Going on DCL Alaskan Cruise - What lens would you recommend?

[disneyfaninaz]

I use a Nikon D5000. I have the kit lenses, but I primarily use the 18-55 for my walk around and a 55-300 for my telephoto.

We are booked on the 9 night Alaska cruise next year. I am anticiating using my 55-300 to get some good wildlife shots, but I'm worried it won't get me the wide landscape shots. I don't want to miss any shots because I am switching lenses.

I was looking at the Tamron/Sigma and Nikkor 18-200/270 lens. I'd be interested in knowing what you all would use or recommend.

 

[photo_chick]

Keep in mind with the longer zoom all in one lenses you have some tradeoffs for that convenience. They're heavier, not as sharp and sometimes a good bit slower than shorter focal range zooms.

I've personally never had a problem with having time to switch lenses. If I'm in a situation where I think I might want to change quickly I have the second lens in an easy to get to place so it's ready to go. I think getting proficient at that is something that takes time though.

 

[jcb]

If it helps, many of my photos of the mountains and mountain ranges were taken using my 70-300mm. Once the ship cruised into Glacier Bay I was able to use my 28-70. I never used my wide angle except for photos of the ship, the towns, or people.

If you want wildlife photos and are not doing an excursion, consider a longer telephoto. I could not come close to filling the screen image with a 300mm in my photos of humpback whales.

 

[YesDear]

I will also be on that cruise as well. I am sure I will be loaded for bear with equipment. I am sure we can compare notes. I will be taking my 70-200 2.8 and a 1.4 and 1.7 extender for focal length.

Will also have a 14-24 24-70 and 27-300

Plotting the monopod and tripod to bring. Will probably bring one with a motion head for video.

the bottom line is we will have fun!!!

 

[wbeem]

Will also have a 14-24 24-70 and 27-300

Plotting the monopod and tripod to bring. Will probably bring one with a motion head for video.

the bottom line is we will have fun!!!

I'd bring almost the same setup, except I have a 70-200 instead of the 28-300. I have a 1.7 tele-extender that gets it up to 320mm, though not at f/2.8.

My tripod would definitely be along for the ride, but I doubt that I'd take a monopod. Considering that I just order an 85mm f/1.4, I'm pretty sure I'd bring that along, too.