We Defected to the West! DLR 2013

[mom2rtk]

June 7th, 2014: Zion


I wanted to make an early start, but when you're on the road staying at a different hotel every night, everything has to work for everyone in the group. And our group included 2 teenagers. I think we were out by 9 or 9:30 but that time of year in the southwest, the great light is already gone. Still, we moved ahead and I made the best of it.

I have always struggled with finding the quintessential park photo for Zion. The park is about its grandeur, and that's hard to get in one photo. Still, I had seen shots since our last trip of "The Watchman" with the Virgin River leading up to it. So much of the great stuff at Zion requires a hike, and we had no time for that today so we had to settle for what was easy. I really had to chuckle at how easy it was to find the shot of "The Watchman" I was after. Turns out it's a better sunset shot than early morning shot, but it was still quite beautiful. We were able to park the car and just walk down below the bridge to get a great view. I'm not sure how I missed it on so many other trips.

IMG_7434 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7500 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

A couple more shots in the area near the entrance of the park:

IMG_7465 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7550 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

And on into the park:

IMG_7592 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Zion National Park Panoramic by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7598 by IMG_7601 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7607 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7611 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Zion National Park Panoramic by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7643 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7646 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7666 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

When we stopped in the Checkerboard Mesa area for the above shot, I noticed a lot of people pointing off in the distance. It took a bit for me to see what they had noticed, but with the help of a telephoto lens I finally saw. Perched there on the side of that rock, was a group of big horn sheep. We watched for a while, while I tried repeatedly to get a clear shot at 300mm with a handheld camera.

This was 300mm cropped down to about 25% of its original size.

IMG_7675 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

After a quick stop at a local rock shop, we headed on out toward our next destination..... Bryce Canyon.

IMG_7743 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thanks Bret.

I really tried out the new lens last night. And so far I have mixed feelings. Not sure if I have a bad copy, or if it's just a bad match for me. But it seemed to miss focus several times. And some of the shots look up close look like I have some camera movement, even with shutter speeds that shouldn't have that problem.

I need to step outside with it today and find some more things to shoot and see what I think.

I have a hunch the problem might be specific to me, as I have fairly unsteady hands, and the lens does not have IS.

Hmmmmm........ not sure what I'm thinking at this point.

Just as you pointed out on the lens that there are times where I focus it one point and when I tried to take another different shot and it is out of focus. I thought it was me at first as well when I kept bumping the focus ring but when I tried not to touch it there were times where it wasn't focus all the way even when I set it to manual mode. But when it is steady the quality of the pictures are very nice. I might have to use a lens ring to hold the focus ring so the pictures won't be blurry.

You took amazing pictures at Zion. The one with the Big Horn sheep where you cropped it is very nice even at 300mm.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thanks Bret.

I really tried out the new lens last night. And so far I have mixed feelings. Not sure if I have a bad copy, or if it's just a bad match for me. But it seemed to miss focus several times. And some of the shots look up close look like I have some camera movement, even with shutter speeds that shouldn't have that problem.

I need to step outside with it today and find some more things to shoot and see what I think.

I have a hunch the problem might be specific to me, as I have fairly unsteady hands, and the lens does not have IS.

Hmmmmm........ not sure what I'm thinking at this point.

I've taken mine out for a test drive out to the local tulip fields. For daytime shooting and the subject matter, I definitely prefer the 17 - 55. To be fair, in the daytime, I would rarely head down towards f/2.8 much less f/1.8 anyway.

I came to the conclusion that this lens needed to be tested in dark conditions - rides and at night. I'm happy to hold off on making early judgements until after a little Disney shooting. If I find time, I might try some city night time shooting but I don't know if there is time.

Thanks PiO! Zion coming up in the next post. We really didn't do it justice on this trip though. It's such a hard park to capture photographically. My favorite opportunity was on our trip in 07 when we hiked up to a good overlook. Of course, that was the year my DSLR had died and all I had with me was a tiny point and shoot. Sigh. Unfortunately no time for a Zion hike this time, so I had to settle for some quick shots along the drive through.

I did enjoy this trip through more than our prior trips though since this was my first trip through with an UWA lens and a panoramic camera.

Your Zion shots are great. I love this park and would love a re-do at some stage. But until then, thanks for sharing your shots.

 

[KCmike]

P1000289 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

P1000292 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

These two are pretty amazing! You did a great job on the panos!

