Off up ben nevis, what to bring

darthsmidge

darthsmidge

Messages
76
Name
James
Edit My Images
Yes
Righto, im going up ben nevis next weekend with cadets, and i was going to take just my D80, 18-55 and camera armour as i've got to carry it all on top of a expedition pack and dont want loads of extra weight.

But im thinking, would it be worth hiring a lens, the 18-55 is alright for lanscape, and alright for portraits but not great for either. Was thinking either the sigma 10-20, and just do lanscapey stuff, or hire the 18-200, and be able to do ok lanscapes and decent portraits.

Weight is a bit of an issiue, because im sure by the time im halfway up ben nevis im going to be wondering if its worth dragging the camera up there or just chucking it :lol:

And of course, im only taking the one lens, weather probably wont be nice so im not swapping lenses up there.

So, advise/opinions welcome, thanks :thumbs:
 
darthsmidge said:
Righto, im going up ben nevis next weekend with cadets, and i was going to take just my D80, 18-55 and camera armour as i've got to carry it all on top of a expedition pack and dont want loads of extra weight.

But im thinking, would it be worth hiring a lens, the 18-55 is alright for lanscape, and alright for portraits but not great for either. Was thinking either the sigma 10-20, and just do lanscapey stuff, or hire the 18-200, and be able to do ok lanscapes and decent portraits.

Weight is a bit of an issiue, because im sure by the time im halfway up ben nevis im going to be wondering if its worth dragging the camera up there or just chucking it :lol:

And of course, im only taking the one lens, weather probably wont be nice so im not swapping lenses up there.

So, advise/opinions welcome, thanks :thumbs:
Click to expand...

I'd take a P&S if you have one.
Ben Nevis summit is clear only 30 days per year on average so the odds are stacked against you.

If you must take your DSLR I'd opt for the 10-20mm.
 
darthsmidge said:
Righto, im going up ben nevis next weekend with cadets, and i was going to take just my D80, 18-55 and camera armour as i've got to carry it all on top of a expedition pack and dont want loads of extra weight.

But im thinking, would it be worth hiring a lens, the 18-55 is alright for lanscape, and alright for portraits but not great for either. Was thinking either the sigma 10-20, and just do lanscapey stuff, or hire the 18-200, and be able to do ok lanscapes and decent portraits.

Weight is a bit of an issiue, because im sure by the time im halfway up ben nevis im going to be wondering if its worth dragging the camera up there or just chucking it :lol:

And of course, im only taking the one lens, weather probably wont be nice so im not swapping lenses up there.

So, advise/opinions welcome, thanks :thumbs:
Click to expand...
Torch and mobile phone! also make sure you wear waterproof jacket (even in summer weather can suddenly change)
Camera? P&S with wide angle if possible, I took my Panny FX33 up there and it was ideal!
Have a great time!
 
I'd definitely take the SLR, you'll regret it if you don't and you just happen to see that shot. And take the 10-20. Don't know what kind of bag you will have but a waterproof stuff sac wouldn't go amiss. Also midge repellent. And sun cream for those days when it's hot coz that happens too.
 
Thanks for the reply's everyone, have no worry im packing everything from my survival bag to shorts ;) Were allowed no less with cadets :p

Am really tempted to hire a 10-20 now as i dont have a P&S. :(

Ah well shall have to see what i can do about the 10-20, with a bit of luck i'll have some pictures to share, thanks guys :thumbs:
 
If I was to take a DSLR up Ben Nevis my choice of lens would be something like a 17-85 which would give an ideal focal range.
My choice of camera would be a bridge or compact as you don't want to be bogged down with gear. Theres more important stuff to take up the Ben like map & compass as quite often the top is shrouded in mist and low cloud making navigation tricky without them.
Food, drink, and waterproofs are a necessity. Something warm to wear if you're spending time on top because the body temperature drops like a stone with the sweat of the climb and cold temperatures on the summit.
Hope you get a good day for it.
I met Frank Bruno the last time I went up the Ben.

A wee word of warning - Even though theres a "tourist track" to the summit, its still a major mountain ascent and not to taken lightly
 
Thanks for the concern everyone, but dont worry, im going with a group lead by 2 mountain leaders, and were all fairly experianced in moutain walking and adventure training ect ;)

As for lenses, im going to see if i can secure a 18-105 from a freind, if not, i shall hire the 10-20 :)
 
Right, got the 18-105, decided i wanted the range rather than wide.

Anyway, minibus is off in an hour, not looking forward to the 8 hour drive :gag:

Also turns out were going up via the CMD arete then down the tourist trail, so im hoping for some nice shots on the CMD :D

Well, i'll be back monday, hopefully a few shots to go up.

Bye all :wave:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top