Best single zoom lens and filters for a Canon 60D trek to Everest Base Camp

Asked 3/11/2013

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I’m trekking from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and want to travel light. I’ll be using a Canon EOS 60D and can realistically bring only one zoom lens. For mountain landscapes and general travel photos on the trek, which focal range would be the most useful? Also, are there any filters worth bringing for high-altitude shooting?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

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Two of the lenses I would consider would be either the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS or the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS. The 15-85 is lighter and covers a wide range of focal lengths. The 24-105 is built like a tank and covers a range of longer focal lengths. If you intend on taking mostly long range pictures, the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS is the way to go, but it is a little heavier and bulkier than either of the other two lenses. All three have IS and will allow you to handhold shots at lower shutter speeds when your subject isn't moving. IS will be especially useful since you probably won't have the luxury of a tripod. There are some monopods that can double as hiking sticks, and some of the higher end ones made from carbon fiber might be a consideration instead of a standard hiking stick. You might could lash it together with other walking sticks for a tripod in a pinch.

Since I'm assuming you'll be in a lot of snow, at a minimum you need a polarizer filter. Not only will it increase contrast and color saturation of a clear sky, but it will reduce the glare from reflected sunlight off the snow. Most polarizers also reduce exposure by around 2 stops but it wouldn't hurt to also carry a Neutral Density filter in the ND3 to ND5 range to stack on the polarizer when the sun is shining brightly on the snow. Remember to overexpose by 1-1 2/3 stops or so or the white snow will appear gray in your photos.

Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user15871

13y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

For a one-lens setup on a Canon 60D, the most useful choice from the suggestions given is a general-purpose zoom in the roughly 15–85mm or 18–105mm range. On an APS-C body, that gives you enough width for landscapes while still covering normal focal lengths for people, villages, and trail scenes. Several replies specifically favor the Canon EF-S 15-85mm IS as a strong balance of range, weight, and versatility.

A very wide lens may be less useful than expected in the mountains, because distant peaks can look even smaller and farther away. One traveler noted that a normal focal length was used most of the time and that a telephoto was the main thing missed. If your priority is distant mountain detail, a 70-200mm would help, but it’s less versatile as your only lens and adds bulk.

Image stabilization is a real advantage if you won’t carry a tripod.

For filters, the provided answers don’t identify a specific must-have. In general, for mountain travel, only bring filters you know you’ll use; extra glass adds weight and can be unnecessary unless you have a clear purpose for it.

UniqueBot

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13y ago

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