Heading to Zion, wide angle or telephoto?

[Tschnitker]

Looking for some advice from people who have been to Zion National Park.

I'm going to be heading out from Vegas for 2 days in Zion soon and since I'm not bringing much gear I was wondering if you only had the options between a nice wide angle, and a telephoto which would you bring?

[Cali_PH]

If I had to choose, I'd say wide angle, but that's my style. You really can't bring one more lens? If you can't carry it with you, can you leave the alternate in your car in case you want to head back and switch lenses?

[Tschnitker]

Originally Posted by Cali_PH

If I had to choose, I'd say wide angle, but that's my style. You really can't bring one more lens? If you can't carry it with you, can you leave the alternate in your car in case you want to head back and switch lenses?

I'm leaning towards wide as well.

And yeah, I'm going to be traveling somewhat light....And at what point do I stop bringing things

[Win]

Are you shooting a crop body? I like the 17-40 on a crop or the 24-70 (24-105) on a FF. Those would be my choices for one lens.

[Tschnitker]

Yeah I'm using a crop. I was thinking the 10-22?

[Win]

Nothing wrong with the 10-22, I know a lot of photographers prefer that lens in the Zion area.

[patrick j]

Originally Posted by Tschnitker

Yeah I'm using a crop. I was thinking the 10-22?

I've never used a 10-22, so I might be off on this, but I think of the really wide angle lens as a specialized lens. Was in Utah in May and mostly used a 15-85, something in that middle range, between a wide angle and telephoto, always seems to cover most needs if you are only going to use a single lens. But if you are deciding only between the wide angle and telephoto, take the wide angle.

[Cali_PH]

On my trip last fall, I used a crop body and shot mostly with a 10-22mm. I used a 24-105 and 70-200 much less often, but again, that's my general style. This year I mostly used a 17-40 on a FF body, which is roughly the same focal length as the 10-22. I could post some examples if it helps (although bear in mind I'm not the best photographer ).

[Tschnitker]

Thanks for the replies! I know a wide angle can be a specialized lens, but I think at a place so vast that it's going to be the right choice.

[KCMO Al]

I used my 24-105 on my 5D a few months ago when there almost exclusively. While there, stop by Parallel Eighty-Eight restaurant in Springdale. It's right on the main route 9 just before the park entrance. It was one of the best meals I've ever had out west. A little more expensive, but well worth it.

[Tschnitker]

Originally Posted by KCMO Al

I used my 24-105 on my 5D a few months ago when there almost exclusively. While there, stop by Parallel Eighty-Eight restaurant in Springdale. It's right on the main route 9 just before the park entrance. It was one of the best meals I've ever had out west. A little more expensive, but well worth it.

Thanks.

I'm guessing there's not a whole lot of wildlife during the day in the summer months?

What kind of food do they serve there?

[Geonerd]

Yea, you can have plenty of fun with an uberwide zoom, particularly if you're planning to hike up into the terrain. If at all possible, toss a nifty-fifty in your pocket as well. A micro-tripod and cable release would allow moonlight / twilight / lightning opportunities.

[Caspita]

I was just there yesterday, and left my zoom lens in the car.... granted I was hiking to the subway so i was trying to minimize all the extra weight. Seems like depending on where you are planning on heading out a 10-22 on a crop body would more then suffice if you only plan on bringing one. It truly is a remarkable place, enjoy the trip!

[Tschnitker]

Thanks! I'm trying to figure out exactly where I want to go out there. The wife and I are spending 2 full days there and don't mind some hikes (just not 5 hour each way ones lol).

I am going to try and get some astrophotography in, but it's going to be a full moon while I'm out there, damnit.

[Caspita]

Originally Posted by Tschnitker

Thanks! I'm trying to figure out exactly where I want to go out there. The wife and I are spending 2 full days there and don't mind some hikes (just not 5 hour each way ones lol).

I am going to try and get some astrophotography in, but it's going to be a full moon while I'm out there, damnit.

There's some great stuff out there, if you don't mind getting your feet wet, I would tell you to possibly look into the narrows.