Bobb42 Loc: Ohio

My wife and I are taking our first cruise. We are going to Alaska. I have a T3i, 18-55 kit lens, 55-250 lens and a Sigma 18-200 lens. I have been thinking about the 18-200 as a carry around lens but I am limited to using one hand and it is heavy. That sort of leaves me with the other 2 lenses but it also entails swapping lenses. What do you think?

TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

We have just returned yesterday from a cruise to Alaska and my opinion would be the 55-250 lens would most likely work the best - I took two lenses and it was a pain changing back and forth - however after saying that it really depends on what you are wanting to shoot. For general use the 55-250 would be great but if you are going for wild life then the longer the better. In my bag I had my 24-105 and my 100-400 with a 1.4 extender and that was a LOT of weight to carry around. Good shooting and I hope the weather is as good as what it was for us.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

If you are limited to using just one hand, that is a real handicap. I would suggest picking up a good bridge camera so you don't have to change lenses, and at the same time have a wide range of focal length to play with. I have a Panasonic Lumix FZ200 that zooms out to 600mm and takes very good images. They are priced quite reasonably right now. Also the Canon SX50, if you can find one, (a refurbished one) is a real bargain, and zooms out to 1200mm. The bridge cameras are very light and easy to use.

Shooting a camera one handed can be a challenge. Another suggestion that would lend itself to one handed shooting would be one of the compact point and shoot camera. Costco currently has the Lumix ZS50 for $249.00, which makes it really easy to own. It zooms out to 700mm and is easy to shoot one handed and fits in a pocket. Several Hoggers here have the ZS50 (and ZS40) and have good things to say about it.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

For the sea part of the cruise, you definitely need a wide angle to capture the grandeur of the glaciers and mountains, particularly in locations like Glacier Bay. For Denali tours, to capture wildlife, you'll want zoom. So your Sigma 18-200 is a good all around solution.

From personal experience, assuming the ship is going to be in Glacier Bay, dress warmly, get out there early to secure a spot on a rail, and enjoy the scenery. I brought a monopod as a support. For Denali land tours, you are going to be seeing wildlife through the tour bus windows, so a bean bag support would be great.

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

IMO this is excellent advice. I was going to suggest the Canon SX50HS. I have one and use it regularly when I do not want to lug my D5200 0r D7200 around. Several other Hogs have the SX50 and like it.

skybones Loc: Texas

The Canon sx50 is a great choice for just such a trip. Small and light enough to take everywhere,...with no lens changes needed. I bought one specifically for our Alaska cruise last year,...and it goes with me always! Check out Canon camera site, they are on there frequently for $149.00 refurbished (as good as new)! Enjoy Alaska, it is beautiful!

waldron7 Loc: State of Confusion

Definitely recommend the bridge camera. Having said that, no picture will come close to capturing the beauty and majesty of the glaciers as seen through the human eye. Enjoy the experience.

gsmith051 Loc: Fairfield Glade, TN

We have been on two cruises to Alaska and I wish you a fantastic trip. Shooting with one hand with the T-3i, the 55-250 lens would be a smart choice and serve you well. A suggestion, take a small point & shoot camera with you. Both trips we ran into rain and it came in very handy.

MikeFromMT Loc: So Cal & MT

I don't know what your physical limitation is or your budget. With that said, you might want to consider either the Tamron 16-300 or the Sigma 18-300. I have the Tamron and it is my everyday walk around lens on my Canon 7D. The Sigma is also a great lens. You would not go wrong with either of them. Have a good trip.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

If you wanted to spend the money, the Canon SX-50 is the answer. Small, light, super sharp lens and can be managed with only one hand.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

This is the perfect excuse to get another camera. Sometimes it is hard to justify GAS, but this is one of the situations where it is not. Go get yourself a P900, and when you return from your trip keep it as your backup camera. You will never regret doing it. (although you might have to buy the wife a compensation item while on the trip!)

Have a GREAT trip. Having been there, done that, I envy you. And share those pic's when you get back.