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50-140 for the UT/AZ trip?

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N4865G

N4865G

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Hi all,

I am going to embark on 2-weeks long trip to see Vegas, both rims of the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon and the Zion Park, then take it back to the LA and take Highway 1 north to the Bay Area.

My basic setup will be kit 18-55 lens and Samyang 12mm for some nightscapes.

I also have the 50-140 and wonder if it makes sense to carry that heavy lens on this trip...

What would you suggest please?

Any insider tips on those locations would certainly be much appreciated as well....

Thank you very much indeed,

Dom
 
N4865G said:
Hi all,

I am going to embark on 2-weeks long trip to see Vegas, both rims of the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon and the Zion Park, then take it back to the LA and take Highway 1 north to the Bay Area.

My basic setup will be kit 18-55 lens and Samyang 12mm for some nightscapes.

I also have the 50-140 and wonder if it makes sense to carry that heavy lens on this trip...

What would you suggest please?

Any insider tips on those locations would certainly be much appreciated as well....

Thank you very much indeed,

Dom
Click to expand...
I've seen many pictures of the Grand Canyon and those that stand out are taken with longer than standard lenses picking out the best compositions from the thousands which simply disappear in the vast vista. A few scene setting vistas (12mm) are a must but your best photographs will come from the long end of the 18-55mm and even more from the 50-140 where compression, composition and small details come into play.

Vic
 
This is a great question. I too agonize before trips whether or not to take the 50-140.

Do it. I just took mine to Italy for 5 weeks and to the Bahamas for 10 days. I'm taking it to Canada to Banf and Jasper in two weeks.

Here is the thing.... If you have a rental car and are moving around, you for sure want to have that lens and a good tripod in the car. If you are moving a lot with no car, well.... don't take it.

But that lens fits nicely into most relatively small bags that are popular with Fuji users.

Of course, you have to lug it on the plane.

Take the 1.4 converter. You are going to see some animals by the road and stop and set up the tripod and shoot them. Same with many landscapes while driving. Believe it or not, the 50-140 is a great landscape lens!
 
Thnk you very much,

Good tips,

Dom
 
Vic Chapman said:
N4865G said:
Hi all,

I am going to embark on 2-weeks long trip to see Vegas, both rims of the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon and the Zion Park, then take it back to the LA and take Highway 1 north to the Bay Area.

My basic setup will be kit 18-55 lens and Samyang 12mm for some nightscapes.

I also have the 50-140 and wonder if it makes sense to carry that heavy lens on this trip...

What would you suggest please?

Any insider tips on those locations would certainly be much appreciated as well....

Thank you very much indeed,

Dom
Click to expand...
I've seen many pictures of the Grand Canyon and those that stand out are taken with longer than standard lenses picking out the best compositions from the thousands which simply disappear in the vast vista. A few scene setting vistas (12mm) are a must but your best photographs will come from the long end of the 18-55mm and even more from the 50-140 where compression, composition and small details come into play.

Vic
Click to expand...
 
Fantastic, thanks Truman...

D
 
Agree with others about taking the 50-140.

But you won't be taking Route 1 from LA to the Bay Area. It is closed due to very large landslide.

Rand
 
N4865G said:
Hi all,

I am going to embark on 2-weeks long trip to see Vegas, both rims of the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon and the Zion Park, then take it back to the LA and take Highway 1 north to the Bay Area.

My basic setup will be kit 18-55 lens and Samyang 12mm for some nightscapes.

I also have the 50-140 and wonder if it makes sense to carry that heavy lens on this trip...

What would you suggest please?

Any insider tips on those locations would certainly be much appreciated as well....

Thank you very much indeed,

Dom
Click to expand...
If you are hiking the canyon, then it is unlikely that you would need it below the rim. However, if you are driving in and weight isn't an issue, you might like it for Vegas and some choice shots above the rim. Definitely for wildlife.

The air in the canyon can be a bit hazy depending on how much pollution is blowing in from California so telephoto shots can be challenging in the summer. It depends on the temperature, humidity and pollution levels. You probably won't shoot much beyond 100 mm depending on where you are.

The 18-55 will be surprisingly capable at the Grand Canyon and even at night in Vegas.

