Antelope Canyon Question

My wife and I will be heading to Antelope Canyon in a week for the first time. I will be bringing my 5D Mark 2, 17-40mm zoom, Gitzo carbon fiber and Markins head which I suspect will pretty well cover any shooting whilst in Upper Antelope. My question is of those who have been there, would carrying my Lowe Pro Trekker pack and other gear be problematic as far as space and getting around? The reason I might want to carry it with my other gear is I may be doing some other photography in the area, and I am a little reluctant to leave expensive gear in the hotel. Or should I run out and get a smaller bag (perhaps a shoulder style) that will hold the 5D and 17-40? Thanks.

I haven't been in Upper Antelope, but have been in Lower. I do know though, that Upper is much more wide open then Lower is, so you shouldn't have any problem (besides maybe people) with space. Even in Lower Antelope, a backpack isn't going to prevent you from squeezing through a couple of the narrow openings.

I certainly don't think it's worth paying money for another pack.

When I was there in mid-summer, the place was stuffed full of people. If you intend to wear it on your back it should not be a problem, but if you intend to take it off and set it down it could be problematic. I wonder if its still too early to get light beams?

I've been to both and agree that it should not be a problem if you are wearing it. You may even find you want a differnet lens but be VERY carreful if you change lenses in the slots as there is A LOT of dust around. It may be too early to get beams in upper. I think the sun is not high enough until April. Still the colors should be awesome.

Bring something to cover your camera if the wind is blowing. It is very dusty. Change lenses(NO) not inside. Wear a hat. Wife had to wash her hair 3 times to get all the sand out.

The backpack shouldn't be a problem. Also, keep a rocket blower or something similar in a pocket that's easy to get at. If you're not going to use a polarizer on your lens, then a protective filter in this instance would be a good idea to keep on your lens (provided that its a quality filter and not a POS). A remote release will help, along with mirror lock-up...

Don't be trying to change lens - Lower is more photographer friendly - you get a "Photo" pass - same price but you are pretty much on your own - you have 4 hours - we spent 2 hours in the morning took off for lunch and returned for 2 hours in the afternoon - go at your own pace and be patient as others are making shots you just wait your turn- if you are up for some other places try the hummer tour - see if you can get on a "special" photo tour we lucked out and joined one - got 2 hours in Secret canyon and 2 hours at sunset at a place called the Fins (not on regular tours)

Wow, thanks for all the helpful responses, they really give me a better idea and how to prepare.

I was at the Upper Canyon back in November 2009, and took a back pack in with me with no issues.... Don't even think about changing lenses in the canyon - you WILL regret it.

I took the photographers tour (IIRC it was $50 each) for about 4 hours, and the local guide was extremely helpful at holding back other tours, and gave excellent pointers on where to position oneself for the best photo opportunities. I would recommend doing something similar if its your first time there......

No light shafts will hit the floor until late April / May time I was told, so you'll be too early, but some light shafts do make it onto the canyon walls.

Be sure to stop off at Horseshoe bend just south of Page whilst you are in the area. The 17-40 lens on your 5D will get the bend in, in one shot. Well worth the 15-20 min hike in from the highway..... so long as you like heights

Have a great trip - I'm jealous as heck as I've not had chance to return yet!

gillygilchrist wrote in post #11995084
I was at the Upper Canyon back in November 2009, and took a back pack in with me with no issues.... Don't even think about changing lenses in the canyon - you WILL regret it.

I took the photographers tour (IIRC it was $50 each) for about 4 hours, and the local guide was extremely helpful at holding back other tours, and gave excellent pointers on where to position oneself for the best photo opportunities. I would recommend doing something similar if its your first time there......

No light shafts will hit the floor until late April / May time I was told, so you'll be too early, but some light shafts do make it onto the canyon walls.

Be sure to stop off at Horseshoe bend just south of Page whilst you are in the area. The 17-40 lens on your 5D will get the bend in, in one shot. Well worth the 15-20 min hike in from the highway..... so long as you like heights

Have a great trip - I'm jealous as heck as I've not had chance to return yet!

Thanks for the Horseshoe Bend tip, I was looking for other sites, sounds like a good one which I will definitely check out. I figured I might miss the shafts of light, or part of, as it is still winter but it is our anniversary as well and have the time alooted for the trip. Looks like I will have to plan another trip again in April/May. I figured since the Canyon is essentially enclosed and a lot of sand, dust, it would have to be a very compelling reason to change lenses and thus planned to leave my 17-40 fixed. Since it has been indicated by you and others who were kind enough to respond that I will be OK with my pack, it will stay on my backand zipped shut.

I'm going through Page next month heading for Monument Valley . Which tour group is best or can you pay at the Gate?

Desertrat
I will be in the area about the same time. Leaving April first. Plan to hit Sodona then South Rim, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Coalmine Canyon, Monument Valley, North Rim, Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches and what ever else in a month to a month and a half. Anyway should be in Page around the 8-12 of April. Maybe we'll bump into each other.