stevefrankel

I've owned all the RX100 cameras and two full frame models. I never try to "master" Sony menus; I'm satisfied. with those called up by the Function button and a few other that I simply memorize. At some point (I've owned their camera for more than a decade) I'll use the My Camera menu to get together the menu item I need that aren't on the Function button. I've also reassigned menu items to dedicated buttons that I seldom use.

Sony users live with this cross. Hopefully they will change this on all of their recent cameras via a firmware upgrade. As a former systems analyst, this should be relatively easy to do if they stick to the functions they now have grouped in more logical menus.

Also, I wrote a manual on Olympus-TG cameras, but in this case I chose the Sony RX100-VA because the menus, software, and sensor are a close match for the SonyRX10-VA; and the lens quality is far better. I've learned on 40 cruises that even a new camera can fail when you're 10,000 miles away from the service depot; and to have a backup camera whose lens quality is just as good as my "go to" camera even though it has fewer features.

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

I only took my Sony HX99, which had a Zeiss 24-750 mm zoom lens. With it I was able to get exactly what I needed from wide to telephoto. The HX99 will shoot RAW which is a big reason I took it. The 750 worked great for the distant peaks of the Denali range and the wide angle provided those near and far shots of the native plant life.
Our group moved quickly and I found the smaller camera with one lens provided me with an opportunity to get the shots I wanted. The Zeiss lens RAW images provided 30X40 prints if I wanted them.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

You need a wide angle like an 14-18mm--IMHO.

tcthome Loc: NJ

If your interest are in wildlife photos, Try & rent the 600mm f4 Nikon lens (if your renting for a week or longer, purchasing the Nikon 200-500, 500pf or a Tamron 150-600 g2 might make more sense & you could always resell it after the trip if you don't think you will use it again). If your not taking any tripod at all, maybe the Nikon 500pf 5.6 lens if weight is of concern.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Lightweight tripod -
https://www.amazon.com/SteadyWeb-SC-019-Pocket-String-Cameras/dp/B007P40JCI
https://www.instructables.com/String-Tripod/

V2volk Loc: St. Louis area

If you want to take shots of wildlife in Denali you will like need to rent a 200-500 Nikon or perhaps the 150-600 G2 Tamron. You should rent before trip and take it, will require large camera bag/backpack.

ELNikkor

Don't buy any more big lenses! The 2 you have will cover 90%++ of anything you want to shoot. Go with your instinct to get the Sony RX10IV. In an hour, you can get familiar enough with the menus to do most of your shooting out there. That Sony will cover all of your long-range shots, cost less and weigh less than any comparable Nikon telephoto lens. Your 24-70 2.8 is fast enough to get the aurora. A small light, tripod with a solid head will be sufficient.

griffzky

Not to rain on your parade, but my wife and I went to Alaska in August and found out it's the start of the rainy season. It rained 11 out of 14 days we were there. Also the eagles head up into the heavy forests then and aren't as easy to find or photograph as in June and July. Moose hunting season starts in mid-August, so we only saw a couple in Denali, none around Anchorage or Talkeetna. In fairness, we still think it was one of our favorite trips ever. I used my 100 - 400 IS 4.5-5.6 EF lens almost exclusively in Denali, with a tripod.

crapshooter Loc: Fox, Alaska

Alaska Camera in Fairbanks rents out Lenses

FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9

You have received a few good tips already. I have been to Alaska 6 times and know that you want the longest lens possible for wildlife. A wide angle for landscapes will also be nice. If you are good at hand holding the camera so much the better for maneuverability. Otherwise, a monopod may suffice. Enjoy your trip!

Bob Smith Loc: Banjarmasin

Try a monopod some fold to a small length and some look like walking canes with a camera screw fitted

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

I've been to Anchorage area twice and once took a tripod. I should not have taken it. As a few have suggested, maybe rent a lens or two and a tripod. I did a quick google search for camera rental in Fairbanks, AK and came up with several. I'm not listing any here as I do not know just what you would want. I suggest you do a search and check them out. It may be worth a phone call or two before you leave and the equipment may be there waiting for your arrival.

Travel safe and please post some pix when you get back.

griffzky

As an addendum to my reply, my wife and I flew into Anchorage and picked up a motorhome we rented in advance online at ABC Motorhomes, which is located right next to the airport. That is the way to see Alaska, IMHO. I had room for a lot of equipment, including the aforementioned tripod. I have a rolling bag that holds a lot of lenses, etc. and the tripod attaches to the side of the bag with straps. I used my 17-40 EF lens for scenic shots and had my trusty 28-135 IS for Walk around.

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

Properframe Loc: US Virginia

I just returned from a week in Katmai. No use for nor took a tripod. Other past trips I would conclude the same. Only used one once over the years and that was at Wonder Lake. The 70-200 is not of adequate length. Rent the 500pf so it can be handheld. Solves the length and tripod issue. When needing stability I take a flat plate with a ballhead screw attached. The plate can be placed on any flat surface including the ground to do longer exposures.

If you have some extra coin take a Summit Flight of Denali from Talkeetna. Get the co-pilot seat any way you can. I ask the Pilot in advance while having a conversation. If a good day it will be a trip highlight. Clear is relative - it will be rainy at ground and clear above. I use the smaller operator Talkeetna Air instead of K2. They have a better option for the summit. CP filter to take out any reflection and shoot close to begin with. Use your hand as a buffer because if you bounce the lens on the window you are a pariah. I go late in the day to get good light.