If you have a 12 mm wide angle lens, you should stay past dark in the canyon. Astrophotography is amazing. If you follow the main road from the south to the right away from the loop and visitors center toward the trail heads you will get away from the flocks of tourists. After dark you have the canyon to yourself.

Also, don't eat at the McDonalds in Tusayan. Even a breakfast burrito will cost you $10.
 
Years ago on my first serious photo trip out west I was surprised to find that my most used lens was the 70-200 (on FF at the time). So yes the 50-140 is an absolute necessity. As others have pointed out the ability to isolate detail in places like the Grand Canyon and Bryce is critical. Enjoy the trip and I second the recommendation for Capitol Reef, especially if you want to avoid crowds.
 
Thank you so much,

So much valuable info here.

I am looking forward to taking some good Milky Way pictures along the way with my 12mm as well.

Dom
 
Hi,

A tele lens might be more important than a wide angle there. It's always better to pick out some nice rock formation. It's also a good idea to take some shots in portrait orientation. If you also plan to hike a lot it could make sense to get a 50-230 to have a super light and small tele lens with you for the occasions where you don't want to lug around the 50-140.
 
Hi Dom,

This reply will contain more on the tip side of things rather than lens recommendations. Specifically regarding the Grand Canyon -

My wife and I drove there for a long weekend stay after a conference she attended in Vegas a few years ago. This was before I took a real interest in photography, so all we had with us were our cell phones and some iteration of a Canon Powershot.
  • You'll likely drive right past the Hoover Dam on the way over from Las Vegas. It's a fairly quick stop.
  • Berizona Wildlife Park, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract...Bearizona_Wildlife_Park-Williams_Arizona.html. We didn't catch much wildlife in the Grand Canyon (other than squirrels), so we were glad we made this stop.
  • Route 66 in the town of Williams, AZ - the last Route 66 community to be by-passed by interstate I-40 in the early 80s. The town is a bit kitschy, but it was all in good fun; multiple folks were dressed as Elvis, we caught a wild west shoot out, diners and neon, etc.
  • If you're a beer fan, keep an eye out for Historic Brewing Company's (which is based in Flagstaff) Pie Hole Porter. This was the best beer we had during our stay and at the time, we had it Station 66 Italian Bistro in Williams.
That first day after we dropped off our bags at our AirBNB, the sun was going to set in about an hour, so we rushed over to the park to one of the lookout points and I snapped this on the cell phone:

590bafb215b141b0acbd559be7a62191.jpg



If you'll be doing any hiking into the canyon, pick this up for $5 used from Amazon and read it before you go:
Despite the somewhat joking appearance of the cover (a skeleton with a rainbow in the background, and almost comical font), the book is actually really interesting and detailed.

My wife and I hiked down South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah point (2 mile round trip) and Bright Angel Trail to the 3 Mile Resthouse (6 mile round trip). On the Bright Angle Trail at the 3 Mile Resthouse we had some water, trail mix, rested a bit, and then hiked back up, in just under 4 hours; the hike back up is a good workout, especially with the sun overhead beating down in late July.

I hope this helps with your trip planning,

Jake
 
N4865G said:
Hi all,

I am going to embark on 2-weeks long trip to see Vegas, both rims of the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon and the Zion Park, then take it back to the LA and take Highway 1 north to the Bay Area.

My basic setup will be kit 18-55 lens and Samyang 12mm for some nightscapes.

I also have the 50-140 and wonder if it makes sense to carry that heavy lens on this trip...

What would you suggest please?

Any insider tips on those locations would certainly be much appreciated as well....

Thank you very much indeed,

Dom
Click to expand...
Personally, I would bring the telephoto. You'll get bored taking just wide angle shots in places where you can't easily "zoom with your feet" to frame something interesting. At the rim of the Grand Canyon, you won't be able to zoom in far enough with a 50-140 --- those California Condors are still hard to frame from up there.

Beware of the damaging effects of heat on camera gear. Don't leave stuff in a hot car. This in itself could be an argument against taking heavy glass that you have to carry around.

