on a full frame camera, between 14-24 and 24-70 which lens would be more useful to use in lower antelope canyon? (using d700). i heard it's kinda dusty (also heard it's not that bad), so i don't want to change lenses if possible. I just wanted to know which one would be more useful as I will be renting these lenses..either one or both..
any other suggestions would be great.
also which focal length lens would I need to capture the horseshoe bend in one frame? would i be able to frame it with 17mm or no?
Lower Antelope is probably best with the 24-70 zoom. That is what I have used there the most, with only rarely that any wider made sense. Most potential wide shots will put rock very close to you at one or both sides of the frame, and so close that it will be out of focus even stopped down. I have hauled a 16-35 along every time I have been there, but only rarely used it.
The dust level depends on if there is wind, if a "mini sand fall" happens where you are, and if anyone is throwing sand to get light beam type shots. The sand throwing is not as common in lower as it is in Upper Antelope, but it does happen. You should be able to find a "clean" location and moment to make occasional lens changes, but I would not plan on lots of them. It is very well worth having a good plastic bag to put over your camera and lens for protection when it is not in use, or if some form of dust event occurs. A big zip lock is durable and easy to handle for that need.
A good rigid tripod and ball head, and a remote release, are both very important for shots in the slot canyons, so I hope you have those covered.
Horseshoe Bend is such that you can get the full expanse of the river in with a 16mm on full frame, but not include all of the canyon walls that are on each side. 16mm is as wide as I own, and the photos are very nice with it, but it is one of the few places where I would have liked a 14mm for some of the shots. So your 17mm will be good, but not perfect. There are also lots of shots there where normal and telephoto lenses are useful. Sunrise is likely the best time to shoot there. Be sure to allow enough time to walk the approximatly one mile in. And please be very carefull around the edge. It is about 800 feet down, and the first 400 are nearly vertical.
I agree with the recommendations by Roland. I would consider bringing a longer and shorter focal length to Lower Antelope in addition to the 24-70, as the flying sand is usually not too bad. The canyon is rather tight in spots, unlike the flat sand you see in Upper Antelope shots. Make sure there is no sky in your shots as it will certainly blow out. You can stay in Lower Antelope a long time (no shuttle needed) so get there by 11AM.
For Horseshoe bend you will want a GND and a very wide lens. Unfortunately filters are not possible on your 14-24, so figure on bracketing and blending.
Mike K
Unfortunately filters are not possible on your 14-24, so figure on bracketing and blending.
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Hand holding the ND grad is a possibility or DIY holder.
Dust may not be so bad. Upper gets much more traffic, AND the guides toss sand in the air when the coveted 'beams' are active. If the wind isn't howling, the air in Lower really shouldn't be that bad. If you're really paranoid, bring a big garbage bag to hide in when changing glass.
If that won't do, remember that you can spend up to 4 hours in the Lower Jackalope area. Make one circuit of the canyon, come up to change lenses, then go back for more.
The best solution is to buy yourself a nice FILM camera and shoot two bodies at once!
As mentioned, watch for lens flare if there's a bright stripe of sky above. The long exposures (to maintain DOF) can allow nearly invisible levels of flare to accumulate. Use a lens hood and cover the viewfinder.
Make sure your tripod is snugly nestled in the sand so that settling doesn't occur during exposure.
Use a remote release, if available, or the timer.
When at Horseshoe, try to find the time to hike 10~20 minutes along one of the edges. With the low winter light, the southern lip is likely best. You'll find fresh vantage points and avoid tripping in the tripod holes that infest the 'Tourist Overlook' site.
solution is to buy yourself a nice FILM camera and shoot two bodies at once!