another Galapagos Island shot

bs0604 · Sep 16, 2012

Bay by bs0604, on Flickr

FanBoy · Sep 16, 2012

Interesting rock formation. Good capture.

Jordalor · Sep 17, 2012

I'm a newbie here at TPF and my message from yesterday may not have gotten to you, so I'd like to try again. I admire your Galapagos images, especially the landscapes. I'm going for 2 weeks in October/November and have been agonizing over what lenses to take with my D800. I have the classic two zooms from Nikon, but thinking of renting their 300 f4. Would much appreciate any guidance about what you took that worked for you.
Regards...

bs0604 · Sep 17, 2012

I took nikon lenses: 14-24, 24-70, 70-200. If I was only going to take one lens it would be the 24-70. If I was only going to take two lenses it would be the 24-70 and 70-200. The latter, zoom, is heavy but was very helpful as many of the birds are at a distance. The wide angle 14-24 allowed some interesting shots, but otherwise is not mandatory. If you rent a 300 mm lens I would leave the 70-200 at home. You will use the biggest telephoto you bring.

Jordalor · Sep 17, 2012

I really appreciate your very helpful reply. As you said, the 24-70 will be mandatory, but for longer reach, I need to decide which long lens -- 70-200 or 300mm. I've read that the latter can focus rather close, maybe 6 feet, so I suppose I could be my own zoom lens by moving closer or further from the subject.

bs0604 · Sep 18, 2012

A lot of the hiking is restricted to paths with naturalist guides. So you can't always deviate too far toward or away from your subject if its 90 degree from the path.