Gears to bring to Alaska Cruise (Page 6): I think carrying this much gear is massive overkill. If you're going to walk more than 100 yards with that load, you're going to regret it...

stevefrankel

Richard HZ wrote:

I will go to Alaska via cruise line at the end of ... (show quote)

I think carrying this much gear is massive overkill. If you're going to walk more than 100 yards with that load, you're going to regret it, and you'll use up all of your carry-on space on your camera gear. I'm on my third cruise to Japan-Siberia-Alaska-Vancouver in May, and what I'll bring is a Sony RX100 M7 (10 oz.) and a Sony a6400 with a Sony 16-50 zoom (22 oz.), a Sigma f1.4 56mm lens (10 oz.), and a Sony 55-135 zoom (12 oz.). Fitted into a small camera bag, the whole kit will weigh less than 6 pounds and can be fitted into my carry-on. I'll also bring in my carry-on a Macbook 12 with case and cables which is about 3 pounds.

However, most of the time when I leave the ship I'll be carrying only the RX100 M7 with its 24-200mm zoom in the pocket of my camera vest, the a6400 with the Sigma f1.4 56mm slung over my shoulder, and the 55-135mm lens in another pocket of the vest. Yes, I know these are not full-frame cameras, but I've learned in over 45 cruises that, for me, low-weight will beat larger sensors about 90% of the time. I can get gallery-quality 16x20" photos out of both of my cameras any, as long as I don't have to crop the image too much.

In your case, I'd carry the D850 with 24-120 lens, and one f1.4, very-light fixed-length lens. Use your second Nikon body as a backup but seldom carry it. Even better, trade some of your gear for a very high-quality pocket camera which makes a better backup camera and can be carried on the ship in your pocket, even when you're dressed for dinner. The best are made by Sony, Leica, and Lumix, and these can be full-frame if you'll settle for a fixed-length lens. I prefer the wide-range Sonys.
Steve Frankel, CEO of Cruises & Cameras, LLC and author of "Choosing Great Cameras for Cruises & Tours."

I'll also carry an Apple Macbook 12 that weighs less than 3 pounds with its case.

Dat Quach Loc: California

Hi Richard,

Even with the best equipment, the weather in Alaska is quite unpredictable because there are many local microclimates. I had the same equipment as yours set up for photo opportunity in the Glacier Bay NP but the weather did not cooperate at all! The sky was dark grey the whole day!

D500 and 200-500 mm
D500 and 200-500 mm...

(Download)

Jaki

Just get a veranda room and can have space and privacy while shooting! Hiking in Alaska I prefer 1 camera and 1 lens. I like The Nikon 28-300! Lighter to carry and a good range! Carry covers for rain! Good luck!

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

jno wrote:

To avoid crowds at the rail get a stateroom with a balcony. No crowds, private area to shoot from. On my Alaska cruise the ship went past the bergs then turned around and cruised back so that folks on the other side of the ship could get their shots.

Thanks!

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

JackGriffin wrote:

Just returned from a 2 week Alaska vacation. My 18-55 and 70-300 lenses took care of all situations from wild life shots in Denali National Park to whale watching in Juneau. The less gear the better, tour buses and boats are crowded.

Thanks for the info!

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

stevefrankel wrote:

I think carrying this much gear is massive overkil... (show quote)

Thank you very much, Steve!

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Dat Quach wrote:

Hi Richard,

Even with the best equipment, the weather in Alaska is quite unpredictable because there are many local microclimates. I had the same equipment as yours set up for photo opportunity in the Glacier Bay NP but the weather did not cooperate at all! The sky was dark grey the whole day!

Thank you, Dat!

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Jaki wrote:

Just get a veranda room and can have space and privacy while shooting! Hiking in Alaska I prefer 1 camera and 1 lens. I like The Nikon 28-300! Lighter to carry and a good range! Carry covers for rain! Good luck!

Thanks!