@grdwyer wrote:
Crap, I do have a manfrotto tripod, and a gimbal head also. I also have a extender, 2x. Don't know if it will be necessary, but I have in nonetheless.
Anything else? I truly appreciate any advice. (Other than take up golfing 🙂 )
You're on the right track by sticking with the XTI. Worst thing you could do is pick up a completely new camera on the day of the trip. Though, I agree with eBigg's suggestion to get a T3i or T5i. It's a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of the trip and 500mm lens rental. You can get a refurbished T3i, from Canon, with warranty for pretty cheap. Unfortunately the just had a sale on refurbished, but still, $400 isn't that bad:
http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras/eos-rebel-t3i-...
If it was me, I'd take an ultrawide lens (like the new 10-18 STM), a decent standard zoom, a telephoto (that 500 is going to be awesome), and a fast prime for night. A fast wide angle would be great for the stars. I'd make sure to have polarizers that fit all my lenses (use step-up rings); between the expansive sky, water, glaciers, potentially snow - you've got a lot of reflecting surfaces. I'd also take a couple neutral density filters, but that's mostly a creative aspect. And at least 1 flash, but I'm a strobaholic.
Good solid tripod, backpack to keep them in, Sherpa for the 500mm, etc.
)" Not likely as I would also need to find a divorce lawyer if I took up another bad habit besides photograaphy.
