dennis_young

The hood on the 28-70 AFS does not fit on the 80-200 ED AF with the twist zoom feature.

I have a good friend that has the Maxxum 7 and 9. The equipment is used very heavily and now has developed minor problems, such as film scratching and auto rewinding problems. You can probably poll Nikon F4 users and find out that that camera is heavy duty and will offer years of service. One of the factors will be the condition of the cameras that you are considering. Given equal use, I believe that the F4 will be the better long-term deal. As you mentioned, the lens selection will be greater and there is greater availablilty in used equipment.

Second vote for Sandisk. However, does not work with RAW files.

This is the lens I use about 60-70% if the time. Coupled to an N80, makes a nice lightweight and compact outfit for hiking. IMO the quality has been very good. I've used this lens with an F5, N80, and D70 with the same results. It was repaired once when parts needed to be replaced in the zooming mechanism. It has been a good workhorse.

Some of the bull elk are already bugling. I would suggest getting to Yellowstone around the middle of September rather than October.

Just a couple of suggestions that you might try. Check the contacts, both on the battery and in the camera. Make sure they are clean and making good contact. If everything is ok, try a different battery. I would try a new lithium. If it is still dead, you may have to send it in for repairs.

Oxbow Bend is one of my favorite places to photograph, especially in the fall. About two years ago I drove down there on my weekends for four straight weekends. I was there for two weekends this past year. I'm also a park employee who deals with photographers and commerical photo tour groups. I must say that the above behavior is not typical, but also not unusual. I've received complaints of similar events and have worked hard to track down the individuals involved to find out exactly what happened. Needless to say that individuals conducting commercial photo workshops in National Parks are regulated by permits. One of the conditions of the permit is that the activity should not impact visitor use. On occasion when a permitted activity will create visitor impact, usually the park will place an employee on location to help with informing visitors of the activity and to insure that the conditions of the permit are followed by the photographer(s). There is usually a stipulation in the permit as the amount of time visitors can be inconvienced. The photographer(s) are responsible for reimbursing the park for the salary of the employee. With that said, if the above situation should occur to me as a private individual, I would politely inform the individual in charge that I was there first and that they can shoot around me, or share a spot next to me. If there were any problems, I would not get into a verbal or physical confrontation, but leave. I would certainly note the name of the leader or group, and start writing down vehicle descriptions and license numbers and report them immediately to the nearest official. I think a valid complaint, especially if there were numerous witnesses or individuals effected, would go a long way into getting the permit holder cited for violation of the conditions of a permit, getting the permit revoked, or the non-issuance of future permits. It was unfortunate that the behavior occurred in the first place. If I get to Oxbow and it is crowded, I look for different angles and other opportunities. I also think that the kayaks and canoes add something unique to the often-photographed scene.

The Swift 8.5X44 are great binoculars. Clear optics, moderate weight, great light gathering properties during low light, and wide-angle view. The price is within your specifications. Don't know how waterproof, but have not had any problems in light rain over 5 year period. Do get a better neck strap than that supplied.

As of last week a US District Court decission limited interior park access to either snowcoaches or guided snowmobile tours. The number of snowmobiles allowed in are limited by daily limits at each entrance station. Guided snowmobile tours can also be obtained at Old Faithful, if you come in by snowcoach. Check the park website at nps.gov/yell for further information.

 

Access to the north end of the park, e.g. Mammoth Hot Springs and the Lamar Valley is available by motor vehicle. Just be careful for changing weather and road conditions. Be prepared for cold weather. Lodging and food is available in the towns of Gardiner and Cooke City, and at Mammoth. Lamar Valley is one of the best locations at this time of year to see wolves. Some opportunities for bighorn sheep around Mammoth and Gardiner. Typically there are some nice sunny days during January. Another option might be one of the several photo tours/classes occuring in January.

I had the same problem with a Nikon 80-200mm lens. It costed about $35-$40 to replace the aperature ring at a local camera repair store. Tab is exposed even when the rear lens cap is in place and can be easily damaged.

I have a two year old lens that does the same thing. Never noticed it until you mentioned it. There are no problems that I've noticed with this lens. It could be a variation in production, or maybe just the way the internal focus system works.

I have recently starting getting the fEE error message on my N80

when coupled with a Nikon 80-200 AF-D lens. This lens and body

combination worked without problems for several years. Other Nikon

lenses, including AF-D and AF-S will work on the N80 without any

problems. The 80-200 works without any problems on two different F5

bodies. I have changed the battery in the N80 and have cleaned both

the contacts on the camera and body without any sucess. I have

checked the manual and auto focus switch and have it set on auto.

