26 Day Himalaya Expedition - Lens choices

A last minute trip has come up between jobs and I'm off for a 26 day expedition into a remote part of eastern

Nepal. I fly on Tuesday from London!

 

Lens choices are causing me problems. I've never taken part in a trek with the luxury of porters before, always

carrying my own gear (so going very light) or using transport and being able to bring the usual f2.8 lenses.

 

I'm taking my D200 but I'm having trouble in the mid and long range choices. Partly because I'm wondering what I

would be prepared to carry every day at up to 6000m, but also because I don't have much in the way of lightweight

lenses. I'm guessing some gear and lenses I'll take anyway and get the porters to carry so I've got more to play

with at camps (like a small tripod).

 

I have the following to choose from:

 

12-24 f4 (definitely in the bag!)

50m f1.8 (definitely in the bag!)

18-70 f3.5-f4.5DX (definitely in the bag - this is a perfect sample)

85mm f1.8D (love it but too long on DX. Maybe buy a D700?)

17-55mm DX (too heavy and not that much better my 18-70 if can live without f2.8 but will take for Kathmandu etc

only).

80-200 f2.8D (love it, but heavy and too long on the DX sensor. Will take for Kathmandu etc only unless porters

are nuts)

I've also got 24mm f2.8, 35mm f2 but I'm unlikely to take.

I've got 62, 68 and 77 polarising filters.

 

So what would folks suggest for the long end?

 

1) Buy a 70-300 VR?

2) Buy an 18-200 VR and pair it with my 50mm?

3) Buy a D700, 70-300, take the 85f1.8 (back at last!) and then wade through all the posts about the 24-120 being

rubbish to try and pick something for the mid range?

4) Take all the existing gear and use the money I would have spent on new gear to get another porter for the

expedition?

 

I'm not too worried about the other logistics although comments on the following appreciated if anyone can help:

- charging EN-EL3e batteries from solar (I've got 3)

- suitable bags (I've got quite a few Lowe Pro) to match the above, bearing in mind other gear for each day.

 

Thanks, Stephen

Stephen, I'm sorry to say that I won't be much help. Your trip sounds like a photographer's dream! I love my 18-200 on my D300 so that would be, and is, a good travel choice. But, if you have been waiting for full frame to upgrade from the D200, this sounds like a great time, or a great excuse! What a wonderful dilemma! I wish for you an excellent trip!

 

Dick

If I could go on that trip, it would be the 18-200mm and the 35mm f/2 for me.

 

If you have porters that will carry extra lenses, why not?

 

If you haven't already done so, google Galen Rowell. He certainly used long lenses in the mountains from time to time, but he traveled relatively lightly and came back with the best photographs (check out Mountain Light for sure, and he had are several other wonderful books).<div></div>

Before I answer your primary question, I would like to suggest taking a fully mechanical body as a backup to your digital gear, in case your batteries die up in the cold mountains. Maybe a recently serviced Nikon FM2n or FM3A with your 35 f/2 attached, and a few rolls of film just in case.

 

As for lenses, I would leave the slow 18-70 at home and take the 17-55 instead. Take the 50 1.8 and the 12-24.

 

If you can spend the money, buy the 70-300 VR. If you want to go the unlimited bankroll route, I'm sure hundreds of PN members will design a dream kit for your trip!

if you have porters to lug your stuff, this is the perfect time to splurge on a 200-400 or a sigma 120-300 (if you're

watching your budget), right? alternately, you could just get a TC for the 80-200, which you may actually find not long

enough. you appear to have all the other focal lengths covered, except 55-80 or 70-80, depending on which zoom

you take.

 

if you were going ultra-light, an 18-70/70-300/50 set-up would be optimal, but since you have help and are insisting

on the 12-24, the strategy changes.

 

really, i think you could do the trek with a bare-bones 12-24/50/80-200 kit in the mountains; in the cities just add the

35/2. the 18-70 is nice and light, but slowish. again, you have porters, so conceivably you could take the 17-55. and

nice as the 85 is, that seems the most extraneous of all your lens choices.

 

a backup camera is also a good idea. if you take a film camera you might want to pop the 35/2 in the bag to pair with

the 50. unfortunately none of your DX lenses will work on film, so that's a major consideration.

