Louisiana Swamp Tour - Lenses?

aliasfox · Nov 14, 2016

Hi,

Has anyone taken one of the Louisiana swamp tours that depart from New Orleans? We're heading down there for a weekend next month, and I was wondering what kind of camera gear to bring - if it's worth it to bring something major at all.

My first thought is to bring the E-M1 and either the 12-40 or the 14-54, as either setup would be weather sealed from spray and cover a decent range of conditions. Would a longer lens come in handy? I have both the 75mm and the 40-150 f/4-5.6; a part of me is itching to get the 50-200 with 1.4x TC, but I have a feeling this isn't the right scenario for that kind of glass. Or is it?

The fiancee will be bringing her 14-140 and 20mm.

We have a pretty decent list of things we want to do while we're there (two full days + one evening + one half day), but feel free to make suggestions for things to see/do.

Thanks in advance!

Steven Wandy · Nov 14, 2016

We did that a while back (Pre-Katrina). Don't think that the weather sealing (unless it is raining) is really important UNLESS you are taking one of the air boats - then there is a lot of splashing. The regular boats go very slowly.

When I can get to my computer, I will check to see what camera/lenses I had with me at the time and let you know what I used. It is sort of like when you go to the zoo - how much of a closeup do you want to get of the gators and how close do you want the tour boat to get to them. (I personally would not want to be close enough to use a wide angle lens!!!)

Bobby J · Nov 14, 2016

I'd take the 12x40 AND the 50x200. That way you've nearly everything covered. The 50x200 isn't that big to lug around. Wouldn't be a bad idea to have the T/C along either.

You never know what you might see in the swamp. For sure you will see birds and alligators. I've found the 50x200 to almost always be desirable to have along. Never took a "tour" there but years ago I went down there a few times (in the film days) and unfortunately I didn't have anything like the 50x200, but sure could have used it.

Day Hiker · Nov 14, 2016

aliasfox said:
Hi,

Has anyone taken one of the Louisiana swamp tours that depart from New Orleans? We're heading down there for a weekend next month, and I was wondering what kind of camera gear to bring - if it's worth it to bring something major at all.

Trust me, the 12-40mm f/2.8 is all you'll need to get great swamp tour photos. Everything is up close and personal, often even the gators. I took several tours with only my 4/3 ZD 11-22mm f/2.8-3.5 (great lens!) and never felt I truly needed more.

If you go on an airboat ride through the bayou, sit in the front and make a video at 12mm. The captains like to give people a thrill with speed and sharp turns. I like to use my fisheye for such rides. The video can be ridiculously fun to watch. If you are not into video, sit in front anyway and make some slow shutter speed (1/8 to 1/30) shots as the trees rush by. Fun!

Be sure to tip the captain generously! That's the only income he makes for the tour; no salary/hourly.

aliasfox said:
My first thought is to bring the E-M1 and either the 12-40 or the 14-54, as either setup would be weather sealed from spray and cover a decent range of conditions. Would a longer lens come in handy? I have both the 75mm and the 40-150 f/4-5.6; a part of me is itching to get the 50-200 with 1.4x TC, but I have a feeling this isn't the right scenario for that kind of glass. Or is it?

Bayou tours tend to be dark, rarely out in the open. Take your 75mm. the f/5.6 of your 40-150mm will make sharp shots difficult.

aliasfox said:
The fiancee will be bringing her 14-140 and 20mm.

She will be shooting at high ISO with that 14-140mm.

aliasfox said:
We have a pretty decent list of things we want to do while we're there (two full days + one evening + one half day), but feel free to make suggestions for things to see/do.

Thanks in advance!

Of course, visit Bourbon Street! Have jambalaya and a traditional Louisana crawfish boil!

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA
Life is good in the woods

Phocal · Nov 14, 2016

aliasfox said:
Hi,

Has anyone taken one of the Louisiana swamp tours that depart from New Orleans? We're heading down there for a weekend next month, and I was wondering what kind of camera gear to bring - if it's worth it to bring something major at all.