This problem has really got my stumped. Does anyone have an idea of

what can be causing this problem?

Cheryl,

 

I can't speak for the National Bison Range, but at Yellowstone only a few bison (in comparison to the total number) have collars. It may appear that a lot of bison are tagged since some research studies are geographic in design. The collars mainly provide information on bison movement. Most of the collars are brown and blend in with the animal, although visible. A few have white and red collars and are highly visible. Other animal species in the park have either collars or ear tags, again for research purposes. Some of these animals were tagged outside the park and wander in, or back in. I know that it is sometimes annoying, but it does help us gather information on the life history of these animals to better protect them and their environment. All in-park taggging operations are approved. There is consideration for visibility to the visiting public and also restrictions on the number of animals tagged.

Patricia,

 

I think you will be very happy with the N80. I had one of the earlier models and had problems with film scratching. Nikon replaced the rollers with newer ones to remedy the problem. I have not heard of any problems with any of the recent production runs. Unless you are interested in using older Nikon lenses the N80 should satisfy most of your needs. The size and weight of the camera is a definite advantage if you use the camera for long periods of time. I am also not aware of any durability problems with this camera. I've had this camera for over two years, and except for the scratching problem, which Nikon promptly resolved, been very happy with the features.

Although 4-cycle snowmobiles will reduce pollution and noise, the technology is still similar to a late 1980's car. There are no catalytic converters or intricate pollution control devices. The manufacturers are slowly getting into the market, but of the four snowmobile manufacturers, only one has had a machine on the market for more than one year. Yes, we are further along than if nothing had been done. Manufacturers were making larger and faster snowmobiles and not paying any attention to the requests for cleaner and quieter machines until the proposal was presented about shutting snowmobiles out of Yellowstone.

 

Although snowmobiles are a convenient means of transportation we should also look at mass transportation as an alternative for moving large numbers of people from one destination to another. They too need to be of the latest technology in regards to comfort, convenience, pollution and noise standards. Individuals should be given several choices for enjoying Yellowstone in the winter. It is the responsibility of the Park Service to make sure that whatever is offered is in the best interest of the environmental. Air quality and natural soundscapes have not been given enough weight in the past. These are important park values to many visitors.

George,

 

I guess it depends on what you are planning to do with the equipment. If you need all your gear in one bag, then the Pro Trekker is the answer. It will be heavy, but using the shoulder harness will help with the weight. If you are looking to use the 500mm on occasion, and if the Mini Trekker can carry most of what you want, then the Mini Trekker and the Lens Trekker would be the combination to use. I use both the Mini Trekker and the Pro Trekker. The Mini Trekker carries one body and an assortment of lenses for landscape, macro, and close-up wildlife photography. I can also take this pack away from the vehicle for several miles without problems. The Pro Trekker is used to carry a large lens and several camera bodies. It also can carry all my gear for airline travel and be used as a backpack when I need to hike into an area. I have seen people carry the long lens pack with shoulder straps. Guess I would rather have a pack that can carry a variety of equipment in a variety of configurations versus one long lens, camera body, and limited other equipment. Good luck with whatever you decide to use.

 

Dennis

I might suggest that you start off with the Visitor Services Office for information. They can direct you to a number of NPS Personnel that could be of help. I think it is a great idea. There are lots of photographers in the park at the end of September, some have been coming for years and years. Rough out what items you would like the NPS Personnel to cover and where you would like to have an informal meeting and/or slide presentation. Don't forget to check road construction schedules for that time of year.

Check out the Yellowstone Trails Book, which has descriptions of all the trails in Yellowstone. Great reference source. For an area with good wildflowers and scenery check out the Bechler Area, i.e. Cave Falls and Bechler Falls. This is at the southwest corner of the park. Also Old Faithful and Norris has great walks around the geyser basins. Mammoth Terraces would be a great place to begin when you are staying at Mammoth. For small mammals stop at Sheepeater Cliffs south of Mammoth. Have a fun trip.

Sorry, but can't tell you what is going on at Bear River. Can recommend a good camera store in Salt Lake City: Wasatch Photographic, 392 E 3900 S. Good selection and service. If you get a chance, check out Antelope Island as well.

Having worked and lived in Yellowstone for many years I have witnessed the same behavior. I would like to add a different perspective to this problem.

