p.1 #1 · Would like lens advice for trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Hello,
I am a new to the FM Forum, as of 10 minutes ago. First, Thank you for allowing me to join.
I do have questions about lens to take on a trip starting at Yancocho and Antisanta Reserves in Ecuador. My primary interest is in photographing birds/hummingbirds at these reserves.
From there it's two weeks in the Galapagos Islands. Due to the length of time I will be traveling and the need to leave room for personal items I am trying to whittle my photo gear to essentials. Any advise on what to pack would be greatly appreciated.
Currently my thoughts are as follows, Nikon Z8 and Z7II bodies, 100-400 zoom, 70-200 zoom, 105 macro and a 50mm. Using these focal lengths I think a tripod won't be necessary. I'll also have an OM TG-7 for snorkeling.
p.1 #2 · Would like lens advice for trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Sure sounds like you have a proper kit put together for such a trip. Hopefully someone that has made such a trip can give you more specific details on what to take, but again to me it sounds like you have it covered. Sounds like a superb trip.
p.1 #3 · Would like lens advice for trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Louie,
Thank you for responding. This is the first time I've traveled out of my home area and have probably over-thought the gear needed. Getting feedback helps to either point me in a better direction or increase my worry about what I might have left behind.
The trip isn't until EOY. Hopefully, I'll have some photos to share.
p.1 #4 · Would like lens advice for trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Welcome to FM Ed. Watch out for weight limits on international flights as well as other transportation. If your taking photo oriented tours, your guide would be a great resource.
p.1 #5 · Would like lens advice for trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Thank you for the welcome. I am very impressed by the photographs I've seen posted. There are some very talented people on this forum.
I hadn't considered weight, only volume. Hmm, guess I better start weighing and adding up my eqiupment. I'm traveling alone, so there is no chance of distributing among other people. Thanks for this valuable insight.
p.1 #7 · Would like lens advice for trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Hi Ed,
We visited Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands last year and had a wonderful trip. A few points:
1. The flights from the mainland to the Galápagos Islands are on full-sized jetliners. Weight restrictions are no different than for any jetliner-type flight.
2. We went birding in the cloud forest outside of Quito (go to the equator if you visit Quito - it's surprisingly cool!) and I used my Sony 200-600. I used it a bit in the Galapagos, but if I hadn't been birding on the mainland I wouldn't have brought it. Since you're going to a reserve before the Galapagos, a big lens would be helpful.
3. Your lenses are good, but the 100-400 and 70-200 overlap a lot. I'd go with just the 100-400. It would be a great everything lens. Alternatively, if your 70-200 is f2.8, get a 2x TC and leave the 100-400 home. Also, if you have/rent a 24-70 f2.8, I'd bring that instead of the 50. Going wide can be very helpful.
4. The excursions onto the islands (you approach each island by boat, regardless of whether you're sleeping on a boat or sleeping in a hotel on the main island) are very tightly controlled. Bringing two cameras on-shore can be helpful, but you'll likely be going to shore crowded onto a zodiac-type craft, so your fellow travelers might be unhappy if you're whacking them with your gear.
5. It's a great trip - feel free to PM me for more info. Have fun!
Steve
p.1 #8 · Would like lens advice for trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Hi Steve,
Thank you for your insights and recommendations. I recognize the wisdom in your input and will be incorporating much of it into my planning.
Yes, I am landing in Quito. One day of cityscapes and two days in local nature reserves. I have an 800mm lens which I would like to have in Ecuador, but not sure of toting it to the Galapagos, dead weight.
The 100-400 is an f/2.8. Given the expense of this trip the purchase of a 24-70 f/2.8 doesn't seem unreasonable and would be advantageous for landscapes/cityscapes. Two camera bodies are primarily to avoid the possibily of finding myself with only a point and shoot and phone camera.
I am cruising on a 16 passager vessel, so fairly intimate. Don't want to be ruffling feathers I can't get away from! For the panga rides I have been looking for a dry bag that will fit camera equipment and day supplies without either unreasonably interfering with others or exposing gear to water.
I expect I will PM you as the trip gets closer and especially as the packing starts. One quick question, what time of year did you go on your trip?
p.1 #9 · Would like lens advice for trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
It sounds as though you will be in Ecuador before me. My trip isn't until Nov-Dec. I'll be watching for your photos on the forum. Have a wonderful trip.
p.1 #10 · Would like lens advice for trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
We went in July 2023. The main difference in the seasons is the wind and water temp. We also went on a 16 person boat - try to get a cabin in the back!
