For tBragg Guy Loc: Fort Bragg Ca

Hi Group
I am considering the Lindblad Expeditions Galapagos trip in Feb and also considering the Amazon trip as a continuation trip with it. I'm sure I'll do the Galapagos as it seems a no brainer for wildlife experience but I am not sure about the Amazon trip because I don't wan't just a river cruise without a lot of animal action especially considering the expense. Has anyone here done the Amazon with Lindblad and what were your experiences if so. . What lens did you take and use.
Thanks for your input in advance.

edhjr Loc: Needham, MA

Yes, my wife and I did both those trips back to back exactly one year ago this week. Loved both of them. She liked Amazon even better than Galapagos. Lots of avid photographers on Galapagos in 100 person group but only 3 of us out of group of 12 couples on Amazon. That said, everyone had a camera. Most exploring (70%) time spent on small boats (8 person) and the guides and boat drivers have great eyes for wildlife and work hard to position the boats for photographers. A number of walks mostly in the jungle on trails and a few into very rural villages where kids love to see your pictures of them. Whole place fascinating, great boat, crew, food etc. Took D4 and D800 and 80-200 f2.8, 28-300, tele-converters, and a couple short zooms. Lots of shooting upward toward bright sky so think compensation and shooting from slightly moving boats (fast lenses/higher isos). Also took a small pocket camera - Panasonic lumix DMC ZS40 for night jungle walk and other "odd" moments. Lots of interesting birds, monkeys, pink freshwater dolphins (we swam with them), colorful insects. Great trip, amazing place, great boat and crew, food very good/fresh, waiters and chefs made up a band and performed several times. No downsides.

Algernon Loc: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I have done both. The Amazon adventure was an incredible experience, but the Galapagos adventure is far better for wildlife photography.

In the Galapagos, there is a photo opportunity every minute of every day. I often went a full day without a wildlife opportunity on the Amazon.

photonutbob Loc: ME,CT,MA

Hi Fort Bragg Guy: Do the Amazon, you will never regret it.

edhjr Loc: Needham, MA

Totally agree!

For tBragg Guy Loc: Fort Bragg Ca

Thanks everyone. It is decided to do both trips!!
Do you think the 200-400 lens with extender would be a good lens to take. It is heavy and luggage is limited but could be worked in probably.

edhjr Loc: Needham, MA

Great lens but not sure you need or can use it much. Galapagos most things are very close. Amazon is a tough place to use tripod mounted lenses because you are in small boats on the small tributaries for most of your exploring. My experience was hand held 70 to 200 with tele-converter (or could be recently launched Nikon ?? to 400which I don't have) and fast shutter speeds will be the most useable setup. I also took a second body with a shorter "scenery" zoom.

sidpearce

Done both Only regret that I did not take a longer lens than a 200mm. Darwins Fincheswere very small in the frame.I would certainly take the 2oo /400mm for the Galapagos. Do not be persuaded by people telling you that all the birds are close. In 14 days there I kicked myself every day for not taking my 2 to 400. Did use a small light Slik tripod.Quite light but it did help. Plus a short tele would certainly help in the Amazon. Have a cracking time. Good shooting

alggomas Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.

No idea of your camera but a 70-200 f.28 IS is good with an extender.
A 17-50mm lens for wide/close ups.
and a good small bridge camera.

Indiana Loc: Huntington, Indiana

Did the Amazon several years ago with a 28-85 and a 75-300 Nikon lenses. It wasn't a photography trip, so everything needed to be done fast on land and water. Carried two bodies plus a pocket camera. Great trip! Would recommend for anyone, especially natue lovers.

Indiana Loc: Huntington, Indiana

If you go to the Amazon, get Gortex hiking boots, Gortex rainsuite and hat, plus a photography vest for all the incidentials (insect spray, knife, batteries, cards, compass, reflectors, map, snack items, water container and a sturdy walking cane with mono head. Be the Boy Scout-and be prepared, everything gets wet!

For tBragg Guy Loc: Fort Bragg Ca

Thanks for the info. I will be doing this trip mainly from the comfort of a boat with cabins via Lindblad Expeditions (National Geographic) but will have most of the things you mention. I will have some time on shore so "Be Prepared Rules"
I may go back later on for a land tour.
Howard

Indiana Loc: Huntington, Indiana

Watch where you walk, and be careful what you touch. Lots of nasties on shore and in the air.

For tBragg Guy Loc: Fort Bragg Ca

Absolutely!! Learned that in Costa Rica/ Panama and Africa trips. Pretty much applies to anywhere you travel though.