classic320

We're planning a Galapagos/Quito/Macu Pichu trip in 2021(Covid willing) and some weight restrictions apply. If you have some experience with these areas, I would value your opinion: Is a 100mm Macro useful? I'll have a zoom covering the same focal length. And any other suggestions on photographing in these environments are welcome.

prembetsy

shoot everything and anything... you never know when or if you will return...

Travel with as many memory CF or SD cards... they do not take up much room...

enjoy

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I'd take just the 100-400L with a 1.4x extender for shots from the boat and on the islands. Then, either the 24-70 or 24-105 for general photography for all other aspects of the trip. The 100L macro seems unnecessary from all the photos I've seem online and from friends to the Galapagos.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I'd take just the 100-400L with a 1.4x extender for shots from the boat and on the islands. Then, either the 24-70 or 24-105 for general photography for all other aspects of the trip. The 100L macro seems unnecessary from all the photos I've seem online and from friends to the Galapagos.

george19

I used my 24-85 macro for 90% of my shots, almost 100% when on land. I used the macro feature for a handful of shots, mostly flora and lava and sand (yeah...the ground surface is fascinating). I don’t think you’ll be able to get close enough to the animals to use macro.

The 70-300 was used mostly from the boat, but also a few BIF shots ashore.

Other gear:

Knee pads...something unobtrusive, but you’ll be less hesitant to get that difficult shot

GPS logger, about $70...so you will know about where you were when you took the shot. There’s a small learning curve, and sync the time to your camera, but small and handy

You might want a harness for carrying the camera; I bought a cheap one last year and rigged it with a Camelbak water bladder. You will be walking in what is essentially a desert, with no resources at hand

If you can, some form of underwater gear. The snorkeling is very cool

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

My husband and I have been to the Galapagos but not to Machu Picchu. Paul's advice is spot on for the Galapagos leg of your trip. The animals are very up close and personal. Based on advice I received here prior to my trip, I left my 150-600 at home and my longest lens was my 55-300 kit lens. I did take my Canon SX50 along, and that came in handy for the few subjects at a great distance. As I recall, I had my Nikon D5200, a crop sensor, for that trip. That gave me a 450mm equivalent at the 300mm focal length. I did not take a tripod and never needed it. Took a monopod and it never left my cabin on the boat.

Good luck for 2021. We had a 7 week trip to South America planned for the end of this year and had to cancel thanks to Covid. We're hoping to be able to reschedule and recreate the same trip for 2021.


EDIT: DEFINITELY take something to shoot with underwater. Just remembered that when I read another response after posting mine. Plus, I carried a Lowepro camera backpack on some of our land excursions. Also purchased a travel vest with lots of pockets. That came in handy for smaller items like batteries.
Three shots from the Galapagos:

daldds Loc: NYC

I was in a Galapagos in 2019, and Machu Picchu about eight years ago. A 12 to 100 lens on one Oly micro 4/3 was all I needed in all conditions on the islands. In Peru, I used a much broader array of lenses with two Canon bodies, but I was younger.
Photos of Galapagos show why long lenses are not needed. I took the shot of the land iguana about 2 feet in front of his nose.
The iconic shot of Machu Picchu was taken at sunrise, something that is a “must.“

I will be happy to answer all your questions with a private email.

David

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

I took four cameras and two lenses with me last year. I had the Canon 7DMkii with the 100-400L, and a Canon 6D with the 24-105L lens. I did not have any need for the 1.4 extender. I can only remember 2-3 times when more reach would have been desirable.

I also took an underwater camera for the snorkeling trips, and normally carry a small P&S camera in my pocket.

Hoping this helps and enjoy your trip. Gary

bikerguy

Having been to both Galapagos and Macchu Picchu I would not take a macro lens. We are planning on a return trip to Galapagos in 2022 and plan on taking my Oly EM1 MII, 9-18, 14-150 and probably not the 75-300. There is very little need for very long lenses at Galapagos'. I will be bringing my Canon s-100 and a waterproof bag for snorkeling and underwater shots. For Macchu Picchu you do not need a long lens, I used mostly my moderate wide angle. Travel light and enjoy the trip. A good all in one lens will serve you better than a multitude of lens that you will be changing constantly.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Paul is correct. Specifically for the Galapagos, a 100-400 plus 24-105 range should be sufficient. A 1.4x converter would be helpful and a backup body. I was not into bugs, so I can't comment on the macro.

classic320

Thanks or all the great replies, I think I'll leave the macro. And the knee pad suggestion is great! I am planning on taking a stereo camera, a waterproof, and a smallish backup bridge type. My A77 has built in gps, which I've found indispensible when travelling, so another great suggestion! Any one wish they had brought tripod? I have a Joby which is compact and not at all heavy though I've never found I wanted a tripod when travelling...

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

Your images support your good advice!

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Actually I did take a tripod, but I didn't mention that I took a 400mm prime that I used with a 2X converter. For me, shooting at 800mm a tripod assures better results. But I should comment further. I was on a trip specifically designed for bird and other wildlife photography. As such, our guides made accommodations to facilitate those objectives and we had a lot more flexibility on the islands that the typical tour. Typically guides will keep people in a relatively tight group and keep you moving. As such, shooting with a tripod may be problematic. To a certain degree, its going to depend on your guides but for the most part, the 100-400 hand held will suffice. But, for the sunrise shot at the Inca ruins, a tripod may be a must. How much do you want to carry?

daldds Loc: NYC

Look up “chainpod.” Easily fabricated if you don’t want to buy. By locking your elbows to your sides and using the LCD screen, you should be able to handle at least 1 second with just a little practice.