Lens suggestions

[Caps18]

I use a Hahnel wireless remote. It does cost more than those three options.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/743183-REG/hahnel_HL_HW433_80_Wireless_RF_Pro_Remote.html

The best part of this for group photos is that you can take multiple ones without running to the camera and waiting 10 seconds. There are red and green lights on the receiver to tell you that it is working.

 

[Caps18]

You also have to factor in memory cards (don't lose them!), batteries, and a case to carry everything without it being obvious that you have an expensive camera hopefully (might not be as much of a concern in Iceland).

 

[Edwin Herdman]

For remote release, you have several options:

Don't forget that there are also wireless (radio) releases. The WFT series might allow a wireless link with EOS Utility - and I recently read some camera out there (1D X and its Nikon equivalent, the D4, maybe?) is getting an ethernet jack.

 

[wickidwombat]

For a Tripod i highly recomend this

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Benro-C-2691TB1-Carbon-Fiber-Travel-Angel-Tripod-B-1-/330538387722?pt=AU_TripodsMonopods&hash=item4cf59f890a

it is light packs down small and comes with a ball head and bag you can also transform it into a monopod

also grab a SLR zoom gorrilla pod they are very handy

 

[squarebox]

I just wanted to say this topic has been a great read as I too will be traveling to Iceland in Feb. and the most recommended lens I found was the Canon 10-22.

Just check out some of the great http://www.maxwaugh.com/sweden07/aurora5.php pictures this guy took with it.

I myself will be going with a 10-22mm, 18-200 (before I started learning about lens) and hopefully the the 50mm f1.4 or the 35mm f1.8(? might be 2).

 

[AcinonyxJG]

Thanks for even MORE help, never thought that people would help me this much, I found this remote --> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hama-Wireless-Remote-Control-Release-ca-1/dp/B001CSNU10/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IK0NWIGD5W9PV&colid=1BOSHU0IVKSLP, does it look like a good choice? I will still look at the ones I have been recommended, as you all have way more experience than me, I would like one that as the apability of timelapse, as I wouldn't mind having a go at that. As for that tripod, the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 looks almost perfect for me, so with a ball head, I will almost certainly buy it, and for a wide angle lens I have decided to go with the Tokina 11-16mm, due to the f/2.8, which I think I will need.

One more question, is it worth the extra money buying the 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM, over the 70-200mm f/4L IS USM? The 70-200mm is one lens I almost certainly will need in the future.

 

[briansquibb]

One more question, is it worth the extra money buying the 70-200mm f/2.8 II IS USM, over the 70-200mm f/4 IS USM? The 70-200mm is one lens I almost certainly will need in the future.

I bought one because of the AF point being better for lens of f/2.8 or faster which helps in lower light. It is a fabulous lens which is very good even when taking pictures at f/2.8, bokeh is very impressive.

 

[AcinonyxJG]

I bought one because of the AF point being better for lens of f/2.8 or faster which helps in lower light. It is a fabulous lens which is very good even when taking pictures at f/2.8, bokeh is very impressive.

I watched a DigitalRev review comparing three of the 70-200mm lenses, and the f/2.8 II is definately the best one, I guess I'll have a bit of extra saving up to do in the next few years I hadn't heard much aout the bokeh on the 70-200mm f/2.8 II, but if it is really good, I have even more reasons to buy it.

 

[Flake]

"I'm looking at a Manfrotto 055CXPRO3, and a very nice ball head to go with it,"

Trust in this, - avoid the Manfrotto legs like the plague! They have cheapened their product to such an extent that it is now nothing like as good as the competition. In addition you will need to buy so many accessories (like the bag & the strap) that by the time you've got the tripod to the spec of competitors, you might as well have bought a Gitzo. I was so disgusted with mine that I sold it soon after I got it, it once would have fallen over for no apparant reason, had I not caught it.

For landscape/portrait I wouldn't use a ball head either, the 3D types are much better as each plane is individually adjustable, there's normally plenty of time to set up the shot, and get it exactly right.

There are two types of remote release - corded & infra red cordless with the corded one you're limited by cable length, but the infra red will only work in front of the camera, and is less effective in bright light. Which ever you use you should shoot with live view enabled as this flips the mirror up & avoids the vibration (mirror slap) giving sharper images.

 

[AcinonyxJG]

"I'm looking at a Manfrotto 055CXPRO3, and a very nice ball head to go with it,"

Trust in this, - avoid the Manfrotto legs like the plague! They have cheapened their product to such an extent that it is now nothing like as good as the competition. In addition you will need to buy so many accessories (like the bag & the strap) that by the time you've got the tripod to the spec of competitors, you might as well have bought a Gitzo. I was so disgusted with mine that I sold it soon after I got it, it once would have fallen over for no apparant reason, had I not caught it.

For landscape/portrait I wouldn't use a ball head either, the 3D types are much better as each plane is individually adjustable, there's normally plenty of time to set up the shot, and get it exactly right.

