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Another "what to bring on a trip" post (Alaskan Cruise)

  
 
gheller
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p.1 #1 · Another "what to bring on a trip" post (Alaskan Cruise)


So planning an Alaskan cruise in June. We have been several times before, and this is a family-oriented trip, not specifically for photo opps.

Recently acquired (and in love with) 35 - 150 f/2-2.8

If I decide to bring a camera, this will be paired with an A74

(for context, I have 2x A74 bodies as well as an 85 f/1.4, 17-28 f/2.8, and a 28-200)

~ BUT ~

Will be upgrading my iPhone to the 17 Pro Max before the trip and thinking it will suffice.

FWIW, my last 2 big trips (Japan and river cruise on the Rhine), I only brought my iPhone (15 ProMax) and was pleasantly surprised at the quality... especially the ease of use as compared to a larger setup.

Anyway, we may do some light excursions, nothing crazy...

Thoughts pro and con are always welcome!




Feb 22, 2026 at 11:03 PM
shadow9d9
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p.1 #2 · Another "what to bring on a trip" post (Alaskan Cruise)


As far as I am concerned, phone pictures are only good for regular phone viewing. On anything elae, they completely fall apart. And even on phones, the artificality and fakery are off the charts. So that is a personal preference thing.


Feb 23, 2026 at 02:21 AM
gheller
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p.1 #3 · Another "what to bring on a trip" post (Alaskan Cruise)


shadow9d9 wrote:
As far as I am concerned, phone pictures are only good for regular phone viewing. On anything elae, they completely fall apart. And even on phones, the artificality and fakery are off the charts. So that is a personal preference thing.


I used to think the same way...until I put it to the test. I have some gorgeous prints (up to 11x14) that people can't believe where shot with my iPhone 15 ProMax.

Is it as good as a FF body with high end lens? Of course not. But the ease of use and stellar quality for all but the most challenging scenarios make it a tough call.



Feb 23, 2026 at 03:53 AM
joychris
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p.1 #4 · Another "what to bring on a trip" post (Alaskan Cruise)


I have the 17 pro and personally wouldn’t want it as my only camera, and right now I travel with a 4-year-old haha. Giant ships can only get so close, I’d want more reach than the phone 100mm tele lens. The 200mm is just a digital crop, IQ sucks. I’d take the 28-200 while using your phone to fill all the gaps. APS-c mode with the a7IV still has better IQ than the phone. I did this on a recent trip to the Vegas, Grand Canyon, Zion and a few other places. One body, zero lens changes and tons of fun.

Enjoy the trip. Alaska is amazing, I grew up there. It’s such a magical place unlike anywhere else.

Cheers

Chris



Feb 23, 2026 at 01:05 PM
Newsonys
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p.1 #5 · Another "what to bring on a trip" post (Alaskan Cruise)


phone ( for wide view) + 35-150 if you are okay with the weight. (indoor, low light, portrait focused)

if going for a lighter weight, 28-200 (and w/ the phone)



Feb 23, 2026 at 03:01 PM
 


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gheller
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p.1 #6 · Another "what to bring on a trip" post (Alaskan Cruise)


joychris wrote:
I have the 17 pro and personally wouldn’t want it as my only camera, and right now I travel with a 4-year-old haha. Giant ships can only get so close, I’d want more reach than the phone 100mm tele lens. The 200mm is just a digital crop, IQ sucks. I’d take the 28-200 while using your phone to fill all the gaps. APS-c mode with the a7IV still has better IQ than the phone. I did this on a recent trip to the Vegas, Grand Canyon, Zion and a few other places. One body, zero lens changes and tons of
...Show more

Thanks for the input!



Feb 23, 2026 at 07:55 PM
gheller
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p.1 #7 · Another "what to bring on a trip" post (Alaskan Cruise)


Newsonys wrote:
phone ( for wide view) + 35-150 if you are okay with the weight. (indoor, low light, portrait focused)

if going for a lighter weight, 28-200 (and w/ the phone)


Good input... thank you



Feb 23, 2026 at 07:55 PM
shadow9d9
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p.1 #8 · Another "what to bring on a trip" post (Alaskan Cruise)


gheller wrote:
I used to think the same way...until I put it to the test. I have some gorgeous prints (up to 11x14) that people can't believe where shot with my iPhone 15 ProMax.

Is it as good as a FF body with high end lens? Of course not. But the ease of use and stellar quality for all but the most challenging scenarios make it a tough call.


I did put it to the test though...which is how I formed my opinion. We all have different standards. If a phone is good enough, then I absolutely see no reason to lug around tons of heavy gear.



Feb 23, 2026 at 08:45 PM
gheller
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p.1 #9 · Another "what to bring on a trip" post (Alaskan Cruise)


shadow9d9 wrote:
I did put it to the test though...which is how I formed my opinion. We all have different standards. If a phone is good enough, then I absolutely see no reason to lug around tons of heavy gear.


Yes, certainly a trade-off. As I age (lol), I really enjoy the freedom of taking pix in the spur of the moment without too much setup or thinking... especially as this is a family trip and not focused on photos (pun intended).

And seeing how well my phone did for our last 2 trips, I have to think a newer gen phone will do even better.



Feb 24, 2026 at 12:49 AM







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