Going to Alaska in 4 Weeks. What Camera Should I Get?

[kallisti]

On some level, any of the choices you are thinking about will be fine. As others have pointed out, more important will be how comfortable you are using whatever gear you take. This extends to your experience as a photographer as well.

I took a Nikon Coolpix S3 on my honeymoon to Greece. Not what I would take now for that trip. But I still walked away with several images I'm happy with.

This one pales in comparison to what I could do now with my current gear when pixel-peeping. Yet it printed well as an 8x10 and is hanging on a wall in my kitchen.

Don't lose sight of the big picture when stressing about body x vs body y, or lens x vs lens y

 

[Menneisyys2]

But with whatever camera I get I plan on going with the 18-140mm lens kit.

That's an excellent kit lens with high resolution. Before going for the Fuji X system (because of the high-quality kit zooms, the very short flange distance (allowing for the use of all legacy lens, even C mount cinema ones) and wonderful low-light performance), I seriously contemplated the D5300 with the 18-140 also because of the quality kit zoom.

----------

I'm actually just thinking about renting a Sigma 10-20mm or Tokina 11-16mm, rather than buying them outright, as I'm not sure how much I would use them once I'm back home.

BTW, why not going right for the Sigma 8-16? It's excellent and isn't that expensive - IMHO, a much better value than the 10-20 from the same manufacturer. (I'm planning to purchase if for myself too, for the Fuji X system, with the Fotodiox pro adapter.)

 

[Dick Whitman]

Denali you'll want more time in than just a day. You can't really make your peace with it in just one day. I wouldn't spend a week in Anchorage, just me.

I have the Tokina 11-16 and like it a lot, but it distorts. It will be fine for landscape, but again I go back to my suggestion that you get one lens (18-200 maybe), stick it on, and just use it. You're going to have a lot of funky pictures to come back and fix and wonder what in the world you were thinking if you start off as a newbie with an 11-16, lol. I run mine through LR and fix the distortion. I use it indoors in settings (family gatherings, etc.) where the 35mm is too tight, but it distorts and will make people look funky if you're not careful. I need to move up to ff.

You might see if Creative Live has a getting started class on the d7100.

I agree that we would really need more time in Denali, but unfortunately the group census is that we try and do it in a day. Given that we're only there for 7 days, I'd rather just skip it. Don't get me wrong I would love to see Denali, but if we're only going to have a few hours after driving to and from, is it really worth it? Also, we won't be spending an entire week in Anchorage but in areas outside the city (e.g. Girdwood, Matanuska Glacier, Chugach State Park, etc.). We booked a dog sledding excursion, which I'm very excited about. I also hope to do some ice climbing and kayaking. I would love to kayak in around some of the ice, but one of the concierges I spoke with said that it's a day long event to kayak to where there's ice.

Would you recommend the Sigma 10-20mm over the Tokina 11-16mm? I think I will honestly rent any extra lenses before dropping $500+ on them. Also, still scared about that banding issue. The D5300 seems to have no known technical complaints, other than that it's more entry-level. I'm tempted to just go with the D5300, put more towards lens and accessories, and then upgrade to the D7200 in the future. But ask me in five minutes and I might be back on the D7100.

 

[xyion1]

I agree that we would really need more time in Denali, but unfortunately the group census is that we try and do it in a day. Given that we're only there for 7 days, I'd rather just skip it. Don't get me wrong I would love to see Denali, but if we're only going to have a few hours after driving to and from, is it really worth it? Also, we won't be spending an entire week in Anchorage but in areas outside the city (e.g. Girdwood, Matanuska Glacier, Chugach State Park, etc.). We booked a dog sledding excursion, which I'm very excited about. I also hope to do some ice climbing and kayaking. I would love to kayak in around some of the ice, but one of the concierges I spoke with said that it's a day long event to kayak to where there's ice.

Would you recommend the Sigma 10-20mm over the Tokina 11-16mm? I think I will honestly rent any extra lenses before dropping $500+ on them. Also, still scared about that banding issue. The D5300 seems to have no known technical complaints, other than that it's more entry-level. I'm tempted to just go with the D5300, put more towards lens and accessories, and then upgrade to the D7200 in the future. But ask me in five minutes and I might be back on the D7100.

For what little its worth, I just purchased a D5300 after shooting a family party with my aunt's D5200. Love the ergonomics and speed. The photos turned out well (if I do say so myself).

