Climbing Mt Fuji in August

[Meadowfresh]

Good evening everyone,

Sorry if this is not the correct section to post this. I am currently seeking some advice on what gear I should take with me on my Mt Fuji climb in August. I have never done an overnight hike before, let alone one to see the sunrise.

I currently have a 40D

70-200L F4 (UV & Cir Pol Filters)
17-40L F4 (UV Filter)
50 F1.8

I am thinking about bring both the 70-200 and the 17-40 with me. I sold my tripod when I moved to Japan but I am thinking about picking one up for the trip. Most likely a Manfrotto 190Xprob (with out a head).

Do you think it is worth while taking the tripod? And is there anything else you would recommend maybe a Cir Pol for the 17-40mm?

Thank you very much for the help.

 

[kiniro]

I'd say bring lots of extra batteries! From what I've heard batteries die quickly in cold weather.

 

[87vr6]

First, I'm jealous you're going to climb 富士山 to watch the sunrise.

Second, I would bring the camera and the 17-40 and that's it. No need for a telephoto. And the prime, well, maybe carry it, it's not too big or anything.

 

[RLPhoto]

If weight is an Issue, I would take a G1X and a small tripod. You'll have more important stuff to take than just a camera. First Aid, A Good Knife, Food, Utensils, Flash-lights, sleeping bad and tent or hammock, Fire kit, ETC. You want to be as light as possible.

If Weight is not an issue, Take whatever you want. ;D

 

[Meadowfresh]

Cheers for the replies.

I have a couple of batteries which I will take with me so should be ok...

Space/weight wont be to much of an issue. But I will probably just take the 17-40mm Lens with me.

I forgot to mention I have a 580ExII, I don't think I will take it with me unless someone has a good reason why I should?

Cheers.

 

[Dylan777]

Cheers for the replies.

I have a couple of batteries which I will take with me so should be ok...

Space/weight wont be to much of an issue. But I will probably just take the 17-40mm Lens with me.

I forgot to mention I have a 580ExII, I don't think I will take it with me unless someone has a good reason why I should?

Cheers.

Use it as your flash light and keep those mountain lions away ;D

 

[wickidwombat]

next time I climb a mountain with a camera i'm only taking a gorillapod with me

 

[squarebox]

If weight is an Issue, I would take a G1X and a small tripod. You'll have more important stuff to take than just a camera. First Aid, A Good Knife, Food, Utensils, Flash-lights, sleeping bad and tent or hammock, Fire kit, ETC. You want to be as light as possible.

If Weight is not an issue, Take whatever you want. ;D

When hiking Mt. Fuji, he won't need any of that stuff as there is a lodge near the top of the mountain which serves curry and has sleeping bags for everyone. There is also numerous checkpoints and a boatload of people do the climb so it's pretty safe.

The only thing here that might be good is a head lamp or a flashlight. And if so, i'd go with a LED one as it is a long hike and the batteries will last and if you are slow you'll reach the lodge after nightfall.

Personally, I would just bring the wide-angle lens to cut down on weight. Mt. Fuji is not an easy climb if you've never been hiking before. Also, you might have trouble setting up a tripod at the top as it will be swamped with people.

One hint, if you have another camera ready, you can have one takign a shot of the sunrise, and another taking a shot of Mt. Fuji's shadow stressing out from teh base of the Mt.. It ends up being close to a perfect triangle and is pretty excellent looking.

 

[pwp]

Everything I shot on the Mt Fuji summit was wide. At the time that was a 24 f/1.4 on FF. But I'd certainly take the 70-200 with you as well, particularly if you are a strong hiker. A lot of the walk is on a crumbly cinder track, some sections can be almost as tiring as walking through soft sand-dunes. But the summit is a treat. Good luck for a clear morning.

PW

 

[l0pht]

PowerShot honestly, I do quite a bit of mountaineering and you don't want any extra weight. If you are doing some alpine or rock climbing it's a different story. The lightest, most versatile equipment is your best friend.