MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

In early 2015 (April into May), my husband and I spent 2 weeks in the Galapagos. We were most definitely tourists and there were several days we snorkeled - sometimes twic per day. We took a GoPro and a small Panasonic as our underwater cameras. It was an amazing experience. My favorite was swimming well underwater with 2 young sea lions. Magical!
It is my understanding that tourists are most definitely allowed “underwater”. We are looking toward returning with our son who is a certified diver.

aardq

I see one reply with a monopod. Are they allowed?

gutdoc

Monopods are allowed but you wont have time to “set up” as you will be continuously moving on the trail. I don’t think its really needed

aardq

I often use the collapsed mono as a steady rest by cradling it with my left arm against my body. I use it more as a steady than as a mono. It only takes 2 seconds longer than an unrested shot and the results are worth it.
Thanks for the info.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

The OP has the E-M1mrII. I have successfully handheld 2 and 4 seconds with my E-M1mrII. I realize that a 2 second handheld will more than likely not work for animals. But with a reasonable shutter speed and the IBIS on, the OP should be able to take any picture the OP wants without a tripod or monopod. If the OP rents the 12-100 f4 Pro IS and/or the 300 f4 Pro IS lenses, the IBIS of 5.5 stops stabilization turns into a system IS of 6.5 stops stabilization. Again, the 12-100 was designed as a travel lens and is sharp across the frame at all f-stops. Diffraction is the only issue and occurs at ~f11 and up (and that occurs in all lenses of all formats). It has close-up abilities of approximately half life size. Weatherproof and dustproof, salt spray is no match for it (do clean it off to keep it that way). Match it with a polarizer and one is ready to travel anywhere.

nsilberma Loc: San Jose, Calif.

Here is my Galapagos experience summary
1. Two cameras a must.
2. Underwater camera if you want underwater pictures (used Olympus Tough 3)
3. Long range lens: I used 150-600mm on an APSC -If you want to catch birds and remote animals.
4. Most of the time 55-210 mm did the job on a Sony A6000.
3. Hard to use a tripod in a group tour. Can use one on a private tour where you have time to setup and wait for the perfect picture.
4. WD wireless hard drive to backup the SD cards.
5. Unless in great physical shape, save weight.
Don't recommend changing lenses out in the field.