Lower Antelope Canyon - Lens recommendations

[dave4242]

Hey everyone,

wondering what lenses to bring into the canyon???

Shooting 4x5 color and b&w

Acros for b&w
Velvia 50 for color

thanks

cheers

david

[Lachlan 717]

Perhaps list what lenses you have access to?

[dave4242]

Hi,

Sure...

65
90
120
180
240
300
450
600

thanks!

cheers

david

[Christopher Barrett]

When I was there, I was shooting my Arca Rm3d with a Phase One IQ 160 using mostly my 43mm and 55mm. So just a bit on the wide side. If I were shooting 4x5, I'd take a 90 and 115 or 120. Shooting around tourists was kind of a pain, but it was still a great experience. I'm sure others have come away with the same shots I got, but I still enjoy them.

[dave4242]

Thanks Chris

[Eric Leppanen]

I found myself using my 110 most of the time. f5.6 lenses for me were a must given the darkness involved. In fact, I often didn't even need to use my dark cloth when shooting window openings in the canyon since my immediate vicinity was extremely dark.

The long exposures required by Velvia 50 are going to be tough given all the tourist traffic involved. I used Provia due to better reciprocity, if I were shooting today I'd be tempted to use Portra 400.

[dave4242]

Thank Eric

[Drew Wiley]

Velvia is a very tough choice due to the extreme contrast of the film. These slots are contrasty enough to begin with. But I have successfully shot chromes in them (not that I do this kind of theme very often, and the few times I have, it's been some slot with zero other people in it). Something wide with a huge image circle and a lot of wiggle room is recommended, just like architectural interiors. I've used a 120 SA and better yet, a 90 SW, in each case with the appropriate center filter. I'd be worried that Portra 400 would compromise the violets and rich oranges, but it's speed and latitude would certainly be desirable traits. In such dilemmas I've been known to pack both chrome and color neg film, since each has its particular advantages. But the ideal chrome film would be Astia 100F, which would be hard to find, if any still exists.

[dave4242]

Hey Drew,
Thanks I have re-thought the velvia and will shoot 160s and astia instead.
my horde of quick loads will be very deplenished after this trip!
:-)

[Jim Noel]

My first trip into the canyon the widest I had for 4x5 was a 90. I found it inadequate.I suggest you carry the widest 2 lenses you own in order to have some choice of view as well as a substitute in case of a shutter failure.