My first thought is to bring the E-M1 and either the 12-40 or the 14-54, as either setup would be weather sealed from spray and cover a decent range of conditions. Would a longer lens come in handy? I have both the 75mm and the 40-150 f/4-5.6; a part of me is itching to get the 50-200 with 1.4x TC, but I have a feeling this isn't the right scenario for that kind of glass. Or is it?

The fiancee will be bringing her 14-140 and 20mm.

We have a pretty decent list of things we want to do while we're there (two full days + one evening + one half day), but feel free to make suggestions for things to see/do.

Thanks in advance!

I have never taken one of those swamp tours, but I am from Southeast Texas and spend most of my photography time running around the swamps of Texas.

To start off with, I am guessing this is just a swamp tour and not a swamp photography tour? I ask because the distance to subject can vary greatly depending on what the tour is designed for. One designed for photography is going to make more of an effort to get closer (and actually stop for photographs), but there is a limit to how close you can get (depending on how use the animals are to boat traffic and how heavily they are hunted in that area). In either case, you are going to want reach and lens speed.

I say lens speed because it can get dark in the swamps even on sunny days, which requires pushing the ISO higher and higher. If it is partly cloudy or overcast, that can push the ISO way pass your comfort limits. There are times when I am shooting my ZD 150mm ƒ2.0 that I can't shoot at ISO 200 because it is to dark under the thick canopy of trees. Before getting my 150/2, I used the 50-200 with and without the EC-14 and found it more the acceptable for most of the stuff I shoot. I hardly use it for wildlife now because I have the 150/2 and both TC's, which is works wonderfully with.

If you want to get up close and personal with the wildlife then make the 4ish hour drive to the Houston area and I will charge you 1/2 of the tour price. I can promise good gator shots with the 50-200 and you will not need the TC, for most of my gator shots I use the 150/2 without a TC. I even have a few spots where we can photograph baby gators for 3/4 of the tour price

All joking aside (well I would be happy to provide a gator photography tour), take the longest fastest lens you have or want to buy (you said you were looking at buying the 50-200?) or are willing to carry. You will need the reach and the faster lenses will allow you keep the ISO low in the darkness of the swamps.

This is actually a good time to be going. For gators, it is easier to see them because a lot of the vegetation is dying off. They are also more likely to be out getting sun then in the summer. I do most of my gator photography from about November to April. We also have a lot of the migratory birds in the area now, so will see all the normal local birds plus all of our winter visitors. The gulf coast is an amazing place to live if you like bird photography, because we are right in one of the largest bird migratory routes.

Good luck and hope you really enjoy your time in NOLA, it is an amazing city and probably my favorite place in the USA (definitely on the gulf coast). If you have any questions I will try to answer them.

Regards,

Ronnie

RSColo · Nov 14, 2016

We didn't take a boat, but did stop by a swamp to see the mangroves. There are advantages to not being in a boat, like no waves. On Lake Martin near Lafayette there is a Nature Conservancy boardwalk that takes you right into a very nice swamp.

Also, in NOLA, stop by a cemetery. I found Bourbon Street to be just about the least photographic place in town. But there are many other places to take great photos: Garden District, French Market, live bands in venues on Frenchman Street, etc. Take the ferry across the Mississippi for shots back at the city.

Finally, try a po-boy at the Olde Tyme Market in Lafayette and stop by Napoleon House in NOLA for drinks and very good eats. The Napoleon House is a pretty good place for photos too.

Have a great time.

Lake Martin

Napoleon House

--
Reid Shay
www.sawatchpub.com

Day Hiker · Nov 14, 2016

I just read Ronnie's comments, and I agree with him. My comments come from the perspective of someone just enjoying a general swamp tour. If your intention is to photograph gators (mine never is), Ronnie hit the nail on the head.

I wish I had a ZD 150mm f/2. Always wanted one, from the day it was introduced. Not very practical on a Pen F though. :-D

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA
Life is good in the woods

aliasfox · Nov 14, 2016

We were looking at grabbing tickets for just a swamp tour, so I guess longer lens = good.

