Going to photograph some a live volcano.. Help!

The_blue · 20 Aug 2012 at 16:58

In 3 weeks i'm off off to Stromboli on the northern coast of Sicily.

I want to get a shot like this or better...

Exposure 20
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 175 mm
Focal Length 174.5 mm
ISO Speed 200

no exif

I'm taking the tripod and Canon 30D but think I'm gona need a new zoom lens, my old siggy is sick and not worth the repair..

I've looked at the canon 18-200 IS, tamron 18-270 and siggy 18-200 (i think).

All seem much of a muchness in that bracket.. I'm looking at 2nd hand.

Has anyone done it and have any tips? Has anyone got any comments on the lens options?

howler · 20 Aug 2012 at 17:20

Have you considered a Canon 55-250?

The_blue · 20 Aug 2012 at 17:43

yeah, a little. I'm hoping for a walkaround single lens solution.

Dj_Jestar · 20 Aug 2012 at 17:49

I've nothing to add other than that is going to be an epic trip

Auraomega · 20 Aug 2012 at 19:54

The Tamron 18-270 is a pretty good lens for an all-in-one solution for walkabout, it's compact and relatively lightweight, the only downside is it's a bit stiff around the 200mm mark. The stabilisation is better than some of the other brands too if that makes any differences to you.

pecnarf · 20 Aug 2012 at 20:49

i would recommend the canon 70-200mm l f/4 IS it a very good lens plus a nd4 grad filter

update: had little more time to think. a nd filter with a Polarizing filter should help as the nd will allow for increase exposure time and the Polarizing filters when used correctly will cut down on any unwanted glare & reflections. now as you going to be some distance from the target a focal lengths between 200-300mm should do the trick. plus a remote shutter cable.

The_Abyss · 21 Aug 2012 at 00:32

Have you considered insurance... of all kinds?!

doug17 · 21 Aug 2012 at 02:45

I don't know anything about photography...but good luck lol.

Amp34 · 21 Aug 2012 at 06:24

pecnarf said:
i would recommend the canon 70-200mm l f/4 IS it a very good lens plus a nd4 grad filter

update: had little more time to think. a nd filter with a Polarizing filter should help as the nd will allow for increase exposure time and the Polarizing filters when used correctly will cut down on any unwanted glare & reflections. now as you going to be some distance from the target a focal lengths between 200-300mm should do the trick. plus a remote shutter cable.

I don't think reflections and exposure length is going to be an issue tbh. To get that type of shot you're looking at shooting at night so exposure length isn't really an issue. An ND filter may be of use on occasion though. OP I think you should look up a couple of star trail tutorials as it will use a very similar technique. I've only managed to shoot them from a distance and used a 12-24mm lens for some shots of the volcano against the night sky then a 75-300 to get a closer view of the flows.

A good sturdy tripod will be essential and as I mentioned before read up on shooting star trails, it will give you a good grounding.

I'm jealous, not least because I'm current within visible distance of one of the most active volcanoes in the world, except it's been dormant for the last two years, nothing but a puff of steam!

Phate · 21 Aug 2012 at 07:00

The_Abyss said:
Have you considered insurance... of all kinds?!

I'd echo the comments of others tbh. Canon 70-200 all the way, produces fantastic images.

Phate · 21 Aug 2012 at 07:01

Amp34 said:
I'm jealous, not least because I'm current within visible distance of one of the most active volcanoes in the world, except it's been dormant for the last two years, nothing but a puff of steam!

Call me ignorant, but where do you live?

jonneymendoza · 21 Aug 2012 at 07:44

doug17 said:
I don't know anything about photography...but good luck lol.

what are u doing in this side of the forum then

mithrandir · 21 Aug 2012 at 07:49

Don't forget a good bag of marshmallows and a very long stick

The_blue · 21 Aug 2012 at 22:30

Thanks guys!

Don't think i'd get the use out of the 70-200

I travel light and that would take too much room up.

I've gone for the Tamron 18-270mm, if i don't like it it's back on the bay

Mark H · 21 Aug 2012 at 23:53

The_blue said:
Thanks guys!

Don't think i'd get the use out of the 70-200 I travel light and that would take too much room up.

I've gone for the Tamron 18-270mm, if i don't like it it's back on the bay

Have a great trip, looks like you will be in for a spectacular sight!

Amp34 · 22 Aug 2012 at 05:11

Phate said:
Call me ignorant, but where do you live?

Live? Hertfordshire. I'm currently on holiday though so not there!

The_blue said:
Thanks guys!

Don't think i'd get the use out of the 70-200 I travel light and that would take too much room up.

I've gone for the Tamron 18-270mm, if i don't like it it's back on the bay

The 70-200 really isn't that big, although a single lens is something that can be mighty useful when travelling and not having much time to get a shot (as the last two weeks can attest). You will however get much better image quality out of the 70-200. I'm guessing the long end of the Tamron will be rather poor?