Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

I'm booked for a cruise to Alaska in May. I would like to take three camera cases and a dolly to carry them around but that isn't going to happen! I want to make sure I have what I need in max reach so I am hoping some others who have been to Alaska will tell what the longest lens is they used. I would also like to keep the weight down if possible so I am experimenting with a couple of options. If I put a 1.4 on a 300PF and a D500 it will give me a reach of 630mm. This is a lightweight arrangement. I could also take the 200-500 which would give me 750mm but at a much greater weight. Add the 1.4 for 1050mm. I know the 200-500 is most likely sharper than using an extender but I'm not going to sell shots to National Geographic or enter them in international galleries.

Tomorrow I leave on a long drive of about 2500 miles and plan to shoot some of the same shots using the 200-500, and the 300+1.4.

Here are some shots taken with the 300+1.4. They look reasonably sharp but with the help of Topaz, this combination may be the way to go -- getting sharp shots and still keeping the weight down. The first of each shot was not sharpened while the second was run through Topaz.

A last option would be to shoot the 200-500 on a Z8. A lot of cropping could be done to achieve a similar shot and achieve the same pixel density as a longer lens on the 20-megapixel D500. This wouldn't help me with the weight though.

Thoughts?

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SteveR Loc: Michigan

As cahale mentioned in HIS post, "so, your house will be empty!!"

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

I've never been to a cruise and my understanding is that you won't be walking very far. If that is the case, why not also bring the longest, sharpest glass/body setup you own?

Always start with the best picture is a good mantra.

That aside, your images are very good for the posted size. If your not going to make a bigger print, I'd say it's more that good enough.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

To answer your question: For me NO, tack sharp is always my goal.
If I were to take such a trip I would take 2 bodies and mt 150-600 Sigma Sport and 24-120 f4

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

The two bodies I will be taking are the z8 and the D500. Lenses will be z14-30, z24-120, and a long zoom. I could use the 200-500 on both bodies and that is probably what I will do. I just thought the 300 PF is so much lighter it might be a good compromise.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

My150-600 is not light weight and I am 84 but it would still be my choice, plus a tripod

b top gun

I went to Alaska last September for the autumnal equinox; stayed a week. Put over 1700 miles on a Toyota 4 Runner and did two cruises of about 6 hours each. Took a D850 and new Z8; lenses were Nikkor 24-70 non VR and 70-200 VR. The only time I wish I had had a longer lens was when we had a grizz encounter in Denali Nat Pk; the grizz was about 135 yards away and belly deep in blueberries. I was very pleased with the performance of all my gear, and I think the 24-70 on the Z8 delivered nicely because of IBIS. Saw one grizz and saw one moose the entire trip. What are you wanting to photograph, and when are you going? Should take a long zoom if you are concentrating on wildlife which was not me primary subject when I was there. I had a tripod with but never bothered to get it out of our checked bag.

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

While in Alaska, I found it much better to just use two cameras,... and to not swap lens! One with a wide angle, and the other with the zoom. It is amazing how often you will want/need both simultaneously!

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I am going in May also. I plan to take my 24-240 and a 100-400 with a 2X extender. Giving me 24-800.

JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

When I went cruising to Alaska a number of years ago I took only a single body ( Nikon 6006) and a single lens ( sigma 18-300) and nothing more. This combination served me well and I had no regrets
My advice: take only 1 camera and 2 lenses max and seize the day and enjoy the moment

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Suggestion: Don't announce when you will be away on vacation!
The 200-500 zoom with a 1.4 will give you approximately 280mm to 700mm on a full frame.

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

Seems like the 200-500mm with the 1.4 in you pocket would give you plenty of flexibility. Good luck.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

Something to think about: Which setup would give you the fastest lens? You will be on a moving ship. Whales and bears will generally be moving. Eagles will be either perched or flying (fast). So chances are you will be shooting between 1/800 to 1/2000 sec. What will your ISO be pushed to? Will you stop down a bit to get a bit more DOF ? I have a 200-600mm that I shoot a lot of birds and critters. But if I was going on the cruise I would take my Sony RX10m4. Smaller, lighter, easier to cover during rainy days. Yes: expect rain and or mist during your cruise. I use to have a Canon SX50 it was almost as good as the Sony. I would highly recommend any of the long reach bridge cameras vs taking 30lb of camera gear.

neillaubenthal

We were there in our RV vice a cruise…I was shooting a crop sensor Nikon D7500 then…I used a; 18-300 and a Tamron G2 150-600 and while I used the former probably 55-60% I did use the full range of the G2 as well.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Wish I could get crystal clarity as you have here 💎💎💎💎