Sir Joy, DSLR user ever since..
As one climb-shootfest I’m planning draws near, I’m already having dilemmas on what gears to bring. On top of this dilemma is of course, what camera will I bring? A DSLR?Point and shoot? Cam phone? Or any two or more of these? Will it be enough?
Don’t get me wrong! I have a good idea of the risks and capabilities of these cameras when brought outdoors. But I’d like to get more “lucky” shots by switching cam types for this hike. Lately, I’ve been fond of bringing my bulky DSLR around for some random shots while on a fun trek. While I get some decent shots, I really need to develop a skill for getting consistent shots, not some random “lucky” captures. Moreover, climbs in itself are not that photographer friendly unless you’d slow your pace down to get shots you wanted. Weight and durability of a camera is another factor, since bringing in big body camera adds weight and poses risks to your security (if you get what I mean) while climbing. Thats why I’m having this anxiety for my next climb-shoot.
I love the outdoors. And so is photography. If I can capture these moments with consistency, to my liking, I’m willing to expose myself (and camera if ever), to risks. You can help me decide, by answering a short poll here, or answering this question and justifying it shortly here in the comment section of this post.
[poll id="2" type="result"]
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@Dragon, ikaw na gid na! (Btw “Dragon” is the man on that topmost photo in this post). I got a 50mm f/1.8 II for low light. Then an 17-70mm f2.8 for my kit lens. I have a telephoto 70-300mm. Base on your advise, I might just have to bring my kit lens 17-70mm. Thanks sir joy!
Hey Dok! For me, I would still go out there in the mountains with my Nikon D90 using the glass – 50mm f/1.4 AF-D Nikkor lens (I have one now). With this pack you can do anything you want from portrait to landscape, low light situations, lightweight, sharp images without distortions. You don’t have to have macro lens to take great flower shots for you can use the smallest aperture number your lens can allow. You can play with its depth-of-field. Besides, climbing the mountains and taking shots along the way doesn’t benefit you much of using telephoto lenses. For great pictures comes usually just around the corners of your pathway and reaching the summit.
@Gecarl, thanks for your comment. Indeed a dslr is desirable but bulky. It also is a very “hot” item, an eye candy for thieves. This is one main apprehension I have during “climbs”.
@Ariel, thank you for reminding me to use the micro 4/3. I have an LX5 by the way which I haven’t fully use yet. So maybe this time, I’ll explore a bit..
I used a Nikkon point and shot camera in all of my mountain hiking activities but I think my pictures could have been better if I use a DSLR camera… I plan of getting one soon… I know bringing one is a little bit bulky but this is what mountaineering is all about… we are getting out of our comport zone and push ourselves to the limit… more challenges means more excitements.
@Ferdz, you’re the second who mentioned micro 4/3 mirror less system, I added it in the poll’s choices. Now I definitely have to read up on micro 4/3! Thanks again
It’s not on your poll but I would suggest you look into Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system which is lighter, compact but has the same DSLR quality sans the mirror.
I’ve long ditched my DSLR and have been using the Olympus PEN for more than a couple of years already
I use my Nikon D7000 with medium telephoto (150 mm.) so I can have an option for wide angle and medium telephoto shots. I followed the advice of my photographer- friends to just permanently attach the lens to the cam even while inside the camera bag, always ready for any eventuality especially on mobile shooting during hiking expeditions.
Marky, very good point. base on experience, I rarely use my telephoto during climbs. Bulky and really a hassle changing lenses while maneuvering a ravine. I would settle for a walk around lens, one with a medium telephoto and for some macro shots…