Whale watching

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paul
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I am going on a whale watching boat trip in a few weeks and was wondering if anyone had any advice on what lens size to take?
I will be taking my Sony A9 and have a Sony 100-400mm plus a 200-600mm lens.
I also can get a loan of my wifes Tamron 50-400mm.
 
I would suggest the 100-400. When whales suddenly breach you want to be able to start wide to quickly grab the subject, 200mm is a little narrow (imo).
 
I believe the A9 has pre-capture? If so, this will be invaluable.
 
I am going on a whale watching boat trip in a few weeks and was wondering if anyone had any advice on what lens size to take?
I will be taking my Sony A9 and have a Sony 100-400mm plus a 200-600mm lens.
I also can get a loan of my wifes Tamron 50-400mm.

I've done a few whale trips in my time. It depends on what type of vessel you are going out on, if it's a ferry, say across Biscay, then your 200-600 would be a good option, if on the other hand you are going on a smaller boat then 100-400 would be my choice. But what ever you choose it's going to be the wrong choice, I've managed to do that and never really learnt from it ;).
 
I've done a few whale trips in my time. It depends on what type of vessel you are going out on, if it's a ferry, say across Biscay, then your 200-600 would be a good option, if on the other hand you are going on a smaller boat then 100-400 would be my choice. But what ever you choose it's going to be the wrong choice, I've managed to do that and never really learnt from it ;).
It will be a small boat specificaly going out whale watching so likely to get reasonably close.
 
I've done a few whale trips in my time. It depends on what type of vessel you are going out on, if it's a ferry, say across Biscay, then your 200-600 would be a good option, if on the other hand you are going on a smaller boat then 100-400 would be my choice. But what ever you choose it's going to be the wrong choice, I've managed to do that and never really learnt from it ;).
How true on the last point. The first was taken at 47mm and the second at 24mm. (Note: they approached us and followed all best/ethical practice, Orcas are just inquisitive!):


 
On a more serious note - if you are expecting the whales to be a longer way away, then I'd recommend a Dot Sight or similar. Last time I went whale watching, with a 600mm equiv lens, I didn't take mine and regretted it several times.
 
How true on the last point. The first was taken at 47mm and the second at 24mm. (Note: they approached us and followed all best/ethical practice, Orcas are just inquisitive!):


The 50-400mm Tamron may come in handy if they come this close.
 
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