Banff Trip Planned - Must Take Lenses?

[hoosierphotoguy]

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I have a summer trip planned for Banff National Park and was hoping someone with experience with that area would recommend any must take lenses for that trip for my SL2s? I have the Vario 24-70 mm, the Summicron 50 and a Sigma 105 mm/macro. Any other recommendations? I should also point out that my spouse will be taking her Q2. Thanks.

[smcmason]

I think the Q2 will get a lot of use there. During my visit, I found myself either wanting to go very wide or very tight. If I could go back with only two lenses, I'd pick a 16-35 (or that Q2), and a 150-600. You will certainly see wildlife there, and the landscapes are huge. Have a great trip!

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[Manicouagan1]

I looked through my Banff images taken with my M cameras,  most were taken with a 24, 35, 50  or 90 mm, so the kit you propose should work well.   The 28mm on the Q2 should get a good workout, most of my favorites were taken with either the 24 or 35mm lenses.  

[Mr.Prime]

The only time that I was there my main lens was 75mm on 6x6 film, close to 44mm equivalent on 35mm if comparing to film diagonal. And it worked very nicely. So my suggestion is 35mm / 50mm. If I missed anything, it was a slightly longer lens.

I would suggest taking a tripod, I found it worth the hassle.

Edited March 7, 2022 by Mr.Prime

[IkarusJohn]

I was there some years ago on a trip from Calgary to Vancouver - we camped, walked Lake Louise and did all the other things one does in a National Park.  I’d agree with @smcmason - I’d go wide, long and middle (not that helpful, I know).  I’d add the 90-280, if you can be bothered.  There isn’t much on offer from Leica, other than the long zoom.

If it were me, I’d take my SL, 24-90 zoom and Elmarit-R 180/2.8 (and, if I had the room, M adapter with 21 Summilux and 50 Noctilux).

[beewee]

9 hours ago, hoosierphotoguy said:

I have a summer trip planned for Banff National Park and was hoping someone with experience with that area would recommend any must take lenses for that trip for my SL2s? I have the Vario 24-70 mm, the Summicron 50 and a Sigma 105 mm/macro. Any other recommendations? I should also point out that my spouse will be taking her Q2. Thanks.

Definitely bring a 16-35. 

It’s in my neck of the woods. Feel free to message me and let me know what time of year you’re going and I can give you some pointers.

[cheuwi]

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Now that you mention it is in your neck of the woods... I know it is off topic but I too am planning on a trip out west this year (fall).  I plan on driving from either Banff or Jasper to Vancouver, is there a more scenic route that you would recommend?  I am planning on taking my time for that stretch so any good route or must see spots recommendations are welcome.  Thanks in advance.

[Ko.Fe.]

18 hours ago, hoosierphotoguy said:

I have a summer trip planned for Banff National Park and was hoping someone with experience with that area would recommend any must take lenses for that trip for my SL2s? I have the Vario 24-70 mm, the Summicron 50 and a Sigma 105 mm/macro. Any other recommendations? I should also point out that my spouse will be taking her Q2. Thanks.

Years ago went where to photograph. It is HUGE space. UWA will help to frame it on inner trails and 90mm or even longer for been in the open. 200mm at least for wildlife.

[beewee]

For wildlife, beyond the little critters, you’ll mostly see ungulates in Banff. Bears are present but they are shy and won’t be anywhere near busy and popular areas unless it’s in the early morning or late evenings. Also, the park will typically have trail closures to give bears and other apex predators space and keep the public safe. I wouldn’t bother carrying anything bigger than a 90-280. The weight will slow you down and make things less enjoyable unless you’re just shooting from a car. Most bear sightings along the road are reasonably close so you don’t need that much reach.

For sheep and other ungulates, just about any standard focal length will give you good images with some nice backgrounds. You should maintain a safe distance (stay at least 150ft or 50m away) and avoid approaching the wildlife to give them space though. In summer time, bear spray is good to have on you but you need to know how to use it.

28 APO SL:

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[beewee]

5 hours ago, cheuwi said:

Now that you mention it is in your neck of the woods... I know it is off topic but I too am planning on a trip out west this year (fall).  I plan on driving from either Banff or Jasper to Vancouver, is there a more scenic route that you would recommend?  I am planning on taking my time for that stretch so any good route or must see spots recommendations are welcome.  Thanks in advance.

Would be helpful to know how much time you have. Some places are harder to access but well worth it if you have the time.

The fall season is very short, about 2 weeks, so it would be good to know which weeks you’ll be in the area. Generally speaking, weather in September can be highly variable. I’ve been snowed on in late August but we’ve also had hot summer-like days in September. That said, in higher elevation areas, it will likely be snow covered to some degree by end of September. If there’s only one thing to know, in the fall, you definitely want to have more options on your list and decide accordingly based on what the weather conditions permit. It’s one of the most scenic times of year but it’s also tricky to plan because of the variability in weather that you can experience. Definitely worth bringing warm clothing, gloves, etc… that would keep you warm in winter conditions but also have warm weather clothing on hand in case we get a heat spell. Generally, nights will be cold and sometimes below freezing depending on elevation and location.

