scott_g2

Pat,

I agree with those who recommend the 17-40/4. All reports are that the lens performs

well. I have the 16-35/2.8 and my copy good and gets better stopped down. If you don't

need the speed go for the f4 and spend the money you save on another trip.

Like you I have a 28-70/2.8 as a hold over from my film days. Even now shooting a 1D

MkII, or even a 20D, my preference is to carry my 28-70/2.8 as my general purpose lens.

The 1.3x turns it into a 35-90 lens which is a great walk around lens that has some macro

capabilities. When traveling the 16-35 is used mostly for landscapes. Kind of a big lens

to carry for limited usage. (the 17-40 is not much smaller but a bit lighter)

So, I tried replacing the 16-35 with a lighter weight prime for landscapes. Initally I tried

the Sigma 15/2.8 fisheye and used Defish software to correct the distortion with decent

results. However you cannot use filters on the front of the lens. I did like the concept of

not lugging a 2.8 zoom that got limited use, and decided to find a wide prime that would

work on non-APS sized sensors.

I recently picked up a Tokina 17/3.5 AT-X Pro for a Canon mount. By all reviews this lens

performs very well. I have not shot a landscape with the lens yet but it appears to be very

sharp and with good color. Fliters are no problem with this lens.

28-70 and 17mm combination looks like a decent, lower cost, alternative to the more

expensive wide zooms and very expensive primes if your primary use is for landscapes

The lens is no longer offered by Tokina but I often see clean used ones offered in the

$200-300 range. You might take the time to look for one before your trip, the 17-40 and

16-35 options will always be available. (and Canon will run a rebate offer between now

and then too)

If you have any questions please drop me an email.

Best of luck and have a great time Banff and Jasper Parks are one of my favorite places on

Earth!

Regards,

Scott

Tanya,

First, very nice work on your site! Obviously you know how to photograph more than just

food!

Sadly, I don�t know any labs in Moscow.

How do I carry gear when traveling? When traveling for clients, by air and/or car, the

cameras, lenses, and goodies go in a Think Tank Photo Airport Security roller.

http://thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ArprtScrty.php

(There are lots of similar products available)

Lighting and grip goes into one or two Tenba air cases as required.

www.Tenba.com/

When I shot MF I used a Gitzo 1348 Cf tripod with an Arca-Swiss B-1 ball head.

Now that I am 100% digital I use a lighter tripod (G1228) with the same ball head.

There is some good information on tripod/head selection at this site:

www.reallyrightstuff.com/

I use their camera and lens plates, as well as those by http://kirkphoto.com/. The quick

release systems offered by these companies really makes using your tripod much easier,

especially in the field.

When traveling for stock, I bring much less equipment and almost never any additional

strobe lighting except a speed light or reflector/diffusion.

I hope this answers some of your questions. Best of luck with your trip, it sounds like a

great project!

Oh, does your staff work for union scale?

Stay safe.

Scott

John,

Thanks for the link. I did see this book at the local store. I'll check the library for it as

well.

Thanks for the link Scott. I will take a look at it. Unfortunately I will not be able to view

the program when it airs on the 1st.

It is a good name isn't it ;)

Thanks again.

Gentlemen,

I'll take a look at all of your suggestions and examples. Thank you for taking the time to

respond.

Stay safe.

I am working on a personal project and would like to become better educated as to how to

properly organize a photo essay on a subject area or situation. I know how written essays

are structured but have not located any reference on the thought process that goes into

organizing a series of images so that they communicate a coherent message(s) or theme.

Any advise or reference material you can direct me to is appreciated.

Thank you.

Allen,

I was in Garmish several years ago and saw ads for several mountain guide services. I do

not know if getting to the location you describe would require technical climbing but a

local guide should be able to help you with access issues.

You've been eight times? (Green with envy)

Sorry I don't have any specific information for you. Best of luck!

Scott

Another good trip! I also liked your Alaska portfolio. I am not a Nikon shooter but was

curious as to why you elected to take the D100's battery pack on both your Teton and

Alaska trips. Rather than less bulk/weight of additional batteries.

Also, if you used the Lowe chest harness to carry the TopLoad? If so, would you do that

again? Or would you opt of a different method?

Keep the great work!

Scott

Sara,

I use Imagecraft for most all processing. They are very good. Here is a link to their

website; http://www.imcraft.com/

They have a drop off location in Scottsdale, their # is 480-443-0520. Here is a link to the

address;

http://www.imcraft.com/contact.asp

And a map;

http://www.imcraft.com/art/scottsmap2.gif

Have a great trip and enjoy the weather!

Angelo,

I have had pretty good luck using a Crumpler photo insert from their line of messenger bags inside various mountaineering and hiking backpacks. They are well padded and are supposed to be very water resistant. (I also use a rain cover over the backpack) The insert closes with a zipper and Velcro.

You can see some of the inserts available on the Crumpler USA website as well as on ebags.com.

This system works well for protection and transport but is not very easy to work from.

