Galapagos and Macro? (Page 3): What are your weight restrictions? And is there a size restrictions also?

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

classic320 wrote:

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.

What are your weight restrictions? And is there a size restrictions also?

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

I am biased toward the macro. You could get pix of things neglected by the other photographers.

wthomson Loc: Tempe, Arizona

classic320 wrote:

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...

For MP a tripod is not needed; haven't yet been to Galapagos. To take the bus to MP (or anywhere) in the dark, a small flashlight or headlamp (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008S5MZZM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for $20) is useful, and I second the knee pads.

Stan Wieg Loc: Fair Oaks, CA

I went to both places and got every picture I wanted with a Tamron 18-270. I agree that you will want an underwater camera in the islands. You won’t need a longer lens, but you might like a wide angle. If you are up for some steep stairs, you can also climb up Wyna Pichu (The pointy peak in the background) for a different perspective; when I was there you needed to make a reservation. The oldest climber in the log book the day I went claimed to be in his early 90s! It will be great.

Mu Dan

You will have a great time. It is impossible not to take great photos. Folks are amazed at the opportunities.
Machu Pichu was a “snap.” It doesn’t move. But no money has been spent on safety rails. They already have your money. Ha. Everyone was very nice. Very nice. Don’t worry about The full size buses passing each other on a single lane dirt road
Galapagos:stay on the paths. Snap away.
I was on a special adventure (they are all special). There was a lot of jumping from boat to boat and boat to ......
Weight did matter. Talk to the guides and those who have been there. Most will assure you that weight is not a problem. But decide what to take after some investigation. Every adventure is not the same as every other one.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

If my Ireland trip next year gets cancelled like my Spain trip this year, I might save my money and use credits for a massive (for me) Peru trip with a pre trip to the Amazon and/or post trip to Galapagos - of course such a trip would be nearly an entire year's salary (unless I got a second/different job). Last big trip I went on was Israel in 2016. I have a big bucket list to empty...it's going to take a while. My mom's a retired travel agent..the places she's gone in 20 or 30 yrs....

marquina Loc: Richmond, Virginia

classic320 wrote:

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.

I noticed that nobody has mentioned the indian market in the town called pisac (near Cuzco, 20 minutes by car). The Pisac market is great for photography, especially on Saturdays. Don't be surprised to run into a wedding parade in the streets!

mlhoff Loc: Cincinnati, OH

I was there in 2018 on a photography cruise with Tui de Roy. I would take the longest fastest lens you can, rent them if you need too. I took a 7dMk2 and rented a 5dMk2 the vast majority of my shots about 70% were shot my 100-400, if I were to do it again I would have taken my 150-600. The remaining 30% were with a 24-105. I also used an Olympus TG-5 quite a bit for underwater shots.
I hope you get to do the trip it is quite amazing down there.

Hip Coyote

planepics wrote:

If my Ireland trip next year gets cancelled like my Spain trip this year, I might save my money and use credits for a massive (for me) Peru trip with a pre trip to the Amazon and/or post trip to Galapagos - of course such a trip would be nearly an entire year's salary (unless I got a second/different job). Last big trip I went on was Israel in 2016. I have a big bucket list to empty...it's going to take a while. My mom's a retired travel agent..the places she's gone in 20 or 30 yrs....

Part of our Peru trip was in the Amazon. I’d not go back. Not that exciting. Lots of mud, minimal viewing of wildlife, etc. If you do go you will need a loooong lens to capture animals. There are macro opportunities.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

Interesting to hear that. My mom's all-time favorite side trip was the Amazon - a night boat trip. They stopped the boat, turned off the engine and just listened to all the wildlife. I don't know who it was with or what section of the river they took.