I would prioritize locations based on the following:

• How much time do you have to spend in the area
• How much walking/hiking/scrambling/climbing you’re willing to do, your fitness level and ability to navigate on trails, and what’s your comfort level on exposure
• Whether you prefer to just shoot from the car
• Whether you’re willing to do a bit of backcountry camping or willing to fork out the money for some backcountry lodges
• What kind of images you’re interested in making and how you prioritize them

Last summer, I hiked just under 300km and this winter, so far, I’ve XC skied almost 300km in the area and still exploring new places. I’ve been exploring the area for the last 10+ years so there are an endless number of places to see and photograph. It all really depends on how much time and your willingness to explore beyond the roadside. Feel free to message me and provide details and I can point you to places that would be most suitable. It would be impractical for me to list all the options so it makes more sense to just point you to what might be good options based on your preferences, budget, fitness, etc…

Edited March 8, 2022 by beewee

[Manicouagan1]

As for favorite areas between Jasper or Banff in the fall and the choice of Banff or Jasper and the roads to Vancouver, you have two wonderful choices hard to stay  one is better than the other.    If you are coming from the east the obvious path is to enter the mountains on the TransCanada Highway (1) from Calgary even if you destination is Jasper.    The Icefield Parkway (93) between Banff and Jasper is certainly one of the most scenic roads in North America.   One complications that some of the the most scenic trails in Banff are closed because of bears in September.   Any number of sources will give you ideas for hikes in the Banff, Jasper parks on the Alberta side of the continental divide and in Yoho and Mt Robson Provincial Park on the BC side.    If you are near Mt Robson on Sept 12 check out the foot race to Berg Lake, a couple have been playing Alp Horns at Kinney lake that takes your breath away.    If you go from Banff to Vancouver Glacier and Mt Revelstoke the key spots for photography, if you go from Jasper Wells Grey Provincial Park has very photogenic waterfalls.  

[cheuwi]

Thanks for the info so far... I will PM you two for more questions and insights.

 

[beewee]

Another example of how you can shoot wildlife with a wide angle. This was taken yesterday in Kananaskis country, south of Banff with 16-35 SL @ 35 cropped to around 50mm equiv. FoV.

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[PCPix]

Don’t forget your polariser...

 

The lakes and big skies really come alive with a polariser on moderate wide angles and standard lenses. (Avoid ultra wides with a polariser as you’ll end up with a dark band in the sky)

[aksclix]

One lens might be enough if you shoot your wildlife like this 😌 (not my capture.. haven’t been to Banff yet)

 

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[beewee]

14 hours ago, aksclix said:

One lens might be enough if you shoot your wildlife like this 😌 (not my capture.. haven’t been to Banff yet)

 

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This is on the 93N, on the north end of Bow Lake with the Crowfoot Glacier in the background. It’s one of the places that do tend to be frequented by bears in the early morning and late evenings.

[aksclix]

20 hours ago, beewee said:

This is on the 93N, on the north end of Bow Lake with the Crowfoot Glacier in the background. It’s one of the places that do tend to be frequented by bears in the early morning and late evenings.

thanks!! that helps. I will be going this year or the next!

[beewee]

Since there are people reading this who plan to visit Banff and nearby areas wanting to experience nature and see wildlife, I should mention that when you come to visit, please do not feed the wildlife. This includes birds and chipmunks, and especially bears and other apex predators like wolves.

There’s a saying, “a fed bear is a dead bear.” and the same goes for wolves and other animals that associate humans with food. If these animals start approaching people for food, the park wardens will be forced to either put them down or relocate them. Often, even relocation is a death sentence for these animals because they will be put in a location that they are not familiar with, they will not know where to hunt, and they will often end up encroaching on the territory of another competitor in the area that may kill them.

As wild as it may seem, the entire province of Alberta which is bigger in area than France, and just a bit smaller than Texas, only have about 70-80 wild grizzlies. There are not very many of these animals left in the wild and they need a huge range so please respect their need for space and do not approach them and keep food away and secured in food lockers if you’re camping. 

Edited March 22, 2022 by beewee

[dugby]

Our last precovid holiday in 2019 was to drive Vancouver to Calgary and then up and down the Calgary to Jasper roads twice. Staying in the usual towns was unavoidable, however we did stay at Emerald Lake Lodge which was a brilliant getaway and a memorable highlight.

As we travelled from Australia, I only carried a single lens - M240/50APO, and a backup Hasselblad Stellar. In hindsight I’m glad I only had one lens, which allowed us to enjoy the scenery without me messing around with technology.

We did see 19 of the “must try and see wildlife list”.

Just watch out for the human attacking mosquitoes, we came well prepared with a can of Canadian approved chemical-warfare repellent.

Outback Alberta is like Australia, so keep your car stocked with extra food and water, as getting a snack is not often immediately accessible and can be many hours away.

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Hallo,

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[Eclectic Man]

On 3/30/2022 at 5:02 PM, dugby said:

Just watch out for the human attacking mosquitoes, we came well prepared with a can of Canadian approved chemical-warfare repellent.

I understand that Canadian lumberjacks use Avon 'Skin So Soft'.  I've used it in Scotland and it does work, you do not get bitten where you spread it on your skin, although it is not sold as an insect repellant.