Taking my first trip to Yellowstone (and salt flats) and wondering what I should and shouldn't take. I will be flying and no checked bags so size is a bit of a premium. Hoping to get some nice landscapes, some wildlife, and just family stuff.
I've rented the Nikon 100-400 S and a 1.4 TC. But I do I still make room for the 70-200 S ii?
What about the 14-24 or 24-70? Do I need both or just one? Im thinking 14-24 and maybe the 35 1.8,50 1.8, or the 58 1.4.
When it comes to wildlife in Yellowstone, they tend to be very close crossing the road in front of you or rather distant. The 100-400mm + 1.4x should be fine. You can also use it for isolation shots along with your 14-24 for grand view landscapes. One of those fast primes would be nice if you want to photograph your family though the other lens can do that. If you are going during the summer, the most important thing to bring is patience as people will slow down to a crall or stop if they see anything creatures and this is quite common.
I have been in Yellowstone over 20 times over the last 25 years and ended up using everything from 14mm to 800mm. Landscapes are abundant and the lens choice would depend on your style.
Wildlife is plentiful and ... wild. I've used wide angles for bison walking right by my car on the road at 'bison-jams', various lenses for wildlife landscapes, short to long telephoto lenses for animals further away. It is extremely variable and mostly depends on luck. Bears likely will need over 600mm. Wolves over 1000mm and so on. But I know people who have some excellent wolf portraits with a 200mm from a car...
Remember to stay at a distance and do not try to pet the fluffy cows (nor other wild animals). More people get gored by bisons every year than attacked by bears. Carry bear spray if you hike, especially if you go further than 5 minutes away from parking lots. Read the park newspaper or online info about park etiquette.
And, as you drive through the park, every time you encounter cars stopped (and you will often), there will be some wildlife nearby. So slow down, park safely and enjoy.
I was living next to Yosemite for 40 years. Bur yosemite had to share me with Yellowstone. I can't count number of times I flew there from California. If I was you I would keep myself free from to manycamera access. Here is the most I would take: 100-400 and 1.4 tc , 24-70. keep your light and enjoy.
Bob