At the Grand Canyon, if you decide to hike below the rim, beware of the very nasty fine red dust that will get into everything. I wouldn't change lenses during those parts of a hike.

Given my lens setup, I might take the lighter 55-200 over the 50-140.

Other ideas would be to bring a panoramic head for your tripod and of course a good set of filters to allow long exposure photography. The Samyang can capture ultra wide shots; but, consider what detail you can capture at 35mm or with the 12mm in portrait orientation.
 
JakeInChicago said:
Hi Dom,

This reply will contain more on the tip side of things rather than lens recommendations. Specifically regarding the Grand Canyon -

My wife and I drove there for a long weekend stay after a conference she attended in Vegas a few years ago. This was before I took a real interest in photography, so all we had with us were our cell phones and some iteration of a Canon Powershot.
  • You'll likely drive right past the Hoover Dam on the way over from Las Vegas. It's a fairly quick stop.
  • Berizona Wildlife Park, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract...Bearizona_Wildlife_Park-Williams_Arizona.html. We didn't catch much wildlife in the Grand Canyon (other than squirrels), so we were glad we made this stop.
  • Route 66 in the town of Williams, AZ - the last Route 66 community to be by-passed by interstate I-40 in the early 80s. The town is a bit kitschy, but it was all in good fun; multiple folks were dressed as Elvis, we caught a wild west shoot out, diners and neon, etc.
  • If you're a beer fan, keep an eye out for Historic Brewing Company's (which is based in Flagstaff) Pie Hole Porter. This was the best beer we had during our stay and at the time, we had it Station 66 Italian Bistro in Williams.
That first day after we dropped off our bags at our AirBNB, the sun was going to set in about an hour, so we rushed over to the park to one of the lookout points and I snapped this on the cell phone:

590bafb215b141b0acbd559be7a62191.jpg

If you'll be doing any hiking into the canyon, pick this up for $5 used from Amazon and read it before you go:
Despite the somewhat joking appearance of the cover (a skeleton with a rainbow in the background, and almost comical font), the book is actually really interesting and detailed.

My wife and I hiked down South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah point (2 mile round trip) and Bright Angel Trail to the 3 Mile Resthouse (6 mile round trip). On the Bright Angle Trail at the 3 Mile Resthouse we had some water, trail mix, rested a bit, and then hiked back up, in just under 4 hours; the hike back up is a good workout, especially with the sun overhead beating down in late July.

I hope this helps with your trip planning,

Jake
Click to expand...
I didn't comment on the trip but since I lived in CO for a time and spent a lot of time hiking the slot canyons of Utah and lived 3 months in Torrey, UT and rode my horse all through Capitol Reef, rode down on a 250 mile trip 7 day trip in the Grand Stairstep - Escalate.

My basic opinion if you are going to the canyon ands and the SW - the grand canyon is a must see but it is very over rated. Unless you hike down to Phantom Ranch and stay some time on the canyon floor - you don't see much. That is an investment of time.

However, within a small area you have three wonderful national parts to visit, Zion, Bryce and Capitol Reef. They are different and they are all unique and they all have amazing photographic potential. Zion sports the typical SW canyon rock. But the Virgin river runs through the middle and if you hike up the river for about five miles you will find yourself in the "narrows." The narrows is where the Virgin comes out a slot canyon. There further you go up - the narrower and the deep the canyon gets. If you keep going you will end up in Orderville canyon - another beautiful slot canyon. This time of the year - be sure to check the weather as flash floods are common and if one happens the water level will go from ankle deep to 40 feet in a matter of minutes.

From Zion NP

61820914.jpg


Bryce is about intricate formations carved not by water but by wind. You hike down and through an wonderland of intricate formations like seen no place else in the world.



76118134.jpg


Then up the road from Bryce is Capitol Reef NP - an intricate maze of dark red sandstone box canyons that you can get lost in. I spent days exploring CR on the back of my trusty mare and probably that is the best way to see it but on foot would work too.

The the Grand Staircase and the Escalente river (you go in not far West from Capitol Reef) is an absolute must. You can see the area from highway 12 - it is between Bryce and Capitol Reef but to really see it you must go down into it.

I also recommend the suggest of staying off of 40 and taking Rt. 66.