 

[mom2rtk]

Those are absolutely gorgeous photos. I need to go there!

Sorry I missed your post last night as I was doing another update. Thank you for the kind words. I highly recommend that everyone get there at least once in their life. It's just one amazing sight after another.

Just as you pointed out on the lens that there are times where I focus it one point and when I tried to take another different shot and it is out of focus. I thought it was me at first as well when I kept bumping the focus ring but when I tried not to touch it there were times where it wasn't focus all the way even when I set it to manual mode. But when it is steady the quality of the pictures are very nice. I might have to use a lens ring to hold the focus ring so the pictures won't be blurry.

You took amazing pictures at Zion. The one with the Big Horn sheep where you cropped it is very nice even at 300mm.

Thanks Bret. The big horn sheep were a fun sighting. They were so small though that I probably would have never seen them if the other people hadn't pointed them out.

I really did feel like the lens totally missed focus too many times. I didn't get back out to try it some more today, but I did email B & H where I bought it. They allow returns within 30 days, but I'm a couple weeks past that point. I was really surprised but happy to hear back from them already. They sent me a return authorization. I need to look closer to see if it's to exchange it or refund it. I'm not sure I know what I even would want if I had a choice. I think I'd like to try another copy of it. I just know I won't be happy with what I've seen so far out of it. I sure saw the potential of what it offers, so I'm probably not ready to give up on it yet. The bokeh potential was outstanding.

Seriously though, if anyone is considering a photography related purchase, B & H is the way to go. They're going above and beyond for me.

Last night I was thinking my issues were about the lens not having IS. But then I thought about it some more. My Tokina 11-16 doesn't have IS and I get consistently sharp photos. My Sigma 30mm does not have IS but I get consistently sharp photos. There has to be more to it than that.

If I exchange and have the same experience, I'll probably send it to Sigma for calibration. I have to say the experience I had with them on a couple other lenses was outstanding. The down side is that I had to send the body in with the lens, but it was worth it.

I've taken mine out for a test drive out to the local tulip fields. For daytime shooting and the subject matter, I definitely prefer the 17 - 55. To be fair, in the daytime, I would rarely head down towards f/2.8 much less f/1.8 anyway.

I came to the conclusion that this lens needed to be tested in dark conditions - rides and at night. I'm happy to hold off on making early judgements until after a little Disney shooting. If I find time, I might try some city night time shooting but I don't know if there is time.


Your Zion shots are great. I love this park and would love a re-do at some stage. But until then, thanks for sharing your shots.

Do keep me posted on how your lens works out as you test it more. I really hope to find more to shoot before our Disney trip so I can send it in for calibration if needed before hand. I bought that lens with visions in my head of better evening Christmas parade shots. I would be quite sad if I came home with a bunch of poorly focused shots.

I'm really half tempted just to return the dang thing for a refund and save for a 6D so I can crank the ISO way up instead.

And I hope you get your very own Zion one day soon!

These two are pretty amazing! You did a great job on the panos!

Thanks Mike! The panoramic setting really came with quite a learning curve. I didn't master it, but came home with a shot or two from each park I was happy with. I soaked a lot of time into shooting panos. It takes a lot longer than just shooting with a traditional camera. So I found myself using more and more of my time trying to get those right. It was hard judging where to start and time it just right so the landscape would be centered. And it took some experience learning which landscapes would make the best panos.

 

[lvcourtneyy]

I had been reading along with your TR but don't think I ever found time to comment!

Now I'm all caught back up finally! I love reading your TRs within a TR. I enjoy seeing your non-Disney photography too.

I have the same cosmic Mickey shirt Katie is wearing in some of your most recent updates.

Can't wait to read more.

 

[YodasMom]

Janet, your photos of both Arches and Zion are just amazing! With all the trips out west to all the National Parks, I don't know how I missed Arches, but I've never been there. Need to get there soon. It's been a long time since I've been to Zion but it was my favorite of the Utah parks and I remember the magnificent, giant red rock formations along with the lush foliage.

You panoramic shots are wonderful! Did you take those with the waterproof camera? They certainly are sharp!

Looks like you had a fabulous trip!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Thanks Bret. The big horn sheep were a fun sighting. They were so small though that I probably would have never seen them if the other people hadn't pointed them out.

