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07-23-2021, 06:54 AM - 2 Likes   #1
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advice and commentary sought for Yellowstone and Gran Tetons National Parks trips

the time is starting to approach for my wife and I to travel to Yellowstone National Park in mid September to celebrate our 30th Anniversary [ which is actually 09/07/21 ]

my 3rd trip, her second but the earlier trips were mid May and early June

so my traditional travel thread needs to appear, what cameras and what lenses do I haul and why ?

[ yes, my wife has been very, very nice to me in allowing to collect gear, new, new on sale and " experienced " at good prices ]

plan on hauling gear to YNP and Gran Tetons and making decisions, day by day, on what to leave in lodging and what to put in vehicle

primarily seeking " wildlife " photography opportunities but will also attempt some " landscape " photography opportunities

the usual practice is to have lenses mounted on two cameras as we drive along so I have " telephoto " and " wide angle " options available without having changing lenses

if parked, the lens selection becomes more selective

will not be attempting " back country " trips

_____________________________________________

I have to choose from the following [ will be driving so weight and number not a great factor, rather what would I use the equipment for ? ]

these are possible choices, not a cut down list, nor the final list of what is going. I will take tripod/monopod but usual style is to photograph without such support I will have backpacks

Pentax Cameras
K-1 II, K-3 III, K-3 II, K10D, Pentax LX

K 3 III will be ready to go in most circumstances

which should be the alternative: the K 1 II with its full frame capability, the K 3 II with its similar controls, the K 10D for its famed " CCD " sensor or even the LX for an attempt at film ?

will carry b/w and color film
___________________________

possible Lenses to haul

Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM *

HD Pentax-DA 16 - 85mm F3.5-5.6 WR *

Sigma 24mm F2.8 AF Super Wide II F2.8

SMC Pentax-FA 31mm F1.8 AL Limited ( MIJ )

SMC Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited ( MIJ )

SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.2

SMC Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE *

HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 ED DC AW *

SMC Pentax-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited 49 F ( MIJ )

SMC Pentax-D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro

SMC Pentax-A 135mm F2.8

HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.5 - 5.6 ED DC AW *

SMC DA * 300mm F4 ED (IF ) SDM *

HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter

* no A ring so cannot be used on the LX

thank you for your time and comments


Last edited by aslyfox; 07-23-2021 at 07:01 AM.
07-23-2021, 07:29 AM - 2 Likes   #2
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K3iii + 150-450 as wildlife grab and shoot ready camera. 1.4x ready for any very far off opportunities that may occur.

Practical choice for camera 2: K3ii with 16-85 as camera 2 in the car. 10-20 as a wider landscape lens for the special times you need to go wider. (Both lenses will also work as intended on the k3iii as a bonus).

Alternate camera two: k1ii with your fa31 for any special Landscapes that need that special lens. Shoot the k1ii in crop mode in the car with the 16-85 attached. Use the k3iii with the 10-20 alongside the k1ii for Landscapes. Perhaps rent the Laowa 12mm f2.8 to use on the k1ii for ff ultrawide and possible Astro.

Nostalgia option: bring the LX to use the sigma 24 / fa 31 / 50 f1.2 / 135 f2.8 for a few shots. Take just one roll of film, make the shots count.

I am not suggesting the da 300 as the 150-450 covers that option very well. The 55-300 is a good backup lens, that might make sense to take. The 100 macro is another possible lens, for me I’d miss it but pack a Raynox I think.

Last edited by UncleVanya; 07-23-2021 at 07:37 AM.
07-23-2021, 07:38 AM   #3
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well reasoned advice

as expected

thanks Uncle

don't think I can convince wife into letting me get the Laowa 12mm f2.8

rent ???
07-23-2021, 07:40 AM   #4
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Hopefully the smoke and fires that canceled my trip will clear by the time you go. If not be prepared for have to limit long range shots and pivot your gear to an alternative style. In that case the 55-300 might be the primary lens as the extra reach of the 450 wouldn’t be used as often as the wider 55 vs the narrow 150 end of longer lens.

07-23-2021, 07:43 AM - 2 Likes   #5
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If you are taking the family bus – a Suburban, a minivan, etc. – just get your biggest camera bags and pack it all. Once you get there, you will put your 55-300 on the camera and shoot everything in sight (because everything is magnificent). You may – or may not – put a different lens on the camera for a specific occasion, but, hey, you will be prepared.

Enjoy your trip and Happy Anniversary!

Don
(55 years on 7/9/21)
07-23-2021, 07:43 AM - 1 Like   #6
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No experience on yellowstone or similar as Hong Kong is a very small area.

Just like to say have a good trip and Happy 30th Anniversary in advance. !!
07-23-2021, 07:47 AM - 1 Like   #7
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I'm also headed to both NPs but at the end of August. Bringing KP + 16-85, 55-300 PLM, and Sigma 10-20. Toying with the idea of packing the Fisheye DA 10-17mm (instead of Sigma 10-20) to save space in carry-on luggage. Possibly also my DA 35mm macro, and DA 70mm. A bit worried about the smoke/hazy skies but hoping they improve in a month. Have a nice trip!