Currently have the 18-55 kit lens, and the 35mm f1.8 fixed - I'm thinking of picking up a Sigma 17-50 f2.8 and eventually a Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 (probably refurb for $100).

Wanna get the 17-50 for an upcoming trip through Europe...I have no desire to take more than 2 lenses, the 17-50 & 35 fixed, they'll fit very well in my sling pack.

 

[Cheese&Apple]

I just returned from two weeks in Alaska and loved it...you'll love it.

I carried a lot of heavy gear and have no regrets other than taking a tripod. Remember that you'll have 20 hours of sunlight per day at this time of year so unless you plan on panos, blurred waterfalls or HDR, leave the tripod at home and take one of those visors to block the light for a good nights sleep.

The majority of my shots were wide angle (24-70mm lens on ff body) as the scenery is incredible. I found the wildlife was usually too distant to get a really good shot so I didn’t use my 80-400mm lens as much.

I would go for the D7100. It has a beautiful bright viewfinder the really helps with composition.

Enjoy and take your time to absorb the beauty of Alaska.

~ Peter

 

[BJMRamage]

Thanks, that Joby Strap looks awesome, better than the Rapid R.

If you get the Joby Strap, get their Universal Tripod Mount and be sure the tripod you have/get matches that mount...not all will match.

Anyway, i can easily drop the camera onto a tripod without taking off the strap.

 

[AlaskaMoose]

Debating between the Nikon D5300 and the D7100. Suggestions?

Any camera should do regardless of brand, but I would recommend lenses from ultra wide to at least 400mm, or a very fast 300mm lens with a teleconverter. Wildlife (moose, caribou, and such) will be close enough if you can spend some time on the Parks and Richardson Highways.

If in Fairbanks, drive to Chena Hot Springs Road and look for moose feeding in the ponds near the road. Take a drive to Valdez (from Fairbanks), and spend some time between Donnelly Dome (near Delta Junction) and Summit Lake, specially early in the morning and late in the afternoon. But have plenty of bug spray, or they will eat you alive

 

[Cheese&Apple]

Any camera should do regardless of brand, but I would recommend lenses from ultra wide to at least 400mm, or a very fast 300mm lens with a teleconverter. Wildlife (moose, caribou, and such) will be close enough if you can spend some time on the Parks and Richardson Highways.

If in Fairbanks, drive to Chena Hot Springs Road and look for moose feeding in the ponds near the road. Take a drive to Valdez (from Fairbanks), and spend some time between Donnelly Dome (near Delta Junction) and Summit Lake, specially early in the morning and late in the afternoon. But have plenty of bug spray, or they will eat you alive

When I was in Alaska I asked people if they had seen AlaskaMoose. They kept guiding me to a big brown and very hairy beast. >confused<

 

[ChrisA]

Debating between the Nikon D5300 and the D7100. Suggestions?

If you don't have a use for the Nikon SLR now, before you leave, then don't buy it. An SLR is not a "vacation camera". Yes you can use it as one but the SLR is best used when the purpose of being some place is photography.

I notice you are not even asking about lenses, that is what counts. No one would know if you used a D7100 or a D5300 or a D3300 body by looking at your photos. But the lens would make a difference. and if you used a tripod would make a different (mainly because of the improve time, care and composition in each shot.) If you have a fixed budget for the entire system go for the less expensive body so that you are not skimping on the glass.

No one can give specific advice until you answer these questions

1. What are you planning to take photos of?
2. What will you do with the photos (make large fine art prints, place them on a web site. Store them on your phone,...????)
3. What is your level of experience with photography?
4. What is you budget for Lenses? (the body is the smaller half of the system.)

I think the advice you are getting to get a smaller system is correct. A high-end compact camera would work well too. The Canon G series is good or something else along those lines.

For travel I like to use a pelican case. That way I don't have to baby the gear or hand cary it around. Those case survive a roll down a stairway, falls into water or whatever. I place a soft bag inside the bare hard case with no foam. Then I have a bag to use

DOn't think as a new photographer with a new SLR system you are going to get photos of wildlife close up, eagles in flight and a close up of a moose. Those take all day of waiting and hunting with a long ($2,000+) lens on a tripod. For quick snapshots the smaller compact will do because that is the one you are carrying.

