Running Up That Hill

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IMG_3064Canon EOS 6D (24mm, f/9, 1/40 sec, ISO250)

In my post of the Yosemite NP I stated that I will not visit the park again. This has mostly to do with the traffic that runs through the park. It’s simply too much. But there are two good reasons to cross the Tioga pass that lies nearby.

  • to get to the other side to see the Mono Lake
  • to be able to drive from Mono Lake to Death Valley: This is one of the most beautiful roads of the world because of the scenery. It’s a wide valley in between two high mountain ranges. Especially in spring it is just wonderful.

But let’s talk about the other side of the pass first. Stay up early to get there in the morning light which is tricky in May. I was unable to make it in time but at least I avoided the ugly light at noon. Most of the shots are taken around 7 to 8 am. We had breakfast later in Lee Vining.

IMG_3071Canon EOS 6D (24mm, f/14, 1/125 sec, ISO100)
 IMG_3080Canon EOS 6D (24mm, f/18, 1/100 sec, ISO100)
 IMG_3083Canon EOS 6D (24mm, f/14, 1/60 sec, ISO100)

When we were here 3 years ago we just stopped to take some shots at the parking lot and went on. This time we climbed up a small hill and it was worth it. It was quiet, the air was fresh and cool and the light was great. In the image above you can see that our car was the only one at the parking lot.

IMG_3086Canon EOS 6D (24mm, f/10, 1/160 sec, ISO100)
 IMG_3092Canon EOS 6D (24mm, f/13, 1/80 sec, ISO100)
 IMG_3093Canon EOS 6D (24mm, f/13, 1/50 sec, ISO100)
 IMG_3097Canon EOS 6D (24mm, f/16, 1/50 sec, ISO100)

I love that landscape. It’s amazing what erosion can do. The rocks, the very old trees and the the early morning light creates great images wherever I pointed my lens.

Talking about the lens: the 4/24-70 IS L is the perfect match for the 6D. It makes a light combo. I can remember my first vacation with the 5D plus 24-105L. I was amazed that such a small light camera setup can give such images. The 6D plus 4/24-70 is even lighter. IQ is even better and the handling is great. I think for travel photography this is the most advanced setup money can buy today. And best of all: It records the GPS data.

IMG_3111Canon EOS 6D (59mm, f/4, 1/400 sec, ISO100)
 IMG_3122Canon EOS 6D (24mm, f/16, 1/40 sec, ISO320)

I love my Fuji XP1 because of size and IQ but the 6D is much more versatile and the full frame viewfinder is a joy to use. If you don’t hike all day long the 6D is the better choice. For traveling in the USA it is just perfect. I used my XP1 mainly in Las Vegas and San Francisco.

I just realized that I took most of my shots at the 24mm setting. The 6D plus the new 24mm prime would make an even lighter setup but if I walk all day I still prefer to use my XP1.

Yes the white thing in the image above is snow.

IMG_3131Canon EOS 6D (105mm, f/13, 1/125 sec, ISO100)