 

along those same lines, if you go for a d700, all of a sudden you have nothing for the wide end, so that's not a super

great idea unless you want to pick up a 14-24 or 17-35 too, although i suppose you could stick with the 24, but you'd

end up with a smaller wide angle than a d200/12-24 set up!

 

a better idea IMO is get a d300. the control layouts and form factor will be familiar to a d200 owner, except it's a

better camera in almost every respect. alternately, you could pick up a lightly used d200 for seamless switch-offs

and more intuitiveness (the d300 definitely has a learning curve, but it's worth it for the LCD, the high ISO, and the

better AF over the d200).

 

you're gonna get a lot of other opinions, but even though i threw out some ideas, try to consider only taking what is

absolutely essential (what exactly that ends up being, is entirely up to you!) sometimes too many choices arent

always a good thing, and it sounds like you have a lot of good gear already -- do you really need to add more?

remember, a purist approach to photography can lend itself to a Rowell-esque naturalist aesthetic--and possibly

better photos. chances are, no matter what gear you have, you'll be inspired enough to not miss what you left behind.

If it were me I'd go 12-24, 35, 50, 80-200 with what you have (or if you want long but not the weight, buy a 180/2.8 prime). I wouldn't dismiss the 35, I think it is one hell of a small travel lens; far more useful than a 50 on DX.

 

If you want even lighter, 12-24, 18-200 (bought new) and 50 for lower light.

 

hint based on my extensive travels. Invest in those cheap/light waterproof bags to put your stuff in. They are worth their weight in gold.

I have been to Nepal 3 times and I have to say that photography slides down the list of priorities as soon as you

get out of the airport terminal.

 

It's a wonderful place for photography, of course, but don't get too carried away with it.

 

If you want to cut down on weight then I suggest:

 

12-24mm;

50mm;

18-200mm

 

Enjoy the trip,

 

Namaste!

Three lenses looks too much to me... even with porters. I`d take one lens for all-day neck-hanging use, and perhaps

another longer one if you think you`ll like to take remote peaks photos.

 

The 12-24 seems a right choice if you like this lens (althought a very heavy setup with a D200) that I would pair with

a 55-200. The 18-70 + 70-300 seems a better option to me with 67mm filter threads on both. Nothing else.

 

I`d check previously the better apertures and "real" infinity focus, to avoid surprises.

 

I`m supposing that it is a "comfort type" expedition... electrical plugs, hotels, one day walks, etc. If you definitely

need solar chargers I would avoid that pain and switch to film gear. Nothing better than a FM2n + 45/2.8P (this is the

Nikon forum... ) and a 105/2.5 for that longer shots (if so). No worries about batteries, freezing, bumps, excessive

weight, etc., etc., etc. Very small lightweight tripod, Sekonic L208 and cable release. It has been my choice for

years. I like to enjoy the trips while photographing, thought.

Thanks for all the responses. Few comments in no particular order.

 

I'm sticking to Digital. I travelled a lot before, including (3 years ago) 9 months with a D70 with 12-24, 18-70 and 80-200f2.8, including -25C in Mongolia without power for 10 days and found it fine. No moving back to film for me. I've now got 5 EN-EL3e and 50GB of CF so I'm not concerned - put spare batteries in your inside pockets to keep warm if necessary.

 

Backup - I've got my old D70 which I could throw in. Shares batteries etc. Good point. btw, 12-24 DX works fine on film or the D700 in the 18-24mm range, but I'd worry about film cracking in the cold (and I've not shot film for 4 years now!). I certainly wouldn't buy another DX camera, it would be a D700 or nothing new.

 

12-24 f4 DX isn't heavy in my opinion and even fits nicely on my old D70, and optically beats anything else I've ever had in this range (including primes) except for my old 17-35mm... which sadly went when Nikon convinced me FF would never come...

 

The trip isn't a 'comfort' expedition. We're not doing the usual circuits - so no tea houses or power (or even food). We have to be completely self sufficient. This is an expedition rather than a simple trek, although we won't go above 6000m or so.

 

I have the luxury of taking a load of gear with me to Kathmandu and then leaving behind whatever we decide not to take. I'm thinking I'll probably take the lot and then cherry pick once I'm there, but I'll need to fill any gaps.

