Going to Grand Canyon, YellowStone, Mt Rushmore, Rockies etc - Need photographic tips

Linear Polarizer (based on Daniella comments, by
screwing/unscrewing, we could use it as a circular one, less the
vignetage !)
polarizer are thick because they need to rotate. Buy a 62mm linear polarizer and a step-up ring 49-52mm. Also if you can, buy a graduated neutral density, it is not the same as the regular neutral density which will no help you for balancing the sky and land exposure as a graduated will do.

Hoya linear is fine, but get the 62mmm. It will be more expensive but it will not vignet. I woudl try it at the store.
  • Hoya 16.95$ Linear
  • Tiffen Linear+Warm 28.95$
Neural density graduated
  • Tiffen Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Glass Filter 32.09$
(BTW how do you use that one, grey on sky and clear on ground?)

Xavier
Idaho Falls -- Couple hours
Grand Teton NP -- Most of a day; take a float trip on Snake
Devil's Tower -- few hours
Yellow Stone -- 2-3 days
Badlands National Park -- 1/2 day
Mount Rushmore -- 1/2 day, but add in Needles section
Cheyenne -- food stop
Rocky Mountain -- 1/2 day-day
Dead Horse Point SP -- ?
Grand Canyon -- 2 days
Yosemite -- 3 days?
Arches National Park -- 2 days

If I plan properly I might be able to add 2 more days to the
overall schedule.
Also, if you're going from Arches to Grand Canyon, stop off for a
day at Bryce. See Daniellas pictures for why.
--
Daniella
http://www.photosig.com/viewuser.php?id=26918
http://www.pbase.com/zylen
C7OO FORUM: http://www.c700uz.com

c7OOuz, Dimage-7, Tcon14tele, C210tele, Cokin-173, Grad-ND, Hoya-red-Intensifier, Hoya R72.
 
While in Rocky Mountain National Park, you really need to drive the Trail Ridge road (if possible - due to weather it may still be closed). It is the highest highway in the west. It runs across the top of the Rockys and crosses the Continental Divide. It is a beautiful drive. Also, don't forget about the southern part of the park. Wild Basin is on the South East corner of the park and is much more lush than the northern part. Lots of wildflowers and wildlife.

The only thing I can see you need more of is time. The trip you describe is possible in the time frame you gave, but you will only be scratching the surface of each one.

In Yellowstone, be sure to see the Lower and Upper falls and also, Grand Prismatic. And Old Faithful. (I didn't think I would be at all impressed by Old Faithful, but I was wrong).

You definitely want to spend some time at Grand Teton. It is (in my opinion) one of the most beautiful places on earth. And we encountered alot of wildlife there - especially moose.

Hope you have a wonderful time and look forward to seeing the pictures.

Don't forget to prepare for the weather changes. Where you are going is really unpredictable this time of year.

Good Luck,
Janet
 
Daniella,

Thanks,

Do you think a 49mm linear polarizer won't work, I mean it will vignet (it's easiest to put than the adapter+lens)? My UV doesn't vignet I gess this one also? I check on the following URL, no way to find information on linear polarizer!
http://webpages.charter.net/bbiggers/DCExperiments/html/d7_add_on_lenses.html

How do you use the graduated ND, I mean is there 2/3 shaded and 1/3 not coated? half/half...then do you need to position the limit between sky/dirt on the limit coated/non-coated...it seems to me a little complex!

Xavier
Linear Polarizer (based on Daniella comments, by
screwing/unscrewing, we could use it as a circular one, less the
vignetage !)
polarizer are thick because they need to rotate. Buy a 62mm linear
polarizer and a step-up ring 49-52mm. Also if you can, buy a
graduated neutral density, it is not the same as the regular
neutral density which will no help you for balancing the sky and
land exposure as a graduated will do.

Hoya linear is fine, but get the 62mmm. It will be more expensive
but it will not vignet. I woudl try it at the store.
  • Hoya 16.95$ Linear
  • Tiffen Linear+Warm 28.95$
Neural density graduated
  • Tiffen Graduated Neutral Density (ND) 0.6 Glass Filter 32.09$
(BTW how do you use that one, grey on sky and clear on ground?)

