Doug - Staying at Silver Salmon Creek Lodge. Not sure how much 'bushwhacking' we will be doing. I suspect that most of what we do will be 'coastal'. Mosquito netting is on order. In addition, to the wildlife greatly looking forward to shooting landscape. Regarding lenses, I will also have a Sigma 18-300 plus the 100-400.

ORPilot - Going to Lake Clark not Brooks Falls. The Lodge regularly has photographers on guided tours out in the field. So I imagine that the bears have become habituated to people there as well. But, I will be sure to follow your advice and avoid becoming part of the bear's diet :).

Thanks everyone for your responses. Much appreciated. Strongly leaning toward those who advised not taking the 500 and thereby sacrificing some reach for weight.

Rich

Hi Everyone,

I will be going on a photography trip to Lake Clark National Park in Alaska this July to photograph bears. I am undecided whether I should bring along my Canon 500mm f4/L lens or should I take the Canon 100-400mm f4-5.6/L ii + 1.4 extender. If I take the 500 I will also have to bring Robus tripod and Wimberly WH-200 gimbal head (100-400 requires lighter tripod and head and can also be handheld). Trip information indicates that we will be hiking about 2 miles per day so weight is a consideration. In addition, weight restriction on small plane into Lake Clark is another factor. Advice truly appreciated thanks.

Rich

Great camera and lenses! Using a rope to steady the camera really works. I have used it in museums where tripods were not permitted. A second suggestion is to take along a platypod. Here is the link to their website (https://platypod.com/). Scott Kelby is a big fan of the platypod and you can find his endorsement of it online. Have a great trip.