Frank 2012 Loc: Olathe, Kansas

I am planning on 16 day trip to Alaska, Crusing the "Inside Passage" Denali N. P. Fairbanks, Victoria, etc.
If you have "been there - done that" would you recommend
that I take my Canon 70D, 70-200 2.8 L lens or just take a point and shoot (travel light). I am wondering if there is enough good photo opportunities to merit the 70-200 zoom,
(I also have the 1.4 and 2X extenders) Just asking because I had a friend who said he could not get close enough for the 70-200 to make any difference when he was there. Traveling in Europe my Canon G 11 was perfect. Don't know about Alaska....it is bigger more spread out. I would welcome any advice, recommendations, suggestions, example pictures
(if you have time). Thanks

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Did the "Inside Passage" 2 years ago. I only had a Canon SD1400IS P&S & boy was I sorry. I did get some great shots, but I could have gotten more.
We went on a whale watch and witness "bubble-netting" for about an hour, which produced many whale fluke pictures from too far away for the P&S's zoom. Then, on the same whale watch, there were numerous eagles, seals, and possibly a bear or two that pretty much look like blobs. So, in that instance you'd need a long lens; say 200 to 300 mm.

Then there are the glaciers calving which you can use a wide angle for the scenery, and the tele for the calving and closer detail. We also saw more whales and otters on that part of the trip.
My advice...if I had he money I'd buy, or rent, a good 28-200mm lens or a wider & longer zoom if possible. That way you'd have everything on the camera & wouldn't have to switch lenses.
A note about whale watches. We were told that whales do not like the sun & it was overcast, rainy & cold when we went, which is why we were able to witness the bubble-netting for so long. I don't know how true that is...but it worked.

You can click on the SmugMug link in my signature and go to the Alaska Gallery.

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

I have been there and done that. Unfortunately all I had was my point and shoot at the time. I did not get my DSLR until almost a year after our return.
In my opinion and experience there, you definitely should bring your long zoom. I now have a 55-300 zoom and if I were to take the same trip again, I would not think twice about bringing it. I would also take my Sony point and shoot.
Just last night I was looking at some of the shots I took with my P&S and lamented to my spouse that some would have been much better with my DSLR.
That being said, if you have or can get a P&S with a fairly long zoom on it (600mm or so), bring that also. I promise you that you will need a longer zoom than 200 or 300 for some of the wildlife.
Tomorrow, I will take a look through my shots and post some that I think will give you an appreciation of what you are up against.
I am making the assumption that you will be going ashore and doing some land touring.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

If you are going to Denali, by all means take the 8 hr bus tour. There are numerous opportunities to shoot Grizzly Bear, Elk, Moose and occasionally Wolves. For wildlife, you need a long lens, preferably 300mm to get up close from a distance.

For landscapes, a 55 - 85 medium wide angle zoom is great.
See the att of Mt Denali from 40 km.

(Download)

Cattreasure

Been there - done that. We went about 9 years ago. I had the D70 at that time. I brought two lens ... 18-70 and 70-300. Got beautiful shots. I used the 70-300 more than I thought I would. Bring your Canon with zoom.

Philadd Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Went to Alaska several years ago and if I were going again I would take both a point and shoot and my 5D.

pixbyjnjphotos Loc: Apache Junction,AZ

Been there, done that. I agree with the majority. Take the 70D with the longest lens you got. You won't be sorry. So many great scenic shots from the boat at a long distance. Have a great time. It is a good cruise.

djtravels Loc: Georgia boy now

I took the cruise several years ago and used a P&S. Backup...another P&S with 5X zoom. I missed a LOT while in Glacier Bay and other stops, but off the ship the P&S was OK. Didn't have the opportunity to include Denali.
Bring your long lens and a pocket PS for shore excursions.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

I was working in Alaska for about 4 months in '88. I had a Nikon EM film camera with me but all I had for it was a 35mm prime lens. TAKE THE ZOOM.

thelazya Loc: Wendell, MN

Don't forget to bring your extender with.

Frank 2012 Loc: Olathe, Kansas

Your Alaska Gallery is great and the image quality of your pictures is excellent. Thanks so much for your input and recommendations. I really appreciate it. You and others on this forum have convinced me what to take.

Frank 2012 Loc: Olathe, Kansas

Yes, we will be doing some land touring after the boat trip.
I do have a Canon 400 L f5.6 prime lens which I really like to use, but with my Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8 L IS II USM
and possibly also using the 2X extender I might be able to capture some long shots of the wildlife. Anything further out of camera range and I probably wouldn't be able to see it anyway. Thanks for your input. It really helps to hear from people who have been there. I will look for your posting/pictures

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

If I were spending a lot on a cruise like that, I might consider an investment in a lens like the Sigma 150-500 or even the 50-500. They run around $1,000 and $1,700 respectively. I think the longer reach would be worth it.

Heck, you are on a cruise, so you room is never that far away. Take all your lenses!!

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

I am looking through them as I write this. OMG, we took lots of photos and I'm trying to figure out what would help you most. I will definitely try to get a few representative shots posted.
Looking back, I really wish I had had a bridge camera such as what I am considering for our trip to the Arctic in September/October on that Alaska trip. It seems I had a lot of shots ruined by flare from the sun. I have lots of bright blue spots on many of the shots I took in very bright light. That's why I think a hood and/or filter is so important for my Arctic trip. None of the shots I took at home in bright light with glare from sand and the ocean have that. I have been shooting with my Nikon D5200 with the hood and a polarizing filter in place. See my topic posted asking about the Canon Bridge camera vs the Nikon P600. There was lots of good advice there that might help you out. I will definitely take my Nikon with my 55-300 on that trip PLUS whichever bridge I decide on. The ones I am considering have either a zoom out to 600 or 1200. Think about it. Your trip will not be inexpensive and if you are like me, it will be much more enjoyable if you can bring back photos that you are happy with.

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

Problem is that when you take the side trips off the ship, you still need lots of equipment and your cabin will not be right there. Even while on the ship, you will be up on deck for the photo ops. Do you want to miss a good shot because you don't have the camera with the right capabilities right there with you?