Rineal Loc: Copake NY

Dear Hoggers,
I am considering a tour to the Arizona Slot canyons in September but would like some advice:
Is September a good time of year to do this? Which Tour companies should/could one work with, which are better avoided? I shoot with a Nikon D500 and my only suitable lens currently would be my 18 -300. Should I consider new glass for this? I am grateful for any other practical advice too...
Thanks
Richard

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I have been to the upper.You need to get protection for your camera and lens because of the dust.Do not change lenses in the canyon. Go on a photographers tour as they hold back the crowd for you and speak our language. I suggest a wide angle stand alone if you have one.

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Tripods are allowed on the photographers tour.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Aside from all the practical advice you will receive, consider really challenging yourself to find a story that hasn't already been told hundreds of times. While the photos I've seen (never been there) are often beautiful, they are pretty much all the same picture over and over again.

Sam Dog

Don't know where you are going exactly but if it is North to Antelope Canyon (sadly I didn't make it last year) be sure to stop by and see Horseshoe Bend just South of Page ( A must see for photo ops).You may also want to check out Red Hollow Slot in Orderville, Utah if you have the time. There is also Willis Creek Slot near Cannonville, Utah. Don't know of many in AZ.

star2344 Loc: Lakewood Ranch, FLorida

Go to the "Secret Canyon". I think the tour Co. is Hummer Adventures.

David Lyon

Another good tour is in Kanab Utah. I did a tour to Peek-a-Boo canyon in March. A bit more for the tour than the standard Antalope Canyon tour, but less then their photo tour (which books quickly.

You can even get one of the tours that will take you to a couple of slot canyons.

I took a MF and a pinhole with no problems. Best part is no crowds. The only down side is you do not get the strong red rock coloring. Seeing how I was shooting Black and White, color was not an issue.

Dreamland Tours

wireloose

Went to Antelope Canyon X on a Saturday this January, were the only ones there for an hour. Id recommend the photographers tour, and bring a tripod. Wide is good, but I mostly used a 24-75 on a canon 5div, 12-24 got less usage

wds0410 Loc: Nunya

Just went to the Upper Antelope Canyon last May and given that this place is quite confined, quite dark, has been visited by thousands of photographers who have taken thousands upon thousands of photographs of the same place standing in the same spots, it is virtually impossible to take anything unique.

ncribble Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Yes, thousands prior to you have taken their photographs, and you'll enjoy the same experience. The only difference is that your photographs are yours, you took them and that makes them unique! On lens in my opinion is a prime from 20mm up to 35mm. You'll set your exposure one and shoot away, and still have the time to enjoy the spectacular!

wds0410 Loc: Nunya

barryb Loc: Kansas

Will be there for the first time in late September as well! Excited to be there, then on to Albuquerque to see the balloons!

photogeneralist Loc: Lopez Island Washington State

Different moccasins. The Hoggers can flood you with advice but we cannot walk in your moccasins. Use a internet search engine and look up the actual tour company's websites. A slot canyon "tour" on Navajo land requires a Navajo tour guide company licensed by the Navajo nation. They are quite clear about what they offer and any restrictions they have. I was there in early May and Lower Antelope canyon tour operators were no longer offering photographers tours. Upper Antelope canyon tours are sometimes booked months ahead so make your arrangements ASAP. Canyon X and Secret Canyon tours were beyond my physical ability (bad back). My choices were based on my circumstances (Mocassins). My choices would probably not be the right one for you (different moccasins). IF you end up choosing Chief Tsosie's Upper Antelope tour, try to make sure that your tour is one guided by Leonard Nez. Watch out for flash flooding during the summer monsoon season. Flash floods in the narrow slot canyons have been deadly. Your tour guide company is charged with your safety. I used a Tokina 11-16 mm on my Sony 1.5 crop sensor body (16.5-24 mm full frame equivalent) It was not too wide. Most of the folks on my tour group were shooting with their cell phone cameras and getting good results.

Hope this helps. but the answer to your basic question is (Ta Dah) -- Do your own research and make the decision that is best for your moccasins.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

September should be fine; you're past the worst of the summer heat. Your 18-300 is a good lens; wide enough and also capable of zooming in on interesting shots higher up the canyon walls. IMO, many photographers miss some good compositions because they assume that the narrow confines of the canyon limits them to just wide angle shots. i can't really comment on good tours as i have usually shot in Lower Antelope back when you could go in by yourself without a guide if you had been there before and knew where the entrance was. I understand that is no longer allowed. enjoy. seeing a slot canyon is a bucket list item.

PhotosBySteve

Be on the alert for flash floods!

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Bless you, Linda. I read the OP's post and wanted to scream, "Just go without your camera and enjoy the beauty of the place. There have been enough @$%@#$^ pictures taken of the place already!"

Photography is quickly becoming the repository of cliches. Increasingly, I take photos mainly of people taking photos.