I really did feel like the lens totally missed focus too many times. I didn't get back out to try it some more today, but I did email B & H where I bought it. They allow returns within 30 days, but I'm a couple weeks past that point. I was really surprised but happy to hear back from them already. They sent me a return authorization. I need to look closer to see if it's to exchange it or refund it. I'm not sure I know what I even would want if I had a choice. I think I'd like to try another copy of it. I just know I won't be happy with what I've seen so far out of it. I sure saw the potential of what it offers, so I'm probably not ready to give up on it yet. The bokeh potential was outstanding.

Seriously though, if anyone is considering a photography related purchase, B & H is the way to go. They're going above and beyond for me.

Last night I was thinking my issues were about the lens not having IS. But then I thought about it some more. My Tokina 11-16 doesn't have IS and I get consistently sharp photos. My Sigma 30mm does not have IS but I get consistently sharp photos. There has to be more to it than that.

If I exchange and have the same experience, I'll probably send it to Sigma for calibration. I have to say the experience I had with them on a couple other lenses was outstanding. The down side is that I had to send the body in with the lens, but it was worth it.

That is what I have heard from other users of the Sigma lens that it is not focusing really well and there were times where the pictures were blurry. It is the world's first constant lens with an aperture of f/1.8. I thought when I got blurry pictures and sometimes it didn't focus correctly, I thought it was the lens since it was a rental. But after you saying about it with your lens that it can be a problem.

B&H is where I do my shopping on the accessories. I haven't bought a lens but the customer service is really good.

Are you talking about Internal Focusing (IS)? I did read that the Sigma 18-35 doesn't have the IS where it has the IF. My Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 is the DX-II model which has the IS.

I see. It does make sense to send the lens and camera body to Sigma for calibration.

 

[mom2rtk]

June 7th, 2014: On to Bryce

OK, so I know we covered a lot of ground very quickly on this trip. Ideally it would have been nice to stay another night and do some hiking in Zion, maybe catch sunrise. But given the time we had to work with, I was ok with how it all went.

After our drive through Zion, we headed on to our next destination, an old family friend.... Bryce. We had stayed at Bryce before, just yards from the rim in a cabin. We loved it, but didn't have time to stay there again. We had that afternoon to do what we had not done before..... hike down into the canyon for the first time. Katie had been too young to do this before, so this would be a new first for us.

I had almost forgotten this adorable little area near Bryce called "Red Canyon". It's part of the Dixie National Forest. And if it didn't inspire Walt to create Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, I don't know what did.

IMG_7744 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7752 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7761 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Red Canyon Panoramic by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Thankfully it didn't take long to get to Bryce. I had actually been back and forth on going on the hike myself. I love photographing the great outdoors. But I'm not one who works out and can just jump in and do whatever! Honestly, I thought I had gone above and beyond with all the hiking at Arches the day before. And my legs were SCREAMING at me to take it easy this day. Mostly, I was concerned about going on a long hike in the mid-day heat and sun. And it had not escaped my attention that you do the easy part of the hike first..... the down part. And that the going back UP part was at the end. I totally envisioned myself getting to the bottom and not being able to get back out!

Regardless, we were THERE. That was the hard part, right? And we were lucky enough to have overcast skies that afternoon. That helped immensely to keep the heat down a bit. So we sunscreened up and I loaded up my bag with heavy camera lenses........ and off we went.


IMG_7773 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7787 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Bryce Canyon - Sunrise Point by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7797 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7800 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7807 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Check out the roots on this tree growing in the rock!

IMG_7816 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7818 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

More tree roots in the foreground!

IMG_7821 by mom2rtk[/

[url=https://flic.kr/p/nHvtGw]Bryce Canyon Wildflowers by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7842 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7846 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7858 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7866 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7872 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7889 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7908 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

P1000348 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Bryce Canyon Panoramic by mom2rtk, on Flickr

IMG_7924 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

I survived the hike only because it stayed overcast all afternoon. Actually I survived it by taking my time and stopping for photographs so often along the way. I knew it would drive everyone else nuts, so I sent them on ahead on the trail. When they got to the bottom, they came back up and met me on the way. That said, I did make it most of the way down. Thankfully, they took the hike back out much slower, and part way in I finally took Timmy up on his offer to carry my backpack loaded with lenses (It might as well have been loaded with rocks!)

Back up near the top again. We made it!

IMG_7973 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

 

[mom2rtk]

I had been reading along with your TR but don't think I ever found time to comment!

