Heading out to Thredbo - last minute tips please :)

So I'm heading out to Thredbo this weekend with a few colleagues in hope to get a few landscapes/portraits. Given that I've never been to the snow before, I was wanting some advice when it comes to lens choice.

In terms of my body, I'll be taking my 5D3. In terms of my lenses, I was thinking of taking my 16-35L II and my 24-105L, 580EX II (for fill), gitzo 2531 carbon fibre tripod, Silicon GEL and CPL

My question is, is it worth me taking my 70-200 2.8 IS II,100L Macro, and my Lee Filter Set (consisting of an 0.6 soft grad / 0.9 hard grad) ? I haven't actually given my Lee Filter Set any justice so far, but it might be fun trying it out.

My dilemma is to leave the Lee Filters at home and use HDR, or shoot without HDR and actually put the Lee Filters to proper use.

In terms of changing lenses and batteries, is there anything I should be aware of? I shouldn't need to cover my lenses with plastic bags given that theyre weather sealed right?

Are there any tips you recommend in terms of shooting properly exposed landscapes? Just looking at the forum, it appears as though I should be using spot metering to meter the snow.

Regarding my camera bag, is it worth taking my lowepro pro runner 350aw (backpack) or my lowepro classified 250 (messenger bag).

Pros for the backpack
- Better ergonomics

Cons for the backpack
- More exposure to Moisture

and vice versa for the messenger bag

Thanks!

I think the lens you have a fine. Take plenty batteries as they dont hold their charge in cold weather very well. Dont know where the 200mm will serve you unless you want some nice portraits. Any bag is fine.

If there is snow just make sure you bump up the exposure comp for the snow.

Most of all, rug up and enjoy.


Have fun

I shoot landscapes at 300mm quite often. Give the 70-200 a try. Look further out

Why did you buy the filters if you aren't going to use them?

I would consider the 16-35 and the 70-200, leaving the 24-105 and macro back home if you're concerned with weight. When I'm shooting landscapes, I like wide or compressed - the in-between focal lengths are less interesting for me. For the portrait piece of your trip, you'll be able to cover the classic portrait focal lengths of 35, 85 and 135 with this kit, too.

If you're going to be doing landscapes with any hopes of a decent result, the Lee kit and a tripod are essential.

I agree I never use my 24-105 when I do landscapes. It is either my 16-35 or 70-300.

thank you everyone for replying

the main reason for taking the 24-105 is so I can take some candid shots of my colleagues while we're in the house/snow. I might take all three lenses / tripod / pro runner. yes it will be heavy, but I don't want to shoot myself if I miss the shot I want

If I go, I'll take 5D3 + 70-200L & 7D + ∑ 30 only.

You are going for holiday, not an 'Event Documentary'