Katmai Bear Viewing
Sep 30, 2021 22:19:20 #
RonM12
Loc: Washington State
I was planning this trip for the last couple of years. Covid prevented us from going last year, but this July it became a reality. Originally, I wanted to go to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. After contacting several bear viewing businesses in Homer, I booked our trip with Emerald Air Service. While they do have day trips to Brooks Falls, they also offer a guided field trip which is a 5 hour walking adventure. After some discussion, we decided on the guided trip and we couldn’t have been more pleased. Our guide, Lance, was very knowledgeable and with a small group of 8, it made for more of a personal experience.
I carried my D850, Nikon 200-500 f/5.6 along with my 70-200 f/2.8. Needless to say, the 200-500 was used for about 99% of the 600 images taken that day. I brought my travel tripod, but found it more trouble that it was worth since we were always on the move except when we stopped for lunch. In hindsight, I should have brought my mono pod. Regardless, we had a wonderful experience and would easily do this trip with Emerald Air again. Here’s are a few images from the day.
I carried my D850, Nikon 200-500 f/5.6 along with my 70-200 f/2.8. Needless to say, the 200-500 was used for about 99% of the 600 images taken that day. I brought my travel tripod, but found it more trouble that it was worth since we were always on the move except when we stopped for lunch. In hindsight, I should have brought my mono pod. Regardless, we had a wonderful experience and would easily do this trip with Emerald Air again. Here’s are a few images from the day.
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Sep 30, 2021 22:43:28 #
WOW! Very impressive! I can see why you used the telephoto lens 99% of the time! Smart!
Sep 30, 2021 23:21:28 #
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Sep 30, 2021 23:40:54 #
Sep 30, 2021 23:46:17 #
RonM12
Loc: Washington State
BrentHarder wrote:
WOW! Very impressive! I can see why you used the telephoto lens 99% of the time! Smart!
Thank you, I feel I was between 250-350 mm for most of the time. My 22lbs of gear started to feel more like 35lbs after around 4 miles of hiking.
Sep 30, 2021 23:46:39 #
Oct 1, 2021 06:02:32 #
These pictures are great. Sometimes it's a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
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Oct 1, 2021 06:04:16 #
Oct 1, 2021 06:06:18 #
RonM12 wrote:
I was planning this trip for the last couple of ye... (show quote)
Fantastic set of images!!!
Oct 1, 2021 07:59:21 #
Oct 1, 2021 08:09:19 #
BurghByrd
Loc: Pittsburgh
Fantastic shots. #6 is particularly good with the cubs and bird in the shot. Clarity and detail are excellent.
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Oct 1, 2021 08:27:27 #
Some really great captures here. A couple where the bears were looking straight into your lens are awesome. 
Oct 1, 2021 08:35:27 #
Oct 1, 2021 08:49:49 #
Really great shots. My favorites are #5s 5 and 7, but all are wonderful. How fast was your heart beating? I'm not sure I could even have held the camera!
Oct 1, 2021 09:04:28 #
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