photosarah Loc: East Sussex, UK

Have any of you great photographers been to the Galapagos Islands? I have a "0" birthday this year (before you ask: 70) and we are taking probably our last major holiday there in October (due to age and fixed pensions!) Question is: what lens(es) would or did you take? Since I hear that the wildlife is not afraid, presumably you can get quite close? I have a wide-angle (16-35), a medium (24-105) and a long (100-400). Would you recommend hiring a 500mm lens or is that uneccessary if you can walk right up to the wildlife? Would really appreciate any advice/tips/pointers from the Hedgehogs' collective experience.....we will certainly never have a second chance!

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I've not been, but if you want to take me with I can be your camera caddie... Think it over, I'll be at the airport waiting for you!

photosarah Loc: East Sussex, UK

Hey, sounds like a great idea - especially with a 500mm lens!

wilpharm Loc: Oklahoma

was there last year...yes you can walk very,very close to the wildlife...I used a Tamron 18-270 most of the time & used a 2X multiplier occasionally...Im glad I didnt lug around a 500mm lens..I did use a Sigma 10-20 a few times..was a very interesting experience..DO take an extra zoom lens if you have room in case your main lens fries...ask me how I know!! I did not take a tripod & would not if I returned there but a monopod may be handy to double as a walking cane..take plenty of batteries & memory..& comfortable walking shoes...first time in my life I actually got bored with boobies...

Amazed

Think of stepping/jumping from docks to small boats, bouncing boats, bright, very bright, intense sun, waves splashing you as you stand on rocks/sand. Folks had a variety of cameras and lenses, but I was relieved (after being furious with myself) that only my smaller back-up camera would work. I improvised a hand held dark filter (a filter is a MUST). But it was great for jumping around on and off boats. Like I say, folks had a variety of cameras and accessories, but I really felt free to point and shoot. I imagine you will feel naked without some big lenses, but make sure they are portable and protected.

Beaker Loc: Raleigh, NC

Been there, done that and would love to go again. You will be weight limited and making water landings from a Zodiac. As a result, a long lens is both impractical and unnecessary. In addition, it is difficult to safely change lenses because of the combination of salty mist, sandy beaches, volcanic ash and sea breezes. I used a Nikon 18-200 DX lens and never felt the need for anything else. Visitors are limited to walking on paths; enforced by a naturalist/guide. However, you will be stepping over nesting boobies and sea iguanas sunning themselves in the pathway. You are right, the wildlife has no fear of man. Almost anything you want to shoot is within a few feet. You will have a great time.

wilpharm Loc: Oklahoma

well, after reading yourfirst post again maybe I should not have replied.
you said "great photographers". Im just an old hack..but I have fun being an old hack...but still NO I would not take a 500 mm lens..unless you have someone to lug it around..to each his own..

photosarah Loc: East Sussex, UK

Thank you for all your advice; SO glad not to have to hire/take a huge great bit of glass! Amazed, when you said filter, did you mean polarising, or something like an ND? And Wilpharm, "great photographers" in the sense of enjoying using a camera pro-actively and creatively, not in the sense of winning more competitions that anyone else!

Amazed

Yes, polarized. And a terrific pair of sunglasses. And sunscreen. And a relaxed attitude of amazement. And sometimes, just put the camera down and look, which is always difficult for me.

azphotobug Loc: Scottsdale, Arizona

It was the trip of a lifetime. You can get w/i a foot or 18" of the wildlife. Only the small birds (finches) are skittish. I took my Panasonic FZ 18, a bridge camera (18X magnification). Got some excellent photos. My hubby used a video camera. After the main tour of 6 days on a small ship, we went to an eco-hotel on one of the islands. There was a pair of Great Blue Herons that hung around the hotel pool and even got into the pool. Nobody seemed to mind. Go there before it becomes too commercialized.

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

My mom and dad went to the Galapagos Islands several years ago. I just asked my dad what he used and he said he used a 50mm and a 70-120. I have no idea what brands, but he took some really nice shots (I believe they were slides...I don't think digital was out yet). maybe if you wanted to get something swimming in the ocean you'd need a long lens.

david2day Loc: Central Coast, Calif.

I just got back from Galapagos a month ago. I got the best photos of my life with my 28-300mm Nikkor lens. Because of space restrictions, I did not bring any other lens. I suppose I could have got better pix if I had more lenses, but Galapagos is very photogenic and it made me look like a pro with my single lens. If you are going to snorkel, I would highly recommend a simple underwater camera. The seal lions are very playful and friendly. They will swim up to you and blow bubbles at you. I got some of my most memorable shots with my Canon PowerShot D10. You are going to have a trip of your lifetime.

photosarah Loc: East Sussex, UK

Hi David2day Thank you for your advice. I have been considering the Canon 28-300mm (I have a 5D11) but am worried about the weight at 3-1/2 lbs (or 1670g). I wonder whether it would become too much over the course of a day, not being very tall (5ft6") or young? Is your Nikkor also heavy? Presumably you did not find it a problem. I guess I could use a monopod: I have a Manfrotto which hopefully would be strong enough.

david2day Loc: Central Coast, Calif.

Hi, Sarah

Your trip to Galapagos will be an adventure. There will be lots of hiking and getting in and out of zodiac boats for wet and dry landings. I did not take a tripod, and did not regret it. It would have been bulky and hard to maneuver on the hikes and landings. My camera was about as heavy as yours. I would suggest you look at a "Cotton Carrier." It's a great hands free way to carry your camera when you are hiking. Also be sure to bring a dry bag for the camera for protection while on the water and during the rain. (We were there at the end of the rainy season. I would suggest a monopod which doubles as a walking stick rather than a tripod. Enjoy your trip.

onespots Loc: Gilbert Arizona

Hello... Did a 21 day S America trip to include 7 days in the Galapagos. Lens choice was an 18-200mm Nikon. This fulfilled 95% of all of my needs & no reason to change lens.
Used a circular polarizer filter & decent cleaning materials. You will encounter dust, sand, & moisture. I found using 1 gallon ziplog bags to protect & store my camera the best solution. ( take several )

Good hiking boots/shoes a must. You will be much steadier on all the uneven surfaces. I tied the boots together by the shoelaces & carried them on my shoulder for wet landings.
Wear sandals on the boat for more comfort.

Found a walking stick unnecessary on all the islands we visited, but glad to have it at Machu Picchu.

Extra batteries & memory cards are a must. I used burst mode many times while shooting birds in flight or running on the ground. If you have video capability use it. It is nice to see some action as well.

Should you have other questions, email at sfaigle@aol.com
You will have a great trip & memories for a lifetime.
Likely you will return with a renewed interest in nature,new companions,& a sunburn.

Happy picture taking, John