DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I have posted some of my wife's pics in the last week. Overall the lens did just fine throughout it's range. The handheld shake was obvious, but it's a keeper. Great hiking lens.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-491438-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-491504-1.html

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

RichardSM, I certainly do not disagree with your point. But 2K is more than "I" can afford to spend. That's all I meant. If I could trade my MK1 for new Mk2, I would. But at best it might only get me to 1/3rd the value needed for the purchase. I just seems to me(now this is me. I'm talkin' about) that the prices of the newer GOOD gear has skyrocket over the past couple years.

For the sake of the original thread, let's please drop this subject now.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Okay will do if you insist, And it was nice to dialogue with you too.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Assuming everything you want to shoot is the perfect distance from you to get the perfect composition, primes would be - perfect. On the other hand, it's hard to beat a good zoom.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Agree with jaymatt, using a zoom to cover all the numerous shots you'll get while visiting seems to be the most practicable. If you'll be staying a couple of days then add a wide angle for going back and taking areas (landscapes) you may want to revisit. I've been both summer & winter and a zoom was sufficient in both instances. Especially with critters, you need to be pretty quick unless they're posing like the Buffalo and you won't want to be flipping lenses if there's action going on....35 & a 70-400? just my 2 cents worth

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

Went to Yellowstone, don't like to change lenses in the field (especially around water that shoots high into the air). I use zoom lenses. My favorite crop sensor zoom is the 18-200, I can shoot almost everything I want with it and used it at Yellowstone with great success.
Are you shooting Yellowstone professionally? I get up to 16X24 prints with my 18-200, at this size I have never seen a difference between a prime and my zoom, not when you consider post processing sharpening.

ltcarizona

You mention nothing you question regarding the type of camera you use (FX or DX) or how exactly you want to capture pictures (perspective). I am amazed how many people have been focusing on prime lenses of late. Many feel that prime lenses are better than zoom. With engineering accomplishments that have been made with zoom lenses they are, as many reviews have shown, to be equal to prime lenses depending on usage. And then even prime lenses have their shortcomings in IQ. There is no perfect lens after all and I believe (after 40+ years as a photographer) that some are searching for that with primes lenses. Also there is another camp of people that say prime lenses are easier to carry, but when you put 2 or 3 of them together in your bag they will easily equal that zoom that is taking up less space and can cover more instances. The quality zoom could cost you more, but it has far more capabilities to capture more different aspects. Also prime lenses while great if you have the money may have you changing lenses more frequently to get the perspective you want. One should not limit their abilities to capture that perfect shot. My favorite uses for prime lenses are astrophotography (20mm or wider), large aperture lenses for low light, 50mm for boken photography or special purpose lenses like macro. But that does not mean that you can't use a high quality zoom. For instance I own a D810 camera and have owned FX cameras since I started photography and not one of them has a cheap lens. I think the cheapest prime lens is $900. But that being said I have also owned a variety of Canon and Nikon FX camera's (FX and DX) with zoom lenses that do not cost a fortune and by learning about such things as optimal aperture (true on prime lenses too) I can take advantage of the lens sweet spot for outstanding photos.

I did get away from your prime lens question a little but I like to educate photographers. I taught photography in the Army and shot too. Zoom lenses have adaptability, flexibility, and allow you travel light which is a tremendous plus. But again the choice is yours. For me I use two zoom lenses and a Nikon 20mm for astrophotography and whatever, and a 24mm for caves or closed in environments, but I also use zooms.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I own the 35mm and 50mm lenses. Both f1.8. I would not exclusively take just prime lenses to Yellowstone Park. You didn't mention your camera model. But, if I was shooting Nikon crop sensor camera or full frame, I would include at least one zoom lens, with a focal range no less than 200mm. On a crop sensor Nikon, I would take my 50mm prime lens, and either a Nikon 55-300mm or a 70-300mm. Or better yet, a Sony Bridge camera ,RX10III or IV.

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

I shoot with a Canon T2i. 18 megapix. and 1.6X crop sensor.
I do appreciate all comments thus far. Thank you all.

PS...Is there a reason why this website is very pro-Nikon? Just check the "For Sale" department. Most deals involve NIKON gear.

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

Good question. Why so many pro Nikon owners. There must be a really good answer to that question. Gee, I wonder. What could it be?

ELNikkor

In the olden days, my only lenses were 24 f2.8, 50 f2 H, and 200 f4 , for my trusty FE and FM. Traveled the US on my Suzuki and took many memorable photos with these wonderful old Nikkors.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Because they are switching to Canon?

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

I was there three weeks ago, came back with about 900 images, I carried with me three lenses, the 24-50mm 70-210mm f4 and 300mmf4 plus 1.4x converter. You know what, I had never used the 70-210mm. I had used the short one 70% of the time on those stunning landscape, the 300mm with the converter for some wildlife. So you may just need a wide (20-24mm) and a telephoto lens (longer is better to reach the wildlife)
When will you go? The Park has already been closed for the winter except for the people with winter season permit.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Another thought, try winter time (Jan-Feb) and take the Snow Coaches, wonderful trip (we did two), no crowds, no bears though...we saw Wolves, Buffalo, Coyotes, Foxes, Eagles, Martens, Elk and the snow, steam, falls, vistas are gorgeous, but then we had cold, clear days. Snowmobiles are fun (really cold) but not for photography

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

For prime lenses, I would take a 35 and a 400 to 500. I would definitely include a 70-200 zoom. A 24-70 would be very handy. I've been to YNP many times. Back before the wolves, one could easily get by with a 300. Those days are gone. There are a lot of wolves in YNP and Grand Teton, which have rendered elk photography pretty much null and void. You still might get lucky in some areas[Mommoth] and get by with something smaller like a 300, but I wouldn't count on it.