baygolf Loc: DMV

Hi, we are planning a trip to Noah's Ark, and I have a couple of questions:
(Equipment I have: 70D and 5dM4, Lenes I want to could use for this [I want to take no more two lenses and maybe a flash] )
1. EF-Ss 24mm f/2.4, 40mm f/2.4, 10-18mm, 18-135mm STM; EF 50 f/1.8, 85mm 1.8, 100mm f/2, 24-70 f/2.8, 24-105mm f/4, 70-200mm f/4. Which camera and two lenses?

2. How was the picture taking the experience with the lighting inside Noah's Ark?

3. Would I need a wide angle lens (10-18mm) to take a picture of the entire outside of the Ark?

Thanks for your recommendation!

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Different camera, but I was in a dark old church with bright small windows. I shot 6 bracket bursts in 5 sets, hand held. Then Lightroom Classic aligned and stitched them all together for a nice panorama. Getting rid of tourists took some significant Photoshop time.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I haven't been there, but have it on my list when next in the area. I would consider either of two lenses that overlap with yours: 5d4 w/ 24-70 or w/ 50, selected for 'general' purpose indoor / low-light. The 24-105 or 70-200 would be expected to more useful outdoors for perspective shots of the arc. Given the pictures of exhibits I've seen, it seems the exhibits are relatively accessible and a flash wouldn't be needed.

Floyd Loc: Misplaced Texan in Florence, Alabama

A flash is NOT needed. I took severai, several pictures using only a 24/70 and except for those not useable due to my shaky hands, very littlef was needed in post processing.
By the way, if other UHH's haven't been to the ARK, it is well worth the trip for a true understanding of the originals size, how animals were fed and cleaned up after, and how Noah and family lived on board. Also in the general area is the Creation Museum with a very nice night sky portrayal and other sights.

ELNikkor

70D, 10-18, 18-135. Leave the 5D in the car with a 24-105 for shots along the way, if you like to have back-up. You don't need the size/weight/resolution of the 5D for what is basically a nice documentation of the Ark.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. The advantage of the digital system. You can take a shot, then look at the shot, do you need more light? open lens, increase ISO, lower shutter speed.
Image too light ?, close lens, decrease ISO, up shutter speed.
As you do these things you look at your results on the back screen of your camera and constantly change your settings in MANUAL until you get the shot you like. Your welcome.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

It sounds interesting. I doubt, however, that I will ever be able to visit. Please post your photos so we can see what it looks like.

chippy65 Loc: Cambridge

looks to be a lot of fun.............just dont believe in it as a fact!

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Most of those who go to see it believe in it as an absolute fact. Suggesting otherwise to them will fall on deaf ears. While there may not be any modern empirical proof of the existence of the Ark, there can also never be any empirical proof of its non existence. As a result, those people of faith who believe the Old Testament and New Testament references to Noah will continue to believe.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Trying to prove a non-existence is the same as trying to prove a negative, which can’t be done. But they go there anyway because it confirms their bias.

Ray and JoJo Loc: Florida--Tenneessee

Used a Tam 17-50 2.8 lots of good pics, best deal at the ark is you can rent a scooter for $35 for all day, it is a long walk takes about 6-7 hrs. Be sure to eat at the buffet, lots of good food. OH be sure to get there early scooters go fast.

newcamman

I have been there and it is a trip worth the time and money. Shop pictures with my Nikon D 3100 using my two Kit lenses... 18 to 55 / 55 to 200. The lowest aperture on the first one is a 3.5 and the pictures turned out fine. Did use occasional Flash but not much.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Get there as early as possible so when you start, the crowds are smaller plus you can get better parking. They will bus you from the parking area to the Ark (about 1-1/2 miles away). You will have to deal with people, they'll be in nearly every shot and it gets worse as the day goes on. Crowds get huge as the day goes on (especially weekends). There are 3 levels or decks to the Ark. It can take awhile to get through all decks. Lighting is dim in some areas, so high ISO photography is a must. Be patient, there will be hundreds with cell phones taking pictures and hogging a scene so you'll have to deal with them. You should be able to get good shots of the whole Ark from the outside along the path that leads to the entrance. Most important is to take is all in. It tells the story of the Great Flood in an amazing way. And finally, Have Fun...

Bison Bud

My wife and I live near there and got free passes from a friend/employee to go and see their Christmas light display as well as the Ark itself. Interesting day, but I have to say that without the free passes I probably would never have paid the full admission price (around $50.00 for an adult ticket). If I remember correctly, we also had to pay $10.00 to park. Maybe not as bad as say Disney World, but obviously a for profit business!

Anyway, the animals are mostly outside and lighting is not a big issue for them. Inside the Ark the lighting is variable to say the least with some exhibits very well lighted and others very dark. I also found that the color temperature varied considerably, so be sure to either watch your color temp closely or shoot in RAW so adjustments can be easily made in post. My Pentax K3 doesn't do real well at high ISO and I rarely shoot above 1600. However, I was able to shoot most everything without pushing the ISO any further and using good steady hold technique, etc. I used my Sigma 17 to 70mm, 2.8 to 4.0 lens and found it to be a good all around choice and was pretty satisfied with what I came home with overall.

In any case, if the Ark is of real interest, then you should probably make time to go to the Creation Museum as well. It is located around 40 miles (maybe less) from the Ark Encounter park. They offer combo tickets and even bus service between them, but I really wouldn't try to do them both on the same day. Expect to do a lot of walking at either. The Ark has 3 levels inside and it's a pretty good hike from one end to the other as well, then there's the outside displays, gardens, and animals on the grounds as well.

All in all, I'd recommend that you take your best low light camera with a wide angle to medium telephoto lens and leave the flash at home unless you just have to have it with you. Good luck, enjoy your trip, and travel safely.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Use TTL flash if possible.