Now I'm all caught back up finally! I love reading your TRs within a TR. I enjoy seeing your non-Disney photography too.

I have the same cosmic Mickey shirt Katie is wearing in some of your most recent updates.

Can't wait to read more.

Hey Courtney! So glad you popped out of lurkerdom!

Sounds like you have good taste in shirts!

Janet, your photos of both Arches and Zion are just amazing! With all the trips out west to all the National Parks, I don't know how I missed Arches, but I've never been there. Need to get there soon. It's been a long time since I've been to Zion but it was my favorite of the Utah parks and I remember the magnificent, giant red rock formations along with the lush foliage.

You panoramic shots are wonderful! Did you take those with the waterproof camera? They certainly are sharp!

Looks like you had a fabulous trip!

Thanks Karen! I can't believe you have missed Arches. It definitely needs to be on your "to do" list next time you head to the southwest.

I did take the panoramic shots with the waterproof camera. I was sort of back and forth on buying it just for the water shots, as I'm not sure when I'll need that again. But when I saw it had the panoramic mode, I was all in. I took one shot when it arrived and I was quite smitten with it.

That is what I have heard from other users of the Sigma lens that it is not focusing really well and there were times where the pictures were blurry. It is the world's first constant lens with an aperture of f/1.8. I thought when I got blurry pictures and sometimes it didn't focus correctly, I thought it was the lens since it was a rental. But after you saying about it with your lens that it can be a problem.

B&H is where I do my shopping on the accessories. I haven't bought a lens but the customer service is really good.

Are you talking about Internal Focusing (IS)? I did read that the Sigma 18-35 doesn't have the IS where it has the IF. My Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 is the DX-II model which has the IS.

I see. It does make sense to send the lens and camera body to Sigma for calibration.

I'm talking about Image Stabilization. It counteracts camera shake, like from my unsteady hands. I wasn't aware Tokina had added IS to that lens. Mine does not have it. Not that it matters. For whatever reason, I don't have trouble with camera shake on that lens. I've actually owned 2 copies of that lens and both were incredibly sharp.

I'm really torn about the 18-35. I love what I see that it is capable of. But I just won't put up with having that many shots out of focus. I guess I need to decide quick as I get ready to send this one back.

 

[missangelalexis]

As usual, great pictures. Love the shots at Zion!

 

[KCmike]

Truly amazing shots of Bryce Canyon. This is something I would love to see in person. How far off the road did you have to hike to see Bryce Canyon? I'm not talking about going down to the bottom but just looking over it.

 

[mom2rtk]

Truly amazing shots of Bryce Canyon. This is something I would love to see in person. How far off the road did you have to hike to see Bryce Canyon? I'm not talking about going down to the bottom but just looking over it.

Thanks Mike. It's really not hard to get an amazing shot of Bryce. It's an awesome sight.

The canyon is easily accessible by car. Lots of view points at different spots around the rim. Some are close to a trail head as well. we just parked, and walked right up to the edge and hiked on down. But our first time through a few years ago, we did no hikes, just drove around to the various viewpoints looking down in.

 

[PHXscuba]

Great photos. I haven't been there since I was your daughter's age, but it hasn't changed much! Worth the hike for some of those views for sure.

PHXscuba

 

[mom2rtk]

Great photos. I haven't been there since I was your daughter's age, but it hasn't changed much! Worth the hike for some of those views for sure.

PHXscuba

LOL. You have time to get back. It's not going anywhere for a few million years! Definitely worth the hike. I wish we had scenery like that closer to home. I might actually be in shape if we did!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Lovely pictures of the HooDoos.

The last time I was there, it was December and we were lucky - we got in a day or so after snow had fallen. DH was the photographer in those days and it was all on film. It looked beautiful with that dusting of white on the top. But it meant that we couldn't walk anywhere because we didn't have snow shoes with us.

You did well with the waterproof camera. The panorama shots are fantastic.

 

[mvf-m11c]

I'm talking about Image Stabilization. It counteracts camera shake, like from my unsteady hands. I wasn't aware Tokina had added IS to that lens. Mine does not have it. Not that it matters. For whatever reason, I don't have trouble with camera shake on that lens. I've actually owned 2 copies of that lens and both were incredibly sharp.

I'm really torn about the 18-35. I love what I see that it is capable of. But I just won't put up with having that many shots out of focus. I guess I need to decide quick as I get ready to send this one back.

