Which lens is best to shoot horseshoe bend?

[limvo05]

Hello experts,

I will be taking a long roadtrip soon. Heading to the great state of Utah, checking out all the great national parks.

I was wondering if anyone could comment/suggest which lens to use for all the great scenaries Utah has to offers? I have 24-70 MK2, and 70-200 MK2. Should I acquire a wide angle lens?

Also, feel free to suggest best places to take those memorable photos.

Thanks,
LV

[kvbarkley]

What camera? FF or APS?

[ebiggs1]

" I have 24-70 MK2, and 70-200 MK2."

You are way ahead of the game with these two lenses.  I would add the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens. It doesn't matter which camera format you have since you have the two listed lenses stated.  Not Utah but I just got back from a 10 day shoot in New York and those three lenses are what I used.

I have done shoots in Utah many times.  It is loaded with outstanding places.  Le'st see how many can I think of? 

Zion National Park, Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon, San Rafael Swell, Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point.  There is more.  It is a great place for photographers.  Take hiking gear, you'll need it for the best shoots.

[KristiG]

You are going to LOVE Horseshoe Bend. By all means buy a wider angle lens, something in the teens to a fisheye works.  If you want the full loop with both sides of the river showing, you'll shoot as far out on the ledge as you can manage. Personally, I was too chicken to get far enough out. You might even use a monopod or tripod to extend farther out towards the cliff. Just don't get so close you fall off -- which happens! Use a spotter if you're nervous. And Have a great time. While you're there you ARE going to Lower Antelope Canyon for a photographer's session (2 hrs in the slot canyon)? NOT Upper. That's where the tourists go, and way too much dust. 

[TCampbell]

Which camera body are you using?  Here's a link to an image shot with a full-frame body (5D II) at 24mm

https://flic.kr/p/GcAZyG

There are loads of images online that show the EXIF data ... so you can check the camera body & focal length used.  I just did a flickr search for "Horseshoe Bend" and found many results (not all include the data, but many do.)

I also noticed some shots taken late in the day with the sun in the background and reflecting glare off the water (unpleasant) so you'll want to consider the optimal location of the sun to provide the lighting you want.  The overlook faces west.  Too early in the day and you'll likely have the shadow from the cliff where you are standing.  Too late and you'll likely have strong back-lit (shadow foreground).   I'd probably go for a shot with the Sun just a bit before it crosses the meridian of the sky... say 11:30a (with daylight saving time it could be closer to 12 or 12:30p).

[kvbarkley]

Camera format does matter for the wide angle. A 10-18 would be pretty much required for APS.

[ScottyP]

Sounds like a fun trip. 

I'd clean my sensor before going on such a nice photo trip.  I'd hate to take all those photos of all that great sky and then see the same dust spots or eyelashes smudging up every image.  I'd also be sure to take a rocket blower and brush with me.

[RobertTheFat]

---

@ebiggs1 wrote:

" I have 24-70 MK2, and 70-200 MK2."

You are way ahead of the game with these two lenses.  I would add the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens. It doesn't matter which camera format you have since you have the two listed lenses stated.  Not Utah but I just got back from a 10 day shoot in New York and those three lenses are what I used.

I have done shoots in Utah many times.  It is loaded with outstanding places.  Le'st see how many can I think of? 

Zion National Park, Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon, San Rafael Swell, Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point.  There is more.  It is a great place for photographers.  Take hiking gear, you'll need it for the best shoots.

---

Ernie is right about the lenses, though I might add that the less expensive 16-35mm f/4L is also a fine lens for outdoor use.

And add Cedar Breaks National Monument to Ernie's list. My wife and I toured Colorado, Utah, and the Grand Canyon area of Arizona on our honeymoon (many years ago), and Cedar Breaks was a highlight of the trip. I'm not sure we have any surviving photographs, but Martha did a painting of it when we got home that still hangs in our family room. Late afternoon is probably the best time to photograph it.

[limvo05]

Canon 5DS.

Thanks,

LV

[limvo05]

Thank you all for great suggestions and comments.

As much as I would like to get that extra wide angle lens, I don't think my wife is going to approve it, especially when I already bought these mentioned items in the past few months.

To compensate for the lack of the wide angle lens, I was thinking of using the 24-70 and take paranomic shots, and stitch them together. Not sure how it would look but at least I could get the entire thing.

Will post the photos once I am back from the trip.

Thanks again,

LV