Help! Vegas & Grand Canyon Trip coming up!

[photosbyms]

Hi! I'm out here in Texas for the first time since I was born here 21 years ago. I'm originally from Georgia, and I grabbed an internship with Schlumberger out here in Midland, TX, and so far I have made my way over to Carlsbad Caverns and Roswell, NM to photograph there. I'm not sure what else to look for around Midland for photographs.

My next trip, this weekend is flying to Vegas and taking a bus tour out to the Grand Canyon. I probably would've rented a car instead, but my funds are low, as I am in college.

I'm taking my trusty Canon 5D, 24-70mm f/2.8L, and 70-200 IS f/2.8L out with me. I'm looking to spend $120 for the bus tour to Grand Canyon West and pay another $25 to get on the new skywalk. I plan on bringing a tripod, of course.

Any suggestions from those who have been to the Grand Canyon? I'm trying to find a 77mm polarizer for my lenses, but I haven't found a camera shop in town. Normally I would purchase a hoya or so off ebay, but I have 3 days. This is a last minute planned trip!

Thanks again!

[suzyq111]

Theres a camera shop called Casey's Camera it's off of Tropicana and Maryland ( I believe) Look it up when you get there they should have one... HTH from a Vegas girl living in tampa...:)

[photosbyms]

It is looking like I will be short on time, as I will arrive 5:30pm Friday night in Vegas, and the bus tours go out before 7am Saturday night. There are 3 camera stores in Midland, but the chances of them carrying 77mm filters is slim. I'm pretty sure a population of 200,000 individuals don't have many lenses that big!

[suzyq111]

that sucks!! sorry Michael...I tried :)

[photosbyms]

No problem! Thanks for you help. I am looking forward to the nightlife scenes of Vegas. I think I'll make my to the top of the Stratosphere to take some Vegas Strip shots.

[amadjuster]

Have you called the 3 camera stores to see if they have the 77mm filter? You could get one overnighted but it would cost a bunch.

[Texentric]

Just so you don't get disappointed when you get there, they do not allow tripods up in the Stratosphere Hotel. Went there last Summer.

[photosbyms]

I called one store yesterday, but no answer. I'll try again all three today.

Thanks Texentric, that type of information is really useful! I'll have to find somewhere else to take a distant photo.

[David_3]

Originally Posted by photosbyms

I think I'll make my to the top of the Stratosphere to take some Vegas Strip shots.

The Stratosphere is OK, but I think you will get better shots of the strip from the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris. The Stratosphere is at the north end of the strip, and there is not much (as far as casinos go) up there. Paris is right smack in the middle of everything. That has to be one long bus ride out to the Canyon and back...hope the AC works well.

Have fun, and post some picture when you get back.

BTW, what part of Georgia are you from. I grew up in the Atlanta area.

[chihuahuaphil]

I think your only hope for the filter locally would be Odessa Camera. The last real camera store in Midland closed some time ago (Best Buy etc. don't count). Lubbock has Armadillo Camera, but 250 miles worth of gas makes it an expensive option.

[David_3]

One more option for the filter, is to call B&H Photo and have them ship it overnight. They can ship it to your home, or to your hotel in Vegas. It will be there waiting for you when you arrive. Just call the hotel ahead of time, and tell them you are expecting a package. Not a cheap option, but at least you would have it.

Good luck

[MarcoFromHouston]

I once rode the Greyhound Bus from Houston all the way to Vegas (and back)! It was way cheaper than a plane ticket and I had some time to kill.

It took a day & 1/2 each way, but it was totally worth it!

Next year I'm driving to the Grand Canyon & Vegas.

Have fun!

[Dobick]

I just saw this thread, but, if you have two hours each way to kill, you can always drive up here to Lubbock and pick up some filters from Armadillo Camera. They have always had the 77's when I was looking. (sometimes it's only the lower end ones)

They are a pretty good store, that keep a lot of stuff in stock, and at reasonable prices. You can always call ahead and find out if they have what you need in stock. If they do, they might can overnight it to you for the shipping price of lonestar overnight, which is really inexpensive.

[photosbyms]

Thank you all for your advice! It looks like I will try to grab a polarizer at the local camera store tomorrow, and if they don't have what I need, I will just have to wing it and work my PS CS3 skills when I return.