[ehhhwik]

I am going on a trip to Whistler (ski resort 2 hrs outside Vancouver) next weekend with some of my visiting friends from Montreal and I want to ask for some advice with my DSLR.

I am begineer in the DSLR world and most of the lenses I got are from my dad's older Canon EOS 10S SLR, so I am not very sure on which lenses would work best, I will be doing a combination of shooting of people and scenery in the ski hills. If I could bring 3 lenses with me (see equipment list below), which ones should I take, and what are the reasons for your choices?

My equipment list:
- Canon 40D
- 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS
- 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6
- 100-300mm f/4-5.6
- 24mm f/2.8
- 50mm f/2.5

Is there any special care tips I need when I am bringing my DSLR to an environment that can reach -30C/-22F? I am sure the 40D can take a decent beating with its solid construction, but just want to make sure I am handling it properly.

I know there are lots of experts on this forum, so I apologize if any of my questions are childish...

Any advice on camera mode settings and lense choices would be welcome, thanks in advance guys!

[Teshi]

I would go for the 17-85 since its the widest for landscapes. If you want something for sports or closeups, take the 100-300. I would just take the 17-85 since it has IS.

Only thing you need to watch out for is the sudden change im temperature from going out in the cold to back indoors. Take some ziplock bags and keep the camera in there for 20 minutes if going from inside to out or vice-versa.

[The_Blob]

Bring extra batteries because when it's very cold your batteries will not last long at all!!!

[TWiTCHY]

Haha we were planning to go up to Whistler, too, but our family had other plans so we decided not to. Besides, I think we've had enough of this snow back at home in the north west.

[spectrumphoto]

yep... 17-85mm and the 100-300mm are the 2 best lenses to take. Bring a well padded hip bag to stow everything in if you want to take it on the slopes. Bring extra batteries and those disposable hand warmers to help keep batts warm (expect batt life to be about 50% of normal)

Be prepared for lens fogging if you go from really warm to really cold (like at lunch time)

Best thing you need to bring is a circular polarizing filter or 2, it will really help with the snow and getting texture. Also under expose your images about 2/3 to 1 stop (you can set your meter down -2/3 or -1. Having lens hoods will help. And if your body and or lens start acting up, stick them in your jacket close to your body for 10 min and that will warm everything up and probably get things working again...

Have Fun...

[UdubBadger]

3 I'd bring are the 17-85mm the 100-300mm and the 24mm for nice low light sunset landscapes

however you could just condense into just bringing the 28-135mm and then the 24mm. I doubt you'll be using above 100mm for anything scenic

[ehhhwik]

WOW! thanks for all the suggestions guys! ill keep all of them in mind when I go this weekend...

[dcstep]

Keep an extra battery in a warm pocket and recharge everything fully every night. When riding the lift keep the camera warm, but be careful when putting it inside your ski jacket to put the lens cap on and don't get it steamy. Frozen fog on the lens requires a trip to the lodge to heat and dry.

The wide angle lens should yield some stunning mountainscapes. You can rely on cropping to tighten the shots of the kids and lovely ladies.

Dave

[TWiTCHY]

Tell us how it went! I will be going to Whistler next weekend and spend most of my time on the mountain slopes with nothing but my camera and gear so it'd be great to know what worked for you and what didn't.

[Vudoo4u2]

uv filter and a polarizing filter...while doubling up is hardly the recommended for quality, itll save your lens when the choice is either hurt your lens and get an occasional shot, or give up a tiny bit of quality for the sake of saving the water droplets