There are two types of remote release - corded & infra red cordless with the corded one you're limited by cable length, but the infra red will only work in front of the camera, and is less effective in bright light. Which ever you use you should shoot with live view enabled as this flips the mirror up & avoids the vibration (mirror slap) giving sharper images.

I have not heard anything like that with Manfrotto Tripods, so far I've heard almost nothing but good things from the tripod I like and others that Manfrotto produce, but I will be careful with them though, if you say that they could be a problem.
With the head, the ball head would have a pan function, but would not be able to tilt up and down, but would it that much of an issue? Most ball heads have friction control, which allows them to be more precisely positioned. Furthermore, a ball head would probably be more useful to me all round.

 

[Edwin Herdman]

Thanks for even MORE help, never thought that people would help me this much, I found this remote --> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hama-Wireless-Remote-Control-Release-ca-1/dp/B001CSNU10/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IK0NWIGD5W9PV&colid=1BOSHU0IVKSLP, does it look like a good choice?

Wow, it's been a while since I've seen DIP switches in a consumer product. Especially on the top...for the price I'm not sure it's bad, but it looks limited in what it can do. Some other wireless remotes will give much finer control over what you're doing. That doesn't look able to do time lapse.

 

[AcinonyxJG]

Wow, it's been a while since I've seen DIP switches in a consumer product. Especially on the top...for the price I'm not sure it's bad, but it looks limited in what it can do. Some other wireless remotes will give much finer control over what you're doing. That doesn't look able to do time lapse.

I agree, it is quite limited, only able to take single photos and I think if held down for 3 seconds then left, it does long exposure. The only other that doesn't seem to need being pointed at the reciever is a pixel remote --> http://www.pixelhk.com/Proshow.aspx?id=75, but there are mixed reviews, some saying that it is excellent, and some saying it is quite bad, it has a lot of capabilities, including time lapse, what do you think?

 

[friedmud]

I just posted this in response to a similar thread... but thought it fit here as well:

I have an XSi and a 7D and use a 17-55 f/2.8 almost exclusively and can't say enough great things about it. I've used it as a "walkaround" lens all over the world (London, Paris, Sydney...) and it has proven to be a great companion.

If you want to see photos taken with my XSi and that lens you can look here:

http://500px.com/friedmud

I also upload full res versions of all of my photos on Flickr. Here are a couple of good sets taken with the 17-55 and XSi:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/friedmud/sets/72157627889894423/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/friedmud/sets/72157624703902635/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/friedmud/sets/72157624141955305/

 

[AcinonyxJG]

I just posted this in response to a similar thread... but thought it fit here as well:

I have an XSi and a 7D and use a 17-55 f/2.8 almost exclusively and can't say enough great things about it. I've used it as a "walkaround" lens all over the world (London, Paris, Sydney...) and it has proven to be a great companion.

If you want to see photos taken with my XSi and that lens you can look here:

http://500px.com/friedmud

I also upload full res versions of all of my photos on Flickr. Here are a couple of good sets taken with the 17-55 and XSi:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/friedmud/sets/72157627889894423/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/friedmud/sets/72157624703902635/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/friedmud/sets/72157624141955305/

Thanks, I'll have a look through those pictures tomorrow

 

[Kernuak]

I suspect you'll need to get a wideangle of some sort to make the most of Iceland (I haven't been, but would like to), but do a search for Iceland landscapes and have a look at what sort of focal lengths are being used. Flickr is generally good for looking at the EXIF to find out, although not all photographers upload the EXIF.

 

[Caps18]

*Focal lengths on some cameras are not the same as focal lengths on other cameras.

 

[Caps18]

http://www.greatoutdoors.com/photogallery/art-wolfe-photographs-the-southern-ocean-and-south-georgia-island

Some of the wildlife/bird photos can be taken with a wide angle lens. You just have to get really close. See the above for some examples.

 

[AcinonyxJG]

I suspect you'll need to get a wideangle of some sort to make the most of Iceland...

I was thinking this too. Mostly because of the Auroras and the great landscapes. I think the 24mm f/1.4 is the go-to lens to shoot the northern lights.

I was thinking about the Tokina 11-16mm on a 60D the 16mm is equivalent to 25mm, would this be a good lens to use?

 

[candyman]

I was thinking about the Tokina 11-16mm on a 60D the 16mm is equivalent to 25mm, would this be a good lens to use?

Yes. An excellent choice. I am using this lens and enjoy it very much. Good built, constant aperture of f/2.8.

 

[AprilForever]

http://www.greatoutdoors.com/photogallery/art-wolfe-photographs-the-southern-ocean-and-south-georgia-island
Some of the wildlife/bird photos can be taken with a wide angle lens. You just have to get really close. See the above for some examples.

I think he communicates with the animals because they always seem skittish with me. Amazing photos though.

I need to learn this skill!!! ;D