JohnFrim wrote:
You have received lots of advice about camera lenses, tripod, etc. Travelling light with minimal gear is best. I would emphasize the dangers of trying to take too much gear ashore during a wet zodiac landing.
My trip was in 2005, and my camera was a small Pentax Optio 555. I thought I would NEVER fall into the water, but on one of our zodiac landings the waves were just a bit higher than usual, and as I stepped out of the zodiac a wave heaved the boat and it caught my trailing leg. I stumbled into the water, trying desperately to hold my camera above my head, and had about 3 successful falls/recoveries, but finally fell down with camera in hand. The camera only went under for about 2 seconds. It was in a small LowePro zippered cloth case that luckily protected the camera, with very little water getting into the case. No damage, thank goodness.
I would STRONGLY recommend that you wrap your gear in plastic, even just a cheap grocery bag, during the transition from the ship to the shore. If you carry your gear in some sort of case you should consider wrapping the camera and lenses in plastic before putting them into the case. That way you have double protection, and the plastic bags are less of a nuisance when inside the case (as opposed to trying to wrap the entire case with one large bag).
Enjoy.
You have received lots of advice about camera lens... (
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Dry bags are an excellent choice. They keep all water out and when once ashore can be easily stored in a backpack carrying ancillary lenses and equipment, snacks and water. Wet landings can get quite wet. I can carry my D4s, 24-70 attached and 70-200 and even 2x extender in a 13 quart bag. Needed that in Panama where all landings were wet and surge while getting out quite common.