Planning a trip to Yellowstone

[nemesis256]

So I'm just starting to plan a trip to Yellowstone for next June. My primary concern is what I should have for a telephoto lens for shooting wildlife. I'm planning on buying the new Nikon 55-300mm lens, but will this be long enough? I thought about getting a teleconverter, but then I read that I would be losing autofocus on the long end due to the smaller aperture.

I most likely will not be going out to look for/wait for wildlife. I'm hoping to be able to catch a good amount of it from the road. From what I've read, this shouldn't be too hard (please confirm this).

Any other tips?

[Photologyst]

Wildlife viewing is an early morning, late after noon activity.

If you are not planning to hike, you will miss a great deal. Wildlife from a car is iffy, but there are turnouts.

Be sure to visit Lamar Valley if you wish to see wolves, with luck that is.

Take strong binocs and telephoto lenses.

Yellowstone Wolf Bear Safaris Guided Wildlife Viewing Tours



Bearman's Guide To The Wildlife Of Yellowstone Park

Yellowstone National Park Wildlife - The Total Yellowstone Wildlife Page

[Krusty79]

Post #500 - Yellowstone revisted

I have posted 7 images of Yellowstone in the above thread, with 4 wildlife shots. Yes, you can see tons of elk and bison from the road. They will be blocking the road at times. Most of the large mammals are in the Lamar and Hayden valleys. You will see the pullouts starting to fill up in the late afternoon as folks get their spotting scopes and telephoto lenses out. I was there for 11 days last year and saw bison, elk, deer, a bald eagle in its nest, a black bear, a grizzly bear and even a wet badger on the road that we didn't recognize at first. When they're close to the road, you don't need a telephoto, but when they are off in the distance, you will want one. I only have an 18-55, so my friend with the 75-300 took the distant shots.

Don't get closer than 25-30 yards of the elk and bison. You don't want to be first in line if it charges. Actually, the elk are pretty mellow, but the bison can be ornery (I think there's a video on YouTube of someone getting tossed).

Did you see my other post of a bear chasing a burnt bison down a park road in Yellowstone?

Bear chasing half-mauled bison in Yellowstone

[nemesis256]

thanks for the links, very useful information.

Does anyone have opinions on whether or not 300mm is close enough?

[RichardTaylor]

It all depends if you want those stunning close ups or wildlife in a scene.

(1) It will be fine for pics like this.


For the stunning close ups it will be short otherwise 300mm is OK for the larger wild life, if it is relatively close.
It can be a bit short for the smaller wildlife or wildlife at a distance.

I had a 70-300, however if I was ever able to visit again I would take my 100-400. (I am a canon shooter)

This is what you can expect.

(2) Pic taken by my wife with a P&S (at Mammoth hot springs)


(3) This was what I got with a 17-85.


(4) In the grounds of the hotel at Mammoth - Taken with a 70-300










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[lil red bird]

look at maybe renting a nice lens for a few weeks that way you can get a pro lens for cheap( all things relative of course)

[kianblue]

I have lived near Yellowstone for the past 15 years and that is our favorite destination. Don't skimp on a good lens, you will regret it, I promise you that. My next trip I plan on at least a 400. This was my first year with my new SLR and I used a 18-55 and a 55-200, I regretted not getting my 400.

As mentioned early morning and evening are the best viewing, but you never know with Yellowstone. You will quickly learn what a "Bear Jam" is from a "Elk Jam". Be sure to walk over fishing bridge, the fish in the water are incredible to view.

Hayden and Lamar have been successful for us with the Wolves and the Grizzlies. Go out the North Entrance into Gardiner, be sure to keep a lookout on the mountains there, Big Horn Sheep are common in that area.

Drive slow and do not be in a hurry and be sure to take the road past Canyon going toward Tower Falls, lots of incredible scenery there. I was last there in July and the Bears were out with cubs then, keep a lookout though June may still be early.

Add Artist Point to your itinerary and do not miss the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

Seeing Wildlife from the road is hit and miss anytime. Watch for traffic and pull all wheels off the road, you will be warned and ticketed by the Ranger.

Do not get close to the Bison, I was lucky and got a incredible picture of one rolling. I was on a planked bridge and it was perfect timing. This last visit I used a Tripod which made a huge difference unless you are using the pre programmed modes.

Most of all have fun! We just moved from there and I already miss it. Yellowstone is truly unique and beautiful.
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