bpoole

Going to Arizona next April and would like some information on taking pictures in the Slot Canyons. Is a tripod necessary or with my Nikon D7000 can I just bust the ISO?

14kphotog Loc: Marietta, Ohio

Very tight in the canyon, tripod hard to use with the people on the tour. You can brace against the walls for most areas. Good guides know the best areas to photo. No need to use more than ISO 800 @ .30 sec. Enjoy your trip, show us your pictures.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

The June issue of Outdoor Photographer has a feature on Slot Canyons.

lbrandt79 Loc: League City, Tx.

Do some research, there are tours for photographers, and the guides know when and where.
This was taken at Antelope Canyon

hwishnick Loc: Huntley, Huntley

Try to get on one of the special photography tours. You get more time and the guides seem to know more. A tripod helps. You are so close to everything that depth of field becomes a problem. Tripod mounted camera allows you to use a higher apature or lower ISO. If you are going during the summer, when the sun beams sneak through the top of the canyon, expect crowds no matter when.....and heat! Have fun and great shooting.

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

I've seen a lot of pics in places like Antelope Canyon (is that where you're going?) turn out good, but the side walls will often come out a bit dark. Your D7000 has excellent dynamic range, so this might not be a factor, but if it is you can use your camera's exposure bracketing and post-process for some mild HDR work.

Just something to keep in mind, for what it's worth.

phys406

I have already recommended Paria Canyon on UHH, but in case you missed those... About 30 miles north of Page on 89 at mile marker 21. Requires 4 miles hiking to the Narrows, and a good 3 miles more for the best of the Narrows. And then back out unless you are camping. The river was flowing when I was there on 4/10 this year; probably a lot drier now. There are shorter but tougher side canyons - Buckskin Gulch and another I forget the name of. There will be no crowds. Handheld at ISO100 was fine. The side canyons are narrower and probably darker.

Paria April 2013

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

Monopod and Image stabilization.

Antelope Canyon is mind boggling but check with AZ Highway Department first. There was part of highway 89 that collapsed recently... Phone- 602.712.7355

fantom Loc: Colorado

Got back from there a couple of weeks ago . If your main purpose is to take pix then there are several things you should do:
* get on a photo tour leaving around 10:30 or so in the AM, the guides will know when and where the light rays are
* Use a tripod, the guide will stop traffic so his group can set up and shoot
* Bracket all shots----this can take quite awhile in the dim light---including the writing to the card
* Be completely familiar with all of your equipment so you can adjust ALL settings quickly in the dark, shoot and review quickly in the dark, without having to stop and think about what you are doing. You will want it to be second nature. This isn't the place to figure out what that little button does. You will want to move fast cuz the light doesn't stay in one place too long---nor do the massive crowds of people. The guide is very helpful in this regard but you need to help also by being ready and competent.
* Shoot, shoot, shoot--- but be patient and allow the time to get the right shot.

If you want to shoot the light rays then you must go to the Upper Antelope Canyon. If you just want the impressive canyon walls and colors etc then go to the Lower canyon and avoid some of the crowds. You will need to navigate stairs ladders etc in the Lower canyon.

Good luck you will love it.

Vlb

You'll love Antelope Slot Canyon. Best shots I've ever taken!