Lenses to take to Yosemite? (canon)

[jeffbrig]

I'm heading to California in early April, and we'll be spending a few days in Yosemite. In addition to my EF 70-200, I'm trying to decide what other lens to take. Right now, I'm between the EF 24-105 F4L and the EF-S 17-55 F2.8. Obviously, 17 is a lot wider than 24, but I'm not sure how significant that will be. It would also leave me a gap between 55 and 70 vs. having a big overlap and less need for lens changes.

Any recommendations from the locals that shoot there frequently? (hoping Beerguy will chime in)


We'll also spend a few days in Monterey and plan to visit the aquarium. So, whatever lens I take will be used there as well.

 

[BlueCorn]

It depends.


The 17-55 isn't a very big lens, honestly I'd take all 3 if it were me. For the most part the 24-105 will be wide enough there are places that you might want to go wider. The gap between 55 and 70 isn't that big of a deal. Worst case, you shoot at 55 and crop it a little of you have to. When I was shooting with a crop body my 24-70 was my bread and butter.

For the aquarium (a member there) you want fast glass. Many of the tanks don't allow flash so you've got to deal with dim light. The 2.8 will be useful there.

 

[BlueCorn]

BTW - Ping me when you head this way. I get down there a lot and if I've got a trip planned around that time I'll show you around. At the very least, I can give you a condition report and give you some tips to help make the best use of your time.

Cheers

 

[Phyl]

My favorite two lenses on my D200 were my 17-55 and my 70-200. I didn't miss the gap at all. Now on FF I've switched to a 24-70, but I think you'll be fine without the 55-70 covered.

 

[jeffbrig]

I should mention that I don't own either lens, so I'll likely be renting whichever I decide to take. I'm leaning towads the 17-55 at the moment. Extra range on the wide end, 2.8 speed + IS, and it's a lens I haven't used yet.

Doug, I will take you up on that offer once we get closer to the trip.

 

[BlueCorn]

You'll appreciate the 2.8 at the aquarium. Before I went full-frame my standard kit was:

Tokina 12-24, 24-70 2.8L, 70-200 f4L

In other news, that's where I'll be this all weekend.

 

[Finious]

If you are going to rent one I would suggest putting out a few more bucks and getting the 16-35 2.8L II. This will give you great wide angle shots. If you use a tripod (even just a cheap light one) the IS will be of no use. This is truly a nice piece of glass.

 

[westhaven reef]

I think that I would use the 16-35 L 2.8 as well. This is a great lens and you will enjoy using it.