Zion National Park

I am planning a trip to Zion next March. This is the first of many hikes of this nature I hope. I intend to reach the

summit of Angles Landing. I will be carrying a Lowepro Dryzone Rover, a Bogen 3001BD tripod with a grip type

ballhead. My kit will include a 5D with the EF 24-105 f/4L IS, which I expect to do the bulk of the work. I will also

carry a 40D with the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS for the longer reach shots and as a back up. My question then is along the

way will I be wishing I had the EF 17-40 f/4L to get wider shots because 24 may not be wide enough? I'm not

interested in the EF-S 10-22 or 3rd party lenses.

Tom,

 

You will love this hike!

 

It seems as if you are taking a lot for this hike. There is not a lot of room (not to mention a lot of people)for the

tripod. I took my 5D w/24-105 and it covered everything well. (the 24-105 was plenty wide on the 5D). At the most, I

would take along the 70-200.

I'll second John's comments. Personally, I found that 20-90mm satisfactory for this hike. A note of caution, make sure you have everything tightly strapped to your backpack, as there are several spots where you'll need both hands free for maneuvering. The view is worth every aching muscle.

Tom, I'm going to Zion too, but in late October this year. Your 24-105L will do very well, but....

 

I would suggest getting wider.

 

Get a 17-40L or 16-35L.

 

Be mindful of diffraction....past F11 with most lenses means diffraction will soften your 5D images. I have that body too, and all the lenses you list, and I found this to be true.

 

Don't forget a polarizer, and graduated ND filter.

I would take a 17-40 with your 5D and the 70-200 on your 40D. If you need something in between, swap lenses on your bodies.

 

I wish I was going. I love it there.

Thanks everyone these are great suggestions. It looks as if scouts lookout has the room needed for a tripod. Using Hiro's lens swap suggestion is a great idea. For landscape shots with a 17-40 I feel like I will need a tripod. The Slik Sprint Pro looks like it will do fine, it's light weight, compact, and does not cost too much. Having a back up camera on a trip like this is a must so I know I am carrying a lot but....I will probably pick up the lens at Buydig.com (tax free and free shipping to NY), not sure yet on where to buy the tripod but I have plenty of time. Dan thanks for the reminder about diffraction.