Choosing The Right Camera Lenses For An Alaskan Cruise

When going on an Alaskan cruise, it's important to consider the type of photography you want to do. If you're interested in wildlife photography, a telephoto lens is a must. Something in the range of 70-200mm or 100-400mm will give you the reach you need to capture distant animals. If you're mainly interested in landscape photography, a wide-angle lens (12-24mm) will help you capture the vast and dramatic scenery. A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is also a good option if you want to be prepared for any situation. Additionally, bringing a variety of lenses will ensure you're ready for any photographic opportunity that arises. It's also crucial to do your research beforehand, know the behaviour of the animals you want to photograph, and be mindful of your own safety and the welfare of the wildlife.

Wide-angle lens (12-24mm) for landscape photos

A wide-angle lens is ideal for landscape photography, and the Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch Edition is a great option for an Alaskan cruise. This camera is co-engineered with Leica and features a 1-inch sensor, delivering the best image quality in its class. With a premium 1-inch sensor, legendary optical design, and stunning dynamic range, you can capture vivid detail in shadows, highlights, and everything in between.

The Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch Edition offers ultra-high-res 5.3K capture at 30fps and 4K capture at 60fps, ensuring you don't miss a moment. Its FlowState Stabilization feature provides gimbal-like stabilization without the need for a gimbal, and its new scene-detection algorithm keeps your footage clear and steady even in low light.

The 1-inch sensor on the Insta360 ONE R also excels in low-light shooting, bringing out detail and color that other cameras might lose in the shadows. It has a range of features to enhance your low-light photography, including Night Shot, which captures natural, clear, and vibrant low-light shots, and Starlapse mode, which automatically adjusts exposure settings for brilliant timelapses of the night sky.

The Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch Edition is a versatile and rugged camera, waterproof up to 5 meters (16.4 ft), making it an excellent choice for your Alaskan cruise adventures, both on land and in the water.

Telephoto lens (70-200mm) for wildlife photos

A telephoto lens is a must-have for wildlife photography, and the 70-200mm focal range is a versatile option for capturing both wide and telephoto shots. This range is ideal for wildlife photography as it allows you to quickly change the field of view without having to move your position, which is especially useful when shooting in busy environments or when you have limited time to capture the perfect shot.

The 70-200mm lens gives you a lot of flexibility and is a powerful tool for controlling your background. It enables you to blur out the background and make your subject stand out. Additionally, with a minimum focusing distance of around 0.6 to 1.2 metres, you can achieve a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh.

When choosing a 70-200mm lens, consider the maximum aperture. The f/2.8 lenses offer a faster aperture, allowing more light and a shallower depth of field. However, these lenses tend to be heavier and more expensive. The f/4 lenses are a good alternative if you're looking for something more lightweight and budget-friendly.

Some recommended 70-200mm lenses include the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, which offers excellent build quality, rapid autofocus, and effective image stabilisation. Another option is the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S, which provides customisable controls and a 5-stop optical VR system.

Mid-range lens (24-70mm) for versatility

A mid-range lens is a versatile option for photographers, offering a range of focal lengths from 24mm to 85mm. This range is ideal for various photography styles, including portrait, lifestyle, and travel images.

The 24-70mm lens is a popular choice for full-frame camera users, providing a versatile focal length range for different scenarios. It is particularly useful for events, portraiture, and landscapes, as well as low-light conditions due to its bright constant f/2.8 aperture.

For Canon, Nikon, and Sony full-frame camera users, the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is a standard option and a favourite among professional wedding photographers. An alternative is the 24-70mm f/4 lens, which is more affordable and compact while still offering excellent image quality.

When choosing a mid-range lens, consider your camera's brand and type (full-frame or crop sensor) to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. Additionally, assess your specific needs and the types of shots you plan to capture during your Alaskan cruise to make the most informed decision.

Polarising filter to reduce glare and enhance colours

Polarizing filters, or polarizers, are used to enhance colours and reduce glare. They work by removing light that has reflected off a surface, such as water or glass. This allows for a clearer, more contrasted shot. The filter can be rotated to adjust the desired level of glare and colour saturation.

A polarizer's effect is strongest when used outdoors, in natural light, and at a perpendicular angle to the sun. They are particularly useful for reducing reflections and glare on water and glass, enhancing the blue of the sky, and reducing haze in landscapes.

When shooting through glass, a polarizer can help to remove reflections that would otherwise distract the viewer. It can also be used to intensify colours and deepen blues, by reducing the direct reflections in a scene.

Polarizers are especially useful for landscape photography, as they can be used to reduce haze and increase clarity in shots taken from a long distance.

They are less effective when used with extreme wide-angle lenses, when shooting with the sun behind you, or during sunrise or sunset.

Tripod to reduce camera shake

Tripods are a great way to reduce camera shake and improve image quality. However, it's important to invest in a good-quality tripod, as cheaper options may not be stable enough and could end up causing more problems than they solve.

When choosing a tripod, consider its weight and portability, especially if you're going to be travelling with it. You may also want to look into getting a carbon fibre tripod, as these tend to be lighter than aluminium models.

If you're looking for something even more portable, a monopod can be a good alternative to a tripod. While it won't keep your camera completely still, it will provide some extra support and reduce camera shake.

If you're using a tripod, remember to turn off any image stabilisation settings on your camera or lens, as these can clash with the tripod and actually make your images softer.

Lastly, if you're shooting in windy conditions, make sure to remove your camera strap to prevent it from catching the wind and destabilising your setup.

Frequently asked questions