I have never been on a pelagic trip before and had a few questions I wondered if people who had been on them before could assist me with? I have booked one in WA with Westport and one with Debra Shearwater and am excited to see some lifer birds (living in MN this will be a new experience for both of us).
1. What length of lens is best suited for the trip? I have a 300 2.8 and 300 f4...as well as a 600VR and will be shooting with a D800. Just wondered if the big one was even practical.
2. Would it be a good idea to bring along one of those rain protectors for the equipment?
3. Ideas for cleaning the gear after a day at sea?
Any help or pointers would be appreciated. I don't suffer from motion sickness or anything like that. Just equipment ideas and the like. I even considered renting the 200-400VR as an option. Keep my gear clean and have a little more range of shooting. Thanks in advance for your input!
I've been on a few of pelagics in the past couple of years so maybe I could help.
1. On the first trip I took the Canon 500 f4 which was a mistake.
The boat would rock so much that I could not manage to keep the lens on the subject and keep my balance at the same time.
On subsequent trips I've taken the Canon 300mm f/2.8 + either the 1.4x or 2x TCs (the new 2X works really well).
I would recommend bringing the longest lens you can handhold for long periods of time.
Tripods are not usable because they transmit the vibrations from the boat to the lens and because there will probably be lots of people (birders) around you.
2. I think the rain protection will get in the way. A lens coat would be ok.
Just make sure you don't point the lens down while standing on the side of the boat as it's very easy for water drops to work their way to the front element.
3. After a trip I use a damp cloth to clean the bare surfaces of the lens and camera and clean the front element to eliminate any salt residues that may damage the coatings.
Don't underestimate motion sickness. I've seen strong guys who said they didn't have any motion sickness problems become disabled for the entire trip. :-)
Also, be prepared to shoot in bad light most of the day (high ISO will be your friend). At least in Monterey the marine layer is a problem throughout the summer and beginning of the fall (which is when most pelagics take place).
Pelagic Trip Question
Reply With Quote
