john_cothron

I really appreciate everyone's help, it's been VERY informative. After a lot of thinking.. I think the Kinesis modular system has won out. I'll be sure to let everyone know how it works out! Thanks again everyone.

I can't speak for Dan or his friend, but if you have any hints on ECF calibration I'd love to hear them. Personally, I've found the ECF to perform really well after a STEEP learning curve. As a matter of fact, it REALLY impressed me the other day as I was "attempting" to take photos of a great blue heron in a stream near my house. It was a surprise as I walked around the corner, so naturally I wasn't prepared..he saw me (they tend to be jumpy). I ducked behind a tree to change lenses real quick, and of course.. as I'm about to snap the shutter...he flies. Luckily, in a crossing pattern over the stream. Here I sit with "one shot" activated, manual exposure..(yes, caught with my pants down). To get to the point, even without being well prepared.. I tracked and snapped as many shots as I could, and the eyefocus was DEAD ON... I was quite amazed, no searching, no anything.. I really didn't even think about focus..I just looked, hit the shutter, and it snapped into focus for each shot. I'm impressed. :) But still, love to hear the hints, and sorry for getting off the subject. (75-300 zoom used btw)

Great story Derek.. does your uncle rent himself out as a pack mule by any chance? I have a job for him this spring..lol :)

I made an error earlier.. it's actually the 3221W I had planned on taking, not the 3021...I'm not sure why I had the 3021 on my mind, but it's the same basic tripod.. so it doesn't change the scenario

good idea Bob.. I'll definitely look into it. Appreciate it.

Valid information on all your parts, and I'd say your overall estimate on weight is pretty acurrate Preston. I actually did much the same thing and came in around 65 lb. total pack weight, so that's close. Just to clarify some things.. I'm going with one other person, she's the writer of the pair. Yes, we are going to enjoy the outdoors, but one of the main goals of our trip is to document it..and I get the photography end. She (Debra) is also a mountain climber, so I have no worry there as far as her carrying her share.

 

I've backpacked a lot, and although I haven't carried much photography equipment with me before, I've carried 60+ lbs. many times, most times actually (I tend to overpack). Granted, this trip will be a little different, and we're using lightweight gear for everything, whittling down weight as much as possible (which is everyone's goal). While I, as much as anyone else, would much rather have my pack weigh 45lbs. as opposed to 65...I don't see that being possible this trip. Granted, I don't expect to have this pack on my back the WHOLE time I'm gone either, we'll be spending some time at a few places, dayhiking..etc., in which I won't need it, so it will stay put. My boots, while a significant weight of the overall package..will never be in the pack. On the occasions I'm not wearing them, I'll be camped...and not using the pack, so I didn't add the weight of those to my "pack" weight. The one thing I have decided, is that I'll only be taking one body, the EOS 3...if something happens, oh well.. but space as well as weight is a concern, so only one is going.

 

Ray, you have a great idea, one that would definitely be useful with the exception that I'll be descending anywhere from 4000 to 6000 inside a canyon...and going BACK down after the trip is definitely not something I would want to do.

 

Preston, as for the resupply drops....we will most likely be getting one drop at a ranger station, to answer that question. We're going to have to coordinate our travels to be in that area at the right time of course, but that's the plan. Also, how did you enjoy the AT? I've never hiked it, but I hear/read it's a great trip, let me know.

 

Thanks again everyone for your info, any more ideas or thoughts, let them fly. Talk to you again soon!

Thanks for you answers so far everyone. I knew this could (and probably will) turn into a large discussion, which will be great! Patrick, I agree with you on the Kinesis system..and I'm considering that. I'm leaning away from the waist pack Curt, mainly due to the bulk of carrying it in, and also because I'm sure I'll be carrying some sort of fanny pack on day hikes for other things (most likely the detachable top pocket on my Bora 95 pack). I realize there is no ONE solution for everyone, so I'm just trying to get a lot of ideas to see if there is anything I HAVEN'T considered. As of right now, my most favorite options are the Kinesis system (which would also eliminate the need for equipment wraps), or a vest of some sort. Keep them coming! Thanks again.

It's amazing what you don't think of at 1am. I'll be taking (possibly) two SLR bodies, EOS 3 and one other. I'm trying to keep it light as possible, so most likely 3 additional lenses (75-300 zoom, 90mm macro, and a zoom covering ultra-wide - normal), my 3021 tripod, flashes..filters..etc. Film of course. Sorry for the previous lack of info.

I'm going to the Grand Canyon this spring. As I will be taking my

photo equipment, one of the issues I've run into is that.. I can't

take my Nature Trekker! It's just too big and bulky with all the

other equipment I'll be carrying ( I may be in the canyon for as long

as 14 days ). So.. I need something to carry equipment in on

shorter day hikes inside the canyon. I also need this "something" to

be highly compressable, for carrying it in. I could get a waist

pack, but I'll have enought equipment hanging off me as it is on the

way in. I plan to carry the majority of my photo equipment in wraps,

stored in my main pack (with a few exceptions for the trip down photo

ops) I've considered taking a photo vest, or something similar. Has

anyone been in this situation that could give me some ideas? I'm sure

they have.. I'd love to hear how you resolved it. :) Also.. anyone

that has been inside the canyon...and knows of a photo op I shouldn't

miss..feel free to let me know. Thanks for all your input (Bob, I

expect you to have some here!).

This may be a stupid question, but your original question didn't clarify a few things.. Do the shots "look" in focus before you shoot them? or are you manually focusing. I've never experienced the problem you seem to be having with ANY camera body.. so I wonder, could it be something as simple as having the focusing screen in backwards? Just a shot in the dark, but I thought it worth mentioning.

Interesting comments. I rather suspect the gentlemen in question is probably his own worst critic. It probably takes much more to please him than it would anyone else looking at his images. I know I'm the same way. I can show images to someone and they will like ALL of them, for they are TECHNICALLY good, BUT, are they saleable? To some extent that is a subjective decision. I try to critique my images for those that REALLY reach out and grab the viewer, especially if that viewer is a potential buyer. I may pass over many images that are technically good in this sorting. He didn't explain this, but I suspect that is what he's doing also. From my experience (little though it may be) and what I've read concerning nature photography, it pays to be your own worst critic, you wouldn't want to put "run of the mill" images out there, you want the best you've got on display.

It's a little late.. but you should make the trip to Roane Mountain State Park next spring.. the rhodedendron there is unbelievable..and I think you'll probably find some flame azalea in the area also. This is in the extreme north eastern TN area.