 

 

SUMMARY

I need something lightweight that I can carry day to day in my pack (think a Galen kit) but with some extra weight the porters will carry.

 

BIG DECISION:

1) Buy the 18-200mm DX as an all purpose solution for most use, and fill gaps as necessary.

2) Buy the 55-200VR or 70-300 VR and pair with my existing DX lenses?

3) Buy a D700 and find a remarkably good sample of the 24-120VR.

 

I need something to reach to 200+ that I can carry all the time in my pack. I'm probably split between option 1) and 2). Option 1 is great as I would have the option to put the 12-24 and others in my bag with the porters. However, the lense will be redundant once I go back to FF. I like 2) because the 70-300 shares my 68mm filter with the 18-70.

 

Decisions...

Hi Stephen Edwards [subscriber]

Last year I made a tour in the Himalayan range from Manali-Leh-Kashmir in the Indian side. I suggest, even though you have porters travel light. Most important, carry a backup camera. If you are living in tents then you need more than 3 batteries for D200 because this camera need lots of power. You will not only see breath taking landscapes but also have opportunity to shoot portraits. People over there are very friendly and enjoy their pictures taken. Therefor I recommend carrying 12-24, 50 and 85 or 80-200. Preferably, skip the 85 and take 80-200. I hope you know it will be very cold now.<div></div>

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you're in a very enviable situation -- and not. what a fabulous destination, but i think the time before you leave is so short that you can't realistically put together a travel bag with new and unfamiliar gear. with 1001 other things to deal with before your departure, i suggest you follow your instincts and go with what you know. let your travels be the adventure, not your gear.

William - wise words! But I do need something lighter. I'm just not going to lug that 80-200 around. I'm still pondering, but I think a trip into Grays of Westminster on Friday will give me the weekend to test anything new. Although the trip is at short notice, the reason for the short notice is that my new job doesn't start until Jan so I've had the time to get things sorted without having to work!

 

I'll let you know how things go.

Don't take any zooms and don't take a digital. I'd take an Fm3a with a 20, 50, and 180 f/2.8. I'd also take 81 series filters, graduated ND's,

and research how high altitude changes exposure. I'd also get a lens hood for the 20.

 

I've taken a Contax T3 point-and-shoot to high altitude and the meter was thrown off. Still, with a small camera like that, you're more likely

to take photos than with anything bigger.

I travelled to Everest Base Camp over 10 days with a 20mm fixed 2.8, a 70-200 2.8, and a 28-70 2.8 with a 35mm film camera. My pack (Lowepro dryzone 300) weighed 22 lbs, and it never left my side. My best photographs were with the long lens, but your experience may be different. You don't need to carry anything more except a jacket, water bottle, and incidentals.

 

Porters are good people but I would never trust them to properly care for camera lenses. They are not likely to steal anything, but after a long day don't expect them to carefully handle your glass. And they don't necessarily travel with the group so you can't expect to have access to anything they are carrying until later in the evening. I would never have left my camera equipment back at Kathmandu. Friends were using power from wall sockets to charge batteries but you need the correct adapter -- I think they use 220 volt power there. Some tea houses charged extra if you needed to charge batteries. Don't forget to bring a portable hard drive for redundant backup of discs.

I traveled in the Himalaya with film gear years ago. From my experiences in Nepal I would also try to travel light. If you are planning on leaving things in Kathmandu, make sure that it is at a very reputable place. I would suggest a backup camera and I would also suggest that if the porters are carrying anything for you that it be in pro gear cases or packs.

As far as lenses, I would go with the 12-24, the 35 and get the 70-300. you want to be sure you have good gear because these trips are usually once in a lifetime.

I am very envious.

Having 2 bodies is kind of important on such a trip, the D700 is a great choice, especially pared with the 80-200 or 85mm.

