I own the lens and like was mentioned it is a G master lens. It does make a big difference. It is expensive however I have found with lenses you really get what you pay for. The only thing I disagree with the Ken Rockwell review is the comment on size. It is not very big. You will be very happy with this lens. Good luck deciding.

We had reservations for two nights. Oh well better than just looking at smoke. We’ll try again. Looking at these images I can’t wait to get there.

The crowds should not be that bad like others have suggested. The key is go to the parks way before sunrise and experience and photograph that morning glow on those amazing rocks. Stay for sunset and have a sleep during midday. In Canyonlands you must photograph Mesa Arch. Google it to see how beautiful it is. You need to go the day before and decide on how you want to photograph the arch. Be in place no later than 5:30 am. You will have company, it is a short walk, use a Circular Polarizing Filter. You might as well just leave that on your lens for the trip. See if you can register for the Fiery Furnace walk in Arches, an experience you will never forget. In 4-5 days I doubt you’ll have time to go too many other places.

The 18-105 would be perfect. Take a serious look at this lens. Great for video as well as stills.

Ideal excursions would be the Mystic Fyords plane ride and the Brooks Falls trip. I don’t know if you have enough time for these. Your 28-300 lens along with the 24-70 best 2 lens choice, have fun.

Thank You Watcher. I have been going to purchase this exact product. When you can get it for 50% off it is a deal. The shipping is slow but I have patience. Great deal if you need it.

I forgot to mention the Fiery Furnace walk in Arches. It is amazing, you need to sign up for it ahead of time or at the ranger station as you enter the park.

I agree with everyone that has made these suggestions. Upper Antelope Canyon photographers tour a must. Horse Shoe Bend right next to Antelope Canyon. Head north to Arches National Park, Mesa Arch in Canyonland National Park (must arrive at 5 a.m. to see and photograph the sunrise). You will have many early mornings and late evenings, don’t overdo. Pick a side east or west. I suggest east. It will be hot. Make your Upper Antelope Canyon reservation now. You will need a tripod, you can not get the light beams without one. Have fun!

The Denali bus windows for us opened all the way. It must depend on the bus.

I am sure you are correct but Ketchikan relieves 153 inches of rain per year on average. Ketchikan is likely one of there ports. This is according to a store owner and a relative of my wife. I am not a local. I was born in Fairbanks. When we were there it rained nearly daily except for our time in Denali. Just my thoughts that’s all.

When we went last year I took 2 lens, 24-70 and 70-300. Skip the monopod and tripod. The ship vibrates too much, there is no room or time on shore excursions.You have had some excellent advice above, take some waterproof covers for your camera and lens. It’s Alaska, it rains. Hat, coat, gloves, oh yes. Denali a must, the earlier bus the better. Take the guided tour 8 hrs. unless you have been before, then you could take the wilderness tour (no food, water or snacks provided) it lasts 14 hours. Relax and have the time of your life.

Sony’s auto focus areas are a little complex. Choose area wide the top choice. This is the wide area. It will focus on the closest area near the center. You will need to experiment with the other areas to see if they will be more helpful. Often times if there is a particular thing I want to focus on I choose the spot area and choose the size small, medium, or large. Push the center button in the middle of the wheel to move around or use the joy stick. Remember auto focus area.
Brad

Try SquareSpace, it works for me.
Brad

My Passport Wireless Pro 2TB - $50.00 Sold
Wacom Intuos Pro PHT 451 - Creative Pen and Touch Tablet $75.00 - Sold

Both of these accessories are in excellent shape and are packed in original boxes. If you are in need you can view pictures of both at my website www.oballenimagery.com

You can pay with a credit card or PayPal there as well. I will cover US shipping.
Thanks for looking.
Brad

We went last year and took 2 cameras 42 mg pixel, and 24 mg pixel, each had a 128 gig card per camera, each camera had about 2000 pictures. I had 2 additional 128 gig cards as backups, I did not use. Buy the cards, keep them in in the protective covers, take many pictures in raw, have covers for your cameras (in rains a lot), most of all prepare for the time of your life.