07-23-2021, 07:49 AM - 1 Like   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by aslyfox Quote
don't think I can convince wife into letting me get the Laowa 12mm f2.8

rent ???
Lensrentals has that lens in k Mount - I think it’s $65/week without shipping/insurance.

---------- Post added 07-23-21 at 10:53 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by seventysixersfan Quote
I'm also headed to both NPs but at the end of August. Bringing KP + 16-85, 55-300 PLM, and Sigma 10-20. Toying with the idea of packing the Fisheye DA 10-17mm (instead of Sigma 10-20) to save space in carry-on luggage. Possibly also my DA 35mm macro, and DA 70mm. A bit worried about the smoke/hazy skies but hoping they improve in a month. Have a nice trip!
That’s a great kit. I would lean towards the ultrawide you enjoy shooting the most and find a way to carry it if that’s the 10-20, but the 10-17 is an impressively wide lens with loads of fun factor. The da 35 is a great option as is the da 70, but I’m not sure the 70 will get many opportunities to shine.

I’m jealous of you both!
07-23-2021, 08:01 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by AggieDad Quote
If you are taking the family bus – a Suburban, a minivan, etc. – just get your biggest camera bags and pack it all. Once you get there, you will put your 55-300 on the camera and shoot everything in sight (because everything is magnificent). You may – or may not – put a different lens on the camera for a specific occasion, but, hey, you will be prepared.

Enjoy your trip and Happy Anniversary!

Don
(55 years on 7/9/21)
thanks

it's an 2016 GMC Acadia Denali so not as big as a Suburban nor as powerful

congratulations on the anniversary

Last edited by aslyfox; 07-23-2021 at 08:15 AM.
07-23-2021, 08:08 AM   #10
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Another point I forgot:

The k3ii and k1ii both include the Astro tracking function. One of these plus a good fast lens with limited coma should be a no brainier. If the skies are clear and the moon is tucked away.
07-23-2021, 08:10 AM - 1 Like   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by seventysixersfan Quote
I'm also headed to both NPs but at the end of August. Bringing KP + 16-85, 55-300 PLM, and Sigma 10-20. Toying with the idea of packing the Fisheye DA 10-17mm (instead of Sigma 10-20) to save space in carry-on luggage. Possibly also my DA 35mm macro, and DA 70mm. A bit worried about the smoke/hazy skies but hoping they improve in a month. Have a nice trip!
( some one is hijacking my thread )

have fun on your trip

sounds like you have good gear

___________________________

if space is an issue or you want a longer telephoto reach - 150-450

consider renting from LensRental.com for some or all of your trip

the last trip I took, I flew and rented a tripod and lens from them to be picked up at a Fed Ex near Yellowstone

returned the items to them the same way

no problem
07-23-2021, 08:12 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by aslyfox Quote
if space is an issue

consider renting from LensRental.com

the last trip I took, I flew and rented a tripod and lens from them to be picked up at a Fed Ex near Yellowstone

returned the items to them the same way

no problem
I had planned a similar strategy. My friends in Butte were going to be the place I delivered lenses too but FedEx was the other option.
07-23-2021, 08:49 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by seventysixersfan Quote
I'm also headed to both NPs but at the end of August. . . .
moon rise chart for August 2021 at YNP

Moonrise, Moonset, and Moon Phase in Yellowstone National Park, August 2021



sunrise/sunset chart for august at YNP

Sunrise and sunset times in Yellowstone National Park, August 2021

QuoteOriginally posted by UncleVanya Quote
Another point I forgot:

The k3ii and k1ii both include the Astro tracking function. One of these plus a good fast lens with limited coma should be a no brainier. If the skies are clear and the moon is tucked away.
moon rise chart for Sept 2021 at YNP

Moonrise, Moonset, and Moon Phase in Yellowstone National Park, September 2021

1st quarter on 9/13

we drive into Jackson on 9/12

sunrise/sunset chart for Sept 2021 at YNP

Sunrise and sunset times in Yellowstone National Park, September 2021
07-23-2021, 10:29 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by aslyfox Quote
( some one is hijacking my thread )
Hah! Sorry! I had been meaning to create a thread like yours, asking for advice on what camera gear to take, but you beat me to it. Figured I could just piggy back on this one!

appreciate the info about sunrise/sunset times!
07-23-2021, 10:35 AM - 2 Likes   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by seventysixersfan Quote
Hah! Sorry! I had been meaning to create a thread like yours, asking for advice on what camera gear to take, but you beat me to it. Figured I could just piggy back on this one!

appreciate the info about sunrise/sunset times!
no problem

not really a hijack

and besides hijacking a thread at PF is a well known tradition

________

you know what they say about weather forecasts

https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/yellowstone-national-park/82190/august-wea...3_pc?year=2021

https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/yellowstone-national-park/82190/september-...3_pc?year=2021
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