SeAAttle

I am really looking forward to this trip. I plan to take a 16-35 vr lens for the Canyon. Is that a good choice? Assume I will not need a longer lens (70-200). A tripod is recommended. Is it really necessary?

SeAAttle

Thanks for the tip!

penner42

Yes, tripod is necessary. It's dark inside, and flash is useless as it lights up all the dust in the air. You're going to want long exposures. The picture I posted here was 30 seconds.

16-35 should be fine. If you have a crop sensor instead of full frame you MAY want wider, but shouldn't need it. The longer lens isn't needed, and you won't be wanting to change lenses inside the canyon. A ton of dust and you just wanna keep the sensor covered until you leave. You're also going to want to clean everything afterwards.

Also, you should check out the Lower Antelope Canyon as well. When I went, you had to pay a "tourguide fee" but could roam it freely and didn't need to have a guide with you. It doesn't get the light beams coming through like the upper canyon, but the colors and lighting are still amazing.

Edit: realized I had a link to the tour I took in that photo's flickr comments. It was this one (the photographic 2.5 hour one), not the same as the one linked above. I'm sure both are excellent, though.

anrkitec

Yeah, a tripod is mandatory, even with VR. IMO a DR-5/6 is also very useful though with a combination of LiveView and chimping it isn't mandatory. An MC-36 [or the great and cheap ML-L3 if you are using a DX camera] or some other type of release is also nice to have. You can of course use the self-timer or mirror-up function but a release is much easier/faster/less fussy.

If you still have your D700 then the 16-35 will be perfect, if you have switched to DX then it wouldn't hurt to bring a 10-20/12-24 if you have one.

When I was there with my N90s in '96 I only had an AF 35-70 f/2.8D and a AF 28 f/2.8D. I remember thinking that I would have killed for a 20 or 24.

SeAAttle

I have a D700 and a D7000. Use the latter with the 70-200 to get extra reach in good light. For low images (performers at Jazz Alley, for example), the D700 and the 70-200 work great!

Must admit I don't use a tripod very often but know that I probably should.

penner42

With two camera bodies, I recommend bringing both in with different lenses on them so you have the flexibility of either one but don't have to change lenses in the dusty canyon.

Seat 2A

Both were taken in April, but hey - it's all good all year in that part of the world. Have fun!

SeAAttle

I don't have another lens that would be very useful. Also, lugging two cameras with lenses and a tripod is probably more than I can handle.

That's when I am going! Really looking forward to this trip.

SeAAttle

I am confused about the requirement for a photography permit on tribal lands. The cost seems to range from minimal to several hundred dollars, and, according to some discussions, depends on whether you are a professional or not. The definition of professional is vague.

I have a Smugmug website where my images are offered for sale. Does that make me a professional? I consider it a serious hobby - a good thing since I have a busy day job and spend much more on photo equipment, trips, etc., than I get from sales.

Any advice would be appreciated.

anrkitec

I think that you can honestly claim yourself as a hobbyist.

IMO the Navajos are more interested in the Peter Lik's of the world [not an endorsement of his photos images, just an example ] making tens of thousands of dollars from photos taken on their lands.

hackensacknj

This is gorgeous. Where taken? Missed it when I was there a couple of times.

exerda

I padded a trip to the Wave this summer (early June) with an extra day to account for the chance of travel issues (or possibly inclement weather, though if that's the case I'm sure the next morning's walk-up permit lottery will be hip deep)... so I think I'm going to tack on Antelope Canyon during that extra day.

I'll be interested to hear how the trip goes, SeAAtle, as I'm torn between the different photo tours at the moment--one which gets there at 10:30, and one which gets there at 11:30.

SeAAttle

The 11:30 is specifically for photographers. I made my res about a month ahead and got the last seat for that day. You might want to decide soon since June may be even busier. Will let you know how my trip goes.

exerda

Thanks--I'll get in contact with the guides today to try to pin down a June slot (I can go either at the beginning or end of my trip, so I've got flexibility).

The 10:30 was also designated as for photographers, just from a different guide (both I believe are 2.5 hours in length designed to be there when the light shafts are at their peak).

Good luck and shooting!

seattle29

I went in December 2007 and paid to have the expertise of a local guide, found via this website:

http://www.monumentvalley.com/Pages/english_tours.html

They know the exact locations and times of day to get the best photos, and have worked with many film studios, professional photographers etc.

It's not cheap, but they drive you in their vehicle and your entry permit is included.