 

My ideal set up would be as follows:

-D200 with 12-24 & 17-55

-D700 with 80-200 & 50mm

 

That way, you have everything covered from 18mm (equivalent) to 300mm (if you put the 80-200 on the D200). I would throw the 12-24 on the D200 and the 80-200 on the D700, one over each shoulder, the 50mm and the 17-55 in a bag. That's pretty light for a 26 day trip. The temperatures are quite acute and i don't think it's worth bothering with the 18-70, the heavier duty gear is worth the work, especially if you a porter. The 80-200 does so well on it's own that the 85 might be overkill, but you might want to take the 85 instead of the 80-200 and the d700 is light sensitive enough that the 2 stops are not as critical.

Stephen. Oxygen, or more specifically, nitrogen, is going to be causing you problems. Do you climb mountains regularly?

Have you trained for this? Even if you have, I don't see how this is the kind of thing one would do by taking off on

Tuesday.

 

The lens you need to take is the lens you are willing to smash into the ground if you have to lighten your load and keep

walking to save your life. If you are going into the wilderness as I think you are, I really don't think "lens choice" even

ought to be on your mind. It ought to be a matter of course. What you need to do right now, is start eating. J.

I am shocked that you would think about going shopping for photography equipment! Go shopping for equipment when

you come back! Eat food and drink water now. Soon you will have to pack up your apartment or flat or whatever they

call it in the UK, and leave for a month! You do not have time to go shopping!

 

Spend one full day on logistics of being gone for a month. Spend a maximum of four hours packing. Spend the

remainder of the time doing nothing but eating, drinking fluids and sleeping. Your trip will be ruined by distractions before

you even leave if you go blubbering over shopping! Pull it together man! You are going to altitude in frozen mountains!

 

Be sure to pack at least one extra set of dry socks at all times.

 

Bon voyage. J.

Whichever your recording media, I'd go full-frame and light. Single, tough body, no battery pack (just extra batteries),

24/2.8 for wide, 35/2 for normal, 70-200VR or 80-200 for long, and a strobe that can shoot off-camera (or a cord). If you

have porters, bring a tripod and go out after dark for wide scenics of the campsites.

 

Most of Galen's scenic mountain shots seem to have been from 24mm or 28mm primes according to his books

"Mountain Light" and "Galen Rowell's Vision." Of course, he was a climber...you didn't say whether you'd be climbing or

trekking. He used a 180mm for many detail shots, but they weren't while he was on the mountain...that was while he

was at base camp or trekking.

 

I know you said you'll be shooting digitally. For me, it'd be a Nikon F6, a pocket-full of little lithium batteries, two

polarizers of the same size (for each of the small primes), and a bag of Velvia. Those little pieces of celluloid would be

physical testament to your expedition.

 

Enjoy, and be sure to get close and smile when photographing the people. I'm certainly envious myself, but I have to

say I've become addicted to good, home-cooked meals!

Okay, I was a little overstated. Still, feast and rest! Take care of yourself now. You will need an energy boost when you

hit the ground over there. The biome change alone can sap your strength. You've probably been living indoors! A simple

stuffy nose or backache can make your life a living hell out there!

 

With any luck, the people will be friendly. If you get in trouble, just smile and wave a lot. It works. Also, remember

English is the international language, if you speak it slowly and animated enough!

 

Good luck. Write back when you get back. Post a few pictures. We're rooting for you. J.

The lens for me is the 18-200 (28 to 300 35mm equivalent). This covers such a good range. Add one really wide and one really long and you'll be set.

 

Bring your battery chargers- as long as they are 220volt. You'll find many places along the way with electrical outlets (not necessarily all 24 hours of the day).

 

Have a good time.

I would second John's suggestion to carry what is lightest and "disposable." Get a 70-300VR as it is quite a bit lighter than the 80-200, and take it along with the 12-24 and 50 or a 35. Put one zoom on your D200 and another on the D70. The prime can be put away somewhere if you need low light capability. Also consider taking a small flash for daylight fill, and which tripod are you taking?

I took a somewhat similar month long trip out west and bought the 55-200mm VR to pack with me in place of my 70-200 f/2.8. I was able to throw the 55-200 in the pocket of a jacket or cargo pants when I was traveling light with the 18-70, and the value of this for me cannot be overstated. Very capable lens as well, and I got a step-up ring to make my 67mm filters for my 18-70 fit on the 52mm filter threads of it and the 50mm f/1.8. I also took a D70 as backup and lots of batteries and memory cards that would last me the whole month.