fourpar wrote:
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,
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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-CBecause 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 PhotographyLifehttps://photographylife.com/photo-spots/luray-cavernsThe 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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