 

Over the years people have become more urbanized. Seldom do they see animals in the wild. Most have experienced animals in zoos or at animal attractions. As a consequence, they relate to habituated animals in National Parks as tame. The animals do not run when approached and seem to deal calmly with people approaching them.

 

Although warning signs are posted in highly visible places and warnings and information on distances to maintain are in the park newspaper, visitors still approach wildlife. Seldom are these visitors experienced photographers.

 

Ethics on dealing with wildlife come from following regulations and setting an example for others to follow. I've attended numerous photo workshops where ethical behavior is one of the first things mentioned. One of my first experiences with experienced photographers at Yellowstone resulted in my receiving a copy of ethics produced by NANPA. I was very impressed by the photographer that handed me this document.

 

All I can say about ethical behavior is that we need to be a little tolerant of individuals not as aware of wildlife behavior as we are. We also need to help them understand what is occurring and to report incidences where human behavior is disruptive of wildlife. When reporting please give discription of individual involved and any vehicle description so follow up can occur.

 

We can all help to improve this situation by education and setting good examples for others to follow.

Currently there are several fires burning around Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The South Entrance Road opened on Monday, but there is no stopping betwen Flagg Ranch and Lewis Lake. Road is subject to closures if fire activities flare up, as they did last week. Smoke has been a factor in the evenings throughout most of the park on some days. Nice sunsets, but hazy for general landscapes. Some days it's hazy all day. Most mornings are clear. Current fire restrictions are that no open fires are allowed and smoking is restricted. Closures are in effect on the neighboring Gallatin National Forest. Check for more current information before coming.

On longer hikes with my mini-trekker loaded, I've found that the ability to alternate between putting the load on my shoulder and waist helps to lessen fatigue. The sternum strap for me is useless. It sits too low and comes across the top of my stomach instead of my chest. It does however, contribute to keeping the shoulder straps from pulling outward. You might try color coding the buckles and/or tying unused straps out of the way before cutting off the straps permanently.

Jess,

 

Just a couple of precautions. Pad tripod so that legs are not rubbing against metal. Bungee cord tripod to equipment rack. Use good quality bungee cords and enough so that you feel that it is secured, even under the roughest road conditions. I've recently seen several ball head become detached from tripods, so make sure that it is secured. A little blue loctite would not hurt.

 

Dennis

Elk in Yellowstone are looking good at this time. Couple of large bulls in the Madison-Gibbon Canyon area, one at Gibbon Meadows, and the usual bulls at Canyon Junction. It would be hard to predict what types of activity you will seen in September. Last year the big rut was just west of Madison Junction. Activity was almost non-existant in the Gibbon Meadow-Elk Park areas. Recommend that you check closer to your arrival date. Same with fall colors. It will depend on weather and how cold it gets and how quick. Park Service Information Centers in both parks should be able to help with updated information.

I've read all the comments up to this point, and would like to clear up some misunderstandings. I contacted the Visitor Services Office at Yellowstone about the matter discussed.

 

In order to conduct business operations in a Natioal Park, even if fees are collected outside the park, an Incidental Business Permit (IBP) is needed. A business can request an IBP from the park, and have several employees conducting tours, guide services, etc. An annual IBP at Yellowstone costs $200.00 annually. How would that even equate to $150 extra per person?

 

The permit, as someone else stated, allows the Park Service to regulate the number of businesses providing that service. Some businesses provide several services, photography may be one of many. The money at Yellowstone goes to off-set costs involved with administering the permit.

 

These are mostly administrative costs, such as providing guide cards for the business, obtaining and filing proof of insurance by the business for their clients, making sure that the insurance coverage is adequate, and making sure that the insurance also covers any exposure to the National Park Service. In a claim, guess who the next person in line is, after the business.

 

Currently there is hold on all new IBP issued by Yellowstone until a review is done of the services already available, and an evaluation of whether more permits need to be issued, whether old permits should be pulled, and what types of business needs exist.

 

Individuals inside the van are charged a $10.00 entry fee per person. The park gets a percentage of that fee, which goes directly for items related to serving the public. Fee enhancement was designed to help with repairs and construction of new facilities and provide better service to the public. Projects that I have seen include new restrooms, repair of plumbing, roads, etc.

 

I thank John for not trying to get around the system by providing false informatio about the groups intended purpose. I also have to say that if caught, the financial costs are little, compared to the leader's reputation, and the termination of the group activity.

 

I hope this clears up some of the mystery of conducting business in a National Park. Commercial photography is another matter entirely.