Just got a great invite from the owner of "Daytona"

[MiniChris]

All the boats in that row are long-line commercial fishing vessels. The owner of the fleet, is coincidently the owner of the Daytona. I took him a copy, and as I told him, it was pennace for trespassing. Long story short, he really liked the photo.

This morning, I got an email from him asking if I would like to accompany he and his crew for a three-day fishing run after school lets out and that he would pay me to do a thorough photo journal of the trip. Of course, I said yes. Now, the questions.

I am thinking my 50mm and very possibly the kit 18-105 lens (I shot all my air show pics with it), but I am also thinking a good wide angle for all the tight quarter stuff. a 35mm prime would probably do the trick, but it is out of my price range right now....and would really like the 12-24 but like the 35, out of my pricing range right now.

I need some good suggestions. The 18 part of the 18-105 is okay, but it is a slow lens and would require a higher ISO...I generally like to shoot 100-200 ISO but I am told on the boats, a lot of work is done at night or early am. With that in mind, I will probably get a speedlite but not sure on that model either...any help there would be twice as much knowledge as I have right now.

If anyone has done such an event, anything you could share would be graicously appreciated.

[ktuli]

Chris,

One word of advice for you.

Rent.

- Bill

[MiniChris]

There isn't a rental place within 300 miles of where I live.

[ktuli]

There are plenty of rental places that will ship to you.

Though I have to be honest and admit that I've never used one before. But that is the advice I've received from multiple places when looking to buy a new lens. Figured it was worth passing on.

The other piece of advice is the route I normally go... research the heck out of it, debate and debate until the last possible minute, then put it on the credit card. That's what I did with the $6k purchase of gear to take my 7D underwater in Indonesia a few months ago.

Either way, you make sure you have the gear you need for those 'once in a lifetime' opportunities.

- Bill

[Donald]

Don't forget plenty of cards and batteries (but I know you know that already).

Working in that confined space, I'd agree something like the 12-24 could bring benefit. Can't advise on rental though.

[ilovelucydog]

There isn't a rental place within 300 miles of where I live.

No rental place and no Ben and Jerry's.

[MiniChris]

I have a slew of cards (2-8gb and 6-4gb), but have to buy at least one or two more back-up batteries. Of course, the D7000 takes a completely different battery than any of the other Nikons, so will have to make all new purchases.

Bill: I will look into the rental idea, though, honestly, I have been eyeballing a 12-24 or 10-20 for quite sometime...even intrigued with the 35mm prime.

[Nomadr]

all depends on what they are fishing for, marlin ? nice long lens, maybe not marlin tho, go for a wide angle to show what its like on board,defo take a tripod for night photo's, a cheap sb600 will suffice for any flash shots that you may want to carry out,
your 50mm is a "human eyes view of the world"
just try and remember its mainly about capturing a photo journal, plenty of black and white, sarwesters strewn by the southern seas,.winds blowing ,close ups of the catch being sorted, etc etc,
its a chance in a lifetime, you can do it chris, cheers martyn

[thienthu]

Chris
For the extra battery try Amazon, it's not Nikon but works fine to me .
Have you look at this ??
http://prophotorental.com/Default.asp?c=12260

[MiniChris]

all depends on what they are fishing for, marlin ? nice long lens, maybe not marlin tho, go for a wide angle to show what its like on board,defo take a tripod for night photo's, a cheap sb600 will suffice for any flash shots that you may want to carry out,
your 50mm is a "human eyes view of the world"
just try and remember its mainly about capturing a photo journal, plenty of black and white, sarwesters strewn by the southern seas,.winds blowing ,close ups of the catch being sorted, etc etc,
its a chance in a lifetime, you can do it chris, cheers martyn

these are longliners...no marlin or other big fish sans the occasional monster tuna. I was thinking more along the lines of a monopod but may rethink back to the tripod. If I went for the more expensive flash, what would you recommend?

[MiniChris]

Chris
For the extra battery try Amazon, it's not Nikon but works fine to me .
Have you look at this ??
http://prophotorental.com/Default.asp?c=12260

Looks like a good rental site...and they have exactly what I want. Thanks for the link!

[Marie Hass]

Chris - also check out

lensrentals.com

Some of the pros I know have used them and are quite pleased.

And try Radioshack for your extra battery. You may be able to order what you need. I got an extra battery from them for a reasonable price, no cost for shipping.

[Donald]

If your going for a flash and can stretch the budget, then I would suggest the 580 EX II. You're going to get more power and, ultimately, more versatility.

[maloufn]

Chris. I envy you. These dont come around often. I have no doubt you will will excel. Just do your homework. Ask the questions about the trip and what you are likely to be photographing most. I am sure you will need a fast wide angle lens and definitely a 580EX2. Rent or buy but be prepared with backup plans. Just some advice from a novice.

Nasseem

[Letrow]

Lots of advice already, so I'll stick to anti-seasickness pills.

[Wirefox]

580EX2

How compatible is that with a Nikon camera? That aside with potential for bright sunlight and incidental light from water I would say flash is advisable for fill. I just know someone is going to write me a long response about compatibility of Canon speedlites with Nikon bodies

Sounds like a great gig Chris. Good luck and most of all relax and enjoy yourself...it will show in your photos

[ilovelucydog]

It does sound like a great gig... is there room for one more?

[MiniChris]

Just got the extra batteries (I needed more for my summer trip, anyway) and a friend has a very good speelite I can borrow, and I think I am just going to stick with the lenses I have along with a wide angle 12-24, I just bought from the same friend with the flash.

My doctor is prescribing dramamine patches, the same kind I make passengers in the Mini wear when I am doing the "Midnight on the Dragon" run...

Afraid there is no more room - I think as it is some poor guy is going to have to sleep in a hammock up deck for me to go and those berths are right narrow...though, hmmmm....nevermind.

[Chesil]

Great invite, should be an adventure and a lot of fun.

If possible, I'd also take a macro. There is likely to be some great close up detail shots when the action is done.