The one thing to remember is during mid day the canyons are boring. For photography be out when the sun comes up or the sun is going down. The dominant red light in nearly morning and late after noon set the red sandstone canyons glowing - even in black and white.

--
Truman
www.pbase.com/tprevatt
 
Be sure to sign up for a photo tour of the larger canyon and also get a photo pass for the smaller canyon. In the larger canyon you need something as wide as possible and a tripod as well as being able to set up, focus, and snap quickly because you have an actual guide. The widest lens is your best bet but the 18-55 will work on the tripod (no stabilization). The lower canyon is a self-guided tour and, in some ways, more interesting.

As was said earlier check the weather for thunderstorms miles away. Slot canyons get that way through erosion and the raging water(s) start far away.

I agree on the 50-140 if weight is not an issue. It is a fabulous lens and a great one to isolate certain vistas. I don't think I will be taking it on my trip though it is tempting.

Great areas. You should have a great experience.

Bob

6891579658_558cd5598b_c.jpg




35146877645_21b48ae26f_c.jpg
 
Last edited:
I had the 55-200 with me on a trip through the usual-suspects areas in Utah/Arizona - and never ever used it. Tried twice but deleted those images.

If you are planning to visit Page, then a 23 would be great, grab a tripod for those shots in those slot canyons as the exposure times can be a bit on the long side. Your 12mm should work well as well of course.



14mm
14mm



23mm
23mm

Not much chance to change lenses down there as there is quite a bit of dust.

Deed
 
JakeInChicago said:
If you'll be doing any hiking into the canyon, pick this up for $5 used from Amazon and read it before you go:
Despite the somewhat joking appearance of the cover (a skeleton with a rainbow in the background, and almost comical font), the book is actually really interesting and detailed.
Click to expand...
It's amazing how many idiots try to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out in a day. As summer approaches it gets even more insane. Also, the warning about water pipes breaking is real; I always bring a water filtering system just in case.

One South Rim day hike that is really worth it is going down the South Kaibab Trail at dawn to Ooh-Aah Point (0.8 miles down) or to Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles down where there's a toilet). Great views of the inner canyon.
 
Marcos Villaroman said:
JakeInChicago said:
If you'll be doing any hiking into the canyon, pick this up for $5 used from Amazon and read it before you go:
Despite the somewhat joking appearance of the cover (a skeleton with a rainbow in the background, and almost comical font), the book is actually really interesting and detailed.
Click to expand...
It's amazing how many idiots try to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out in a day. As summer approaches it gets even more insane. Also, the warning about water pipes breaking is real; I always bring a water filtering system just in case.

One South Rim day hike that is really worth it is going down the South Kaibab Trail at dawn to Ooh-Aah Point (0.8 miles down) or to Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles down where there's a toilet). Great views of the inner canyon.
Click to expand...
Those are indeed great hikes, but they are hard hikes if you are not in shape. Every time I go down and back up from the bottom I run into scores of tourists in flip flops or otherwise out of shape trying very hard to make it back up from Oh-Aah Point. The canyon is deceiving because it is easy to go down, but coming back out is much harder.
 
shakenmartini said:
Those are indeed great hikes, but they are hard hikes if you are not in shape. Every time I go down and back up from the bottom I run into scores of tourists in flip flops or otherwise out of shape trying very hard to make it back up from Oh-Aah Point. The canyon is deceiving because it is easy to go down, but coming back out is much harder.
Click to expand...
Ah yes, now you've jogged my memory; I too couldn't believe people starting down Bright Angel Trail in flip flops. Those folks didn't get very far before turning back.

Another thing that I thought was absolutely crazy was there was a group of teens that went off the path seen below to get their picture taken at the spot indicated by the arrow; I don't quite think at this point it would have been one of those 400ft falls described in the book, but from this city-slicker's pov, it looked dangerous nonetheless.



a3c4d9609a9e4e06a83067075317446b.jpg
 
Gentlemen,

What an amazing wealth of information provided by you here!

I will certainly use your tips and see those additional places you mentioned.

Thank you for taking time to respond...

I am definitely taking my 50-140 with 1.4 on it...

Dom
 
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