[ok2day]

I was given a $500.00 gift card from B & H, I have the K5IIS, DA 10-17 FE, DA 12-24, DA 50-135, DA 40MM, manual primes 28mm, 50mm, 135mm, kit lens 18-55, DAL 55-200 and a Tamron 28-300. I also have a flash that is not used all that much.

I'm taking a trip to Yellowstone NP this fall--scenery is what I like to shoot, not too big on wildlife but by default-if a bison walks in front of the car--a shot or two will probably be taken.

Ye Olde Tripod is kinda been beat up, it's heavier than hell, but I'm thinking maybe another lens--this LBA is difficult to overcome---prior to buying the DA 12-24 I rented the DA 15mm & the Tamron 10-24 and to me, the DA 12-24 had the best IQ. I'm thinking the 12-24 will get the most use at Yellowstone but was wondering if there's something that could be out there to add to the above arsenal.....

[VoiceOfReason]

Sigma 8-16?Tamron 17-50?

[Docrwm]

New tripod would be of more use, you seem to have a really solid arsnel of lenses for the trip. Better carry gear - new backpack? Corded remote? Trekking monopod? Better software like LR5 for organizing all the great photos from your trip?

[Heie]

Since you are in need of a tripod and shoot landscapes with small/wide lenses, then if I were you I would heed the following advice

This is by far the best travel tripod EVER (assuming you aren't using heavy telephoto lenses).

Sirui T-025 5-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with C-10 Ball BSRT025

It holds solid my K-5 + DA* 60-250 (that was just a test - I don't use a tripod with the 60-250), and folds up to the size of a pringles can. I can confidently say that I will never buy another tripod for traveling ever again, unless it's to replace this one with another. When hiking and/or if I am doing landscape work, I don't bring my regular tripod anymore (a Benro Travel Angel, which is ginormous in comparison) - I bring this one, and sometimes forget it's with me.

I can not recommend it enough.

The Ballhead is strong and accepts every Arcaswiss plate I've tried mounting to it. A great touch is also the included bag hook under the center (fixed - doesn't move) column so you can hang your bag under it for extra stability.

And it's only $219

After that, if I were in your shoes with your gear, I would sell the 18-55, 50-200, and the Tamron 28-300 (estimated gains would be $125-150 for the 18-55 and 50-200 combo and $275-300 for the Tamron 28-300) for roughly $400-$450 (maybe more if the 28-300 commands more? I don't know much about it). Combine that with your remaining $280 for a total of $650-750, and use that to upgrade your standard zoom to the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 Macro OS or Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (both $499 at B&H - I'd go with the Sigma personally) and then try and score a 55-300 on the marketplace. New at B&H will cost you $396 currently, but used ones for the DA version are roughly $250-300 and used DA L's are about $175-200.

But without any reservations whatsoever, I implore you to very, very seriously consider that tripod, especially for your type of photography.

-Heie

[aoeu]

If you suspect you need a tripod you probably do. My next choice would be Photoshop CS6 while you still can. The rental model may not be the best idea . . .

[bdery]

upgrade your standard zoom to the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 Macro OS or Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (both $499 at B&H - I'd go with the Sigma personally)

That would be my advice too, tele and primes seem pretty well covered, but the "standard zoom" range is the one with the lowerr quality lenses in that fine arsenal.

But without any reservations whatsoever, I implore you to very, very seriously consider that tripod, especially for your type of photography.

Good advice, considering the gift card.

To me the head is more important than the tripod body, but when travelling really light is important, a carbon fiber tripod is a great idea.

[ok2day]

If you suspect you need a tripod you probably do. My next choice would be Photoshop CS6 while you still can. The rental model may not be the best idea . . .

After that, if I were in your shoes with your gear, I would sell the 18-55, 50-200, and the Tamron 28-300 (estimated gains would be $125-150 for the 18-55 and 50-200 combo and $275-300 for the Tamron 28-300) for roughly $400-$450 (maybe more if the 28-300 commands more? I don't know much about it). Combine that with your remaining $280 for a total of $650-750, and use that to upgrade your standard zoom to the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 Macro OS or Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 (both $499 at B&H - I'd go with the Sigma personally) and then try and score a 55-300 on the marketplace. New at B&H will cost you $396 currently, but used ones for the DA version are roughly $250-300 and used DA L's are about $175-200

Thanks Heie---based on your strong recommendation, the tripod is on the way...

Also, I think I wiill also take your advice & sell the 18-55, 50-200 & Tamron--I'll replace with the 2.8 Sigma--it's nice to have a macro, even if it's not used that much---& yes, after the 3 lenses sell, I'll pickup a used DA 55-300

Corded remote

Thanks Doc, I will get a corded remote--don't have one of those..

Tamron 17-50?

Thanks Voice, see above...

Thanks aoeu, I have LR3 & Photoshop Elements 10, I don't know if a software upgrade from what I have is worth it--don't know too much about software & unless I'm missing something, given what I have has been working very adequately--maybe what you suggest may be wothwhile?

Thanks all for weighing in here & your suggestions!

[boriscleto]

Thanks Doc, I will get a corded remote--don't have one of those..
!

Don't spend too much.

Vello RS-C1II Wired Remote Switch for Select RS-C1II B&H Photo

They are even cheaper on eBay...

[aoeu]

Thanks aoeu, I have LR3 & Photoshop Elements 10, I don't know if a software upgrade from what I have is worth it--don't know too much about software & unless I'm missing something, given what I have has been working very adequately--maybe what you suggest may be wothwhile?

I have LR3.6 and am not very good at it yet.
I also have CS2 and am not very good at it yet.
CS6 is sold and CS7 will be rented. This may be a worthwhile upgrade.

[carrrlangas]

I am with Heie. Buy the light tripod, and sell those lenses. If you are going for a standard zoom, DA*16-50.
Also, have you got some good quality polarizing filters?

[ok2day]

I am with Heie. Buy the light tripod, and sell those lenses. If you are going for a standard zoom, DA*16-50.
Also, have you got some good quality polarizing filters?

Thanks carr--no, I don't have good polarizing filters, any ones out there anyone can recommend?.... looks like the $500 is spent & then some!

These are all great recommendations--thanks !

[carrrlangas]

any ones out there anyone can recommend?

Marumi DHG Super are really good and price is ok.

[Docrwm]

Marumi DHG Super are really good and price is ok.

Absolutely - best performance/cost ratio among the filters based on a number of studies.