Grand Canyon Mule Trip - 1 Lens
Nov 12, 2019 10:52:22 #
It is better to take the zoom than wish you had it later. I have found on most of my trips a single lens is a disappointment and I need the range of a zoom.
Nov 12, 2019 11:55:50 #
aggeorge wrote:
In February I will be taking the 2 night mule trip to Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon. I will have 1 full day at the bottom for hiking and picture taking. For the trip I will be taking my D7200 with an OPTECH USA chest strap. Due to extreme gear limitation I will only be able to take 1 lens. Nikkor AF-S 35mm 1.8 or the Nikkor 18-55MM 3.5-5.6? Due to size and IQ I am leaning towards the 35mm. Any thoughts or other suggestions?
I would definitely take the zoom.
Your APSC sensor with a 35mm will not be wide at all.
Something you will regret.
I found a wide angle lens very useful all the way down and out.
Started on north rim which is far more beautiful than the south rim.
Nov 12, 2019 13:54:53 #
TheShoe
Loc: Lacey, WA
foathog wrote:
I believe you mean MOOT! Although, as a result, you will be mute too! LOL
Nov 12, 2019 14:36:10 #
Nov 12, 2019 15:01:40 #
IDguy
Loc: Idaho
The 18-55 would be my choice.
There isn’t a lot of wildlife but you might see bighorn sheep and some birds. The AF-P 70-300 might be a worthwhile adder. It is fairly light. If buying get the VR one. Check Nikon site for refurbs. I bought a new grey market for under $200. Saw new on the Nikon site for that too a few months ago.
I floated through there in July.
There isn’t a lot of wildlife but you might see bighorn sheep and some birds. The AF-P 70-300 might be a worthwhile adder. It is fairly light. If buying get the VR one. Check Nikon site for refurbs. I bought a new grey market for under $200. Saw new on the Nikon site for that too a few months ago.
I floated through there in July.
Nov 12, 2019 15:48:54 #
aggeorge wrote:
In February I will be taking the 2 night mule trip to Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon. I will have 1 full day at the bottom for hiking and picture taking. For the trip I will be taking my D7200 with an OPTECH USA chest strap. Due to extreme gear limitation I will only be able to take 1 lens. Nikkor AF-S 35mm 1.8 or the Nikkor 18-55MM 3.5-5.6? Due to size and IQ I am leaning towards the 35mm. Any thoughts or other suggestions?
How about a pocketable zoom bridge camera? You might review the responses to the topic "bridge Camera Image Quality?"
Nov 12, 2019 18:08:48 #
aggeorge wrote:
I have hiked down several times. This will be my first mule experience. My primary goal of the trip is to stay in the saddle. If I fail in that goal most of my other goals will be mute.
Sure, but you don’t want to be found with bad pics on your camera!
Nov 12, 2019 21:31:13 #
I'd go with the 35mm while on the mule. To take advantage of a zoom, you need your second hand for zooming in and out and then how will you maintain that white-knuckle grip on your saddle horn? 
In all seriousity, I wouldn't be very comfortable riding a horse on completely flat land with no hand on the reins! Maybe someone can tell you just how much time you'll have at Indian Gardens. Enough to swap lenses, take some photos and then swap back before remounting? And you can use the wider lens at the bottom. Just put it in some kind of fanny pack that rests in the center of your waist so it will be balanced.
In all seriousity, I wouldn't be very comfortable riding a horse on completely flat land with no hand on the reins! Maybe someone can tell you just how much time you'll have at Indian Gardens. Enough to swap lenses, take some photos and then swap back before remounting? And you can use the wider lens at the bottom. Just put it in some kind of fanny pack that rests in the center of your waist so it will be balanced.
Nov 12, 2019 21:45:52 #
I would go with the 35mm for the IQ and low light capability. Have a great ride!
Nov 12, 2019 21:45:52 #
I would go with the 35mm for the IQ and low light capability. Have a great ride!
Nov 12, 2019 22:29:35 #
That is exactly the place I would carry (in my pocket) my Sony RX100vi.
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