Going to Yellowstone in January 24
Oct 31, 2023 20:53:10 #
First time out west in the winter. Have no clue about photography in that sort of weather. Do I have to protect camera, lens from cold? I want to take pics of everything I see. Yikes. I have a Sony A7iii and a 100-400 lens, 28-200 lens and 16-35. Of course take the long lens. Do I need a 1x4 teleconverter. Bison and wolves may be not too close. Do I take all three lenses? (That's a lot of weight to haul around). I would also like to find a one day photo excursion. Have only found multiway ones so far. Take monopod? I think tripod is too much. Any and all advice is welcome. Thanks a lot.
Oct 31, 2023 21:01:22 #
Depends on the temp. Batteries do not like the cold.
Keep a spare inside your jacket.
As for the lens/viewfinder, once it gets cold getting the eyepiece near your eye may have warm moisture from your eye/face/breath condense on the eyepiece. The biggest problem is bringing a cold camera into a warm car/building. Warm moist air will condense on the cold surface of the camera. Many people bag the camera when going inside and let the camera warm up to prevent that.
As for lenses, that's up to you for what you think you may need.
I took an 18-200 and a 50 to Iceland. I worked with and accepted any limitations.
I did not take a tripod or monopod to Iceland.
If the air is dry, use caution when handling the memory cards, they don't do well with static electricity zaps.
Keep a spare inside your jacket.
As for the lens/viewfinder, once it gets cold getting the eyepiece near your eye may have warm moisture from your eye/face/breath condense on the eyepiece. The biggest problem is bringing a cold camera into a warm car/building. Warm moist air will condense on the cold surface of the camera. Many people bag the camera when going inside and let the camera warm up to prevent that.
As for lenses, that's up to you for what you think you may need.
I took an 18-200 and a 50 to Iceland. I worked with and accepted any limitations.
I did not take a tripod or monopod to Iceland.
If the air is dry, use caution when handling the memory cards, they don't do well with static electricity zaps.
Oct 31, 2023 21:15:51 #
2buckskin
Loc: Wyoming
I would take all 3 lens, the Buffalo will be close, wolves won't be.
Wide angle for the landscape shots of thermal features.
Wide angle for the landscape shots of thermal features.
Oct 31, 2023 21:37:30 #
Check with "Photolady2014." She produced an outstanding series of photos from her winter time in Yellowstone.
Oct 31, 2023 21:58:00 #
Oct 31, 2023 23:14:01 #
Raptor wrote:
First time out west in the winter. Have no clue ab... (show quote)
Will you be in a group? Driving yourself? Going on a snow coach? It can be bitter cold then. Most modern cameras can be out in the cold, only the batteries will discharge as mentioned so keep spares in an inner pocket next to your body. Going in to a warm humid environment will cause condensation, so you can put your camera into an airtight bag before bringing in into the lodge. If driving yourself, keep the windows open. If you have TC, for sure bring it. The longest lens you can handle bringing would best for wolves or foxes. Bison can be very close, in fact too close. You can rent gear and have it sent to Bozeman if you want if you are flying in from far. And I would for sure have a backup camera if photos are important for you. It is beautiful then so have a great time!
My photos from a winter trip there are on Flickr and you can see the FL of the lenses I used (I did have a tripod):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/60519499@N00/albums/72157649951768990
Nov 1, 2023 08:24:19 #
Tks. What is TC? Not going as group, with friends. Have no idea about driving yet. I know we are going on a wildlife tour and tour to old faithful. Would a ziplock freezer bag be appropriate for acclimatizing camera for temperature changes?
Nov 1, 2023 10:05:41 #
I have done that trip in January. On my venture I needed all the tele length I had to get even small (relatively) images of the wolves, but bison, Old Faithful, etc. were as close as you dare to get. Take lots of layers because it can really be cold! I found that I did not need a tripod. Most things outside the main area were seen in the treaded snow vans where you had a chance for great pictures but certainly could not easily set up a tripod in the snow. I did my venture through Natural Habitat, and they did a wonderful job, but are pretty pricey!
Nov 1, 2023 10:07:29 #
We have been to Yellowstone twice in the winter. First, you cannot drive into Yellowstone in the winter, either snow mobile or snow coach with a guide/driver.
It will be cold. It can be 30 degrees or minus 30 degrees. Only the batteries will potentially be an issue.
Make certain that you have clothing, including insulated boots, to keep you warm while standing and waiting for the shot. Based upon our shots I would suggest leaving the 16-35 mm home. If you have a tc bring it. Many of our pictures were taken at 600 mm equivalent. We shoot with Olympus and did not use a tripod at all.
Warm clothing and fingerless gloves or mittens with glove liners are a must.
It will be cold. It can be 30 degrees or minus 30 degrees. Only the batteries will potentially be an issue.
Make certain that you have clothing, including insulated boots, to keep you warm while standing and waiting for the shot. Based upon our shots I would suggest leaving the 16-35 mm home. If you have a tc bring it. Many of our pictures were taken at 600 mm equivalent. We shoot with Olympus and did not use a tripod at all.
Warm clothing and fingerless gloves or mittens with glove liners are a must.
Nov 1, 2023 11:27:09 #
Raptor wrote:
Tks. What is TC? Not going as group, with friends. Have no idea about driving yet. I know we are going on a wildlife tour and tour to old faithful. Would a ziplock freezer bag be appropriate for acclimatizing camera for temperature changes?
Teleconverter. A ziplock bag would work if you can fit your camera and lens in it and close it.
Nov 1, 2023 12:10:12 #
Raptor wrote:
First time out west in the winter. Have no clue ab... (show quote)
I went with this company "Jackson Hole Wildlife safaris" they have officesin Jackson and Bozeman. They took me on a fantastic trip. Got to see everykind of wildlife and close up. Not cheap but they do deliver.
Nov 1, 2023 12:31:44 #
People have already given you tips on dealing with the cold. I can add you need to deal with high glare from snow. So get a polarizing filter for each lens
Nov 1, 2023 13:02:35 #
APSHEPPARD wrote:
I have done that trip in January. On my venture ... (show quote)
I set my tripod up in the snow all the time. Then one can focus on something and keep one's hands in the pockets to keep them warm and wait for the action. So if jumping in and out of a van, I would agree. But if setting up to watch a fox or coyote or wolves that are laying down in the snow at a distance, I find it easier to set up focus and keep my hands in my pockets, even with gloves on. However tripod not really needed for the 100-400mm lens.
Nov 1, 2023 13:18:57 #
DougS
Loc: Central Arkansas
It is better to wrap the camera in cloth (jacket) to slowly warm, when returning to interiors (ie. vehicles, indoors). The cloth 'breathes', allowing the moisture to evaporate into the air.
Nov 2, 2023 15:14:00 #
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