Before you leave, starting today, try and shoot 100 frames of "travel photos" in your home town within 5 miles of where you live. The BEST photos are always the one you take closer to home because you know the area. Then every day run those 100 frames through your post processing work flow and select the best 5 or so shots. Think what could be better, give your self a new self assignment and go shoot 100 more. Maybe you have a Farmer's market and want to tell a story about it or there are flowers at a local park. There are birds near you too. The best times are always close to sunrise/sunset. Really, do this. Shot a few thousand "serious" travel photos BEFORE you leave home. One good assignment is to look at a travel magazine and try and copy the photos close to home. Advice? (1) get closer, (2) repete the last step a few times, (3) don't bother to shoot if the light is not "right", (4) check the background and all four edges of the frame. There are 100 other things but those are the ones most people forget. After those first few 1,000 frames it states to become second nature.

 

[AlaskaMoose]

When I was in Alaska I asked people if they had seen AlaskaMoose. They kept guiding me to a big brown and very hairy beast. >confused<

 

[Dick Whitman]

If you don't have a use for the Nikon SLR now, before you leave, then don't buy it. An SLR is not a "vacation camera". Yes you can use it as one but the SLR is best used when the purpose of being some place is photography.

I notice you are not even asking about lenses, that is what counts. No one would know if you used a D7100 or a D5300 or a D3300 body by looking at your photos. But the lens would make a difference. and if you used a tripod would make a different (mainly because of the improve time, care and composition in each shot.) If you have a fixed budget for the entire system go for the less expensive body so that you are not skimping on the glass.

No one can give specific advice until you answer these questions

1. What are you planning to take photos of?
2. What will you do with the photos (make large fine art prints, place them on a web site. Store them on your phone,...????)
3. What is your level of experience with photography?
4. What is you budget for Lenses? (the body is the smaller half of the system.)

I think the advice you are getting to get a smaller system is correct. A high-end compact camera would work well too. The Canon G series is good or something else along those lines.

For travel I like to use a pelican case. That way I don't have to baby the gear or hand cary it around. Those case survive a roll down a stairway, falls into water or whatever. I place a soft bag inside the bare hard case with no foam. Then I have a bag to use

DOn't think as a new photographer with a new SLR system you are going to get photos of wildlife close up, eagles in flight and a close up of a moose. Those take all day of waiting and hunting with a long ($2,000+) lens on a tripod. For quick snapshots the smaller compact will do because that is the one you are carrying.

Before you leave, starting today, try and shoot 100 frames of "travel photos" in your home town within 5 miles of where you live. The BEST photos are always the one you take closer to home because you know the area. Then every day run those 100 frames through your post processing work flow and select the best 5 or so shots. Think what could be better, give your self a new self assignment and go shoot 100 more. Maybe you have a Farmer's market and want to tell a story about it or there are flowers at a local park. There are birds near you too. The best times are always close to sunrise/sunset. Really, do this. Shot a few thousand "serious" travel photos BEFORE you leave home. One good assignment is to look at a travel magazine and try and copy the photos close to home. Advice? (1) get closer, (2) repete the last step a few times, (3) don't bother to shoot if the light is not "right", (4) check the background and all four edges of the frame. There are 100 other things but those are the ones most people forget. After those first few 1,000 frames it states to become second nature.

I've been thinking about a lot of different lenses actually. Debating between renting or outright buying some of them. The Tamron 70-300mm looks like a beast and is actually priced well. But that money might also be better spent on a Sigma 10-20mm or a Tokina 11-16mm. I realize the Tamron is geared more towards wildlife and distance whereas the other two are better suited for scenery.

I plan on photographing mostly landscapes, but some objects as well. My total budget is $2,000. I don't think that I'm going to get shots that are going to rival seasoned photographers, but I have no doubt that I'll be able to take amazing shots with whatever camera I get.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I've been thinking about a lot of different lenses actually. Debating between renting or outright buying some of them. The Tamron 70-300mm looks like a beast and is actually priced well. But that money might also be better spent on a Sigma 10-20mm or a Tokina 11-16mm. I realize the Tamron is geared more towards wildlife and distance whereas the other two are better suited for scenery.

I plan on photographing mostly landscapes, but some objects as well. My total budget is $2,000. I don't think that I'm going to get shots that are going to rival seasoned photographers, but I have no doubt that I'll be able to take amazing shots with whatever camera I get.

Based on how long you have left, I'd say any of the choices would make sense right now. If you leave it much later, you'll be learning on the job so to speak.

