Landscape photographers often find themselves hiking longer distances or on routes with significant elevation changes. Decisions about what camera gear to carry can influence the hike's success, both in reaching the destination and photography results. Is there a one lens solution for these hikes?
In this video, Nigel Danson reviews the camera gear he is packing for a hike with a large amount of elevation change to reach the top of the peak. Keeping to a minimum amount of equipment, Danson packs his Nikon Z8 and the Nikon 24-200mm lens.
Danson has several lenses at his disposal to select from, including the Nikon 24-120mm, but he chooses the 24-200mm lens for this particular hike. He acknowledges the lens is as sharp as the 24-120mm, but when in the mountains, he values the additional reach the 24-200mm lens provides.
During inclement weather, Danson leads the viewer into the mountains, which pays off with fantastic light on the higher peaks. He also discusses some photography techniques to help make the 24-200mm lens even more versatile for wide angle shots.
I often face similar decisions on what to carry for certain hikes. This video was an excellent insight into what other landscape photographers choose for longer and more rugged hikes while still providing stunning results.
He did mention a 14-30 as a potential add, but there are workarounds for the wide side that work pretty well - a little more work, but still able to produce great results. Even the 14-30 is going to add an extra 485 grams.
Going with a lighter prime means you may be carrying extra weight and still not have the focal length you want.
The one lens choice resonates with me. Just a few weeks ago, I was in the southwestern US desert and getting a hike in before the extreme heat kicked in, in rougher terrain than we get in my home state and more elevation change. I was very conscious of what gear I took - because the lighter I could make my bag (I was already having to carry way more water than normal), the higher chance of success I would have in reaching my destination for photos.
I went through the same decision tree Nigel did, with the same worry about my one-lens choice - the wide side was not the concern - it was the reach of the lens I most worried about.
I was in the Superstition Mountains, just outside of Phoenix. Great trip! I did several much shorter hikes where I took my full array of lenses - well, trio anyways!
I agree. 24mm is good, and what a reach change to 200 on one lense. But sometimes you need something smaller like 18 or better 15mm. Maybe the point was, that he doesn't want to carry a heavy back-pack with multiple lenses I get that, and he's got a complicated hike.
If you are shooting landscape (not moving stuff) you can most often get away with shooting a panorama to get the equivalent of a wider lens.
You can also usually get away with cropping at least 2x if you have a relatively high MP camera, and a sharp lens, making also a long tele less worth bringing.
Less lens switching is also a benefit, especially if weather/conditions are not great.
But sure, if you dont mind hauling the weight just pack it all!
I think one thing that biases me a bit, is if anything these days, I tend towards the longer focal lengths. If I did a lot of close foreground elements against the scene - I'd probably have to reconsider my lens selection.
When I went with just the 24-120, my plan was panorama for wider shots and taking advantage of the MP on the z7ii to be able to do some cropping.
24mm is wide. If you need any wider you shoot a Pano. Pretty easy.
If you're doing anything over 7-8 miles with elevation gain, 430 grams makes a big difference.
Yeah - a lot of my gear selection depends on the type of hike I'm doing. I do feel like there are times it makes sense to scale down a bit to have more energy on the hike. I carry three lenses most of the time, but there are certainly times I scale down.
For his hike I completely understand on this hike a one lens carry! As a Sony user I do and would use the 24-240mm and with a APS-C mode button you get 36-360mm and with today's upscale SW no worry. I carry in a everyday carry for the unknown in a teardrop bag on one side the A7rii and the 24-240 on he other side the 12-24mm f/4. i have room for extra batteries, a blower, wipe cloths, a filter. I have one other thing and that is a photo vest with more large pockets filled with other items.
Astro photographers also stick with one lens, you never change a lens while out in moist air but if another lens carry a clear trash bag to change in. The extra thing is a pano rig when using a longer mm lens. A Photo vest keeps things up front and not on your back having to put your bag on the ground/sand and having to get down to get stuff, also get a size bigger for carrying a camera and lens in one forward pocket and your Pano rig in the other. There is room for another camera and lens also if you plan for one. One thing a photo vest is to have a 200-600mm on a binocular harness ready for use not on your back bag, you can have it zipped up under for protection from elements.
That 24-240 would be pretty nice, get that extra little bit of reach!
Sounds like you have a nice and versatile approach!
Excellent article.
Totally agree with the lens choice.
Especially when there's hiking involved. Give yourself maximum flexibility.
I have been seriously considering for my next lens purchase getting a RF 24-240mm.
This article confirms what I have been considering.
Thank you for this timely article.
I know I've made choices on lens selection based on what I am out doing that day. For longer hikes or ones that I consider more strenuous for me - I often choose to carry only one lens.