Whale watching excursion - which lens?

rooster32
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Whale watching excursion - which lens?

Heading to San Juan Island, WA in 2 weeks. Not peak season for whale watching, but figured we better go while we have the opportunity. We are booked to go on a smaller boat (12 people max). Searched the forum and found a few good posts that offered some great info on what to bring; lots of lens wipes, towel, sea sick drugs….

Im bringing my Sony A74 (only body I have), 24-105mm, Tamron 17-28 and either the Sony 100-400 or 200-600 on the trip. Trying to decide which long lens to bring. The flexibility of the 100-400 would be great for the entire trip, but most of our time off-water, I should be covered by my 24-105 & 17-28. Im torn between the 2. The 100-400 would obviously be more versatile and backpack friendly, but I’m concerned I’ll be wanting the extra reach of the 200-600. Those who have gone, any words of wisdom as to what you’d recommend? Appreciate any and all suggestions. TIA.

Apr 07, 2023 at 12:29 PM

morris
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Whale watching excursion - which lens?

The first question is what is your whale watching operators policy on how close they will go to a whale. Some operators stay back quite a distance unless the whale approaches the boat. For an operator like this the 200-600 would be the best choice. For others, it's a matter of luck if the 100-400 would be enough reach.

Have a great time,

Morris

Apr 07, 2023 at 01:46 PM

dallvr
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Whale watching excursion - which lens?

From my experience on Monterey Bay a few years ago, I would take the camera with the 100-400 attached. I would not think about trying to change lenses. It was not unusually rough, but it was hard enough to avoid falling while also trying to take photos. YMMV, I have no idea how rough it would be up north, but we were not all that far from shore in Monterey Bay, and it was challenging. Gallery here: https://www.wanderingeye.net/p229161215

Apr 07, 2023 at 02:22 PM

Wett Coast
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Whale watching excursion - which lens?

The inland waters of the Salish Sea in both Washington State & British Columbia are usually fairly placid in spring & summer. If the sea conditions were rough I'd expect your tour operator to cancel the trip.

Do you expect to be seeing orcas, or larger whales such as humpbacks?

Personally, I think I would choose the 100-400 and bring along a 1.4X converter if you have one. You could also use APS-C (crop) mode on your camera to give you more reach should you need it.

Apr 07, 2023 at 08:19 PM

rooster32
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Whale watching excursion - which lens?

Orcas most likely with the chance of Humpbacks, I believe (we are a little early in the season). Im leaning on taking the 100-400. I don’t have a 1.4x teleconverter yet, but might be on the hunt for one if I take the 100-400.

I expect the tour operator to be following the regs. in regards to how close your allowed to approach, so shots are expected in the +200 yard mark (unless of course the whales decide to visit the boat more closely). First time, so no first hand experience.

Apr 07, 2023 at 10:11 PM

cseelye
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Whale watching excursion - which lens?

With stay back restrictions of 300 to 400 yards for southern resident orcas, the extra reach of the 200-600 would be useful. The difficulty will be in quickly finding, framing and focusing through the lens as the boat moves with the ocean swell. If you have calm water it is somewhat easier but I wouldn't count on that being the case. Any wind swell will make it more difficult as the focal length increases.
Should you be fortunate enough to encounter wales while they're feeding, your chances will be much greater as they spend more time at the surface and group tightly together.
Humpbacks are a different story. not much is visible from the surface, and their color blends with the grey color of the water on typical cloudy northwest days. anticipating a deep dive when their tail flukes fully emerge as they begin the dive is the best view you will get of them.
Ultimately I think you can be successful with either lens, I would recommend which ever you are more comfortable using with the consideration of whether you will be able to move about the boat or are strapped into a seat as many wale watch boats are. I also would recommend picking up a 1.4 if you decide on the 100-400. If you need it you have it, better than regretting being just out of reach for a rare opportunity to see and photograph one of the worlds most magnificent creatures.
-Chris

Apr 08, 2023 at 07:11 AM

B Benson
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Whale watching excursion - which lens?

With more restrictions on distance, the 200-600 would be my choice. I used a sturdy monopod with a thick sponge taped to the bottom to dampen the engine vibrations. Be sure to check for red fox kits and vixens on Picketts road. There has been some problem with locals harassing photographers but it possibility is there for some amazing images. Bruce

Apr 09, 2023 at 10:31 PM

rooster32
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Whale watching excursion - which lens?

Great information, I appreciate the responses. Im trying to find a used 1.4x before my trip. If not, I can take the 200-600. Seems to be split on recommendations from folks who have been there, done that. I think the 100-400 would be “easier” and more versatile for the trip overall, but that extra reach of the 200-600……such problems. Thanks again.

Apr 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM


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