Skiing Lens Suggestion
pe2smugmug
Registered Users Posts: 53 Big grins
There have been various technique and tips posted in the past on this topic ("Skiing Photography", "Snowboard Photography Tips"), but I am still struggling on the best gear to bring for an upcoming trip. This trip is entirely for fun, and am looking to take pictures of our group. For the past few years I have taken my Rebel XT along with the 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM. This provided a relatively small and very light setup, and I managed to get many great shots. However, the focus was often difficult and even well focused shots would seem soft.
I have since, upgraded to a 7D and am trying to figure out what to take on the slopes with me this year. I can take my existing 55-200, but I fear I will be even more disappointed on the 7d. I have the 24-70 2.8L I can use; or I was considering renting one of the 70-200's or the 70-300 f4-5.6L. Are there any other lenses I should be taking a closer look at?
My big concern with any of these other lenses is overall size. On my 7D, this is going to be waaaay larger and heavier then my old setup, which is why I was leaning towards the smaller 70-300 (and I also get a little extra reach). I would love to take the 70-200 f2.8, but it just seems huge to me and I don't know if I need the larger aperture. The 70-200 f4 is a little smaller, but at that point I don't know why not to get the 70-300 which has a similar aperture.
I should probably add that my primary purpose on this trip is to ski and have fun; taking great photos is secondary. That being said, I am a better skier than most of my group, so bringing my camera and taking pictures makes it much more fun when waiting for people. Traditionally, I have kept the camera in a small backpack wrapped in an extra fleece. I would either move it around my neck under my jacket before a run I knew I was going to use it, or have to swing my backpack around to get it out. Since I am almost always skiing well below my level, I am not terribly concerned about falling with my gear.
For this year, I briefly looked at the Lowepro slingshot 202AW, but I was concerned about how large the bag was, and how comfortable it would be after a full day of skiing (even with the extra strap). At this point I am leaning towards getting the lowepro toploader pro 70 with the chest harness. I figure I can use it strapped to my chest when I want to take pictures, and move it into my backpack so its out the way when I'm not using it (its pretty dorky looking strapped to the chest. Fashion isn't everything, but I can be a little vain
)
Alright, long enough post. Can't wait to try and make a video similar to David's, which was amazing. I am just psyched to finally get out on the slopes. For other skiers out there, I love this old Sweetgrass trailer.
I have since, upgraded to a 7D and am trying to figure out what to take on the slopes with me this year. I can take my existing 55-200, but I fear I will be even more disappointed on the 7d. I have the 24-70 2.8L I can use; or I was considering renting one of the 70-200's or the 70-300 f4-5.6L. Are there any other lenses I should be taking a closer look at?
My big concern with any of these other lenses is overall size. On my 7D, this is going to be waaaay larger and heavier then my old setup, which is why I was leaning towards the smaller 70-300 (and I also get a little extra reach). I would love to take the 70-200 f2.8, but it just seems huge to me and I don't know if I need the larger aperture. The 70-200 f4 is a little smaller, but at that point I don't know why not to get the 70-300 which has a similar aperture.
I should probably add that my primary purpose on this trip is to ski and have fun; taking great photos is secondary. That being said, I am a better skier than most of my group, so bringing my camera and taking pictures makes it much more fun when waiting for people. Traditionally, I have kept the camera in a small backpack wrapped in an extra fleece. I would either move it around my neck under my jacket before a run I knew I was going to use it, or have to swing my backpack around to get it out. Since I am almost always skiing well below my level, I am not terribly concerned about falling with my gear.
For this year, I briefly looked at the Lowepro slingshot 202AW, but I was concerned about how large the bag was, and how comfortable it would be after a full day of skiing (even with the extra strap). At this point I am leaning towards getting the lowepro toploader pro 70 with the chest harness. I figure I can use it strapped to my chest when I want to take pictures, and move it into my backpack so its out the way when I'm not using it (its pretty dorky looking strapped to the chest. Fashion isn't everything, but I can be a little vain
)Alright, long enough post. Can't wait to try and make a video similar to David's, which was amazing. I am just psyched to finally get out on the slopes. For other skiers out there, I love this old Sweetgrass trailer.
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