planning trip to Yosemite in March

[toilet535]

Hey guys, im planning a 7 day trip to Yosemite in March. Ive checked a couple of website and they said its probably going to be covered with snow. So now here comes the question. Does my equipment need to stay warm? I read a couple of threads saying how weather can affect equipment. Also anyone know any good places to go to or any tips for taking landscape and wildlife? I'm really excited because this will be more first "real" vacation with my camera.



Purchasing a 17-40L for this trip :) :) :)

and maybe renting a 70-200L :) :) :)

As you can see im really excited!

[Tdragone]

Batteries! Keep your batteries warm!

When the weather is cold and I'm in the Mtns (Like Tahoe) I usually get ~ 20 shots out of a battery if it's cold. Warm ones I usually get almost the norm out of. If you're shooting constantly; leave the Batt in. If you're going to be hiking for a while; put the battery in a pocket of jacket (Inner layer) or pant pocket.

Bring lots of batteries and storage; and before leaving; search for EVERY post Duder has ever made!

Even though most of his photos are IR; they still KICK ASS. get a map online; print it out; and start searching posts here. You will able to find most of the commonly photographed areas and hopefully others will chime in with lesser known places.

[jaypie77]

You must be very excited, what a great opportunity!

17-40 sounds like a pretty good idea for landscapes - do you have a tripod? You definitely need that!

[sdommin]

I was in Yosemite last year (March 9 - 11). There was no snow in the valley itself, only a little bit on the mountain tops. I brought a light jacket, which was all I needed in the morning - in fact it was a bit too much on one afternoon hike I took.

[toilet535]

You must be very excited, what a great opportunity!

17-40 sounds like a pretty good idea for landscapes - do you have a tripod? You definitely need that!

yes i have a tripod nothing fancy though just something to do the job :) Yes im very vey excited i planned this whole trip just to work on my photography, and relax.

Scott: Thanks for the tip! I was looking at websites and they said it might be still snowing. Im glad you gave me the heads up didnt want to overpack with winter clothes. Did you have to have tire chains?

[rent]

state of california requires you to carry snow chains in yosemite when the signs in the park tell you to do so. if you have snow tires, you don't have to use the chains, but you still must carry them.

i know it's strange...

-alex

[sdommin]

Scott: Thanks for the tip! I was looking at websites and they said it might be still snowing. Im glad you gave me the heads up didnt want to overpack with winter clothes. Did you have to have tire chains?

I didn't. There was no snow on any road. There is a Caltrans site somewhere that will tell you exactly which roads in the state need chains.

[Tsmith]

I haven't been just yet but will in June and thanks to several members here for top notch advice. One recommendation I can make is to buy the book: The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite by Micheal Frye for $8.95.

[crn3371]

Keep your batteries warm. More importantly, if you have been outside shooting in the cold, you might want to think about putting your camera in a plastic bag before you go back inside to a warm environment in order to keep condensation from forming on your camera.