Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: LennyJ1 on October 18, 2011
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So looking forward to getting in the hills this weekend. I have been selling and buying new gear over the last couple of months. and will plan on testing most almost all of it this weekend. Some of it is to reduce weight for example Jetboil Zip, Thermarest Neo Air, Mini Tripod & Berghaus Paclite waterproof jacket. I also have a Thermarest Pillow whish is a stuff sack reversable. Also sharing my Vango Tornado with Flipmebe to test it in the hill and for the TGOC next year (if we get on it). Will write up review after.
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What tripod did you get Lenny? I'm currently using a Gorillapod for my compact but would like to get a lightweight, portable tripod that can take the weight of my DSLR. I came across the ZipShot (http://www.zipshottripod.com/index.cfm) on PTC's blog which looks interesting. I'd really like to try and lighten up my camera gear as its not seeing anywhere near as much use in the hills as it should. Mind you, I'm not seeing anywhere near as much of the hills as I should ;)
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I got one of these but in Orange 8). I love the Velcro on it and it is next to nothing ing weight.
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Is it not pretty possible that thing wont stand up to much wind? It looks light, which usually means camera shake, especially the way its quite tall.
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Mind you, I'm not seeing anywhere near as much of the hills as I should
haven't you been looking at my pics :D
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Is it not pretty possible that thing wont stand up to much wind? It looks light, which usually means camera shake, especially the way its quite tall.
I only have a compact camera and It has velcro to strap it to trees or post so should be stable enough.
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Got new gear myself needing tested...
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Is it not pretty possible that thing wont stand up to much wind? It looks light, which usually means camera shake, especially the way its quite tall.
If you're talking about the Zipshot, then yes, I'd imagine it wouldn't be overly stable if it was windy. Like all things lightweight I guess its about striking a balance between weight and practicality. In my opinion its better to have a bit of gear that will see plenty of use in the hills with some short comings than a super duper bit of gear at home that never sees light of day because you would require a Sherpa to carry it in the hills for you :D
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Is it not pretty possible that thing wont stand up to much wind? It looks light, which usually means camera shake, especially the way its quite tall.
If you're talking about the Zipshot, then yes, I'd imagine it wouldn't be overly stable if it was windy. Like all things lightweight I guess its about striking a balance between weight and practicality. In my opinion its better to have a bit of gear that will see plenty of use in the hills with some short comings than a super duper bit of gear at home that never sees light of day because you would require a Sherpa to carry it in the hills for you :D
Here Here
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In my opinion its better to have a bit of gear that will see plenty of use in the hills with some short comings than a super duper bit of gear at home that never sees light of day because you would require a Sherpa to carry it in the hills for you
yes i'd love a digital SLR camera but i know i'd never bring it out as i'd opt for the wee camera every time, not necessarily a weight thing, but if i walked round with an SLR in the pocket of my shorts i'd get some funny looks :o
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SLRs are just too bulky and heavy plus you can't keep them overly handy.
In my opinion its better to have a bit of gear that will see plenty of use in the hills with some short comings than a super duper bit of gear at home that never sees light of day because you would require a Sherpa to carry it in the hills for you
yes i'd love a digital SLR camera but i know i'd never bring it out as i'd opt for the wee camera every time, not necessarily a weight thing, but if i walked round with an SLR in the pocket of my shorts i'd get some funny looks :o
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Completely disagree. If you want a good set of photos, you have to sacrifice something. I'd rather work a bit harder and sweat a bit more carrying mine around with me as oppossed to looking back and thinking, 'aw I wish I had of brought it with me that time, that sunset was just amazing'
SLRs are just too bulky and heavy plus you can't keep them overly handy.
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I used to think that before I started summit camping, now every kilo helps.
Dowser and Suspectmonkey both got compact cameras that produced exceptional photos but I think they were in the £400+ range.
Completely disagree. If you want a good set of photos, you have to sacrifice something. I'd rather work a bit harder and sweat a bit more carrying mine around with me as oppossed to looking back and thinking, 'aw I wish I had of brought it with me that time, that sunset was just amazing'
SLRs are just too bulky and heavy plus you can't keep them overly handy.
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Oisin I am with RL on this one, I love my DSLR but it is just to heavy when summit camping and you are carring all yopur camping gear. If I was out on a day hike or a bike ride I would take my DSLR.
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Still not convinced. Maybe its because I'm a bit younger, but I want to get the best pictures I can to remember days.
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The biggest problem I have with a DSLR is carrying it. I've tried all sorts of combinations of straps and slings trying to find a way to carry my DSLR whilst wearing a rucksack. I want a system that makes the camera handy to get to but still protected from the elements if I should take a knock or tumble. I've yet to find some method that doesn't make me feel like the camera case is getting in the way. Worse still is if you have to take your rucksack off to get at the camera. I find this just leads to missing photo opportunities because you can't be bothered stopping to haul your SLR out of its case... again!