Best of luck in your search.

Hi Marc,

I think this is a great question. I have been fighting this same battle for the past few years and I still don�t know if I have found the perfect solution.

I have and like a Leica M6 with a few lenses. Great images and pretty compact, but not a light weight package. The RF is really cool and the camera is nice and quiet.

But I cannot do macro and using ND grad filters for landscape was hit and mostly miss for me.

I had a Mamiya M7 with three lenses. Fantastic camera and images. Quiet leaf shutters and great ergonomics.

Same problem with ND grads. And of course the logistics of using medium format. (scanners etc) What caused more of a �PITA factor� for me was all the movements required to change film and or lenses. (spools and dark curtains etc) Not a real huge issue under most circumstances but when you hanging on belay or trying to make and image during crummy weather it can be ..... tough. Go try one at the dealer and see for yourself.

This is one very cool camera but did not work out for me when hiking and climbing.

For 90% of my outdoor and travel photography when I am going light, I have been using a SLR with a good zoom/macro lens. (And a small fast prime, just in case) It really has been the most versatile and easy to use. These are factors that really count when I am traveling where photography is not the primary purpose. I may or may not take a small tripod. Usually I just make do. My back up is a P & S.

If I am traveling to photograph I match the end use to the equipment I take. If I want fine art for my office or home I usually take an old hassy kit and a meter, or the SLR if I need a very long lens. I take a real tripod if possible.

In summary, a SLR with good film, a good lens or two, some filters and you can shoot a lot of good stuff and have some great images. While at the same time enjoying the trip and experiencing the culture. Which for me is the whole reason to travel.

Hope this helps. Best if luck.

Heather,

For a mid-size backpack I have had good luck with an Arc-teryx Bora 30. The "Kangaroo" pouch on the back allow me to carry my tripod (G1226) upside down along the centerline of the pack. I protect the ballhead with a neoprene lens pouch.

I drop the Mountainsmith daypack into the top of the pack. I work out of the Mountainsmith once I find something interesting. I like the Arc-teryx because it is light, tough, and carries well with < 30# loads. It also comes two sizes so finding one that fits is a little easier.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=9250073&parent_category_rn=4500574

As for inserts I took a look at the B&H site a found a few from Temba that look interesting. I don�t know if they are sized right for your gear or if they are too heavy but they look as they might offer more protection than the Domke products.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh5/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=155216&is=REG

Luck!

Hi Heather,

I am in the same boat is you it would seem. For short hikes and general

googing off where I need to carry my kit more than use it I have used a

Mountainsmith "Day Pack". I have a couple of Domke inserts I use when I

want quicker access. Otherwise I have used neoprene pouchs, "Padded

Cells" from Outdoor Research, wrapped stuff in pile jackets, etc.

I have thought of making my own inserts by cutting up an old sleeping pad

and gluing something together.

Sorry I have not come up with anything better, If you find something that works

please let us know!

Wow! Thanks to all of you for your help.

I really appreciate all the effort some of you went to. I think you all have saved me quite a bit of time, and few bucks.

Unfortunately it appears that the 803 will be too small if I want to use the zoom. I will have to see what other bags would work.

Many thanks.

Thanks to all of you who replied to my post.

Looks like I will have to wait a bit longer for a complete and detailed review of this camera.

The initial comments about the 45CF seem mixed. However folks who are using it in the field do have positive things to say, which is encouraging!

Thanks again!

Does any one know where I can locate a user or professional review of

the Toyo 45CF camera?

A search of this site and some others were not successful.

Thanks!

Off Topic:

If you need to move this to another forum I will understand.

I am posting this here because a lot of you are familiar with the

Domke 803 bag and, in addition to your Leica M kits, use Canon bodies

and lenses for your SLR.

Is the Domke 803 large enough to hold a Canon 1v with w/out a

booster, a midrange L zoom (like the 28-80/2.8-4.0 L), 550ex, a few

filters, and film (5-10 rolls) with out being stuffed to the max?

If there were not room using the large zoom lens, would it hold the

same equipment with a 24 and 85 primes instead of the L zoom?

I have checked all the local shops for 803 but no one has anything I

can try.

Thanks

Rene,

As suggested, Tempe Camera is a great place. If your not able to make it to the Tempe area you might try Photomark or Guild Camera in Phoenix.

Hope this helps.

Hi Thomas,

I have lived in the Arizona for quite a few years and have been able to travel quite a bit in the state. The previous posts have a lot of good information so I just try to add to them.

First, congratulations on picking Arizona. I think your going to have a really good time!

May is warm, especially with the EL Nino effect we might be a bit wetter then typical. Based on your activity list I would suggest you drink lots of water, dress in cool/light colored clothing, bring or buy a hat, and bring one pair of, well broken in, sturdy footwear (like light weight hiking boots). Once your here buy some sunscreen and USE IT.

