Camera Lenses On PCT

imported
#1

Has anyone ever had a use for any sort of zoom lens on the PCT? My current plan is to take a low f/stop wide angle and call it good.

Prospector

#2

I’d take a single lens, unless you’re going to devote a lot of time to photography. if you’re using a DSLR, something like a range of 18-70 for Nikon would be just fine. Telephoto won’t be super important, ultra wide would be nice, but the 18 is wide enough. For a film SLR, something like a 28-105 would be perfect. Available light tends to be quite adequate, so a f/2.8 zoom isn’t really needed. On a DSLR, you can just ramp up the ISO a bit.

Suge

#3

I think a zoom lens is critical for any decent photography. Multiple lenses aren’t going to work, it’s all about weight of course. A good zoom will give you so much more versatility, enough to actually make carring a camera worth it. For good shots during the best light (dawn and dusk), a tripod is really your biggest question. I found an ok light one (made by velbon) and bounced it along the way depending on what photo opportunities I was expecting. As far as camera, I used a high-end prosumer type camera (Cannon Powershot Pro 1) and was very happy with the weight/results ratio. You can check my shots at trailjournals.com/hansberg. Photography is like reading on the PCT, you may think you are going to do a bunch, but you probably won’t, particullarly if you plan to journal. Mostly you hike. You learn to only stop and take out the camera when it is really worth it. You will definately want a way to lash your camera to the OUTSIDE of your pack, within reach, or else I assure you it will be worth little more than a rock going for the ride. I’m jealous, have a great time! PCT–best american infrastructure ever!

Hans Berg

#4

I second the 28-105 or even up to 135 zoom lens. I’ve found that 90% of the pictures I’ve taken hiking in the Sierras over the years were covered by that lens size. That said, there are some occasions where a more powerful zoom lens would be nice.

Miner

#5

It really depends how important photography is to you. If you love photography and regularly use a SLR, then you will probably want a SLR and zoom on the trail. If I was taking a digital SLR like a Rebel XTi, my first choice lens for the trail would probably be a wide angle zoom like the 17-40. If I was taking a film SLR, I would opt for something in the 24-105 range.

But if photography isn’t super important to you and you are just looking for something to document your trip, you might consider a smaller digital camera like the Canon Powershot A700, which zooms from 28 or 35 to 400mm equivalent, is very light and takes AA batteries.

Kanga