fourpar Loc: Central Florida

I'll be going to Luray Caverns in a couple of weeks. I have Nikon D3400 and 18-55 mm, 70-300 mm and a 35mm lenses. I don't think it a good idea to change lenses underground, so I'd like opinions on which lens to mount. My first thought is the 35mm.
I've checked with the office and tripods are allowed, so I plan on using one.
I look forward to your suggestions.
Thanks,

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

What would be your reasoning for not changing lenses underground? Darkness? You should know your camera well enough to operate it in the dark. Moisture? The camera is already in that. What else do you fear and why? 35mm might be to narrow a FOV. In caverns you are very close to most subjects. Experiment a little and have fun with the shoot. Caverns make wonderful subjects not often seen. Share your results when you get them please. The easiest part of this shoot is in-activity, NO motion! Enjoy.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I, myself, would use the 18-55.
You'll be in close quarters, not wide open spaces.
It will not be bright in the cavern.

I'd change lenses if desired.
It's not like the camera will dissolve after you change them.
(Just like a cool, very damp (humid) day above ground.)

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

I went to Luray two years ago. As other's noted, you'll be in pretty close quarters where a telephoto is useless; the 18-55mm suggestion is a good one as it's plenty wide but gives you a little zoom capability. Each chamber is pretty well lit giving the photos a yellowish cast but that's largely because it's the actual color of the stone features. Here's a typical shot taken with a hand-held D5500. I had to push the ISO up a bit but it didn't seem to create any noticible noise.

(Download)

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your 18-55 or the 35 with a tripod are fine for Luray, with no need to change once you pick one or the other.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Been there. Take the 18-55 and if you have it external flash.

Leave tripod as you’d be scrambling to keep up with your tour group.

kvanhook Loc: Oriental, NC

18-55. If you have a monopod I would consider using it. A monopod is easier to use with a group. Put it on the ground, take shot, get out of the way for others.

AHK Loc: Lakewood Ranch, Fl.

I do not know your camera, But 18-55 mm would be my choice....you will need the spread. Enjoy...they are majestic.

2Dragons Loc: The Back of Beyond

It's a pretty steady 58 degrees in the caverns and the picture opportunities are just endless. Beautiful place to spend a hot day.
It was 95 degrees the day we were there and I was soooooo happy to be underground and cool.

goldstar46 Loc: Tampa, Fl

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Good Morning FourPar...

Although I do not own a Nikon camera But, instead I do have 5 of the Canon Full Sensor Cameras and enjoy this type of "landscape" camera-work, I am going to "chime my 2¢" into this thread... I will say, the information which I will discuss, will pertain to photo techniques and NOT to the specific brand names.

First and foremost, with this style of "landscape" camera sensors should be considered. You have mentioned the Nikon D3400 with either an 18-55mm zoom or a 35mm prime??

First, your camera, the D3400 has an APS-C (cropped) sensor and because of that, your "angel of view" of either lense will be "restricted"... Your 18-55mm zoom lens, when shot at 18mm will be 35mm (or 18 x 1.5) because of the crop... and the fact that your APS-C Sensor is "smaller" than a Full-Frame sensor... For more info, I would invite you the review the "APS-C Wiki" URL which is listed next:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APS-C

Because of the above, the best way of thinking of this is that because you have an APS-C sensor, which is smaller, you will be required to "stand further back" for the purpose of getting the same 'Territory' which anyone with a "Full Sensor" has... SO, having said that... the wider the angle for you, ie. the 18mm to 55mm, the much better off you will be for a number of reasons...

Next, as for me, my next consideration would be, I would want to get the "Best Quality Images" that I could, and it is only pure common sense that someone would surely use a "support device" of some nature... Anyone who wishes to believe that he/she can "Hand-hold" under the above circumstances... Has a "Lot of faith" in their personal skills, or they truly don't care for the desired outcome in quality of their product. My position is, if you want "shape".. Use the "right tools" to accomplish the mission...

As in "Any Photography" quality begins with an ISO, as low as you can tolerate.. then adjusting your f/stop for dept of field, then your shutter speed. As for me, I am one who has a "Love Affair" with low ISO, and to do that in the above circumstances, you must equally adjust your f/stop and shutter speeds... Therefore, you could/should use a supporting device, and if were me, it would be the "Tri-Pod" for sure... and timer delays or cable release...

As a matter of curiosity and because your question 'sparked' my interest, I made it a point to do some internet searching for "suggestions" of equipment at the exact location which you plan to visit... In my search, I found some examples, which were taken with a Canon 60D, Tokina 11-16mm -- and their settings were: f2.8 @ 16mm, ISO 250, 8s, f11... Of course, this is "Only One Example" and I am sure many others can be found not the World Wide Web... I would invite you to review that information at the below-listed URL:

Canon 60D Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 @ 16mm, ISO 250, 8s, f11

Article Name is: Luray Caverns on the Website PhotographyLife
https://photographylife.com/photo-spots/luray-caverns


The above is only my approach... YES, I know that there as many opinions as to how to do this as there members here on UHH...... is that is "OK". It is in your interest to consider anything which would help you

I do wish you all the best, and Pls... Post your result so that we all here can enjoy


Cheers
George Veazey
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Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Shot at F11 not F2.8, btw.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

18-55 - or a little wider if you have. Try to shoot with the lowest ISO possible, try to maximize your dynamic range (shoot raw, measure the highlights and add 2 stops additional exposure), and you should be fine.

goldstar46 Loc: Tampa, Fl

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Gene...

Thanks for your help...

May, I say that the problem may be in the context of the text

"Canon 60D Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 @ 16mm, ISO 250, 8s, f11"
.... The above is a direct "Cut and Paste" directly from the article

I personally do NOT know this lens, and I think they are saying that the lens is 11-16mm, f/2.8 min. f/stop
..... That is the specs of the hardware of the lens?

Then the part says of the above quotes says ... "ISO 250, 8s, f11"
......I would believe this is the specs of the actual taking of the photo
...... ISO of 250, with a shutter of 1/250 of a second, and a f/stop or f/11 ?"

Does that make it a little more clear?

I believe that equates to what you have said....... or are we talking about something?
......... OR, am I still "misunderstanding" something


Cheers
Geo VZ
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fourpar Loc: Central Florida

Many thanks to all for the good information.
As a result of the suggestions, I plan on the 18 - 55mm with a tripod.
I know some recommend monopod, but since the tours are now self conducted, a tripod will be my choice. Should crowds be a problem, I can reduce it to mono.
To all who responded, thank you so much. I am always amazed by the unselfish outpouring of good advice on this site.
Thanks to all, and I will post results of tour,,,,

goldstar46 Loc: Tampa, Fl

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