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07/24/2009 04:45:01 PM · #1 |
I'm going up to NC for a few days in about 2 weeks. I'm wondering if it you all thinks it would be beneficial for me to 'rent' a lens for the trip? I have 2, and am normally constantly changing between them depending on what I'm doing. I'd really rather not have to change them constantly.
Any certain filters that would be beneficial to waterfall/mountain pictures?
I'm still learning all this camera stuff...so...:-)
Any advise on what to get, or any advise on sites that rent out Nikon len's for a few days would be grealty appreciated.
Message edited by author 2009-07-24 16:45:38. |
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07/24/2009 04:49:35 PM · #2 |
| I have recently purchased lens from a used dealer, they have a reputation to protect therefore I have found the 2 that I am currently dealing with very helpful and informative.. I was able to purchase my Macro lens for about the same amount of $$ that I would have rented one for two wks...it has been a good choice for me so far... |
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07/24/2009 05:42:33 PM · #3 |
Where you are going in NC? I was born and raised in Asheville, then lived in the Raleigh area (Garner, actually, and commuted to RTP for work) for about 8 years. Love the whole state. Are you looking for places to shoot?
Lenses -- the two you have cover a nice field of view. They are a little slow, but for outdoor/well-lit shots, you won't have any problems.
ETA - I just re-read your post, and understand your concern about switching lenses all the time. I'd recommend considering the Nikon 18-200/3.5-5.6VR; it would have very similar angle of view to the combined lenses you have now. Would still be slow for low-light, but it's a great walk-around / vacation lens. Just be careful to switch your VR off when you're set up on a tripod.
Filter -- linear polarizer would be helpful for some water shots, to eliminate glare and reflections, but that's about it. Maybe a graduated neutral-density for some landscape shots. But, if you're "still learning all this camera stuff," as you say, both might be more trouble than they are worth.
Rental -- Unless you're really unhappy with your current lens selection (which I would only worry about if you need to do anything in low-light), I wouldn't worry about it. Depending on where you're going in NC, I can probably refer you to a couple of places that are good renters. (I'd recommend renting *there* vs. traveling with a rented lens).
Message edited by author 2009-07-24 17:49:40. |
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07/24/2009 08:07:05 PM · #4 |
| I might just stick to my 2 lenses and deal with switching when needed. I'm planning on going to the Brevard County area for some nature/waterfalls. Then we are planning on going up to Grandfather Mountain the next day...being from Florida we don't get much moutains or waterfalls to look at |
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07/24/2009 08:39:25 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by Mystafet:
I might just stick to my 2 lenses and deal with switching when needed. I'm planning on going to the Brevard County area for some nature/waterfalls. Then we are planning on going up to Grandfather Mountain the next day...being from Florida we don't get much moutains or waterfalls to look at |
If you're going to do waterfalls, get a neutral density filter.
Lenses?
I use one.....18-200 VR
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07/24/2009 11:20:23 PM · #6 |
| Need to got to Mast General Store...and over in Highlands are there are some wonderful waterfalls all over... |
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07/24/2009 11:51:56 PM · #7 |
I generally carry two lenses with me:
Nikon 18-200 VR
Sigma 10-20
And I carry a Cokin filter system (the single slot wide angle adapter) and a graduate neutral density filter to compensate for the brighter sky (the HiTech one is much better than any of the Cokins; more expensive, but doesn't scratch as easy, so it lasts much longer).
And a tripod, necessary for waterfall shots.
If it's really sunny out or bright out, a ND filter set for the Cokin system will let you increase exposure time. But better yet, just go to the beach and wait for a cloudy day.
If you're near Jockey's Ridge State Park, I suggest you go there an hour or two before sunset. (Sunrise is a bust, trust me.) You will find hang-gliders there, beautiful sand, a great setting sun over the dunes. That was the highlight of my trip to NC.
 
More Hang Gliders here. Unfortunately, it was too windy the day I was there so there was limited HG.
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07/24/2009 11:55:48 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Mystafet:
I might just stick to my 2 lenses and deal with switching when needed. I'm planning on going to the Brevard County area for some nature/waterfalls. Then we are planning on going up to Grandfather Mountain the next day...being from Florida we don't get much moutains or waterfalls to look at |
(karmat whispers -- Brevard is in Transylvania County, there is no Brevard County in NC)
If you want to shoot waterfalls in the daylight, and you want to use a longish exposure, you will probably need a ND filter or a polarizer or something to allow you to have the exposure you want without blowing highlights.
Places to shoot --
Looking Glass Falls between Brevard and Waynesville on Hwy 276 is nice. Curvy, very curvy so if you have bad brakes or a tendency to get carsick, be careful. Along that same route are the Pink Beds (a nice hike) and many, many trails as well as the Cradle of Forestry. You can also take this route from Brevard and get on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This will take you to Grandfather Mountain, but it will take you a LONG time. :) The trip is about 2 - 3 hours if you go "main roads," but could take you 5 or 6 (or more) if you travel the BRP.
DuPont Forest, about 15 minutes south of Brevard, also has several nice trails and waterfalls, etc. to shoot.
You can take hwy 64 to the Highlands/Cashiers/Franklin area -- more great falls, but this could take about 1/2 a day to drive.
And like Ja-9 said, the Mast general store (there's one in Boone, Waynesville, Hendersonville, and Valle Crucis, maybe more) is cool.
In the Grandfather Mountain area, there are some neat places like the Linn Cove Viaduct to shoot (it's also on the Parkway).
Looking Glass Rock from the Blue Ridge Parkway 
Hooker Falls, DuPont Forest, Transylvania County
Looking Glass Falls on Hwy 276
Just down from the Parkway in Haywood County (north of Trans. county)
Linn Cove Viaduct (not summer, obviously) |
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