AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I was there last June. Yes, the boat rides were pretty rough. Everything got wet. I shot exclusively with my 28-300, and was REALLY glad for the 300! I didn't go in the water, but those who did said it was COLD. Their underwater cameras got good images.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

I took a mid-range telephoto for birds in flight a shorter zoom for some wildlife and scenics and a 105 macro which I used for closeups of insects, flowers and small amphibians that were slow moving.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

ACS Loc: Northern Virginia

A 55-200 zoom was all I used...perfect for wildlife and landscapes. Nix on the tripod as you are often walking over lava rock and time is limited on each island. During the high season, visitors usually only get two hours on each island because another group is always coming behind you - and groups are limited to about 15 people each, including your naturalists. I went off-season, in late October/early November, and it was wonderful. We often got 3 to 4-hours on islands because there were no groups behind us. I could sit down and watch albatross couples' bill tapping or a blue-footed booby protecting an egg - all only about 15-feet away.
I really hate group travel, but to preserve the islands, that's the only way you can explore the Galapagos - Our small-boat access via International Expeditions changed my mind about such tours. It was one of the most relaxing, enjoyable, educational trips ever!

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I went Nov of 2014. I brought most of my gear including 2 bodies and a bunch of lenses and a very small lightweight laptop computer. I also brought a GoPro waterproof camera for all the snorkeling we did. The water was fine that time of year and if you use a wetsuit, I recommend a weightbelt. If you don't use a wetsuit then it's easy to stay down for those underwater shots.

You will need a medium zoom up to at least 200mm or 300mm for most of the shots on the various islands. You'll need a wide angle for those sunsets from the beach. The trip I was one always went ashore once in the morning and once more in the late afternoon. We didn't do any sunrises except from the yacht. No tripod needed because it isn't easy to take on the Panga (rubber boats to shore). A long lens is nice to have for those flying birds like the Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies and some of the others that you'll encounter. But 400mm should be fine most of the time. I brought a 300mm f/2.8 and a 1.4x and 2x teleconverter so I could get up to 600mm if needed. And I did use the 600mm a few times. I think the most important gear was the under water camera though. The sea life was spectacular. Especially all those Marine Iguanas. They were so much fun.

Make sure you go when it's NOT an El Nino. This is when climatic changes affecting the equatorial Pacific region has unusually warm, nutrient-poor water from Peru and Ecuador. It's usually only about every 8-10 years that it's bad, but it can really affect the wildlife there because almost all the wildlife depends on the abundant life in the Pacific Ocean.

bweber Loc: Newton, MA

I was there last year on a Muensch photo workshop. I brought a: 16-35 2.8, 24 - 105 f4 and 100-400ii. All Canon L lenses shot with a 5dsr. I did not use the 16 - 25 a lot and if I was going to drop a lens that is the one I would drop. I used other two for most of my shots. It was suggested that we bring tripods, but I never used it. You might consider a dry bag that will fit your kit inside its pack for times the water may be rough, the pangas can splash some water onto things. Bring extra batteries and cards, and a laptop to review your images in the evening. I learned a lot sharing my images with others on the trip.

sailwiz Loc: Santee, CA

I've been there and you 24-105 is all you need if baggage is an issue.

FSATIN Loc: Westchester, NY

Thanks for all the good suggestions.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

If it were me, I'd take more than one lens.

Assuming a full frame camera, I'd take:

- 20mm
- 24-70mm
- 100mm macro
- 100-400mm
- 1.4X teleconverter

I'd also take a 2nd camera as a backup, CPL and UV filters, a couple flash, plenty of extra batteries, chargers, memory cards.

And I'd pack it all in something pretty waterproof. I could always opt to not carry it all on outings, but might be kicking myself if I didn't have something and wanted it.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

For us to know who you are thanking, you have to press on the "Quote Reply" button like it did in this reply.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

A friend I know uses the Nikon 28-300mm FX lens on his crop sensor Nikon D7100. Although, he has the 18-55mm kit lens. He never uses it. He simply loves that lens. So much, that he won't let me borrow it for an hour, to use on my Nikon. I own the 70-300mm DX lens.

markjay

Take 2 tripods so you can have both cameras set up at the same time !

TonyBrown

I took an 18-300 and got some great shots as everything’s so close and doesn’t move. Don’t forget a camera you can use underwater as the snorkelling is fantastic.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Can't advise you on a choice of lens, as I use Bridge Camera's only, but I can advise you to take a back up camera with you that is better than what you will have on your phone. Probably won't need it, but just in case . . . .