field geology photography
Feb 28, 2018 06:29:41 #
rdubreuil
Loc: Dummer, NH USA
Designdweeb wrote:
Shlepping a pair of 850s, tripod and lenses (did anyone consider a back-up when 5 miles out the first one takes a tumble?) is no joke. How much file size do you need for enlargement, print and publication?
I second that. To keep from breaking the bank for the cost of one D850 you could purchase a used or refurbished D810 and a D7200 as a back up body. Or if you'd prefer the same body as a backup for a couple hundred bucks more than you'd spend on the D850 or about the same with a grip would be two used or refurbed D810s.
Feb 28, 2018 07:34:39 #
BearFeet wrote:
Cany143,
This is in the Salton Trough of S CA so water is no joke. Field season is over by mid-May.
This is in the Salton Trough of S CA so water is no joke. Field season is over by mid-May.
Yikes, May. It probably varies by year, but it was pretty damn hot camping in Joshua Tree NP near Cotton Wood in April many years ago. And we were not walking around a lot in the heat. If you are doing a photo survey you'll be hiking a lot. Have you done this before in that area of CA? Take care.
Feb 28, 2018 10:00:06 #
jackpi
Loc: Southwest Ohio
BearFeet wrote:
I am doing stratigraphic field work that requires ... (show quote)
Why do you need more than 16-24 Mp? Why do you need a DSLR? You assume that you need high pixel count and high resolution. I highly doubt it! If I were you, I would look at a lightweight Olympus or Panasonic system with IBIS. It will weigh less than half of the Nikon systems you are considering, and it will cost around half.
A lot of people are moving from full frame to smaller sensor mirrorless cameras, and they are perfectly satisfied with the image quality.
Feb 28, 2018 10:56:31 #
BearFeet wrote:
I am doing stratigraphic field work that requires ... (show quote)
You are going to be doing very little cropping, so a 24mp camera will be all the detail you need. I would suggest a mirrorless because of the size and weight advantage. Weather and dust sealing is important too in the field. Also important are props to provide size context - a ruler, a coin, a hat, a rock hammer. If I were doing it, (and I have an interest in geology and have done a lot of that kind of photography in Arizona) I would be taking three lenses, the 12mm, the 50-200, and the 18-55, and my Fuji XT-2. Probably could get along with just the 12mm and the 18-135. This combo would fit onto a very small lightweight bag. If you really need macro to get down to the fine grain level, then a macro lens as well.
Feb 28, 2018 10:59:35 #
Cany143 wrote:
Been there. Mid-May???? Damn, I'd be dead --or wish I was-- by the end of April!
Yes! January is the most tolerable!
Feb 28, 2018 12:49:15 #
Retired field geologist here who currently does volunteer archaeology photography for the Forest Service in remote locations of northern Arizona. Sometimes many miles but always a lot of up and down both summer and winter. We happen to use Nikon D5200s with a variety of lenses. Go for the light weight and don't worry about the minor differences of the high end (expensive and heavy) fancy models the pros claim make their photos better. I use a variety of old Nikon F lenses in manual mode along with a variety of more modern zoom lenses. They all work fine. I like the older ones better. Having the 24 megapixels is helpful but not necessary until you get down to the very fine details. I was a late convert to shooting in RAW. Kicking myself for waiting so long. When it comes down to picking out the stratigraphic details in varying light conditions, SHOOT RAW. If you are not used to using RAW, start out with RAW and Fine JPG.
Feb 28, 2018 14:34:26 #
BearFeet wrote:
I am doing stratigraphic field work that requires ... (show quote)
For my geo-treks I carry and use a Panasonic Lumix DMC 2510, up to 16x zoom range, excellent resolution, near 1x1 macro capability and GPS data on every file and it fits in my pocket. I'm old and it is all about how much I can carry. The drinking water is in the big bottle the acid test bottle is the small one. Have fun! Phil
Feb 28, 2018 14:59:38 #
Feb 28, 2018 15:16:49 #
In you are photographing in the Salton Trough of So CA and it is at all windy, don't even think about changing lenses outdoors. You may want to figure on staying with one lens, a well chosen prime or a zoom lens. Wind, Sand, Salt, Dirty Sensor!
Anyone going ever to Trona, CA. Don't swap lenses, carry more than one camera if you need more than one lens. Same with many desert areas in the S-W, Sand and Salt.
Anyone going ever to Trona, CA. Don't swap lenses, carry more than one camera if you need more than one lens. Same with many desert areas in the S-W, Sand and Salt.
Feb 28, 2018 17:00:53 #
lamiaceae wrote:
Anyone going ever to Trona, CA. Don't swap lenses, carry more than one camera if you need more than one lens. Same with many desert areas in the S-W, Sand and Salt.
Anyone going ever to Trona, CA. Don't swap lenses, carry more than one camera if you need more than one lens. Same with many desert areas in the S-W, Sand and Salt.
Grew up near Trona. In May it can get up to 110 in the shade, and by August it is 120. Change lenses in the car if at all. Better, as someone said, to have two small cameras - one with wideangle and one with a zoom lens.
Feb 28, 2018 20:02:00 #
Bob Locher
Loc: Southwest Oregon
I'd suggest you consider a totally different tack - a Sony A6000 mirrorless camera. With inexpensive adapters, it allows you to use all your Nikon F lenses. It is light and very full featured. It includes a neat focus magnifier capability when used with manual (Nikon F) lenses. You can purchase a body for around US $500. Nikon lens adapters are about $15 on eBay. It offers 25 megapixels. To get a cheap try, purchase a lens adapter, then take a lens to Best Buy and ask them to let you put it on the camera.
And of course, do your homework on the internet. Cheers
And of course, do your homework on the internet. Cheers
Feb 28, 2018 20:32:44 #
BearFeet
Loc: San Diego, CA
To All:
Thank you for your excellent and insightful suggestions. I had not thought of mirrorless bodies using adaptors. You are correct about heat and wind and the steep hills. Weight is my enemy & my age is not on my side. I expect it to be enjoyable in spite of that. Again, thank you so much.
Thank you for your excellent and insightful suggestions. I had not thought of mirrorless bodies using adaptors. You are correct about heat and wind and the steep hills. Weight is my enemy & my age is not on my side. I expect it to be enjoyable in spite of that. Again, thank you so much.
Mar 2, 2018 16:59:43 #
BearFeet
Loc: San Diego, CA
Thank you for your suggestion. My research indicates I should anticipate a file size of about 20 Megas, which puts your suggestion well within the ball park & the cost is a lot less than other options I have considered. I plan to head down to George’s camera in San Diego and give it a try.
Thank you,
BareFeet Bob
Thank you,
BareFeet Bob
Mar 2, 2018 17:07:24 #
Bob Locher
Loc: Southwest Oregon
Very good Bob. If you do go with Sony A6000 let me know and I will send you detailed instructions on how to use the focus magnifier, which only works with non-auto-focus lenses. Once you have it set up it is very simple and very effective.
Cheers
Bob
Cheers
Bob
Mar 2, 2018 17:09:28 #
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