Trekking in Nepal

[grandpajohn]

After searching the forum, I thought I would ask what lenses other people would take on a 3-4 week trek in the Himalaya's, where the weight is a consideration. My equipment is listed below. The 10-20mm is a no brainer...but what else?

[paintedlotus]

At least the 70-200 but maybe the other Sigma as well. One lens isn't going to make much of a difference in the weight, but the space is a consideration depending on your bag. On some treks there are ponies carrying some of your stuff. Guess it depends on if you think you'll be shooting more landscapes vs. portraits (which is likely on a trek, but if you're going to be in cities or villages you'll want a portrait lens too).

Yeah, I guess that wasn't very helpful, sorry! lol

[halitime]

Everything but the macro. Where are you on the Island? I'm in Bamfield.

[Anke]

Personally, I'd take the 10-20 and 24-70, I couldn't see using the 70-200 too much.

[grandpajohn]

Interesting so far. I had been thinking of the 100mm macro and the 10-20mm! (I'm on the Malahat.)

[origami88]

i say a telephoto lense is kinda useless. i brought a 17-50 along with a 50-250.. but found myself using 17-50 the most.

if i ever go again i would bring lenses within the 10mm to 80mm range. that would suffice.

[origami88]

might i also add, that while trekking, changing lense becomes a bit of a hassle considering the fact you'll be quite tired during... and the other major issue is dust. i recommend changing lenses as little as possible.

[carpediem291]

Definitely bring a small tripod for some night photos (gorilla pod is a great choice)
A polarizer is a must to saturate your color and cut down on the haze
bring your lens hood
Bring a rain cover for your camera
a converter for your electric outlet
extra batteries so you don't have to charge as often. Electricity is less available as you go higher
Lens cleaner

[Cathpah]

Personally, I'd take the 10-20 and 24-70, I couldn't see using the 70-200 too much.

I disagree. In my experience of hiking in the Himalayas, there are often shots of mountain peaks that'll necessitate a longer lens, as well as some wildlife that would be aided by a longer lens.

Interesting so far. I had been thinking of the 100mm macro and the 10-20mm! (I'm on the Malahat.)

there's not a whole lot of vegetation/insects at elevation, so your macro work may be limited....but it all comes down to what you enjoy most.

Definitely bring a small tripod for some night photos (gorilla pod is a great choice)
A polarizer is a must to saturate your color and cut down on the haze
bring your lens hood
Bring a rain cover for your camera
a converter for your electric outlet
extra batteries so you don't have to charge as often. Electricity is less available as you go higher
Lens cleaner

Tripod/polarizer/hood/raincover all very important. At most of the places you'd be staying (annapurna trail? everest base camp? where?) there won't be any accesible power. Charge your batteries ahead of time, and bring lots of them.


Here's my BIGGEST tip for doing this trek.....hire a porter-guide! Not sure if you're organizing this trek stateside, or if you'll be tracking down a good guide once you're there...but I cannot recommend getting a porter-guide enough. This is a guide that is also willing to care a bit of gear for an extra $5 or so dollars a day. This way you can carry a small camera bag yourself (with the essential camera/lens combos, and water/snacks), and your guide (who will stay with you, unlike any porters you may hire) will always be there with your other lenses/filters/batteries/tripod for the special shots. This'll allow you to enjoy the hike more, as well as use your energy taking the photos, rather than carrying the gear.

If you need anymore info/recommendation on trekking in Nepal, I've now done it twice (a decade apart, at that!) and still have some good contacts over there....so send me a message.