Depending on the climate you will have your best chances to see and photograph birds in the southern part of the state as mentioned. If the birds are not cooperating you trip south will not be wasted. As the previous posts state, there are many terrific places to see and photograph. One site I did not see listed was the Desert Sonora Museum located just outside of Tucson. The museum itself is located in a pretty area and provides a chance to see many of the floras and fauna of the region.

The cities and towns listed are also well worth stopping and seeing. I might add stops in downtown Tempe for people watching and goofing off. And of course, there is Flagstaff. Flagstaff is at a much higher elevation and the climate is alpine rather than desert. There are many great hikes and places to go in and near Flagstaff, some of which are mentioned already. I suggest you try any of the hikes or drives in the area called the "San Francisco Peaks" just outside of Flagstaff.

If you drive to Page Arizona a stop in the Marble Canyon area may be something you would enjoy. (If you want to make the trip to the North Rim of the GC it is on the way)

Going to Page takes you through part of the Navajo Indian Reservation. Unless you�re pressed for time I would take an extra day or two and spend some time in the area. The Hopi Reservation is located within the Navajo Res and worth a look. It takes a few days to see past the tourist traps and get a little bit closer to what the Indian Peoples are all about. The Heard Museum in Phoenix, and

several other in the state will provide great background in this area.

Once in Page you can take a trip on Lake Powell and check out one of the many slot canyons on the area. (Warning...If the weather looks anything like rain, even afternoon rain, be out of the slot canyons!)

There lots more things to do then I can tell you here so if you think something sounds interesting send me an email and I can try and help.

You can spend two weeks packed full of things and not venture out of Arizona if you choose.

With regard to your tripod, I would bring it. You should have no problems as long as you place it on your checked baggage.

I would make a reservation to rent your car prior to your trip. You should have no problems as long as your over 21 years and have a credit card like Visa/MasterCard/Diners/American Express.

Take a look at this site; http://www.az.gov/webapp/portal/topic.jsp?id=1160 for some general information.

Best of luck!

IS lenses have been out for a while now. Has anyone had problems or

issues relating to the durability or reliability of their IS lenses?

By virtue of the lens being more complicated, and Canons "upgraded"

weather/dust sealing if new lenses, I would suspect there is more to

go wrong. However that perception my not be accurate in practice.

What experiences have you had?

Thanks!

I am trying to decide if it is worth it to "upgrade" to the IS

version of the 70-200 lens. I use my current 70-200 lens for general

photography, travel, nature, and etc, on and off a tripod. I also

use a 1.4x converter from time to time.

I much prefer to shoot in available light when possible. I use slow

speed chrome film for 85% of my shooting. Faster slide films and

some print stuff will sneak into my bag now and then.

I am very new to Canon and I am still learning about the system and

how to get the most out of it. (Never ending process)

In your opinion(s), is the additional cost of "IS" justified at this

focal length?

Many thanks to all of you for taking the time to answer my silly question!

To clarify, I own the hassy kit and am babysitting the Mamiya kit for a friend. I am trying to decide if I should purchase the Mamiya and sell the Hassy stuff. Hence my question.

As several wise folks mentioned, I really do not need two kits, as I am not that active in medium format. One perceptive fellow mentioned large format. This may be the place I end up, just not quite yet my friend!

Many thanks!

I have just returned from a trip to the mountains where I took only a

35mm. After looking at my chromes on the light table I was less than

pleased with some of landscapes I shot. I made the mistake of

comparing them to some landscapes I took using MF gear.

As a result, I am trying to choose between two MF kits for general

outdoor photography. The question is which one?

Option #1. Mamiya 7 kit with the 43, 80, and 150 lenses. I love

this kit and use it for landscapes when hiking and some interiors.

The lightweight and ease of use make it fun to shoot with. However

it has limited applications due to the fact it is a rangefinder and I

often use ND grad filters.

Option #2. An older Hassy kit (500c/m, 50, 80, 250, backs, etc) that

has served me very well. In fact, since is an SLR, I actually prefer

it to the Mamiya for most shooting. Also I like the modular aspect

of the Hasselblad system for its versatility not to mention its

robust construction. For more contemplative work I like this kit

better but do not like hiking with it as much as the lighter Mamiya.

My question would be for those who have more experience than I in

medium format. If you had to choose between the two kits, what would

you prefer for this type of outdoor photography? (I am not ready to

move to large format, yet)

Thanks

Has anyone had any experience using the 28-70L and an EF 2x (or 1.4x)

converter together?

According to the Canon propaganda this should work, but does the

image quality suffer?

I am looking for a very sharp zoom, with a bit more reach. I will be

traveling and I will not have room for an additional tele lens. I am

not sure I would be happy with the 28-135 IS in the long run...but

who knows. I do like the additional "punch" the L lenses seem to

give.

(The rumored 24-105 L would be ideal but who knows when or if that

will materialize.)

Many thanks.

I should have mentioned the theft occured in Mesa Arizona, USA. Just outside of Phoenix Arizona.

Thanks for the heads up Roberto.