McNeil Discussion Area > I am going to McNeil in 2006!
Hi Mark. I can't believe it,but my name was drawn to go to McNeil!! My permit time is from July 9-12th. I'm not really an experienced camper, but I'm a dedicated nature photographer. I plan on bringing either a 300/4 with a 1.4 teleconverter or my 400/4. Because of weight, I really don't want to bring both. Which would you suggest? I will be camping in my tent by myself. I'm a bit nervous about bears wandering in the camp. If there's no food, should that be an issue? I'm mainly VERY excited! I still can't believe my name was drawn. About how many areas of tons of mud are there? Is the whole hike to the falls muddy? Please answer my questions. I've enjoyed your web site very much!
April 9, 2006 |
Therese Tusa
Therese Tusa
Therese,
I would bring both. Here is my reasoning on this. Neither lens is very heavy and both should fit nice in a backpack. If 300 is not enough and you put on that 1.4 teleconverter you now have a 420mm f/5.6 lens and to get the best quality out of that lens you would have to stop down a bit to get the best quality out of that lens. Sometimes there is not that much light in Alaska. You knever know.
On the other hand you have a 400mm f/4 you can shoot at f/4 and get some nice images. You can shoot from wide angle to 600mm at McNeil. You just have to be patient to get the right shot.
Don't be nervous abot the bears and sleeping in your tent, you will be fine! Once you get to the falls you can get out of those waders and put on some comfortable shoes. As you can see you need a good pack as well as ways to carry food and water for the day and any thing else that may come up...like rain and wind. Hope this helps!
-mark
I would bring both. Here is my reasoning on this. Neither lens is very heavy and both should fit nice in a backpack. If 300 is not enough and you put on that 1.4 teleconverter you now have a 420mm f/5.6 lens and to get the best quality out of that lens you would have to stop down a bit to get the best quality out of that lens. Sometimes there is not that much light in Alaska. You knever know.
On the other hand you have a 400mm f/4 you can shoot at f/4 and get some nice images. You can shoot from wide angle to 600mm at McNeil. You just have to be patient to get the right shot.
Don't be nervous abot the bears and sleeping in your tent, you will be fine! Once you get to the falls you can get out of those waders and put on some comfortable shoes. As you can see you need a good pack as well as ways to carry food and water for the day and any thing else that may come up...like rain and wind. Hope this helps!
-mark
April 15, 2006 |
Mark Hardgrave
Mark Hardgrave
Hi mark, I won a time slot to go to mcneil 7/21 to 7/24 im Soo excited! I've been looking at your pages and photos and information since december it has all been very helpful. I'm no pro at photography I just bought a canon s2is for the trip becuase it seemed like the best compromise for my budget I hope it doesn't let me down. 35mm equivalent of 36mm to 432mm and its supposed to take video well with stereo sound. I'm really nervous the weather won't cooperate with me but I guess thats the gamble everyone has to take. I am curious about fishing I read somewhere that your friend kevin was going to try fishing while there, how was it? also how often do you use a polarizer at mcneil? just when its sunny I suppose.Any info would be a big help. Thanks for the great website. and have a great trip!
April 17, 2006 |
Brian
Brian
Brian,
Congrats on getting to go to McNeil you will love it! I did not use a polarizer at McNeil because I did not have one for my 300mm 2.8, and it was cloudy most of the time I was there, so I needed all the light I could get. Conditions are always changing at McNeil, so if you have one you can bring it and use it if you want. There will be plenty of time to experiment while you are there.
I don't remember how the fishing was, I do recall several people catching fish while they were there. The rules for fishing are listed with your permit and the Fish and Wildlife guys will tell you what you can and can't do.
Hope this helps!
-mark
Congrats on getting to go to McNeil you will love it! I did not use a polarizer at McNeil because I did not have one for my 300mm 2.8, and it was cloudy most of the time I was there, so I needed all the light I could get. Conditions are always changing at McNeil, so if you have one you can bring it and use it if you want. There will be plenty of time to experiment while you are there.
I don't remember how the fishing was, I do recall several people catching fish while they were there. The rules for fishing are listed with your permit and the Fish and Wildlife guys will tell you what you can and can't do.
Hope this helps!
-mark
April 19, 2006 |
Mark Hardgrave
Mark Hardgrave
Hi Mark,
I just came across your web-site and found it very interesting. I met your friend Kevin Ferris in 2003 at McNeal amd will be headed back again this year my dates are July 9-12, keep up the good work on your web-site.
I just came across your web-site and found it very interesting. I met your friend Kevin Ferris in 2003 at McNeal amd will be headed back again this year my dates are July 9-12, keep up the good work on your web-site.
June 16, 2006 |
Mike
Mike
-mark