Xavier
Idaho Falls -- Couple hours
Grand Teton NP -- Most of a day; take a float trip on Snake
Devil's Tower -- few hours
Yellow Stone -- 2-3 days
Badlands National Park -- 1/2 day
Mount Rushmore -- 1/2 day, but add in Needles section
Cheyenne -- food stop
Rocky Mountain -- 1/2 day-day
Dead Horse Point SP -- ?
Grand Canyon -- 2 days
Yosemite -- 3 days?
Arches National Park -- 2 days

If I plan properly I might be able to add 2 more days to the
overall schedule.
Also, if you're going from Arches to Grand Canyon, stop off for a
day at Bryce. See Daniellas pictures for why.
--
Daniella
http://www.photosig.com/viewuser.php?id=26918
http://www.pbase.com/zylen
C7OO FORUM: http://www.c700uz.com
c7OOuz, Dimage-7, Tcon14tele, C210tele, Cokin-173, Grad-ND,
Hoya-red-Intensifier, Hoya R72.
 
UV are thiner than PL because they don't have the rotating ring. You can pay lots of $$ for a thin PL in 49mm and you might get away without vigneting. I prefer the cheaper solution to go for a stepup ring and the cheaper 62mm PL. My HOya linear polarizer vigneted horribly...I removed it from it's 49mm socket and put the glass in a 49mm-52mm step-up ring. I lost the rotating ring so it's thiner, but still vignet slightly in the top left corner.

If you can a 49mm you will have to pay for a ultra thin pro multicoated and I am not sure they are even available in 49mm. Those will be expensive though.

there is a pro filter ultra thin UV + PL but it's not available in 49mm.
How do you use the graduated ND, I mean is there 2/3 shaded and 1/3
not coated? half/half...then do you need to position the limit
between sky/dirt on the limit coated/non-coated...it seems to me a
little complex!
You use the graduated ND the say way you use a PL filter..you rotate it and that's the only available option unless you buy a Cokin graduated ND which and not only rotate but can also be slid up or down to adjust the effect. The only problem with the Cokin is that it is not glass but it is acrilic and thus can be scrathed easily. It is also not totaly neutral and that is why Cokin call it gray ND. I found that it cast a very slight bluish or purple cast on the clouds. I still like it better because it can be adjusted from up and down and it's very cheap!

I use the Cokin A system and with square filters I don't have vigneting. I do get a slight vigneting with my round Blue and Gold Cokin PL.
 
I have found a wealth of books on the various parks and areas you are visiting that cover taking photos while there. The one I bought for myself and a friend was "AAA's Photographing National Parks" by Tim Fitzharris, This one is filled with outstanding color photos unlike many of the other guides which are often limited to a few color plates. The book is a great guide to the top 10-15 photo opportunities in each park. It only covers 21 national parks, but I found it to be a good book to get you thinking.

Other than that the best place to find these types of books is an in person browsing in the photography section at Borders or Barnes & Noble. Online at Amazon is cheap, but for photo books you gotta see the images and style to know it is 'your' book. I have found that most film books translate just fine to digital; especially those that lean towards developing your vision more than camera skills.

Ken
Hi,

I am going on two road trips to the following places in two weeks:

First Trip (about 10 to 12 days - 2100Miles)
=====
Salt Lake City
Idaho Falls
Yellow Stone
Badlands National Park
Mount Rushmore
Cheyenne
Rocky Mountain
Arches National Park
Back to Salt Lake City

Second Trip
=======
Phoenix
Grand Canyon
Hoover Dam
Las Vegas
Yosemite
San Francisco

Now the big question: Need some tips to get some good pictures. I
will be very happy if they could come out half as good as
Daniella's (I know, wishful thinking...)

Here's what I am planning to take with me:
Dimage 7i
1 GB MD
DPS-900 Battery Pack (2 sets)
Olympus A-200
Super Fish eye .25x
Sigma flash
UV Haze Filter
Tripod

What else would I need?
A Monopod? A good carrying bag to put all the above in? etc?

