I was in Greece this spring, and I had 11--24, 24--70, and 70--200. The 70--200 was by far the most useful. The only time I used the smaller lenses was when I was in one of the cities.
When I went to arches, I went in the dark in the am. Got there in time to be in the first row of photographers. The sunrise is INCREDIBLE. Go there in the daylight the day before so you know the best way to get there in the dark.
I read someplace that it is the most photographed place in the world. Just get there early, in the dark.
What rgrenaderphoto said. It is very easy to do HDR with his suggestion. You can even use more exposures (5 or 7 or whatever it takes to get details in all the areas you want it).
I agree with Gene 51. None of my tripods have a center post.
Induro also makes good tripods that are cheaper than Gitzo and RRS. I make a lot of images and very few are not from a tripod. I photographed flowers today from a tripod. When in Yellowstone every image is supported by a tripod or car window sill.
When you buy a tripod, try to imagine the heaviest lens you might ever want to support and by a compatible tripod. I didn't do that over the years and had to replace tripods several times.
I save images in LR in folders labelled with the date the images were made. I can usually remember to within a couple days when I made the images I am looking for. Nothing sophisticated, but it works for me. I also do most of the processing in LR and only go to PS for things I can't do in LR.
I like the first but I would like to see it just a tad lighter.
The 200mm MicroNikor is one of the best macro lens I have used (out of a total of 4). The 200 is much better than the 105 if you plan to photograph insects--don't get so close so you don't frighten them so much..
I have this body and put in on my 600mm when I am in Yellowstone and leave it there. It is ideal for wildlife.
I own this lens and it is one of the sharpest!
Photograph their beautiful horses!!
Gitzo if not too expensive. Otherwise, Induro.
I had both of my eyes done about a year ago. I see much better now.
Different strokes for different folks. I have done quite a bit of macro in the past and rarely used a tripod. If you are trying to photograph an insect or spider, there is usually no opportunity to use a tripod. By the time you get the tripod in position for a macro shot (if it can even be done), you have probably frightened the subject off.
It depends on what you want to photograph. If you want to photograph insects, I recommend a 150mm or 180mm. With the shorter ones you will not be able to get close enough for life-sized images without scaring the insects to flight. Nikon's 200mm is also quite good.