Originally posted by seventysixersfan Obviously, the most important thing for me on this vacation is to have a good time with my family.
As I always ask "Are you a hiker who takes pictures, or a photographer who is willing to hike?" more importantly, is the group you're with tolerant of you stopping every 5 steps to change lenses and take pictures?
I think the DA 16-85mm is the best "walk-around" choice for them most opportunities and subject you will see. I doubt it will be dusty, but some canyons have small water streams and such, and that water can splash off the rocks. That said, if you are going to be hiking some narrow canyons, the DA 10-17 will allow you take it all in. I don't mind fisheye lenses at all, and that lens renders so well. I always have the DA 40mm LTD or XS handy when I need a prime, usually for after hiking when I want high quality images in low light as I enjoy my post-hike evening meal with friends and family.
Consider a small beanbag or Joby in case you think you might need support for selfies of want to do some long exposure images to minimize crowds.
I walked around Bryce and Zion using only one lens, a 24-90 zoom on a K-1. I had a CPL on the lens to cut reflective glare in midday sun. The main park at Zion is fantastic, but there is also the Kolob Canyon entrance on the NW side of the park which offers some unique scenery and views with fewer crowds.
Both Bryce and Zion area offers amazing scenery, don't try to see it all on foot. look at a map and choose a one "must-see" for each day, with a few nearby attractions if time allow. Enjoyment, not endurance, is the mark of a good vacation. April in Utah should see a lot of spring blooms, and possibly some awesome thunderstorms in the big skies over the canyons.
Don't worry about trying to get your image of a place that 1 million others have photographed. Look at the maps, take the trams through both parks for the grand tour, and get off to explore certain locations that appeal to you and your family.
You could easily spend all your time at those two parks. I personally love the idea of parking the car near the park on Day 1 and not using it until I get ready to depart the area a few days later. but if you do want to venture out relatively near the parks, Cedar City and Cedar Breaks National Monument , Kodachrome Point State Park, and Kanab Utah are worth visiting.