Camping Gear Thread

[nan3182]

This is not going to be an extreame hard core camping trip it is just going to be me my BF and our 2 dogs, heading from Illinois to Tennessee, then going down to South Carolina to see the ocean, and then driving up through the Appalachian Mountains. Things that I am already planning on bringing along with the rest of my gear is as follows:
1. I am going to be picking up the Tamron 17-50mm for my walkaround lens. ($424.99)
2. Buying the Opteka Battery Pack Grip ($69.95)
3. Sterlingtek NB-2LH extra batteries. (I am all over the battery sticky and am going to be stocking up :grin:.) (See question about batteries below.)
4. This one is more of a question, would I be better off just sticking with the pop up flash or should I go with the 430ex ($246.34)?
5. Tamrac Explorer 2 for lighter hikes, barrowing from mom (free)
6. Extra 2GB memory cards I have (1) 2GB & (1) 1GB. I am going to be picking up at least 1 more 2GB if not 2. (I only shoot large fine jpeg not + RAW)
Now about the batteries dose anyone know of a good product that you would be able to charge your batteries out of your car? Or am I going to have to just bring enough batteries to get me through a weeks worth of shooting? If so how many batteries would you bring?Am I forgetting anything or is there anything that you would suggest to bring? If you know of a better price please share :).

[kbreit]

Don't quote me on this. But you can probably buy a power inverter and plug your battery charger into that. That is what I know though, so can't help further.

[René Damkot]

I'd bring a 430EX. Two reasons: Better light (more control) and doesn't use the cameras batteries ;)

[nan3182]

Don't quote me on this. But you can probably buy a power inverter and plug your battery charger into that. That is what I know though, so can't help further.
Never even thought about that, I'll look into it and let you know. Thanks


I'd bring a 430EX. Two reasons: Better light (more control) and doesn't use the cameras batteries ;)
Good point about the batteries, just one more reason to go out and get it, thanks!

[CH3NO2]

Since your getting your batteries from Sterlingtek pick up the charger with it also. It comes with the cigarette lighter adapter. Best part is its only $15.

http://www.sterlingtek.com/nbnbacbachca.html

[Mark_Cohran]

Since your getting your batteries from Sterlingtek pick up the charger with it also. It comes with the cigarette lighter adapter. Best part is its only $15.

http://www.sterlingtek.com/nbnbacbachca.html

Excellent idea, and one I've used when camping as well. Also, StormJackets - http://www.stormjackets.com - are a good idea if you're expecting to shoot in inclement weather.

If you do get the 430EX buy a set of 8 NiMH batteries and a charger (which you could use with an inverter). That way you'll always have a fresh set of batteries for your flash.

Mark

[nan3182]

Thanks for all of your advice. :)

I have another question the budget is getting a little tight for the trip and I was just wondering would I be spending my money better by buying either the lens or the flash? I know that the lens is more expensive but if I am going to get more use out of it on this trip that is what I would rather take. Or am I better off just sticking to my kit lens and going with the flash? I am not sure I am going to be able to swing both on my budget. Also I am not sure if it matters but we might be going up to the Dakota's instead, we have not made up our minds for sure yet.

[snokid]

Looking over your gear in your sig.

I think I would go for a lens, not sure of the choice you made in your first post.

What type of photo's do you expect to take? lanscape, close up's
thinking of this another prime might be a good choice, 100mm 2.8 macro, 85,300,400...

the other thing I noticed missing is a tripod. You find this really nice mountain to take a picture of, but it's getting dark, the best you can get is 1/10 sec. to get the exposure right. You don't want blurry pic's do you?


The inverter is a really good idea also. You can find cheap ones at walmart type stores, look in the auto section's they are rated by watts, to have enough power to run a battery charger you will only need 100watts or so. But if in the future you forsee running other things in the car then try to get at least a 600 watt one. 20.00 or so to 60.00.

Don't think you will need a ton of battery's if you can charge them on the go though.

have fun!!

Bob

[pagnamenta]

If you're looking for CF cards, there is a thread in the Market Watch section on San Disk 4GB cards. They're something like $35 at Adorama until the end of May. Great deal.

[nan3182]

Thanks for the information, I do have a Tripod I just never put in on my sig. The 100mm 2.8 macro is one of the next lenses on my wish list. I am considering possibly just renting it for the trip and to take it for a test run, but I am afraid that I am just going to like it too much and not want to return it. :)

I am all over the memory cards at Adorama and am going to be ordering at least 3, I can not pass up a deal that good.

[xpsentity]

Just got back from 2 weeks of camping, I used a 180 Watt inverter to charge/power everything, including a hungry laptop. Cost me like 30 bucks at target, worked great.