Absolutely love the Duratracs. They have been absolutely stellar in anything I have put them through....sand, mud, snow, ice, tarmac, and heavy rain. My only concern was their 2 ply strength, but La Sal pass was full of sharp-as-hell rocks and they held perfectly aired down (20psi). My rig is mostly used on-road, so noise and comfort are important, and they are as good as it gets with an AT with MT characteristics. They are basically the closest tire you can buy on the border (the border between MT/AT.) If you get them in a heavier rating (E) the ply rating goes up and they will be stronger, but at a cost of compromised ride quality (still better than most MTs though.) Regardless, I hight HIGHLY recommend them.
As for HDR, I generally shoot 9 exposures and combine some or all elements in a photo, depending on the desired effect. I generally don't use HDR, and actually don't like most of the examples you see splattered around the net, but in my opinion, it has a time and a place, and if done right (not overcooked) I think the results can actually add interest to a photo. It's personal taste obviously, but I personally enjoy the brighter colors and the dramatic skies.