Going to the grand canyon... can only bring one lens (DLSR - Nikon D600)

Bigfoot

Bigfoot

New member
I'm thinking wide, but the widest thing I own is a 28mm-120mm 3.5-4.5D. I know Sigma makes a 20mm that does decent macro as well (might be interested in insects/animals and fauna). Haven't done any research in a while, so figured I'd start this thread. Not leaving until May. Anyway, what would you bring?

Nikon (compatible) suggestions are most useful given my gear, but other suggestions are still welcome. I'm only willing to spend around four to seven hundred on the lens.

Actually, general accessory suggestions would be great too. I was planning on bringing a tripod with me for some long exposures at night (think start trails since I don't have any sort of tracking equipment, and I have to carry everything in). I will probably need a small dry sack as well since we will be hiking up a stream bed etc. Hence the one lens.
 
DX or FX?

One lens, wow... sometimes using a zoom to isolate an landscape area can be just as awesome. This can work well with the canyon. 20mm should be wide enough, i have a 24-70mm (FX) and i wish i had a wider lens. Going from 28 to 20 should be a significant change.

There are a lot of options for lenses between 16-60mm, too many to mention. I guess one needs to decide, get a lens that caters to all purpose while having wide angle or get multiple lenses for coverage. If you want one lens then the Sigma 17-50 2.8 for under $600 might be an option. If youre going to being a mid range zoom then maybe geta super wide angle so you have both ends covered.

OR

Tamron is releasing or just released a 16-300mm Di VC PZD (can do macro) lens for under $700, seems like people are going crazy over it. Again watch out for DX vs FX... the field of view changes.

I so want the new Tamron 15-30 di VC USD... OMG OMG :drool:
 
Camera (D600) is FX.

Lenses I have:
Nikon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 (newer one with built in hood)
Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 (old push/pull)

Also (manual focus):
Nikon 75-150mm f/3.5 series e
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 series e

I feel like the 80-200mm is just too big, I find myself hesitating to take it anywhere. I'm equally hesitant to just take the nifty fifty.

I'm guessing that anything I'd want a zoom for in the grand canyon is going to require more than 200mm....
 
I just rediscovered the 20mm f/1.8g and am leaning that way, though it is a bit over my price range.

Thoughts?

Also, going the other way, the Rokinon/Samyang 14mm 2.8 UMC seems to get really good reviews. I don't mind manual focus at all, especially on an ultrawide.
 
Oh yeah now i remember, you do have a good range of lenses but going ultra wide would be ideal... unless you want to get one lens and cut out some of the extra gear.

I havent used any of those, but i have used the tokina 16-28 and it was pretty sweet. For me and my style i cant say im a huge fan of ultra wide primes, id like to have some zoom capabilities seeing that im not always able to get into the ideal spot. UNLESS the sharpness is like crrrraaazzy better then id sacrifice zoom for better optics.
 
What selection of lenses have you now?

Also, do not underestimate stitching software like Hugin
to make larger prints.

Once you fond the proper exposure, put the camera in manual and click away...
 
MasterGoa said:
What selection of lenses have you now?

Also, do not underestimate stitching software like Hugin
to make larger prints.

Once you fond the proper exposure, put the camera in manual and click away...
Click to expand...

Lenses I have:
Nikon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 (newer one with built in hood)
Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 (old push/pull)

Also (manual focus):
Nikon 75-150mm f/3.5 series e
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 series e

Leaning towards the Sigma 20mm f/1.8 AF-D now, though also researching the Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8. Still plenty of time. Figure I could work my way through a few of the Sigmas/Tokinas until I get a good copy if I start around the end of March.
 
Bigfoot said:
I just rediscovered the 20mm f/1.8g and am leaning that way, though it is a bit over my price range.

Thoughts?

Also, going the other way, the Rokinon/Samyang 14mm 2.8 UMC seems to get really good reviews. I don't mind manual focus at all, especially on an ultrawide.
Click to expand...

Just a shout out to Rokinon/Samyang I have their 85 f1.4 and I love it even though it is manual focus/aperture. It's a definite light gulper. For some reason the Rokinon brand is cheaper. Weird.
 
So the time is upon us, boy does it fly.

I have a Nikon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-D, decided to use it instead of picking up something new. It does 1:2 macro, is my widest lens and has a bit of zoom. I don't think light will be a problem in the destert, though that being said a few questions:

1) Should I bring along my 50mm f/1.8? We will be hiking at both dawn and dusk.
2) How about my flash? I've never really learned how to use one properly, and weight is a consideration.
3) I would like to get some start trails, and will be carting along a tripod for that. My assumption is that the lens doesn't matter all that much (except for increasing fov). Which lens would I use, the 50mm or 28-105mm? Mostly I'm interested in doing some sort of silouette (say a tree or something) with trails in the background (point camera at north star).
4) Any thoughts on quick release holster like http://spiderholster.com/black-widow-holster/ ? Seems to have great reviews, and not a big fan of neck strap.
5) Walking up a river bed. Amazing photo opportunities, but a bit concerned for the camera. Suggestions?
 
My opinion, FWIW

Bigfoot said:
1) Should I bring along my 50mm f/1.8? We will be hiking at both dawn and dusk.

Yes; it's small, sharper, better aperture for darkness, especially tripod supported landscapes (use mirror lock-up.)

2) How about my flash? I've never really learned how to use one properly, and weight is a consideration.

Maybe...check this:

Astro_Landscape_Photography_Quiver_Tree_Forest_Namibia_NAS1258_MITCHELL_KROG1.jpg


...selectively lighting landscape.

3) I would like to get some start trails, and will be carting along a tripod for that. My assumption is that the lens doesn't matter all that much (except for increasing fov). Which lens would I use, the 50mm or 28-105mm? Mostly I'm interested in doing some sort of silouette (say a tree or something) with trails in the background (point camera at north star).

You know, for long exposures it may not matter. You will have to stop down the lens anyway, so pick your focal length. Use mirror lock-up!

4) Any thoughts on quick release holster like http://spiderholster.com/black-widow-holster/ ? Seems to have great reviews, and not a big fan of neck strap.

Cool! Might slap around though, not good. I use a backpack for hiking and then just the neck strap wound around my side (not typical to front cause I hate that) if short jaunts. I even strap along my side for weddings. It's under my arm so it doesn't swing and bump people and is shielded, then I can easily shift it to eye-view.

5) Walking up a river bed. Amazing photo opportunities, but a bit concerned for the camera. Suggestions?

Like I said, I use a backpack case. Might not work for you.
Click to expand...
 
Another thing with landscape astro or even just landscapes. Practice in your back yard! You don't want to get there and THEN have to figure it all out. You'll be in for a bad time.
 
Grand Canyon and only one lens? :cry:

I'd rent a Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S

28mm on FF is plenty wide. Especially with a subject as vast as the grand canyon.
I'd want the 200-300mm range to isolate some stuff.
and TBH, I always thought the IQ from this lens was great.

The other option would be renting one of the 150-600mm(tamron or Sigma) and take along your 50mm(or rent a 35) for general purpose/landscape(can even stitch together shots for wider). I've had some superb landscape shots with the Tamron 150-600 on the 150mm side and on FF. Again, with how large the GC is, 50mm and 150mm will allow for some great scapes. But if you think the 80-200 is too big, than I doubt this would be the option.

If choosing from your personal collection of lenses. With out a doubt the 28-120mm and would do my best to take the 50mm also.
 
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