Hello:
I am going on an Linblad Alaskan Cruise with National Geographic in September. I not sure what equipment to bring..what to keep it simple and light. The ship is small with only 62 passengers and is able to go places that the big ships can't. I have a Canon 5D and 5D Mark ll but am considering buying a 7D for added focal length. I have various lenses, a 70-200mm telephoto and a 300mm which I'd like to leave at home. What would be your ideal?
If it's the cruise I'm thinking of I'd put a premium on waterproof carry, especially if trips to shore in small boats are included. More camera gear has been wrecked in transfers to and from rough shoreline than you would care to know about.
After that, I would hesitate to carry anything bigger than a 300 f/4 just for convenience. Something like an 80-400 would frankly be more useful in my hands while not being any larger. You will get a lot of use out of a monopod onboard ship, but you'll be glad to have a tripod too. If I could only take one, it would be the tripod, which can function like a monopod if you keep the legs together.
Posted by Ron Niebrugge on July 30, 2010 at 10:22 PM
If you add a 7D, then I would leave your older 5D home, otherwise I would bring everything else - I think you will be sorry not to bring the 300 - is it a 2.8 or 4?
You will wish for a big telephoto. The wildlife - bird and sea mammals - are fairly spooky and, except for sea otters, won't let you get close. A big waterproof bag for shore trips; as Hank says, too much gear has gone swimming on landings. and a good rain cover for camera and lens.
I haven't done an Alaska photo trip, but did spend 8 days in Galapagos, much of it in pangas shuttling between our main boat and the islands, and walking on the islands in variable weather.
I used a Canon 100-400L IS lens for 90% of my shots, and found it to be great in that environment. It was compact and light enough to carry all day, and sharp enough to get decent results. When the light started to go, the IS helped keep images sharp.
I took along a Canon 1.4X tele-extender and used it when birds were a long way from the trails (which we were, quite rightly, not allowed to leave). I used a monopod with an RRS head, since tripods were not allowed, and would have been awkward in the pangas.
All of the bag manufacturers have products for keeping your gear dry. Think Tank is my choice, and the Hydrophobia rain cover for your lens and body is worth considering for Alaska.
Here are some shots from Galapagos for you to judge whether the 100-400 is a good choice:
http://www.brentreid.exposuremanager.com/g/galapagos_portraits
Posted by Bernie Wolff on July 31, 2010 at 12:06 PM
I did a small boat cruise many years ago. It slept 52. I took everything from wide to super telephoto. Of course take your tripod.. I did not have any problem with spray, but I did not take any kayak, canoe or zodiak rides which would be a cause a problem. Get a rain cover for your lens and camera would be a good idea. Make sure you take a warm coat, gloves and something to keep your ears warm. You will have a wonderful time, take great pictures and post them when you return.
Bernie
Posted by kelly mason on July 31, 2010 at 12:39 PM
Hi Brent" Thanks for your reply...it was in keeping with what I had in mind. I know the benefits of the 300mm 2.8 or any large telephoto. But on this trip I just don't want to lug around the heavy glass. I'm debating on whether to buy the 7D or use my 5 D Mark ll and use the 70-200mm 2.8 with the 1.4x and buy another telephoto lens maybe.
I just returned from an Alaskan cruise. I took my 70-200 with a teleconverter to get it out a little more. I was very pleased with the flexibility this gave me without carrying any huge lenses. If you do not have a 2X teleconverter you can rent one from several web rental sites for the trip and your 2.8 lense should work well with it.
Posted by Reno DiTullio on August 7, 2010 at 2:57 PM
Just returned from 17 days in Alaska, 7 on cruise, 3 hanging around Anchorage and 7 fishing on the Kenai. I took a D 300, 70-200 2.8 + 1.4x, 16-85, SB 800, mono pod and lots of CF cards. The 70-200 + 1.4x worked great for bear/salmon shots, glacier shots from the ship (less the 1.4x) and other landscape shots. I used the 16-85 the majority of the trip as my "walk-around" lens on ship, aerials, hikes, glacier walking, etc. Have a great time.
Discussion
9 repliesI am going on an Linblad Alaskan Cruise with National Geographic in September. I not sure what equipment to bring..what to keep it simple and light. The ship is small with only 62 passengers and is able to go places that the big ships can't. I have a Canon 5D and 5D Mark ll but am considering buying a 7D for added focal length. I have various lenses, a 70-200mm telephoto and a 300mm which I'd like to leave at home. What would be your ideal?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Van
After that, I would hesitate to carry anything bigger than a 300 f/4 just for convenience. Something like an 80-400 would frankly be more useful in my hands while not being any larger. You will get a lot of use out of a monopod onboard ship, but you'll be glad to have a tripod too. If I could only take one, it would be the tripod, which can function like a monopod if you keep the legs together.
I used a Canon 100-400L IS lens for 90% of my shots, and found it to be great in that environment. It was compact and light enough to carry all day, and sharp enough to get decent results. When the light started to go, the IS helped keep images sharp.
I took along a Canon 1.4X tele-extender and used it when birds were a long way from the trails (which we were, quite rightly, not allowed to leave). I used a monopod with an RRS head, since tripods were not allowed, and would have been awkward in the pangas.
All of the bag manufacturers have products for keeping your gear dry. Think Tank is my choice, and the Hydrophobia rain cover for your lens and body is worth considering for Alaska.
Here are some shots from Galapagos for you to judge whether the 100-400 is a good choice:
http://www.brentreid.exposuremanager.com/g/galapagos_portraits
Bernie
Many thanks again to all!
Kelly