Need new lens for D40X for Alaska cruise

[HWF]

I'm a newbie to both the Forum and to digital photography as a hobby. A few months ago I bought a Nikon D40x with the 18-55 mm kit lens with my retirement gift money. I'm very happy with it, and hope to take wonderful photographs on my trip through the Alaskan Inside Passage and fjords this June. Question: I'm considering buying the Nikon 18-200 VR and use that for 100% of my picture-taking. Is it a better arrangement to not get the 18-200, but instead buy a longer (70-300) lens and bring both lenses? Thanks.

[TonyW]

I went through the same consideration with my D80. I started with the 18-70 and decided to get the 70-300VR. The extra reach versus the 18-200 makes a big difference for me (and the 70-300 takes good close-ups too). As long as you're comfortable with changing lenses (and if you committed to a DSLR then you should be ;)) then I'd go with the 70-300VR . And it's a bit cheaper :)

Have a good trip - its one that's been on my list for a while (and I've been retired for a while too) - too many other things to do :D

Tony

[msbrad]

Having recently returned from a wonderful, cruise thru Alaska's inner passage (sept 1-7)....I would say. Take both lenses. You will want pictures of y'all too and around the ship.

we also too the video camera.
I have the canon xti now (christmas). BUT On our trip I had my sony f-828. I wish I had the other camera, with more zoom, but thrilled with what I took. I managed 2500 photos (We took the train across part of Canada first).
It was the trip of a lifetime.
As of now, I think I am up to 30 or so, pages scrapbooked.:D

And...should you want any opinions of side excursions...just ask. I always have an opinion!!
m

[RonH]

I was in the same situation and I went with the 70-300 and am very happy I did. The extra 100 really comes in handy in the big country. Great for birds, wildlife, and casual/impromtu head shots. It is my most used lense in the field. But you have to be prepared to swap lenses.

If you are only going to carry one lense then 18-200 is a good choice. I am not sure of the factor for your camera sensor but that is probably equivalent to a 25-280 in the old 35mm film world.

My bag now has: Amount used
11-18mm wide 5%
18-70mm kit standard 55%
70-300mm Tele/Macro 35%
400mm mirror Tele 3%
plus 50mm F1.7 prime 2%

p.s. Congratulations on your retirement. I just retired December 29th.:D

[HWF]

Thanks, all. I just checked the prices on the B & H website, and the 70-300VR is $200 less than the 18-200VR. Since I'm willing to change lenses, I think it makes sense to get the 70-300. I suppose that means I'll have to carry a tripod as well, or do you think the VR precludes the need for a tripod? Thanks again.

[Whiplash-GT]

depends on the shooter whether a tripod is needed or not..
i've shot a lot of close-up stuff @ 300 (=450 on DX format) hand-held w/o VR
also depends on how much available light you'll have..if you will always be shooting fast then you should be alright, but if you'll be up in the f-stops then one might be inclined to grab one just in case

[Not4wood]

Hope your also going on the Land Tour as well??

I would take both lens with you. You will never know what you might run into on situations. We did this trip 2 years ago, and had the most amazing time.

Besides what lens, remember to bring enough memory cards. You will shoot a lot. Without trying, I shot about 900 and I did spend some time deleting shots after hours. :eek:

What Tour Company are you going with?? Instead of a tripod, if your good try a small Mono Pod. Dragging a tripod on and off the ship will be a real pain after a while, and trust me. You will be going off ship, a lot.:cool:

From what I understand, the VR will take the place of a Tripod. When on a tripod, you will turn off the VR.

There will be Bald Eagles and Magpies spottings everywhere you go. Stay alert at all times. Think of very large Crows that are very agressive, we even saw a pair of Magpies bothering a lone Bald Eagle. The Inside Passage is full of life, and of course not when we were there. We only saw one pod of "Killer Whale".
In Denali, you will have Doll Sheep, Grizly and so much wildlife you wont know where to look first. If I wasn't careful, I could've shot about 4000 pictures and not almost 1000.

Glacier Tours, take as many as you can. Mendonhall is one of the Best Walking Tours. On your Ship in the Inside Passage you will be taken to "Hubbard Glacier". There are no words to describe these two. Just awsome.

[lexcell]

Excellent advice here and a good decision on your part. The 70-300VR is a very sweet lens. You will be happy with the extra reach. As for a tripod, it depends as Whiplash says on the light conditions. You should be able to handhold the 70-300mm at approx 2-3 stops slower shutter speed than without. It does not take into account moving objects...just your stability.

Using a tripod on the ship works in some locations but not others due to the engine vibration. We had out tripods set up on the upper deck and it was not a problem.

It also depends on the shore excursions you go on. Some are such whirlwind trips that you won't have time to set a tripod up. Others are slower and sped more time at locations and you will be glad you have a tripod along.

The weather in Alaska can be quite overcast and downright rainy. A tripod would help in these conditions. (I hope you have better weather than that.)

[HWF]

Thank you, all, for those responses. I'll look into a monopod, which should be easier to lug around on the land excursions than a tripod, and I think it will give me (enough) additional stability.

[msbrad]

Be sure to check into some rain gear for your camera. I think that was my best tip I received here prior to our going.
It does rain a lot out there. I bought a package (with 2) rain sleeve at Ritz. I think it was 6.99.
Very happy I did.
Regarding tripod or monopod....
Was playing with my 70-300 with the image stabilizer last week, no tripod, used part of a fence sometimes, and I did just fine. AND ...there were some lovely children jumping on the boardwalk and shaking the fence too:rolleyes: gotta love kids on a field trip.

