Lens suggestions for trip to Grand Canyon

[re7777]

I am going to Sedona and the Grand Canyon (south rim) next week and am trying to decide on which of my lenses to bring, and better yet, which lenses I should rent. I am very interested in landscape shots, dessert foliage shots, as well as trying out some night shots. We will also be taking a helicopter tour over the canyon.

I have a 50D and the following lenses:
> EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 USM IS
> EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
> EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS

I love my 70-300 lens, which is great for wildlife shots; but not so great for wide landscapes. While the 28-135 kit lens is ok, I think I want something wider. I was thinking about renting the EF 16-35 or the EF 24-70, as well as the EF-S 10-22. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Also, would any of these lenses also be good for night landscapes or should I be renting another lens for that?

I really appreciate any suggestions you might have on what lenses would be best to bring on this trip.

Thanks!
Robin

 

[candc]

The new 10-18 seems to be a really good lens. I would get one of those and sell your 28-135.

 

[danski0224]

I am going to Sedona and the Grand Canyon (south rim) next week and am trying to decide on which of my lenses to bring, and better yet, which lenses I should rent. I am very interested in landscape shots, dessert foliage shots, as well as trying out some night shots. We will also be taking a helicopter tour over the canyon.

I have a 50D and the following lenses:
> EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 USM IS
> EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
> EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS

I love my 70-300 lens, which is great for wildlife shots; but not so great for wide landscapes. While the 28-135 kit lens is ok, I think I want something wider. I was thinking about renting the EF 16-35 or the EF 24-70, as well as the EF-S 10-22. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Also, would any of these lenses also be good for night landscapes or should I be renting another lens for that?

I really appreciate any suggestions you might have on what lenses would be best to bring on this trip.

Thanks!
Robin

Good thing you didn't wait until next week to ask....

When I took a van tour of the Grand Canyon, my 16-35II was by far, the most used lens on the 7D that I had.

I didn't own the 10-22.

My biggest regret for the trip was not taking more panoramics. At the distances of the Grand Canyon, a handheld panoramic stitch can work rather well. I tried one for grins and was disappointed that I didn't do more when that series turned out OK. If you attempt some panoramics, you have to keep the exposure for each shot the same and turn off the autofocus (or do back-button AF lock so the shutter half press doesn't change the focus).

Many measurebators poo-poo the 16-35II, but nothing else does what it can.

The 16-35 f/4 IS is supposed to be a stellar lens if the f/4 works for you.

A CPL filter would probably help to bring out the colors.

Your 50mm f/1.4 would be the obvious choice for night work.

If I'm not mistaken, the 50D and 7D share the same sensor. I was not particularly happy with the 7D output in less than very good light.

If you are open to renting gear, I'd look at the 70D or even better- a 6D, especially if this is one of those "once in a lifetime" trips. I would rent the camera before renting the 10-22.

The wide lenses are tempting, but trying to capture the field of view with the 10-22 isn't the same as putting together a stitch at say 35mm taken in portrait orientation.

 

[re7777]

Thanks! The idea of renting a body is not something I had thought about, but is tempting.

I just realized that I misspoke and I have the 1.8 50 mm lens, but I'm guessing it won't make as much of a difference.

I just read somewhere that night sky photograph is better with a spherical lens? Is that true?

 

[danski0224]

I'm not really up on the do's and don'ts for night sky photography.

I would imagine that your 50mm and a tripod would work acceptably well. Certainly better than your other listed gear based upon f/stop alone.

You may want to search for info here and elsewhere.

 

[bholliman]

With your 50D, I recommend renting the EF-S 10-22 or 10-18. Both of these lenses are excellent. Be prepared for some of the most beautiful scenery you have ever seen!

 

[gqllc007]

you need uwa...if full frame then 16-35 f/4 IS other wise the 10-18/22 better choice for crop

 

[Chisox2335]

you need uwa...if full frame then 16-35 f/4 IS other wise the 10-18/22 better choice for crop

Your lenses won't really work for astrophotography. Best bet would be buy the rokinon 10mm or rokinon 14mm