I hope to travel to the Galapagos Islands in Feb. or March of next year. I will be taking two Canon 5D M IV, 100-400mm IS II, 70-200 mm f2.8 and a 24-70mm. Does anyone have any suggestions other than this equipment that I should take. I am also looking to buy a small travel tripod and would appreciate any suggestions on tripods or whether you think one is even needed.
Thank you for your time and advice.
a6k
Loc: Detroit & Sanibel
You may want to search the UHH forum and elsewhere because I'm pretty sure it's been covered before. As I recall, you will find yourself going ashore from Zodiac type boats. So I suggest thinking about how you will do that while keeping all that gear dry.
My recollection from many years ago is that many of the critters are not afraid of humans and thus a long lens may be longer than you need in many cases. It's a good argument for a zoom. I don't see why you would carry the 70-200 when you have 24-70 and 100-400. That 30 mm gap is there, but do you want to carry an additional lens for that?
As for the tripod, you may want to check with the tour company about using it on the islands. Ditto for monopods.
I wish you safe travels and tons of pics!
Dickt
Loc: Central Massachusetts
I would think that a waterproof pint and shoot would come in handy as well.
The animals on the Galapagos are really tolerant of humans, and you are limited as to where you can walk. For a travel tripod, a Manfrotto BeFree carbon fiber is excellent. Just no 3leggged things.
a6k wrote:
You may want to search the UHH forum and elsewhere because I'm pretty sure it's been covered before. As I recall, you will find yourself going ashore from Zodiac type boats. So I suggest thinking about how you will do that while keeping all that gear dry.
My recollection from many years ago is that many of the critters are not afraid of humans and thus a long lens may be longer than you need in many cases. It's a good argument for a zoom. I don't see why you would carry the 70-200 when you have 24-70 and 100-400. That 30 mm gap is there, but do you want to carry an additional lens for that?
As for the tripod, you may want to check with the tour company about using it on the islands. Ditto for monopods.
I wish you safe travels and tons of pics!
You may want to search the UHH forum and elsewhere... (
show quote)
Take and post lots of pics. Most of us will never get there in person.
Can you fit me in one of your bags please? Dream trip!
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
jam wrote:
I hope to travel to the Galapagos Islands in Feb. or March of next year. I will be taking two Canon 5D M IV, 100-400mm IS II, 70-200 mm f2.8 and a 24-70mm. Does anyone have any suggestions other than this equipment that I should take. I am also looking to buy a small travel tripod and would appreciate any suggestions on tripods or whether you think one is even needed.
Thank you for your time and advice.
Tripods will do you no good, do not bother. Take the 100-400 and the 24-70. Take anything else is TOO MUCH.
I was there three years ago with a Canon 5D Mk III and the 70 - 200 f2.8 L IS. I had other lenses with me but never used them. Also, a tripod is not at all useful. You will be getting in and out of zodiacs so I took a “wet” backpack. Remember that you will be nearly on the equator - very hot - so you don’t want to carry too much. Photo trip: get low and take shots of the animals from ground perspective. Enjoy and take lots of shots.
I did very well with a 150-400 mounted on a sturdy monopod with gimbal head. Also had an GoPro submersible for kayaking/snorkeling and at times carried a second, lighter weight camera with shorter focal length on a belt.
We were in Galapagos three years ago. I used a cropped sensor with two lenses" 17-85 and 70-300. Most of the images were taken well under 150 mm. I would not take the 100-400, it is big and unwieldy especially in the zodiac. at times you will be shooting from the zodiac with seven of your new best friends and space is an issue. Think smaller and lighter. Also, I would bring two bodies but only take one an the two lenses on board the zodiacs and for hiking around. Lastly, no tripod, can't use it on either a boat or zodiac and unless you are taking a photo tour you will not have time to set up.
Be sure to post lots of pics of Blue Footed Boobies!
JeffR
Loc: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
No time or need for a tripod. Your group will want to keep moving, and you MUST stay with your guide. Remember you are on the equator and it's hot. Plan to carry fewer lenses and more water.
jam wrote:
I hope to travel to the Galapagos Islands in Feb. or March of next year. I will be taking two Canon 5D M IV, 100-400mm IS II, 70-200 mm f2.8 and a 24-70mm. Does anyone have any suggestions other than this equipment that I should take. I am also looking to buy a small travel tripod and would appreciate any suggestions on tripods or whether you think one is even needed.
Thank you for your time and advice.
with the 400 you probably should take a tripod.
As to the question about other equipment you should take have you thought NIKON?
just kidding I am a Nikon man sorry
AFPhoto wrote:
I was there three years ago with a Canon 5D Mk III and the 70 - 200 f2.8 L IS. I had other lenses with me but never used them. Also, a tripod is not at all useful. You will be getting in and out of zodiacs so I took a “wet” backpack. Remember that you will be nearly on the equator - very hot - so you don’t want to carry too much. Photo trip: get low and take shots of the animals from ground perspective. Enjoy and take lots of shots.
Best advice you have received is what he just said Get low and shoot lots and lots of fotos. I still think unless you are planning to put some form of cushion on the ground to set the 400 on then a small tripod will help you.
Have fun in the sun ans shoot shoot shoot.
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