 

[BJMRamage]

I've been wondering if you have placed the order yet.

 

[Dick Whitman]

I've been wondering if you have placed the order yet.

Nope, but tomorrow I swear. Probably gonna go with the D7100.

 

[Dick Whitman]

Ok guys, moment of truth. Any final words, comments, thoughts, advice? Ordering something here shortly.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Ok guys, moment of truth. Any final words, comments, thoughts, advice? Ordering something here shortly.

Do it, do it, do it!
D7100 gets my vote (still)!

On sale as well here
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Pr...ameras/D7100.html?cid=EML-0701-FourthOfJuly-B

 

[Laird Knox]

The Tokina 11-16 is a top notch lens for the D7k series.

 

[BJMRamage]

so.....what did you get?

 

[Dick Whitman]

so.....what did you get?

d5300

 

[Apple fanboy]

d5300

What lens did you get? Where are the first pictures?

 

[Dick Whitman]

What lens did you get? Where are the first pictures?

Welp, I haven't actually ordered the camera yet. I've just decided. Embarrassing, I know. I'm probably going to (finally) order it tonight. For me, IQ was most important, and since the D7100 and D5300 are on par in that respect, it's difficult to justify paying more for the D7100, especially when the whole banding issue, however minuscule, is present. I know this isn't a particular problem in most situations, especially if you're exposing correctly, but just knowing this issue is there, and something to be guarded against, is off-putting. I'm not sure either if I'm tremendously confident in my ability as a first-time DSLR owner to avoid this.

There are a lot of advantages of the D5300 - WiFi, articulating screen, but namely it's great size for traveling. Yes, the body won't be as rugged or weather sealed like the D7100, but I'll only be in Alaska for a week and I plan on exercising caution anyway. Worst case scenario, I have a lighter, more travel-friendly DSLR. By opting for the D5300 now, I can put more towards lenses too.

Maybe I'm totally overthinking everything and every minor little issue (D7100, banding; D5300, focusing), but when I'm spending this much money on a camera for taking pictures on a trip of a lifetime, I want to make sure I'm making the right choice so-to-speak.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Welp, I haven't actually ordered the camera yet. I've just decided. Embarrassing, I know. I'm probably going to (finally) order it tonight. For me, IQ was most important, and since the D7100 and D5300 are on par in that respect, it's difficult to justify paying more for the D7100, especially when the whole banding issue, however minuscule, is present. I know this isn't a particular problem in most situations, especially if you're exposing correctly, but just knowing this issue is there, and something to be guarded against, is off-putting. I'm not sure either if I'm tremendously confident in my ability as a first-time DSLR owner to avoid this.

There are a lot of advantages of the D5300 - WiFi, articulating screen, but namely it's great size for traveling. Yes, the body won't be as rugged or weather sealed like the D7100, but I'll only be in Alaska for a week and I plan on exercising caution anyway. Worst case scenario, I have a lighter, more travel-friendly DSLR. By opting for the D5300 now, I can put more towards lenses too.

Maybe I'm totally overthinking everything and every minor little issue (D7100, banding; D5300, focusing), but when I'm spending this much money on a camera for taking pictures on a trip of a lifetime, I want to make sure I'm making the right choice so-to-speak.

I knew you hadn't ordered it yet! Which glass you going for though. Either of the bodies you mention are both fine.

 

[Dick Whitman]

I knew you hadn't ordered it yet! Which glass you going for though. Either of the bodies you mention are both fine.

Haha, definitely the 18-140mm kit lens and then probably the sigma 10-20mm or tokina 11-16mm.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Haha, definitely the 18-140mm kit lens and then probably the sigma 10-20mm or tokina 11-16mm.

The 11-16 IMO.
I've got more lenses than I know what to do with at the moment (see below).
Now can I see your order confirmation yet?

 

[Dick Whitman]

The 11-16 IMO.
I've got more lenses than I know what to do with at the moment (see below).
Now can I see your order confirmation yet?

It's coming, I swear!

Still debating on whether to outright buy the Tokina 11-16mm or just rent it for my trip. Also, what SD cards would you recommend? Is it better to go with one or two and what size? The only other thing I can think of getting is a rain sleeve and a camera bag, but I might wait and pick one up through Incase. Are there any other accessories I should add? Oh and I have a $250 Amazon gift card that will be applied to this order!