Galapagos Islands
Mar 19, 2022 15:39:34 #
ABQMikee
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
I'm going to the Galapagos Islands on May 19th with the Muench Workshops. I'm sure they will put me in the right place at the right time. However, I would be interested in any recommendations or suggestions from anyone who has been there. I have a Canon EOS R5 with three lenses ranging from 14 mm to 500 mm and a good travel tripod and am considering getting a 1.4x extender. I think I have the tools, now can I get the shots??
All suggestions, recommendations, and comments requested. I want to make the most of it.
All suggestions, recommendations, and comments requested. I want to make the most of it.
Mar 19, 2022 15:53:12 #
The recommendations are rather consistent: you can get by with a 24-105 and / or 70-200 on the island with no need for tripod. Have fun!
Mar 19, 2022 23:28:18 #
Mar 20, 2022 05:26:29 #
There in 2007, D100 with 70-300, D200 with 24-85. Hardly ever used the 70-300, but glad I had it. Short lens ashore for almost everything. You might have occasional need for the long lens for a bird shot.
You can get close to the animals, and the landscapes are amazing.
Underwater rig for snorkeling, if that’s on your agenda.
I don’t see a need for a tripod, but a monopod usable as a walking stick won’t slow you down.
Every time someone asks on here I recommend knee pads…nothing elaborate, but there are quite a few shots you might get from down low. Something you won’t mind wearing for a few hours.
A beanbag or short length of foam pipe insulation, in case you need to rest the lens.
Water shoes (just bought a new pair on Amazon for about $20, after 15 years).
A kit bag with waterproof bottom: I used a Swiss Army computer backpack…carried all my photo gear and more, plus can be carry on.
Your guide may permit use of their laptop, so you can back up to a portable hard drive.
You can get close to the animals, and the landscapes are amazing.
Underwater rig for snorkeling, if that’s on your agenda.
I don’t see a need for a tripod, but a monopod usable as a walking stick won’t slow you down.
Every time someone asks on here I recommend knee pads…nothing elaborate, but there are quite a few shots you might get from down low. Something you won’t mind wearing for a few hours.
A beanbag or short length of foam pipe insulation, in case you need to rest the lens.
Water shoes (just bought a new pair on Amazon for about $20, after 15 years).
A kit bag with waterproof bottom: I used a Swiss Army computer backpack…carried all my photo gear and more, plus can be carry on.
Your guide may permit use of their laptop, so you can back up to a portable hard drive.
Mar 20, 2022 06:20:22 #
Was there in 2019; planning to go again next March when I will be 87…meaning nothing too difficult. If you snorkel, a camera for that. Otherwise one camera that is weather resistant (so you do not have to worry about splashing while in a panga) with a pro level 24-105 or similar. Never found a need for a tripod or a long lens, knee pads, or water shoes. You will be warned not to get any closer than 6 feet to the animals.
You will have wet landings at times, but you dry your feet and put on your light weight hikers.
For ultra wide angle (geology is phenomenal) learn to shoot portrait to make pans.
Bring extra batteries and cards, download all images every night to a hd. Take notes of where you were and what you saw. Make a book to give to your jealous kids.
I included three shots including one showing the geology. If you have any questions, feel free to private message me.
David
You will have wet landings at times, but you dry your feet and put on your light weight hikers.
For ultra wide angle (geology is phenomenal) learn to shoot portrait to make pans.
Bring extra batteries and cards, download all images every night to a hd. Take notes of where you were and what you saw. Make a book to give to your jealous kids.
I included three shots including one showing the geology. If you have any questions, feel free to private message me.
David
Mar 20, 2022 07:30:03 #
If you’re going snorkeling bring a wet suit. The water is freezing even though the islands are on the equator. The reason is because there is an Antarctic current that flows past the islands
Mar 20, 2022 09:37:14 #
mrtaxi
Loc: Old Westbury NY, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Very interesting. I go to the Galapagos in January 2023. I am planing to purchase a camera for snorkeling. Then I will take my Canon 5D IV, with just two canon lenses, my 24-70mm 2.8L zoom and 70-200 2.8L zoom. I need to take the 70 to 200 4.0 shots or outside and good light and that lens is half the weight. Might add my 5D III for my wife to use. Extra cards, batteries of course notebook, cheap knee pads, no tripod (no flash?)
Mar 20, 2022 09:47:12 #
ABQMikee wrote:
I'm going to the Galapagos Islands on May 19th wit... (show quote)
24-105 and 100-500.
No tripod and no other lenses.
Mar 20, 2022 09:55:20 #
ABQMikee
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
Thanks for all the information. Yes, I have been told to take knee pads. I don't think I will get into underwater photography but the guides have wet suits available.
Mar 20, 2022 10:28:17 #
Architect1776 wrote:
24-105 and 100-500.
No tripod and no other lenses.
No tripod and no other lenses.
IMHO, in the VERY few instances where I would have wanted more than 24-105, the light allowed for a 50 ISO. I cropped later. Changing lenses is a potential problem while hiking around, and almost guaranteed, you will have a great shot right in front of you with no lens on the camera.
The only times I shot like that were BIF’s, and on later excursions I was right on top of those birds anyway. See photo.
One camera, no flash, no tripod = 1 carry-on suitcase and a small camera bag.
If anyone is going on a purely photo trip, that’s another story.
Mar 20, 2022 10:36:45 #
I used my 100-400 L II mostly, often with a 1.4X. I also used a 24-70 2.8L II a lot. You will often get quite close to wildlife and I found my 135 2L made some really compelling images. If I went back, I would use that one more. I did not use a tripod.
Mar 20, 2022 10:46:30 #
daldds wrote:
IMHO, in the VERY few instances where I would have... (show quote)
I leave the 24-105 on all the time.
The long shots are more likely to give time to change.
You cannot crop 105 and get the quality of 500mm.
Mar 20, 2022 11:04:22 #
bike42
Loc: Boynton Beach Fl & Bridgewater, NJ
When I was there I took a Nikon 18-200. It was mostly the right lens, although sometimes it didn't have enough range for the BIF. I bought a Tamron 18-275 when I got home based on the shortcomings of that lens. Later, I bought a Tamron 16-300 lens, which is always on my camera when I'm on a trip.
Mar 20, 2022 11:06:11 #
One of our best trips. You will never need a tripod or super tele. I would highly recommend an underwater camera if snorkeling is included. We were in the water hours every day and great opportunity, I used a Nikon coolpix 100, newer model 300.
Mar 20, 2022 12:13:46 #
eadler wrote:
If you’re going snorkeling bring a wet suit. The water is freezing even though the islands are on the equator. The reason is because there is an Antarctic current that flows past the islands
There is a place or two where water is ok, but mostly you definitely need a wet suit. It can be very cold even with one at times. Tour boats do rent them. If take anything like a lifevest remove any CO2 cartridges, they are not allowed in any airline luggage and will cause delays. The snorkeling is awsome.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.