jbledsoe Offline Upload & Sell: Off
|
Since this isn't a photography trip but rather a trip with non-photographers AND not during prime wildlife seasons...
It's your first time and unless you know for sure the other four will enjoy the wildlife as much as you, I'd leave the 600 at home and take a 100-400, even if you have to rent it.
This will allow you get get all the wildlife shots you're likely to get that time a year and only missing some opportunities the 600 will afford. This makes taking your gear much easier too. When you go the next time (and you most certainly will after your first trip), you'll know to make your trip revolving around photography rather than a group site seeing event with some photography worked in.
The reason is because with that few days you'll be either missing lots due to spending too much time in one place photographing, or you'll be spending far less so you can see all the main areas. That six days in YNP are just enough to do a really nice job of seeing everything on the figure eight and up the Lamar to the top of Beartooth (which I imagine will be open that early).
First week in September is almost like going in summer, most of the wildlife will still be up high. Varies year to year, but that's pretty early for lots of wildlife. Don't get me wrong, you'll still see wildlife, but nothing like you would see a little later in Sept or in June.
When I've done family trips we usually plan areas to see in 1/2 day sections, seems to work well. If you're up north two days I'd plan a day for the Lamar and Beartooth, or at least work up to Cooke City for lunch (or early dinner if you get tied up with some good viewing/shooting). Or Lamar and Tower in the same day. Mammoth is best in the morning and if you really want to see it plan 1/2 day just there so you can walk all the features top to bottom. There might be some color in the aspens just above that and the road south towards Norris is good for wildlife early and late if you are up that way. Nothing like Lamar, but I've got some really nice griz shots up there other months of the year.
you can eat up a whole day in Canyon without trying. the pass can be good for bear and elk, but I've only been there late Sept so 1st week might be way too early.
You'll probably wish you spent lots more than 2 days in the Teton's, but it certainly will wet you appetite to go back. Given how early it is, yeah I would have to agree that 4 days in each would be better, but that's focusing more on landscapes and seeing many of the sights the first time.
when I was walking with a group I found my 24-120 was great, not the best lens but certainly covered the range really well so I would suggest something to cover like 24-105 along with your wide and long glass. you won't likely use the 24 or 50 at all unless you want to use the wide 1.4 for indoor shots of the lodges.
If you don't take the 600, then you're question is easy for tripod. Trust me, you'll want the tripod and ball for all the water/thermal features and of course night work. I used my tripod on lots of boardwalks, but yes you have to wait for everyone to leave since even one person walking will cause obvious shaking. This week you might still have tons of people so many places a tripod might just be a bad idea for that reason. Early and late seem to work well as many folks don't get out early and seems they like to go to dinner early. If you're out these times you'll have little problem working in your shots. Keep your own party in mind, if they are with, then just wait for them to walk to the next section and get your shot when the boards are quiet.
Oh remember if you're shooting thermals for lots of steam and better light than early/late, but if you want the great colors and the features not covered in steam then the hot time of day means less steam. A CPL is pretty much required for thermals, especially if you want to get all the detail down in them.
If you will be hiking even short distances outside the main tourist areas, carry bear spray, know how to use it and when, and make sure it's right there in front where you can get to it. There's lots of short hikes (1-4hrs) you all can make that you'll likely all really enjoy, but go prepared. Grebe Lake between Norris and Canyon are great for anyone, also Trout Lake at the north end of Lamar where it narrows.
Hope this helps!
Jeff
|