500mm lens for trip to Lake Clark National Park??
Jun 12, 2019 07:25:17 #
Hi Everyone,
I will be going on a photography trip to Lake Clark National Park in Alaska this July to photograph bears. I am undecided whether I should bring along my Canon 500mm f4/L lens or should I take the Canon 100-400mm f4-5.6/L ii + 1.4 extender. If I take the 500 I will also have to bring Robus tripod and Wimberly WH-200 gimbal head (100-400 requires lighter tripod and head and can also be handheld). Trip information indicates that we will be hiking about 2 miles per day so weight is a consideration. In addition, weight restriction on small plane into Lake Clark is another factor. Advice truly appreciated thanks.
Rich
I will be going on a photography trip to Lake Clark National Park in Alaska this July to photograph bears. I am undecided whether I should bring along my Canon 500mm f4/L lens or should I take the Canon 100-400mm f4-5.6/L ii + 1.4 extender. If I take the 500 I will also have to bring Robus tripod and Wimberly WH-200 gimbal head (100-400 requires lighter tripod and head and can also be handheld). Trip information indicates that we will be hiking about 2 miles per day so weight is a consideration. In addition, weight restriction on small plane into Lake Clark is another factor. Advice truly appreciated thanks.
Rich
Jun 12, 2019 07:31:49 #
I've shot a lot of Grizzlies in Alaska on the Katmai Peninsula in June using a 300mm lens. Your 100-400mm with 1.4 extender should be more than adequate and a lot easier to maneuver. As for small plane pilots...they are anal about weight and weight distribution. They have to be. Happy shooting!
Jun 12, 2019 07:38:12 #
profman wrote:
Hi Everyone, br br I will be going on a photograp... (show quote)
I would take the 100-400mm for versatility. As you noted yourself the 500mm is limiting.
Jun 12, 2019 07:40:23 #
Mr. B wrote:
I've shot a lot of Grizzlies in Alaska on the Katmai Peninsula in June using a 300mm lens. Your 100-400mm with 1.4 extender should be more than adequate and a lot easier to maneuver. As for small plane pilots...they are anal about weight and weight distribution. They have to be. Happy shooting!
I agree.
Much depends on what and how you want to shoot. You can always crop, to some extent, some of the images you would get with the 400. For me, I would definitely not drag the 500mm, 2nd? tripod, and two heads in this case simply for an extra 100mm.
Jun 12, 2019 08:06:25 #
Why do you have the 500mm if not to be used? It’s a pain to schlep but may be worth it. I personally do not like extenders. I understand your dilemma.
Jun 12, 2019 09:06:10 #
Robertl594 wrote:
Why do you have the 500mm if not to be used? It’s a pain to schlep but may be worth it. I personally do not like extenders. I understand your dilemma.
Just because you have it doesn't mean you have to take it everywhere.
Jun 12, 2019 10:58:16 #
Thanks everyone for your responses. Much appreciated. Strongly leaning toward those who advised not taking the 500 and thereby sacrificing some reach for weight.
Rich
Rich
Jun 12, 2019 13:15:39 #
Longshadow wrote:
Just because you have it doesn't mean you have to take it everywhere.
It is best that you don't share that with my wife!
Jun 12, 2019 13:22:58 #
profman wrote:
Hi Everyone, br br I will be going on a photograp... (show quote)
I agree that the 100-400 is the better combination, I also have the 500mm f/4 and recently purchased a 300mm f/2.8 II and a 2X extender, the resulting 600mm f/5.6 lens is clearly sharper than my 500mm and is easily shot handheld because it is much smaller and lighter than the 500mm f/4.
Jun 12, 2019 14:03:40 #
DaveO wrote:
It is best that you don't share that with my wife!
Oops!
Jun 13, 2019 06:24:05 #
DougS
Loc: Central Arkansas
If the ONLY thing you are shooting is close-up wild life, the more zoom the better. The bears can be very near (they can be VERY near, think 2-3 yards away!), and very far, then there are the the vistas! I love Katmai NP, Lake Clark NP adjoins Katmai NP, super scenic area (glaciers, volcano's, rugged mts.; the coast line can be quite interesting). My favorite place for scenery in Alaska... Excellent chance for wolves, too.
As you will be 'bushwhacking', my advise is to leave the artillery piece(s) at home. Consider taking a wide angle lens, also.
As you will be 'bushwhacking', my advise is to leave the artillery piece(s) at home. Consider taking a wide angle lens, also.
Jun 13, 2019 06:36:26 #
profman wrote:
Hi Everyone, br br I will be going on a photograp... (show quote)
I am guessing you are going to Brooks Camp and the falls at the river. But if you are actually hiking around Lake Clark then its another story. At Brooks camp, the Bears are more use to people. Around Lake Clark You are in the bush. Lots of mosquitos. A mosquitoe helmet netting is a must along with long sleeve shirt and gloves. When I lives in Alaska would I fly through Lake Clark Pass many times. As for the camera and lens. Anything other than a long reach bridge camera is a pain and way too much gear for me. As a pilot and former plane owner, weight and size are a problem on small aircraft. You may even expect extreme mountain turbulence getting to Lake Clark. Think of yourself in a 1960s vintage VW on a washboard dirt road doing 100mph. The views or the Alaska Range up too and through Lake Clark Pass are spectacular. You might even be able to see Mt Redoubt spewing steam and ash as it is a very active volcano. Crossing Crook Inlet you may see a pod of Beluga Whales. Enjoy and do exactly that the guides tell you to do. And you won't become bear bait.
Jun 13, 2019 06:57:41 #
Doug - Staying at Silver Salmon Creek Lodge. Not sure how much 'bushwhacking' we will be doing. I suspect that most of what we do will be 'coastal'. Mosquito netting is on order. In addition, to the wildlife greatly looking forward to shooting landscape. Regarding lenses, I will also have a Sigma 18-300 plus the 100-400.
ORPilot - Going to Lake Clark not Brooks Falls. The Lodge regularly has photographers on guided tours out in the field. So I imagine that the bears have become habituated to people there as well. But, I will be sure to follow your advice and avoid becoming part of the bear's diet :).
ORPilot - Going to Lake Clark not Brooks Falls. The Lodge regularly has photographers on guided tours out in the field. So I imagine that the bears have become habituated to people there as well. But, I will be sure to follow your advice and avoid becoming part of the bear's diet :).
Jun 13, 2019 07:21:51 #
Jun 13, 2019 07:23:11 #
DougS
Loc: Central Arkansas
ORpilot brought up the subject of turbulence, which reminded me of our flight to Katmai. The flights in that area are VERY subject to cancellation due to the winds/weather. When we went to Katmai, I allowed 3 days for the trip due this possibility. Good thing I did, the first day/flight was cancelled, some visitors from Germany did not allow the extra time, and did not go to Katmai (100+ mph winds cancelled that flight). So, my advise is to plan/allow for this possibility.
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