Are there any good reference sites to help in taking good landscape
pictures using a digicam?
 
Daniella,

Did you mean 49mm to 52mm step up with a 62mm Hoya linear polarizer? Or is it 49mm to 62mm step up with a 62mm Hoya linear polarizer? I am ready to order and just needed to check if it was typo.

BTW, thanks for all the information.

-Srikanth
If you can a 49mm you will have to pay for a ultra thin pro
multicoated and I am not sure they are even available in 49mm.
Those will be expensive though.

there is a pro filter ultra thin UV + PL but it's not available in
49mm.
How do you use the graduated ND, I mean is there 2/3 shaded and 1/3
not coated? half/half...then do you need to position the limit
between sky/dirt on the limit coated/non-coated...it seems to me a
little complex!
You use the graduated ND the say way you use a PL filter..you
rotate it and that's the only available option unless you buy a
Cokin graduated ND which and not only rotate but can also be slid
up or down to adjust the effect. The only problem with the Cokin
is that it is not glass but it is acrilic and thus can be scrathed
easily. It is also not totaly neutral and that is why Cokin call
it gray ND. I found that it cast a very slight bluish or purple
cast on the clouds. I still like it better because it can be
adjusted from up and down and it's very cheap!

I use the Cokin A system and with square filters I don't have
vigneting. I do get a slight vigneting with my round Blue and Gold
Cokin PL.
 
Hi,

I am going on two road trips to the following places in two weeks:

First Trip (about 10 to 12 days - 2100Miles)
=====
Salt Lake City
Idaho Falls
Yellow Stone
Badlands National Park
Mount Rushmore
Cheyenne
Rocky Mountain
Arches National Park
Back to Salt Lake City

Second Trip
=======
Phoenix
Grand Canyon
Hoover Dam
Las Vegas
Yosemite
San Francisco

Now the big question: Need some tips to get some good pictures. I
will be very happy if they could come out half as good as
Daniella's (I know, wishful thinking...)

Here's what I am planning to take with me:
Dimage 7i
1 GB MD
DPS-900 Battery Pack (2 sets)
Olympus A-200
Super Fish eye .25x
Sigma flash
UV Haze Filter
Tripod

What else would I need?
A Monopod? A good carrying bag to put all the above in? etc?

Are there any good reference sites to help in taking good landscape
pictures using a digicam?
--

You got a lok of ggod advice about books, maps & gear from others. And now for where to stand...

Grand Canyon -- Almost anywhere you stand, the Canyon is spectacular and it's the antithesis of Las Vegas. Try to be on the rim at sunset or sunrise. Hike part way down one of the main trails -- the view and the sense of the place is amazing from the rim but astounding as soon as you go down the trail a half mile or so. (Remember that it takes 2 times as long to walk up as it will to walk down, so don't go all the way down unless you're prepared. And bring water and wear good hiking boots -- they're as important for you as batteries are for the camera.)

San Fran -- cross the Golden Gate Bridgeto Marin County, get off at the first exit, go back under the highway, park and climb the heights above the road. Look back and you'll see the bridge and the city. Great shots from there and the light changes throughout the day. Drive up to the top of Twin Peaks for a view of the bay and the city. Walk through the Marina district, Chinatown and along the Embarcadero. Climb or drive up Mt. Tamalpais (Marin County) and go up Mt. Diablo (East Bay). I agree with the suggestion to go to Pt. Lobos.

Yosemite - Climb to Glacier Point for a view of the whole valley -- it's a day-long but easy hike up and down.

Mike Sandman
 
Three additional sites you may want to devote some time to along
your first route: Grand Teton National Park (more photogenic than
most of yellowstone),
Amen.
When you get back down to Arches, you may want to go
about 20 miles Northeast of there, to Deadhorse Point State Park,
which has a wonderful vista, although not much else to see there.
Mesa Arch and Grandview Overlook at the nearby upper unit of
Canyonlands is another option near Arches.
Ditto. If time allowed, a short trip out on any portion of the White Rim Trail would be well worth the adventure also.