Since I bought a compact I've taken far more photos when I've been out. It fits neatly in a small Lowepro case which attachs snuggly to the hipbelt of my rucksack. When I see a photo I can have the camera out, photo taken and back in its case in seconds. This is important when you are walking with a group as no one wants to wait around while you unload you camera kit and compose a photo.
Compacts can take surprisingly good photos... heck mobile phones can take pretty good photos these days! Its all about knowing their limitations and making the most of good lighting when its available. I think Liam has been demonstrating this really well recently - he has been getting some great photos with his compact. There is no doubt the quality and versatility of a DSLR is second to none, but I'm reminded of a quote:
"the best camera is the one thats with you"
Dowser and Suspectmonkey both got compact cameras that produced exceptional photos but I think they were in the £400+ range.
Alas, my wallet isnt as thick as Dowser's ;D My Nikon P300 is currently available on Amazon for £210!
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<insert Nikon/Canon joke here> ::)
Alas, my wallet isnt as thick as Dowser's ;D My Nikon P300 is currently available on Amazon for £210!
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i know nothing about cameras, know someone that does
small compact fit in your hand type, 16mega pixel thing, takes great pics and fits in your hand.
expensive though.
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Hi Jon, take a look at the 5.11 tactical bags, especially the moab range at www.511tactical.com . I know one of the guys got one for his camera and he raves about it.
PS let me know if you like it and i will get you a price. dont go by the website prices.
GF
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<insert Nikon/Canon joke here> ::)
(http://asia.cnet.com/i/r/2008/crave/dc/63002944/canonnikon300.jpg)
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I'm the same; I want to take my dSLR everywhere but it takes up so much space and weight. I've got a compact that takes great pictures but the shutter lag time is painful :o
If I'm going out to take photos I'll try to take my dSLR, if I'd like to capture a pic on the go I'll bring the compact.
I've seen some good bags out there for camera carry.
http://www.heinnie.com/Bags-and-Wallets/Hazard-4-Bags/Hazard-4-Bags-Evac-Photo-Recon/p-281-776-5751/
(http://www.heinnie.com/uploads/closeup1/5751.jpg)
http://www.heinnie.com/Bags-and-Wallets/Hazard-4-Bags/Hazard-4-Bags-Forward-Observer/p-281-776-5423/
(http://www.heinnie.com/uploads/images_products_large/5423.jpg)
I've got the bag below and have set up similiar to this guy. Works quite well :)
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?119497-Maxpedition-Colossus-as-Camera-Bag.-Pic-Heavy
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/swoosh33/IMG_0538.jpg)
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/swoosh33/IMG_0548.jpg)
If you're after a dedicated SLR backpack 7dayshop have one for £16 :)
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_1&products_id=110009
(http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/images/products/prod_110009.jpg)
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Good find on that camera bag for £16
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Quick Review of my new kit:
Tent - Vango Tornado 200: This is not its first trip out but it is the first time it has been out o the hills. I was used as a test to see if TypoOn and I would beable to share it for the TGO Challenge next year. It worked out very well. There was more than enough room inside for both of us and the porch was large enought to make breakfast and hold our kit. One thing I would like to do is get some hoops sewn into the porch to dry kit if it gets wet.
Sleeping Mat - Therm-a-rest Neoair: What can I say, wow best night sleep I have had in the outdoors. was abit of effort to blow it up but it was so comfortable.
Pillow - Therm-a-rest Stuffsack Pillow: yet again Therm-a-rest come to the rescue. I used this stuff sack to transport my sleeping/dry kit and at night reversed it to the soft fleecy side and stuffed it with my fleece and had a grea pillow.
Seat - Therm-a-rest Lite Seat: People are going to start to think I have a Therm-a-rest fettish. As I have a short Neoair I was thinking I would not like to get cold feet so got the Lite seat for my feet. It worked well apart from it moved in the night but still did its job. Also got to use it sitting under the tarp when making dinner. Its very light also.
Cooking System - Jetboil Zip: Get way to boil some water, took no time at all. Made several cups of tea through out the night. Must be carful lifting the mug with boiling water in it as if you drop it over your let it hurts (alot). It is really light weight and I love that it all packs inside itself with ease. I may upgrade the pot to a titanium one but depend on cost.
Waterproof Jacket - Berghaus Packlite II: I was seriouly impressed with how light this jack is. I weighs in just over 300g. Held out the gale force wind & rain I got on the brandy pad that day and dryed out quickly. The condensation was high on the inside but that was down to what I was wearing on the inside. I may buy the packlite trousers as well.
Trousers - Craghopper Venture: Very lightweight and dried out quickly.
New items I didn't get to use was the mini tripod and first aid kit. I will get some use out of the tripod in better weather.