I still have the 16-300 but purchased the 18-400 and it rarely leaves my camera. A great walk around lens for just about anything. However depending upon what you like to record images of would be a determining factor in regards to the extra length of the 18-400 and if it is needed.

Just got back from Vegas on a whirlwind National Parks trip. Definitely go to Valley of Fire State Park outside of Vegas. It will definitely be worth your time and you will be able to create many fantastic images. One of the most beautiful of all the parks we visited.

Yes I thought it was 62. Going to get that when we enter Zion.

Chaz T - Thank You so much for the info on the slot canyons of The American Southwest. That is exactly what I needed. I knew I could count on all of the UHH replies. What a great way to enjoy our passion by seeking out information from all of the wonderful photography minds on UHH.

Thank You everybody for your very useful information. We will be staying in Kanab so I will definitely be looking them up. Also Thank You for the safety warnings. I will be sure to heed them. I have not seen anything in my research on Mystical Slot Canyon so I will certainly look that up.

Thank You for that info. I will do some research.

Sorry, yes Capital Reef. Been watching too much shark stuff on NGC.

Wow Ralph that is not my intention at all. Where you got that out of what I wrote makes me wonder what planet you are living on. What I wish to know is that if there is any slot canyons out there that can be seen without having to make reservations at the Antelopes. Blaster34 understands what I am looking for.

In mid August my wife and I will be taking two of our grandchildren - 12/10 to southern Utah to do the circle of Parks, Zion, Bryce, Coral Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley, etc... I have studied quite extensively Upper and Lower Antelope and Canyon X. My issue arises about having to make reservations for these to be able to see them. We have a plan but the timeline will be based on numerous items that it would be hard for us to actually pick a time to set up a reservation. I am leaning on Canyon X only because of the crowds and better opportunities for capturing the images that I wish to capture. Since so many of you have already experienced this beautiful area I was hoping that there might be some other slot canyons that you experienced outside of the Tourist Traps that will provide some of the same experience without going through all of the hassles of a reservation. I have found a few but the knowledge of UHHer's would really help me in locating slot canyons away from the crowded Antelopes. Might add that hiking is not an issue for us so if we needed to that it would be fine. Thank You for any info that will be provided.

If you want to have the best coverage on your photo equipment you definitely schedule it. Under your basic Homeowners Insurance policy your are covered for the perils of the policy. When it is scheduled you have what is considered all risk. When my camera flew off the car and landed in the street and run over by the car behind me it was paid for in full because it was scheduled. If it was under the regular homeowners Insurance, and not scheduled, it would not have been covered because there is no Insured peril for stupidity.

After reading all of the reply's it is hard for me to sit and not say anything. I have been an Independent Insurance Agent for 30 years. I have also been an advanced amateur photographer for over 40. #1. First of all everybody in business is out to make a profit, otherwise why be in it. So yes Insurance Companies do make money. Insurance is a gamble for us policyholders. You do not have to have Insurance on your Photographic equipment. It is not mandatory by any means. However, each of us has to decide - #1. What do I have to lose? #2. How much does it cost to protect what I have to lose? #3. Can I afford it? My personal experience is that it sounds like a lot of your Agents are not explaining the coverage's to you. I have had 3 instances of claims with my camera's over the years and they have all been paid for in full. It all depends upon the policy you purchase and your agent doing the job of explaining those coverage's so you understand what you are purchasing. My last claim just last year I was at a local High School taking pictures for a Pep Fest and a student stepped on the end of my camera, damage the lens hood and broke the lens. Paid for in full. I know a lot of people expect that everything is paid for regardless. Sorry that is just not the case. There is not a policy out there that will pay for everything. If you don't understand, ask the questions and hopefully your Agent will give you the answers. If not find another Agent. On another claim I unfortunately left my camera on top of my car and drove away. Heard a clanking, looked in the rear view mirror and watched the car behind me run over it. Paid for in full, no deductible. That is the policy that you are looking for. It is an added endorsement to my Homeowner's Insurance for very little cost.

I installed it quite rapidly without a hitch. Have not tried to use it yet because of all of the issues going on. I would assume that there was some quality control before it was released but unfortunately it is starting to sound like a major headache. Thank goodness Luminar 18 stayed on my computer so at least I can still go into that until all of the bugs get worked out on Luminar 3.

Thank You for all of the info. It gives me a starting point and interesting to find out where this will lead. Once again UHH members come to the rescue.

Thank You so much for the reply. You are correct. These are very important to me with loads of intrinsic value and I do not wish to destroy them before I am even sure of what I have. I will have to do some research. I am from a small town area so reaching out to a University will take some doing but it is a good thing to have to do.

Thank You for your response. There are actually two pieces of metal sandwiched together by the prongs like a prong holding a stone in a ring. I only have the one image that is quite easy to see and pieces of other images on the others that tell me that they are photos.