For 'landscape' photographers, the opportunities in the Moab area are numerous. Of course, you do have to appreciate that almost surreal 'moonscape' kind of scenery. One of these days, I'll spend at least 2 weeks in this area alone.

--
-=Sass=-
 
I meant that you should use a 49-62mm step-up ring with a 62mm polarizer. You can of course find an expensive thin polarizer. some people have said that the hoya 49mm PL doens not vignet for them, but it was vigneting badly for me.

You need the 62mm socket to be able to screw a 62mm polarizer to it.
Did you mean 49mm to 52mm step up with a 62mm Hoya linear
polarizer? Or is it 49mm to 62mm step up with a 62mm Hoya linear
polarizer? I am ready to order and just needed to check if it was
typo.

BTW, thanks for all the information.

-Srikanth
If you can a 49mm you will have to pay for a ultra thin pro
multicoated and I am not sure they are even available in 49mm.
Those will be expensive though.

there is a pro filter ultra thin UV + PL but it's not available in
49mm.
How do you use the graduated ND, I mean is there 2/3 shaded and 1/3
not coated? half/half...then do you need to position the limit
between sky/dirt on the limit coated/non-coated...it seems to me a
little complex!
You use the graduated ND the say way you use a PL filter..you
rotate it and that's the only available option unless you buy a
Cokin graduated ND which and not only rotate but can also be slid
up or down to adjust the effect. The only problem with the Cokin
is that it is not glass but it is acrilic and thus can be scrathed
easily. It is also not totaly neutral and that is why Cokin call
it gray ND. I found that it cast a very slight bluish or purple
cast on the clouds. I still like it better because it can be
adjusted from up and down and it's very cheap!

I use the Cokin A system and with square filters I don't have
vigneting. I do get a slight vigneting with my round Blue and Gold
Cokin PL.
--
Daniella
http://www.photosig.com/viewuser.php?id=26918
http://www.pbase.com/zylen
C7OO FORUM: http://www.c700uz.com

c7OOuz, Dimage-7, Tcon14tele, C210tele, Cokin-173, Grad-ND, Hoya-red-Intensifier, Hoya R72.
 
that's a tough hike for people who are not in too fit shape :) going down is easy but going up is a tough job at high altitude!
Grand Canyon -- Almost anywhere you stand, the Canyon is
spectacular and it's the antithesis of Las Vegas. Try to be on the
rim at sunset or sunrise. Hike part way down one of the main
trails -- the view and the sense of the place is amazing from the
rim but astounding as soon as you go down the trail a half mile or
so. (Remember that it takes 2 times as long to walk up as it will
to walk down, so don't go all the way down unless you're prepared.
And bring water and wear good hiking boots -- they're as important
for you as batteries are for the camera.)

San Fran -- cross the Golden Gate Bridgeto Marin County, get off at
the first exit, go back under the highway, park and climb the
heights above the road. Look back and you'll see the bridge and
the city. Great shots from there and the light changes throughout
the day. Drive up to the top of Twin Peaks for a view of the bay
and the city. Walk through the Marina district, Chinatown and
along the Embarcadero. Climb or drive up Mt. Tamalpais (Marin
County) and go up Mt. Diablo (East Bay). I agree with the
suggestion to go to Pt. Lobos.

Yosemite - Climb to Glacier Point for a view of the whole valley --
it's a day-long but easy hike up and down.

Mike Sandman
--
Daniella
http://www.photosig.com/viewuser.php?id=26918
http://www.pbase.com/zylen
C7OO FORUM: http://www.c700uz.com

c7OOuz, Dimage-7, Tcon14tele, C210tele, Cokin-173, Grad-ND, Hoya-red-Intensifier, Hoya R72.
 
My first trip is for 10 days and the second is for 7 days.

Idaho Falls
Grand Teton NP
Devil's Tower
Yellow Stone
Badlands National Park
Mount Rushmore
Cheyenne
Rocky Mountain
Dead Horse Point SP
Grand Canyon
Yosemite
Arches National Park

If I plan properly I might be able to add 2 more days to the
overall schedule.
Have to agree with Daniella. You're trying to squeeze an awful lot into the alloted time frame....even if you manage to tack on the additional 2 days.