After reading your post and I put Internal Focusing, I meant to say Image Stabilization. The DX-II has the IS where the original one has it I believe. That's why I bought the DX-II over the DX model. I do have problems times when my hands are shaking when I am taking pictures.


Very nice pictures from Bryce Canyon National Park.

 

[MEK]

Waking up to a little DISing and catching up on your pictures is an awesome way to start the day.

My husband has been wanting to go out west and see those national parks for the longest time. Your pictures have me more convinced then ever that we must do it. By then I would hope to have a camera upgrade and I can see where I would just take hundreds of photos.

I recently learned that when you are 62 you can buy a lifetime pass to the national parks for $10. That's an amazing deal for people who are still active and can do that kind of hiking.

 

[mom2rtk]

Lovely pictures of the HooDoos.

The last time I was there, it was December and we were lucky - we got in a day or so after snow had fallen. DH was the photographer in those days and it was all on film. It looked beautiful with that dusting of white on the top. But it meant that we couldn't walk anywhere because we didn't have snow shoes with us.

You did well with the waterproof camera. The panorama shots are fantastic.

I have seen shots in the area with snow and I want to do that myself one day. It's just too hard for us to do a road trip that time of year these days. I want to see Delicate Arch with a dusting of snow. But I'll probably pass on that because I'm pretty sure I don't want to make that hike with any snow on the ground.

I really did enjoy the new toy for this trip. I was happy with the shots I got. It does have a learning curve though. Look again at that panoramic of Bryce. I just noticed the distortion in the middle of that one. Oops!

After reading your post and I put Internal Focusing, I meant to say Image Stabilization. The DX-II has the IS where the original one has it I believe. That's why I bought the DX-II over the DX model. I do have problems times when my hands are shaking when I am taking pictures.


Very nice pictures from Bryce Canyon National Park.

Oddly enough, not having IS on that Tokina lens has not been a problem for me. I suppose that's because it's sharp enough to shoot wide open in low light. Otherwise, I really only use it outdoors for landscapes.

Waking up to a little DISing and catching up on your pictures is an awesome way to start the day.

My husband has been wanting to go out west and see those national parks for the longest time. Your pictures have me more convinced then ever that we must do it. By then I would hope to have a camera upgrade and I can see where I would just take hundreds of photos.

I recently learned that when you are 62 you can buy a lifetime pass to the national parks for $10. That's an amazing deal for people who are still active and can do that kind of hiking.

Thanks MEK! The lifetime pass would indeed be a bargain. Although I really don't have a problem with the fees we paid to get into the parks. It's a bargain compared to so many other things.

And if you are ever going to upgrade a camera, doing it in time for a trip out west is definitely the time to do it!

 

[mom2rtk]

June 7th, 2014: Let's throw in one more park........

Our goal was to make it back to Moab again that night. We had a choice of taking the highway or taking a slower route through Capitol Reef National Park. It must have gotten a promotion since our last time through, as I swear it was only a National Monument, and not a National Park. Capitol Reef had been on our itinerary a couple times on previous trips, but got scratched each time at the last minute. So I voted for the slower drive. I'm glad we did it. It wasn't the most amazing park Utah has to offer. But there's some pretty stiff competition in that state. It was definitely worth the extra time to drive through. We did get attacked by a swarm of buys though when we got out at Goosenecks Overlook. Note to self: Next time pack the bug spray.


With Katie playing volleyball for the first time this summer, Wilson showed up in several photos across the country this time:


IMG_8001 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


IMG_8007 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


IMG_8014 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


IMG_8021 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

Not a bad view in the rearview mirror:


IMG_8025 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


IMG_8029 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


IMG_8035 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

The view of Goosenecks was disappointing. It looks like there's hardly any water down there at all. Thankfully it wasn't a long hike to get there:


IMG_8041 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


IMG_8056 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


IMG_8060 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


IMG_8064 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


IMG_8070 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


IMG_8071 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


IMG_8078 by mom2rtk, on Flickr


Capitol Reef Panoramic by mom2rtk, on Flickr

I have looked at more photos of this park online since we got home. It's obvious to me that we missed a lot. And I feel like I didn't really capture the essence of the park. But there really wasn't time for that even if I had done my research and knew where to go. Still, it was a good sampling and I bet we'll be back one day.