If it really gets dark under the trees, then I might have to pass the 12-40 to the fiancee - 40mm isn't much reach, but f/2.8 can help keep her out of the crappy zone. She's still running a GF3, and as much as I want to get her something more modern, there really isn't anything that fits her needs. The GX85 is much heavier, and the GM5 uses a smaller battery - though we'll see if I can convince her to upgrade.

In the shade, would it really be too dark to run f/5.6, 1/500, and keep ISO at 800 or below?

I guess I should look for the next good 50-200 that shows up on KEH or ebay...

Phocal · Nov 14, 2016

James Pilcher said:
I just read Ronnie's comments, and I agree with him. My comments come from the perspective of someone just enjoying a general swamp tour. If your intention is to photograph gators (mine never is), Ronnie hit the nail on the head.

I wish I had a ZD 150mm f/2. Always wanted one, from the day it was introduced. Not very practical on a Pen F though. :-D

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA
Life is good in the woods

He never really said what is photographic goals were for the trip. I just assumed it was for wildlife photography as well as a swamp tour. I would also bring the 12-40 for landscape stuff, I don't do much of that and when I do it is with the fisheye or telephoto. I do agree about your idea of sitting in front for video, especially with a fisheye. Wish I could do that in my kayak :-D

Even in my Canon days I always admired the 150/2, it is probably one of the most amazing lenses ever made. When I decided to make the switch (experimented with the EM5 first) I immediately bought the EM1 and 50-200 SWD and started my search for 150/2. Took me a year to find one at the quality and price I wanted and I will never see that lens. It is also why I have not needed to jump on the 300/4, even with the 300 I would still have to bring along the 150/2 for my gator shots (300 is to much reach) and I rarely need over 300mm of reach which I get with the 150/2 and EC-20 (which it still produces photos of amazing detail even with a 2x TC).

aliasfox · Nov 14, 2016

I want to be able to capture everything, so I may have the E-PM2 running 2nd body duty with a wider angle lens if I'm shooting a long lens on the E-M1.

As for sights, we're staying on the edge of the French Quarter, so we'll have the general sights (Bourbon Street, Frenchman Street, Jackson Square, Cafe du Monde) covered. Also planning on doing Jacques Imo's one evening. I've only been to New Orleans once, and I haven't yet had a proper PoBoy or Mufaletta, and wouldn't mind grabbing a few cocktails with some live music going on one night.

aliasfox · Nov 14, 2016

Phocal said:
James Pilcher said:

I just read Ronnie's comments, and I agree with him. My comments come from the perspective of someone just enjoying a general swamp tour. If your intention is to photograph gators (mine never is), Ronnie hit the nail on the head.

I wish I had a ZD 150mm f/2. Always wanted one, from the day it was introduced. Not very practical on a Pen F though. :-D

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA
Life is good in the woods

Click to expand...

He never really said what is photographic goals were for the trip. I just assumed it was for wildlife photography as well as a swamp tour. I would also bring the 12-40 for landscape stuff, I don't do much of that and when I do it is with the fisheye or telephoto. I do agree about your idea of sitting in front for video, especially with a fisheye. Wish I could do that in my kayak :-D

Even in my Canon days I always admired the 150/2, it is probably one of the most amazing lenses ever made. When I decided to make the switch (experimented with the EM5 first) I immediately bought the EM1 and 50-200 SWD and started my search for 150/2. Took me a year to find one at the quality and price I wanted and I will never see that lens. It is also why I have not needed to jump on the 300/4, even with the 300 I would still have to bring along the 150/2 for my gator shots (300 is to much reach) and I rarely need over 300mm of reach which I get with the 150/2 and EC-20 (which it still produces photos of amazing detail even with a 2x TC).

Honestly, I don't know what my photographic goals are for the trip - partially it's because I don't know how likely it is that I'll see gators and birds, and whether or not I have the right gear. For example, if I only bring the 40-150 f/4-5.6, and can't get a decent shot of wildlife, I'll just default to the 12-40 and do scenery and landscapes.

Wouldn't mind getting some good bird or gator shots, provided it's possible with the gear that I have (or can reasonably acquire - a 50-200 is a bit cheaper than a 300 f/4 + TC!).

loafer · Nov 14, 2016

RSColo has great suggestions.