Have you been to Mapquest and guesstimated time/distance between stops? If this is a once-in-a-lifetime type trip, I don't blame you at all for trying to pack as much variety into the trip as possible. I just have this nasty suspicion you will be spending a LOT more time on the road driving from place to place than you will at any individual place. Or...., it will require a LOT of caffeine. :)

It might be worth considering cutting out a stop or 2. E.g., though I love the Moab/Arches/Canyonlands area, I'd probably drop Dead Horse Point from the list. It has one very outstanding view, but not sure that one view is worth the stop given your limited time. It pains me to say that, 'but'.....

--
-=Sass=-
 
Hey! Thanks for the concern.

I must tell you all how much I appreciate all your inputs. In fact I am beginning to suspect that I a trying to bite more than I could chew.

I am seriously considering dropping the second part of the trip - Phoenix to SF. Instead I would like to spend a total of 14 to 15 days on my first trip take a lot of time and have a relaxed vacation.

Who knows I might be back in the USA for a short visit may 10 years later. (I guess Grand Canyon and Yosemite wouldn't have changed much by then -;)

Thanks again,
Srikanth Koka
My first trip is for 10 days and the second is for 7 days.

Idaho Falls
Grand Teton NP
Devil's Tower
Yellow Stone
Badlands National Park
Mount Rushmore
Cheyenne
Rocky Mountain
Dead Horse Point SP
Grand Canyon
Yosemite
Arches National Park

If I plan properly I might be able to add 2 more days to the
overall schedule.
Have to agree with Daniella. You're trying to squeeze an awful lot
into the alloted time frame....even if you manage to tack on the
additional 2 days.

Have you been to Mapquest and guesstimated time/distance between
stops? If this is a once-in-a-lifetime type trip, I don't blame you
at all for trying to pack as much variety into the trip as
possible. I just have this nasty suspicion you will be spending a
LOT more time on the road driving from place to place than you
will at any individual place. Or...., it will require a LOT of
caffeine. :)

It might be worth considering cutting out a stop or 2. E.g., though
I love the Moab/Arches/Canyonlands area, I'd probably drop Dead
Horse Point from the list. It has one very outstanding view, but
not sure that one view is worth the stop given your limited time.
It pains me to say that, 'but'.....

--
-=Sass=-
 
Daniella,

I've been to B&H web site...I've got the choice between 3 set up rings: B&W (20$), Tiffen (10$) and no brand (7$)...which one do you recommend?

If we put a circular polarizer on top of them, do you think it will vignette?

How do you protect your lens? 49mm slim UV?

Xavier
You need the 62mm socket to be able to screw a 62mm polarizer to it.
Did you mean 49mm to 52mm step up with a 62mm Hoya linear
polarizer? Or is it 49mm to 62mm step up with a 62mm Hoya linear
polarizer? I am ready to order and just needed to check if it was
typo.

BTW, thanks for all the information.

-Srikanth
If you can a 49mm you will have to pay for a ultra thin pro
multicoated and I am not sure they are even available in 49mm.
Those will be expensive though.

there is a pro filter ultra thin UV + PL but it's not available in
49mm.
How do you use the graduated ND, I mean is there 2/3 shaded and 1/3
not coated? half/half...then do you need to position the limit
between sky/dirt on the limit coated/non-coated...it seems to me a
little complex!
You use the graduated ND the say way you use a PL filter..you
rotate it and that's the only available option unless you buy a
Cokin graduated ND which and not only rotate but can also be slid
up or down to adjust the effect. The only problem with the Cokin
is that it is not glass but it is acrilic and thus can be scrathed
easily. It is also not totaly neutral and that is why Cokin call
it gray ND. I found that it cast a very slight bluish or purple
cast on the clouds. I still like it better because it can be
adjusted from up and down and it's very cheap!

