Beijing 2009 - Need tripod for Great Wall? Kind of lens?

[calebk]

...Furthermore, its quite windy up there, so I suspect a tripod might not be as useful as a pair of steady hands on firm support (the wall).
...

If it's windy, wouldn't a human have a hard time holding steady as compared to an inanimate object like a tripod?

...I don't think you need a tripod if you are shooting in the day, unless you are doing long exposures. Then again, why would u do long exposures at the Great Wall?...

Like what Andrew said, try to think out of the box. Also, tripods come in useful for multiple exposure work (like say a 7-stop HDR image).

 

[daredevil123]

Actually, if you bring a smaller tripod up, like one of those 1.5-1.6m aluminium ones. It is not all that heavy. The key is to have a good bag (backpack is the best) for all your gear, and the ability to mount your tripod on the bag. Something like a Primus or flipside would be awesome. You will need your hands for the climb so keeping them free and all your stuff firmly secured to your body is key. Remember to bring water too.

The normal touristy Great Wall site is Ba Da Ling (八大&#23725. On a good day there will be many tourists there. You are going end of Apr, and it means it will be during the Labor day holiday season. The place will be super packed. I would suggest you go to Simatai (司马&#21488, just like the other brother suggested, which is not touristy. Please bear in mind simatai is not really maintained and most parts are not engineered for tourist safety. Most trekkers like to go there. Certain areas are extremely steep and dangerous and some hikers actually fell to their deaths there at a very steep spot. If you go to Simatai, please use common sense, and do not take risks. Walk firmly, take your time and stay safe. There are no life guards or rangers there. It is totally deserted except for other fellow hikers. And you have to hike a good several hours to see the best spots. However, risk and work comes withgreat reward. The view is amazing as you see steep cliffs, broken walls, all without annoying tourists walking around.

 

[efyap]

Hi! Here is a link I found with some fantastic clouds. With stills and moving one. Imagine that with the Great wall. :-}

http://www.pbase.com/sadie04/clouds_and_storms&page=all

http://www.pbase.com/gilazouri/china

Imagine and Create. :-}

Wow, will try but dun think can create this with my current skill level. :sweat:

 

[ziploc]

A tripod will be useful for shooting HDR and panorama, if you're fit enough to carry it.

 

[zoossh]

Hi! Here is a link I found with some fantastic clouds. With stills and moving one. Imagine that with the Great wall. :-}

http://www.pbase.com/sadie04/clouds_and_storms&page=all

http://www.pbase.com/gilazouri/china

Imagine and Create. :-}

hahaha.... sometimes cannot just use imagination. some locations have different climate and weather, and hence will not be the same or significantly much much rarer.

 

[tomcat]

Actually, if you bring a smaller tripod up, like one of those 1.5-1.6m aluminium ones. It is not all that heavy. The key is to have a good bag (backpack is the best) for all your gear, and the ability to mount your tripod on the bag. Something like a Primus or flipside would be awesome. You will need your hands for the climb so keeping them free and all your stuff firmly secured to your body is key. Remember to bring water too.

The normal touristy Great Wall site is Ba Da Ling (八大&#23725. On a good day there will be many tourists there. You are going end of Apr, and it means it will be during the Labor day holiday season. The place will be super packed. I would suggest you go to Simatai (司马&#21488, just like the other brother suggested, which is not touristy. Please bear in mind simatai is not really maintained and most parts are not engineered for tourist safety. Most trekkers like to go there. Certain areas are extremely steep and dangerous and some hikers actually fell to their deaths there at a very steep spot. If you go to Simatai, please use common sense, and do not take risks. Walk firmly, take your time and stay safe. There are no life guards or rangers there. It is totally deserted except for other fellow hikers. And you have to hike a good several hours to see the best spots. However, risk and work comes withgreat reward. The view is amazing as you see steep cliffs, broken walls, all without annoying tourists walking around.

And if you are at Badaling, do resist the temptation to jump down to the ground... or get blown off or fall off the Great Wall there unless you want to end up like this guy... as dinner for the tigers. :bigeyes:
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2009/200903/20090309/article_393545.htm

 

[Andrew Ng]

hahaha.... sometimes cannot just use imagination. some locations have different climate and weather, and hence will not be the same or significantly much much rarer.

Absolutely agree. Time of the day and season are important. Sometimes... just have to come back again... Sometimes.. may just hit the GOLD! What is most unbearable is that when the Gold is there.. we do not bring the 'Tools' to dig it. AI WAN!!! else ... just make the best of the shoot. :-}

Cheers!