Best lens for Alaska Cruise?

[OKW Lover]

I'm in the planning stages for an Alaska cruise next August (2014). Right now my longest lens is a 18-200 (this is on a Nikon 5200). I understand that a longer lens would be better for pictures from the ship.

Would a 300 be better? longer still? What about a teleconverter?

 

[Shazzasmd]

We did a month long trip to Alaska earlier this year. A Canon shooter here, but I used my 100-400mm lens a lot for wildlife shots, with as much zoom as I could get. A wide angle is nice for landscapes.


Here is a lucky shot at 370mm:

Obviously, I needed the telephoto. And, there are plenty of pixels to crop in closer to the whale if I want.



A couple others with the same setup- both of these are serious crops:

These were all shot as wide open as possible (f/5.6). I didn't try a converter because I wanted to get as much light as possible. My husband did use a converter and it worked okay as long as they weren't action shots ( he used a tripod).


I also took along a Canon SX50 Superzoom. I found it okay for stationary subjects, but not for any action. This bald eagle was shot at 215mm (1200mm 35mm equivalent) while we were riding in a small skiff.

So, I guess I would say 300mm minimum, longer if you can. But, the ability to handhold is important as well. If wildlife isn't going to be a prime subject, a shorter telephoto will be fine. Enjoy your trip!

 

[OKW Lover]

Good info and some really nice pix!!!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

We're doing Alaska next May. I purchased a Nikkor 18-300 lens for my DX5000. That way I don't have to keep switching lenses for landscape and wildlife photos.

 

[OKW Lover]

We're doing Alaska next May. I purchased a Nikkor 18-300 lens for my DX5000. That way I don't have to keep switching lenses for landscape and wildlife photos.

Good move I'm sure. I've already got the 18-200 so I'm not thinking that will be an option for me. Off to check the Nikon refurb store.

 

[nigelp]

You only need a long reach for wild life. For the scenery (and there is a lot of it!), wide is best.

Are you going on a whale watching excursion? If so try to go with an independent operator who can take you out in smaller boats that can get closer to the whales.

I went with a 200mm max and got some good pictures of the whales. We were lucky as the whales "buzzed the tower" in other words came up right by our boat (in fact this was too close for my wife with her 70-300!). I found the 200 fine for the whales and sealions but not enough reach for the bald eagle sitting on a rock.

 

[wiigirl]

Good move I'm sure. I've already got the 18-200 so I'm not thinking that will be an option for me. Off to check the Nikon refurb store.

 

[wmjivey]

Just returned from an Alaskan cruise, what I did is rented a great lens I could not in my life ever own for $125. At Borrowlenses they have an Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens for $125 a week. If you use a small boat, I found out the hard way, don't use the bow. Go to the back of the boat its alittle more stable. The bigger the lense the greater chance of movement.

John