I use the Cokin A system and with square filters I don't have
vigneting. I do get a slight vigneting with my round Blue and Gold
Cokin PL.
--
Daniella
http://www.photosig.com/viewuser.php?id=26918
http://www.pbase.com/zylen
C7OO FORUM: http://www.c700uz.com
c7OOuz, Dimage-7, Tcon14tele, C210tele, Cokin-173, Grad-ND,
Hoya-red-Intensifier, Hoya R72.
 
that's a tough hike for people who are not in too fit shape :)
going down is easy but going up is a tough job at high altitude!
--

Glacier Point? Naw... I was 55 when I did it dragging a an Olympus SLR and fat glass lenses, and anyway Srikanth sounds rugged -- just look at that itinerary!

Mike Sandman
 
Mike,

Though I am only 34, it only my vocal chords that are rugged, not my legs. Both my wife and I are not used to hiking.

The members here have driven some sanity into me with their well intended suggestions and douts. I have now dropped the Phoenix to SF leg. I have instead extended my first trip by a few days.

-Srikanth
that's a tough hike for people who are not in too fit shape :)
going down is easy but going up is a tough job at high altitude!
--
Glacier Point? Naw... I was 55 when I did it dragging a an Olympus
SLR and fat glass lenses, and anyway Srikanth sounds rugged -- just
look at that itinerary!

Mike Sandman
 
Mike,

Though I am only 34, it only my vocal chords that are rugged, not
my legs. Both my wife and I are not used to hiking.

The members here have driven some sanity into me with their well
intended suggestions and douts. I have now dropped the Phoenix to
SF leg. I have instead extended my first trip by a few days.

-Srikanth
--
You;re probably doing the sensible thing -- the distances between the places on the Phoenix-SF trip are pretty long.

As for hiking, don't be afraid to try trails that the National Park Services rates as moderate. You see much more from even an easy trail than you will from your car. Just get good hiking boots, break them in before you go, wear heavy socks and bring plenty of water.
The West is magnificent and it's a photographer's heaven.

Mike Sandman
 
I am saying this because he mentioned that he and his wife were not in good shape and 1 to 2 miles was about their limits. I know for me at high altitude i get all sort of problems..short of breath, headhacke etc... I need time to adjust.

they are planning to do most of it by car. I know what you mean though...and I would surely encourage him and his wife to do at least some hike.
that's a tough hike for people who are not in too fit shape :)
going down is easy but going up is a tough job at high altitude!
--
Glacier Point? Naw... I was 55 when I did it dragging a an Olympus
SLR and fat glass lenses, and anyway Srikanth sounds rugged -- just
look at that itinerary!

Mike Sandman
--
Daniella
http://www.photosig.com/viewuser.php?id=26918
http://www.pbase.com/zylen
C7OO FORUM: http://www.c700uz.com

c7OOuz, Dimage-7, Tcon14tele, C210tele, Cokin-173, Grad-ND, Hoya-red-Intensifier, Hoya R72.
 
Mike,

Though I am only 34, it only my vocal chords that are rugged, not
my legs. Both my wife and I are not used to hiking.
You're 34? wow, then you should start getting back into shape as this will not get better with time. It's really not that hard to walk and do the hikes and you will feel a lot better after couple of days of exercise.

You will be surprised how rewarding it is...it also clear up your mind from stress and fatigue.
The members here have driven some sanity into me with their well
intended suggestions and douts. I have now dropped the Phoenix to
SF leg. I have instead extended my first trip by a few days.

-Srikanth
--
You;re probably doing the sensible thing -- the distances between
the places on the Phoenix-SF trip are pretty long.

As for hiking, don't be afraid to try trails that the National Park
Services rates as moderate. You see much more from even an easy
trail than you will from your car. Just get good hiking boots,
break them in before you go, wear heavy socks and bring plenty of
water.
The West is magnificent and it's a photographer's heaven.

Mike Sandman
--
Daniella
http://www.photosig.com/viewuser.php?id=26918
http://www.pbase.com/zylen
C7OO FORUM: http://www.c700uz.com

c7OOuz, Dimage-7, Tcon14tele, C210tele, Cokin-173, Grad-ND, Hoya-red-Intensifier, Hoya R72.
 

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