My wife and I are going to the Galapagos in June, doing a cruise based tour for a week, but its not a photography oriented one, although I’m sure most folks will have a camera of some sort. I plan to bring a Z8 and Z7II as backup but an not completely certain about the lenses. I have (all Z mount) the f/2.8 trinity (14-24, 24-70 and 70-200) along with the 100-400, 180-600, the 105 macro as well as a 1.4 TC.
I would like to bring just 2 lenses so I’m thinking the 100-400 along with the 24-70 and 1.4TC would be good, but I was also thinking that for small birds, I might want the 180-600. I was also considering swapping the 24-70 for a 24-120. Any thoughts from the group would be appreciated. Also, for those that have done the trip by boat, would a dry bag be wise to bring (putting the photo gear inside for the zodiac ride to shore), or would a water resistant backpack be OK.
While I’ve never been there and am quite envious, I think that much of the wildlife is habituated to humans and many photographers have walked right up to them and gotten very close portraits with short lenses. It probably depends on your guide service as to how much of this will be allowed. It seems to me that the two lenses you list first would be sufficient. Adding the macro could give you some wonderful opportunities if you have the presence of mind to concentrate on that kind of work. If you’re zipping around in inflatables with little cover, a drybag can’t hurt, but make sure it’s one you can easily carry and get gear in and out of quickly. Many of them are for storage during trips, but not designed for easy access. A good water resistant backpack with a rain cover might be a better solution.
Lots of batteries, memory cards and a way to offload photos to a hard drive would be other things I’d want. And because I’m a nut, I’d bring a second body as well just in case. It’s not like it’s your backyard or anything! Wishing you success and looking forward to your photos.
Thanks Kristen, all good points. I really like macro but I don’t think I’ll have the opportunity to do it since the guides lead you on trails that you’re supposed to stay on (for the most part). I was actually going to get some more memory cards before the trip and was planning to bring my laptop, some SSDs and my Z7II as a 2nd body. You’re right, the Galapagos aren’t exactly across town .
Larry
Do a Google search on Galapagos Photo Tours, most of these sites have a list of equipment for their trips. This might give you a better idea of what to take depending on the type of trip you are taking. I don’t know what tour you are going with but I have seen photos of groups of 20-30 all lined up on the trails which for me would not be a very good experience.
Thanks Garry, I will take a look. The tour is not strictly for photography, but I didn’t have much choice at the time. Still, I’m very much looking forward to it.
You will have fun on this particular trip. Unlike most places on the planet, the animals on the Galapagos islands are not fearful of humans so the 100-400mm should be OK. Taking your 105mm macro will also get you some shots of the smaller critters that you may encounter…Jim
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