and lighter. I'll probably see how this trip goes. Due to health, and other issues, it's the first 'trip' I have taken in four years. I have done some day trips, but nothing like this one planned. I certainly appreciate your thoughts.
Mar 7, 2021 17:58:36 #
Mar 7, 2021 18:03:39 #
Quixdraw, My wife fully supports your attractive amenities'. I even have thought about a couple of days at the Arizona Biltmore. I think it is called, trade-off. After 45 years of marriage, trade-offs, compromises, etc, are invaluable to maintaining the peace.
Mar 7, 2021 18:19:07 #
Hi Larryepage. Great thoughts. In doing my research, I came across the Desert Botanical Gardens (especially at night) and is on the list along with the Grand Canyon along with all the obvious POI. Yeah my SB-700 was originally in my pack, but then I started looking for 'low hanging fruit' to reduce the weight, and the flash became
a casualty. Initially this was going to be a road trip via automobile. I was going to bring the kitchen sink (as far as photography goes). Then reality set in and flying became the way to go, versus 3-4 day trip to Arizona by auto. That meant all the toys couldn't come. Probably, the 24-70mm and the 70-200mm will make the 'cut'. Thanks for the suggestions. When I return, I will report as to whether I am in traction or not.
a casualty. Initially this was going to be a road trip via automobile. I was going to bring the kitchen sink (as far as photography goes). Then reality set in and flying became the way to go, versus 3-4 day trip to Arizona by auto. That meant all the toys couldn't come. Probably, the 24-70mm and the 70-200mm will make the 'cut'. Thanks for the suggestions. When I return, I will report as to whether I am in traction or not.
Mar 7, 2021 18:29:55 #
tenny52. Well I'll tell you. I don't know what to expect as far as how my body holds up over this 14 day trip in Arizona. I am not in the best of health, but by-god I'm just going to do it! In my prior life I did a lot of business traveling overseas, and have built up a lot of points at various hotel chains and miles at Delta airlines. So this trip is; points, points, and more points/miles. We will be staying in strategically located hotels all over the state. There were a few locations where using points was not an option, for those I will have to pay for. How soon a you planning to go? I will gladly give you a rundown of the trip when I return.
Mar 7, 2021 18:36:23 #
Red6, there is a lot of truth in what you say. I can't argue with any of it. That can be a real downside of getting too hung up with the photography of the trip and missing 'the TRIP'. I think it's just something we all have to find for ourselves. Find that balance. Thank you so much for your thoughts. Greatly appreciated.
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