Ed Chu Loc: Las Vegas NV

headed there on a Backcountry Journeys tour early Dec - as usual, I'll take all the suggestions anyone cares to offer, whether it be regards to photo gear, or other stuff like rain protection, etc.

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

Take your sense of amazement and wonderment! Also, if you don't already have one, I'd suggest a camera harness so you don't have to schlep around with a neck strap and possibly dinging your equipment, or fumble in a case and miss that once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. And, if you aren't hindered by lugging around a lot of gear, I'd also suggest some form of fanny/belt pack that you can use for water bottle and snack storage, sunglasses, and perhaps even a foldup rain poncho.

Ed Chu Loc: Las Vegas NV

thanks, at my age of 76 I like to travel efficiently. Just bought a Tamron 50-400 to replace my Sony 100-400 be-
cause it's smaller and lighter. great suggestions. Amazon, here I come !

Carbonman Loc: Vancouver BC

I'm planning on an escorted wildlife photo tour to Costa Rica next year. It will be one of the largest indulgences to which I've ever treated myself. We haven't decided on a tour company yet but will be checking several of them out.

Ed Chu Loc: Las Vegas NV

IF you contact me sometime after Dec 18, I can give you opinions of Backcountry Journeys

Carbonman Loc: Vancouver BC

Thanks Ed! I'll note it in my calendar to check with you.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Call your tour provider, they will tell u exactly what to bring.

Baysitter11 Loc: Cincinnati

I just bought that lens and have put it to the test here in Arizona. Very happy with its results in good light. I programmed the custom buttons for quick access for other situations. Good luck.

willy6419

Haven’t been, planning to go but what I’m reading is a flash and off camera capabilities because lighting is often not good.

Steve Perry and jeff Parker professionals list.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I’ve been to Costa Rice twice with Backcountry Journeys. Both times to Peninsula du OSA in the southwest. Ben Blankenship has been BCJ’s principal guide for CR for a while and is excellent. He has a home there and “knows” all the spots. It’s been a couple years since my last workshop, but you won’t need an extensive variety of lenses. I brought a Canon 7d2, 24-70mm, 100mm macro, and a Sigma 150-600. Could have used a 10p-400 with a 1.4x TC instead. The vast majority of shots will be with a long lens. I saw people who only carried a Sony RX10 or others with a micro four-thirds kits with lots of lens. The last time I went, our tripods got no use whatsoever except for a morning when we were searching out Splendid Quetzals. Make sure you bring a flash. And a macro lens…. BCJ has a pdf that has all kinds of suggestions. Also, check this out.. even tho there should be a newer version (maybe): https://www.backcountryjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Wildlife-of-Costa-Rica-Trip-Packet.pdf

Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out to your guide once he/she’s been identified. They are always helpful.

Good luck!

photoman43

I have two recommendations for you based upon my only trip to Costa Rica a few year ago.

The first deals with dealing with high humidity you may encounter. Take a large bag of desiccant (like 4 x 6 or 5 x 7) so you can use it to dry out a laptop or camera or lens that gets exposed to too much humidity. I used one successfully in CR to dry out my stuff by placing them in my suitcase with the desiccant pack.

The second one deals with electric power. Bring a good surge protector and use it when your laptop is plugged in. You want to avoid any possible damage from possible power spikes or blips. Once your laptop activity is completed. unplug it until you need it again.

CR is a wonderful country and place for photoraphy. I hope to get back there soon.

Ed Chu Loc: Las Vegas NV

Thanks, but the tour provider sent that list, long ago. What I look for when I query UHHers is stuff like below ( excerpted to save space ):

"
I’ve been to Costa Rice twice with Backcountry Journeys. Both times to Peninsula du OSA in the southwest. Ben Blankenship has been BCJ’s principal guide for CR for a while and is excellent. He has a home there and “knows” all the spots. It’s been a couple years since my last workshop, but you won’t need an extensive variety of lenses. I brought a Canon 7d2, 24-70mm, 100mm macro, and a Sigma 150-600. Could have used a 10p-400 with a 1.4x TC instead. The vast majority of shots will be with a long lens. I saw people who only carried a Sony RX10 or others with a micro four-thirds kits with lots of lens. The last time I went, our tripods got no use whatsoever except for a morning when we were searching out Splendid Quetzals. Make sure you bring a flash. And a macro lens "

where else would you get info like this: "...dealing with high humidity you may encounter. Take a large bag of desiccant (like 4 x 6 or 5 x 7) so you can use it to dry out a laptop or camera or lens that gets exposed to too much humidity. I used one successfully in CR to dry out my stuff by placing them in my suitcase with the desiccant pack." or,

"Bring a good surge protector and use it when your laptop is plugged in. You want to avoid any possible damage from possible power spikes or blips. Once your laptop activity is completed. unplug it until you need it again."

mdoing

The humidity is no joke. I would try to avoid changing lenses except when in a dehumidified environment like air conditioning. One time I decided to take out my tele-extender and the inside of the camera fogged up, must have still been a little cooler inside than out. I had to let the camera sit for about 30 minutes to defog while humming birds were buzzing all around. I didn't do that again. Most of the time I used my Canon 100-500 with 1.4 X extender.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Humidity can be an issue in CR, but it’s also somewhat dependent on the location. Pacific side tends to be dryer than gulf side. Also, December is the start of the dry season, which usually runs thru February or even a little later. My last trip there, all on the SW, mostly near the peninsula and it’s forested areas, humidity was not an issue. It’s good to be prepared, which is another reason to open a dialog with your guide.

rwww80a Loc: Hampton, NH

Check your map, nowhere near Amazon. Enjoy your trip.