tombest

<p>Simplified version with some of the background removed. Slight colorization as well. PSE 9 with some Topaz filters.</p> <p>Tom</p><div></div>

<p>I own both the 18-70 and the 18-105. Both resolve well on my D200 and D7000. But... I find that the 18-105 to be a slow focus lens. Very accurate but noticeably slower to focus. Never noticed the 18-70 dragging its heels but I was surprised at the deliberate manner in which the 18-105 finds its target. That being said, I recently returned from a trip to the Grand Canyon. I chose to take the 18-105 over the 18-70 for the extra reach and VR. I used it only slightly less than my Tokina 12-24.<br> Final thoughts... it's not great in low light,<br> Don't worry about the plastic mount. It's a non issue.</p> <p>Tom</p>

<p>Since I haven't been out with my camera since returning from the Canyon, I will have to bore you with another shot of the big ditch. The pictures don't do justice to the majesty of that place. I am still in awe..</p> <p> </p><div></div>

<p>Just got back from the Grand Canyon and am beginning to sort through the 5000 pictures I took. This is an HDR blend of three exposures that doesn't deviate much from the middle exposure in its overall appearance. It was pretty snappy as was with a storm heading in and the sun breaking through the middle. </p> <p>What a place! I felt so small and insignificant standing on the edge as I was trying to take in everything my senses were feeding my mind and heart and soul. My first look was a spiritual moment for me.</p><div></div>

We arrived last night. Thanks for all the helpful tips. I chose to leave the 60mm behind and brought only the 12-24, 18-105 and 70-200. I took the MB-D11 off as well. I brought the 2extra 32gb cards too. Today will be our first view. Thanks again for all your help and expertise. Tom

<p>Thanks for the advice Eric. I bought a spare battery just for this trip. The D7000 battery is no slouch and I have never run mine dry in a day of shooting but I didn't feel comfortable with no insurance in the event of some strange, catastrophic event.<br> About the macro shooting... I don't know if there are likely to be flora at the canyon where the 60mm would be desirable. That's what prompted the post in the first place. I know it will be spectacular and awe inspiring but I know nothing of what desert flowers may be cropping up along the way. Since most posters think it will have little value there, I have already shed it and one of the flashes from my bag as well as the MB-D11 grip.<br> As far as memory goes, I have 6 X 16gb Sandisk Extreme SD cards (@ 45mb/s write speed)and can bring along another 2 Lexar 400X 32gb cards. The Lexar's are slower to write but other than bracketed photos, I don't anticipate running seconds of shots off for anything. They would be my backups.<br> I have never had much luck with monopods for stability. I've owned one for many years but never learned to trust it much and with my hope to take bracketed shots for HDR's, any movement would mess with my chances.</p>

<p>Saw these at Morikami Gardens in Delray Beach, FL. They looked like they were singing to the afternoon sun. Tiny, little, happy flowers. The field choir...</p><div></div>

<p> I have seen some dramatic lighting shots that were taken in the canyon at dusk using a flash... that's what I was thinking and since I really don't know what to expect, I thought I would take enough to cover any situation. I also expected some serious shadowing at times where the flash would provide fill... not across the canyon, of course but with rock features I may come across. I realize now I don't need both of them but we will be there for a week and our plans include Sedona. Again, an unknown. I don't have to haul everything I bring with me on my first hike so I suppose I could bring the minimum initially and leave the rest in the hotel room. <br> I do appreciate the advice and suggestions. Everyone's. Thanks</p>

<p>Frankly, I wish I had a 70-300 to take instead of the 70-200 for the weight savings. And I think I would be best served, weight wise, by taking the camera without the grip. I only have two primes and neither are wide so I suspect the 12-24 and 18-105 will carry most of the load.<br> Thanks for all the input.</p> <p>Tom</p>

<p>OK. So the SB600 is out. The SB800 is the better and easier to use flash and I do want it along to give me an option to get creative when light gets low. That saves a few ounces. The tripod is a non-negotiable for me. My ability to hand-hold isn't' what it used to be so it <em>will</em> get used.<br> One thing I didn't mention is that I do have and use a an MB-D11 grip. I greatly prefer it when hand-holding shots. It adds a pound to the weight with the extra battery but the feel is better. I would rather it be on than not but don't have to have it. Maybe I trade the weight of the SB600 for it?</p>

<p>Bob, no hiking experience per se, but mountain bike for exercise and am in decent, if not good shape for my age. I do plan to hike down in to some degree but have heard that getting down and back up in one day is pretty tough. A friend told me that I would not want to miss the additional viewpoints available by a descent of any magnitude.<br> About the memory... I ordered some Lexar 400X, 32 GB cards from Amazon before I knew of their actual write speed. They write considerably slower than the Sandisk 45mb/s cards I have so I intended to send them back. The investment was pretty small and I suppose it would be considerably cheaper to keep them as backup than hunt for cards locally if I did run out. (It's not like the Canyon moves all that fast.) But I do intend to shoot a fair amount of bracket photos and thought the extra speed might be needed. In Lexar speak it takes 600X to hit 45mb/s of write speed.</p>

<p>Thanks for the responses. I appreciate the heads up about the water. My 60mm is my sharpest lens and I feel sort of naked without it but the 70-200 isn't far behind and the only sacrifice is the close focus. We plan to spend a couple of days in Sedona as well and will visit Red Rock Canyon but what works from Grand Canyon Village will work there as well. </p>

<p>I am heading to the Grand Canyon soon and am wondering if I will need to bring my 60mm Nikkor along. I will have my D7000, a Tokina 12-24 F4.0, 18-105 Nikon kit lens and 70-200 F2.8 VR1. I plan to also bring my SB600 and SB800. I have an Induro CT218 carbon tripod with an Acratech GV1 head. My variables are the 60mm macro and my TC14E-II teleconverter for my 70-200. It would save a little weight to not have them in the bag. I don't know if the canyon presents macro opportunities or if there is enough wildlife where the 1.4 would be a help in any way. It will be my first trip out there and don't know exactly what to expect outside of the expanse. I think I have enough memory... 6 X 16gb. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks,<br> Tom</p>