Camping Gear Thread

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 .) (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 .

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.

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

kbreit wrote in post #3135082
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

René Damkot wrote in post #3135163
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!

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

CH3NO2 wrote in post #3136119
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.stormjacket​s.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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.