I think I will go and add a few LO of our trip.
Take the whale watching tour!!!
m

[HWF]

Thanks, Michelle. Sounds like a great tip. I will certainly bring a couple of packs with me on the cruise. B&H carries Op/Tech rainsleeves in packs of two, for $6.50. Thanks again.

[HWF]

Anyone have suggestions for a land excursion at Whittier, AK? The cruise is a one-way, Northbound, ending at Whittier; then I'll have the whole day available before I get myself up to Anchorage for the night ... flying home from Anchorage the next day.

[ronstelzy]

A bean bag of some sort might be very useful you you. It could be filled with beans or rice when you get there and takes up very little space.

[msbrad]

A bean bag of some sort might be very useful you you. It could be filled with beans or rice when you get there and takes up very little space.

That's a great idea, I need to remember.

Our Alaska stops were: Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. We did excursions from there.
Also went thru-Tracey Arm and Glacier Bay
The scenary is spectacular. Loved getting wildlife pics too.
m

[RonH]

See this thread on image stabilization. A neat pocket tip especially on the road.

http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33658

[billd2]

HWF, This time of year isn't a good time in Whittier. Make sure you have good rain gear and boots if you are going to walk around. There really isn't too much to do there in the winter months. Whittier has a small boat harbor, bar and old military buildings that have been converted into apartments. The road in and out is one way and is built over the railroad tracks and goes through two tunnels. I kept my boat there for many years and still travel there during the summer months to boat and fish. Prince William Sound is one of the most scenic and just plain fantastic places for boating and fishing. The town of Whittier is much more alive during summer months. If you have time in Anchorage plan on eating at the Brew Pub located on 5th ave. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask. I lived there for over 50 years and still return every summer and still call Alaska home.....

[Not4wood]

That's a great idea, I need to remember.

Our Alaska stops were: Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. We did excursions from there.
Also went thru-Tracey Arm and Glacier Bay
The scenary is spectacular. Loved getting wildlife pics too.
m

Besides these three, we also did Icy Strait Point and Anchorage. Icy Strait is a Temporate Rain Forest and a large Cannery.

But up North, when we were in Fairbanks I also did a Salmon Fishing on a River and also the Glacier Landing on a Single Engine Plane. I am not a Chopper person so I wasn't going to get on a chopper, the end up was when we were on the Cruise and the Chopper Tours were going the weather wasn't great, way to Foggy and all of the Chopper Tours got Cancelled. Seems on my Trip, we were the only ones who actually made it to a Glacier Landing. When we were departing for our Flight, some of the guys on our tour were going to play Golf. Now, as a whole thats not a big thing. But, to play Golf at 10:00 PM to about 2:00 AM when you don't have Night is pretty cool. So, there are great things to do in Alaska you just have to look for them.

[HWF]

Thanks, billd2. I think you misread my itinerary ... I'll be in Whittier on June 23, not in the winter.

[Chuck S.]

Thanks, billd2. I think you misread my itinerary ... I'll be in Whittier on June 23, not in the winter.

June is a great time of year in Whittier and Prince William Sound - enjoy your trip!!

[kensphoto]

There is a new Tamron VR lens out, at 28 - 300 that is getting raves. It is said that id doesn't make you sea sick in VR mode. Calumet Photo lets you buy and use for thirty days, and if you don't like it, you can return it. This has a better focal range an I have heard great things about it. You may want to check it out. I think it will be my next lens purchase. You should really check this one out. Go to Tamron's web page for more info.

[Whiplash-GT]

Thanks, billd2. I think you misread my itinerary ... I'll be in Whittier on June 23, not in the winter.

isn't Alaska like Canada, there's always snow no matter what the season??

:D

LOL

[Not4wood]

Whiplash,

:D It depends where you go. Even in Fairbanks it was 65 F when we landed in late June 2 years ago.

When I was up in the Glaciers, yeah there was snow and the most interesting things about the Glaciers are they have there own Cloud and Fog cover because of the changes in temperatures between the air and the Ancient Ice.

Speaking of the Ancient Ice, don't forget to look for the Blue Ice...

[GaryK]

Whiplash... whats the temp today????:D:D

[billd2]

HWF, June, now that is a completely different story. You will find Whittier full of life and adventure. There are hiking trails, fishing, sightseeing, photography, etc. There are sightseeing boat trips to glaciers and all over. Of course you may not be up to more water travel but the opportunity is there. You can also catch the Portage Glacier trip which is on your way to Anchorage with a little backtracking of a couple of miles. Also along the Seward Highway there may be an opportunity to photograph wild sheep and goats that come down from the mountains to entertain the tourists. A wild life park is also very close and include moose, caribou, etc. June is also the best month for good weather but a raincoat is still advised.......What else would you like to know? What is your transportation from Whittier to Anchorage? If via bus, they may not want to travel the few miles back to the Portage glacier and wildlife park, but if possible you can get a lot of interesting photos.........Have fun, I'm sure you will enjoy the trip.

[Not4wood]

Whiplash... whats the temp today????:D:D

Gary,

Its warmer in Alaska then the temp in New York LOL

Right now at 2:33 AM its 16 F going down to 14 F and with a wind chill of below Zero. Now thats cold and I think its the coldest its been here since last Winter. I thought it was cold yesterday when we were in the low 20's with a steady low wind. Remember, I work outside so I did dress for it LOL Always prepared I say.

[Whiplash-GT]

I spent both Friday and Saturday nights out shooting Gary..5 layers of clothing and i still couldn't tell you how cold it is anymore...everything is numb :)
did ya know they shut down the light-show at Niagara Falls at 10pm?...all we got in was 1/2 hour, and Lundy's Lane was DEAD!!! :(

i did get a nice shot of the Ferris Wheel tho :)