Alaskan cruise

[dba1954]

Planning a cruise for next year, was wondering what lens to bring. Don't really know if the lenses I have are long enough. I won't be doing a lot of hiking so carrying the gear might not as big a deal. Any suggestions? Interested in hearing what others used, what equipment was valuable ....

[blueM]

I haven't been, but I've read enough posts on the subject. You will need long and wide. Your 24-105 should cover the wide. I would guess that 300 is not long enough.

Consider renting something like the 100-400. In between 24 and 400 ... that's up to you and your shooting style.

If I had your gear I would bring the 50 & the 70-200

[Canajun]

Originally Posted by blueM

I haven't been, but I've read enough posts on the subject. You will need long and wide. Your 24-105 should cover the wide. I would guess that 300 is not long enough.

Consider renting something like the 100-400. In between 24 and 400 ... that's up to you and your shooting style.

If I had your gear I would bring the 50 & the 70-200

70-200 f2.8L | EF 2x II - This pair makes a good combo. Which gives him the 400 that you've mentioned. My memory escapes me on how many stops you loose but my guess is 2 stops.

Please note the quick changing weather conditions.

[Hot Bob]

I did an Alaska cruise a few years ago with my wife and her family. I love to shoot with wide lenses but for Alaska, I have more shots with my 50D and 70-200/2.8 w/2x TC than anything else. If I were going again, I would rent a 300 f/2.8 and a 2x TC III. I shot some stuff in the normal and wide ranges but long telephotos rule for Alaska. The weather can be really difficult especially low hanging clouds. That makes grand landscapes tough to get. The wildlife however, does not dissapoint! Bring big glass and a monopod and you will get some stunners.

Bob

[5Dmaniac]

I'm in Alaska right now - not on a cruise but drove here from Arizona. The weather so far has been terrible with low hanging clouds that obscure all mountains around you. My most used lens so far is the 100-400 and I am thankful for the long end of that lens. I also brought my 500mm but by the time I get the lens ready and on a wimberly it is is too late for the wildlife.

If I were you I would either rent the 100-400 or just buy one. I fixed 400 5.6 would not have served me well either - I really need the zoom function.

[Billginthekeys]

I have a few pages of pictures from my trip to Alaska with exif data if you want to look through and see what focal lengths were used:
http://www.pbase.com/billygilbertpho...dscape_&page=6

I loved the trip and have wanted to go back for some time, it is an amazing place.

[dba1954]

I am considering picking up a 100-400, if I do I'm not sure if I will need both that and the 70-200. I would probably bring the 50mm and the 24-105 ....

[imjason]

if you do not care about absolute quality, bring something like a 28-300L. One lens to cover everything and you get to walk around without switching lenses.

[MNUplander]

Im a wide angle junkie but Alaska is a BIG place, especially from a cruise ship. You'll quickly find that your shots have just too much water in them using wide angles from the boat. The wildlife and sheer size of the place lend themselves very well to telephoto lenses. Of course, it's a different story if you're going to get out and hike trails a bit - then a wide angle becomes more useful, but it doesnt sound like that's in your itinerary.

I would bring your 24-105 and either the 70-200 with 2x converter or get your hands on a used/rented 100-400. You can pick up the latter used and sell it when you return if you wont need it and not be out any more than shipping costs, this is what I would do.

If you need something for lower light, bring your 50 1.4 or pick up a used 430 EX II.

Have fun!

[dba1954]

I've been experimenting with the 70-200 with 2x, not real happy with sharpness but might suffice. Picking up a used 100-400 sounds like a better idea, if I like it I'll keep it else sell (i have a hard time parting with old lenses however). I could even try the 100-400 with the 2x if IQ isn't that bad for better reach. That might be asking too much however. I have a flash that should suffice for inside shots.

[Hot Bob]

Originally Posted by dba1954

I could even try the 100-400 with the 2x if IQ isn't that bad for better reach. That might be asking too much however.

You will lose autofocus capability when you put a TC on an f/5.6 lens.

Bob