Will be going to Bryce Canyon, should I rent a telephoto lens?

[ziggie216]

The only lens I have is the EF-S 17-55. I was thinking about renting a telephoto lens just in case of those moments where I do see something that is a little to far away. Any idea what I should rent?

[argyle]

Take along a 70-200 if possible. Most of the shooting at Bryce Canyon is done from the rim and, to be honest, it has been shot so much that its generally difficult to get a "unique" shot unless conditions just happen to be perfect at that exact moment. Using a mid-zoom will let you isolate some of the hoodoos for some interesting perspectives. I used basically three lenses when I was at Bryce...17-40L, 24-105L, and the 70-200L, all on a 5D. The 24-105L got the most use...

[ziggie216]

Take along a 70-200 if possible. Most of the shooting at Bryce Canyon is done from the rim and, to be honest, it has been shot so much that its generally difficult to get a "unique" shot unless conditions just happen to be perfect at that exact moment. Using a mid-zoom will let you isolate some of the hoodoos for some interesting perspectives. I used basically three lenses when I was at Bryce...17-40L, 24-105L, and the 70-200L, all on a 5D. The 24-105L got the most use...

for the 70-200, f/4 or f/2.8? I have no idea whats the time range that I'll be there.

[chauncey]

You would be hard pressed to distinguish the difference between the two of them at apertures smaller than f/4.
However IS is a must.

[argyle]

If you're going to do a lot of hiking, take along the f/4 version...its much lighter than the 2.8L and produces excellent IQ. Whether the IS or non-IS version is debatable...if you're talking about renting and the IS version can be had for a small bit more, then go for the IS. But be sure to take along a decent tripod and use the camera's timer or a shutter release cable. Bryce is pretty much a "sunrise" location, so the best shooting will be done early in the morning...a tripod is a must.

http://northlake.smugmug.com/photos/219712728_XbYe2-L.jpg

[ziggie216]

for a landscape picture like that.. what apature setting should I be using? I just found out that my group will try to take pictures of the sunrise and maybe the sunset. still a complete newbie at this

[argyle]

EXIF for the above image is as follows:

Focal length: 58mm
Iso: 100
Aperture: f/16
Shutter: 1/6 sec.

Sunrise and Sunset points are the two most popular spots along the rim, and they will get very crowded. For sunrise shots, you will need to get yourself in place very early (best no later than 1 hour prior to sunrise). Pretty much the best vantage point is Sunset Point. There are also plenty of locations along the rim in between Sunrise and Sunset Points...I took the above image about halfway between the two after having my fill of elbow-to-elbow shooting with the masses. Its a great place...have fun.

[ziggie216]

During sunset, if the subject is just bunch of rocks far away, will I need any fill in flash? or is that only if there subject is a person and the mountain is the background?

With the L series lens, do I need to turn off the IS when I'm using the tripod?

I'm reading over HFD and was wondering.. what if I'm really horrible at estimating distance, especially when its something at a long distance. any tips for this?

Use landscape or standard mode for WB?

Thanks for all your info.I'm just going through pages of post in this section, trying to cram in as much as I can. I usually end up with bunch of throw away pics and this is one trip I want to get it right.

[BeritOlam]

During sunset, if the subject is just bunch of rocks far away, will I need any fill in flash? or is that only if there subject is a person and the mountain is the background?

Fill flash won't help you here! Sorry....


With the L series lens, do I need to turn off the IS when I'm using the tripod?

Not sure about the f/2.8 version (since it is an older gen of IS). My f/4 with IS doesn't seem to have a problem at all.

The main reason you turn off IS on a tripod is to conserve battery life....IF that's a concern to you.

[SuzyView]

I took my 70-200 2.8 IS and it was heavy. The f4 non-IS would be fine. I used my 17-40 a lot more than anything else, though. Take the helicopter ride. It's worth it!

[D_M_T]

Make sure you hike the Peekaboo & Navajo loops. One of the best days of hiking of my life and awesome photo opps.

Definitely get to sunrise point well beforehand if you want a good spot.