As to the swamp. It is very photogenic. Long lenses are nice for individual birds. But there are a lot of flocks and you can capture flock behavior with more modest telephoto lenses. The plant life is also very interesting. I would argue that you need zoom lenses since you generally are in a boat and have less flexibility in changing your position for the shot.

Phocal · Nov 14, 2016

aliasfox said:
Phocal said:

James Pilcher said:

I just read Ronnie's comments, and I agree with him. My comments come from the perspective of someone just enjoying a general swamp tour. If your intention is to photograph gators (mine never is), Ronnie hit the nail on the head.

I wish I had a ZD 150mm f/2. Always wanted one, from the day it was introduced. Not very practical on a Pen F though. :-D

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA
Life is good in the woods

Click to expand...

He never really said what is photographic goals were for the trip. I just assumed it was for wildlife photography as well as a swamp tour. I would also bring the 12-40 for landscape stuff, I don't do much of that and when I do it is with the fisheye or telephoto. I do agree about your idea of sitting in front for video, especially with a fisheye. Wish I could do that in my kayak :-D

Even in my Canon days I always admired the 150/2, it is probably one of the most amazing lenses ever made. When I decided to make the switch (experimented with the EM5 first) I immediately bought the EM1 and 50-200 SWD and started my search for 150/2. Took me a year to find one at the quality and price I wanted and I will never see that lens. It is also why I have not needed to jump on the 300/4, even with the 300 I would still have to bring along the 150/2 for my gator shots (300 is to much reach) and I rarely need over 300mm of reach which I get with the 150/2 and EC-20 (which it still produces photos of amazing detail even with a 2x TC).

Click to expand...

Honestly, I don't know what my photographic goals are for the trip - partially it's because I don't know how likely it is that I'll see gators and birds,

I have never been on a swamp tour, so I can't really say for sure. I will hazard a guess and say that you will see them, that is one of the draws for people to take the tour. Now, how close you will get will depend on way to many factors for me even make an educated guess. If you with me (on foot or in kayaks) I would guarantee gators (and all the associated bird life the swamps have to offer) in easy range for the 50-200. I really should start a gator photography tour business here

aliasfox said:
and whether or not I have the right gear. For example, if I only bring the 40-150 f/4-5.6, and can't get a decent shot of wildlife, I'll just default to the 12-40 and do scenery and landscapes.

I would not buy the 50-200 just for this trip. Now, if you have been wanting one I highly recommend it. It is one of the best deals going in any system for the price/reach/IQ, there is not much that compare to it when you factor in all three. But, it is really only viable on the EM1 and is one of the reasons it can be picked up cheap on the used market. My biggest complaint with it over my 150/2 is the lack of a focus limiter, but the instant access to manual focus with the SWD version helps. The EM1mk2 with it's in camera focus limiter is going to make this lens into a really great deal, IMHO.

aliasfox said:
Wouldn't mind getting some good bird or gator shots, provided it's possible with the gear that I have (or can reasonably acquire - a 50-200 is a bit cheaper than a 300 f/4 + TC!).

Your question about 1/500 @ ƒ5.6 and ISO 800, if it is sunny out it will not be a problem. When you really run into issues are partly cloudy to overcast days. I imagine that they spend their time in the channels where there are clear views to the sky. But...... most of the wildlife will be along the shore and that will be under the trees (or they could be in sunny spot). If it is sunny it really should not be a problem at that aperture/shutter speed combo (but it can be darker then you realize under the trees). Also, keep in mind that you will be shooting from a moving platform and may need to increase the shutter speed some. Even in calm water I try to keep it at 1/1000+ when shooting from my kayak (which also the minimum speed you need to freeze a birds head when it strikes for a fish in the water).

Wish I could be more helpful about the tour and gear needed.

Sranang Boi · Nov 14, 2016

You'll get far better contrast and deeper colours from the greenery, and also be able to dial out some of the reflections in the water.

aliasfox · Nov 14, 2016

Phocal said:
I would not buy the 50-200 just for this trip. Now, if you have been wanting one I highly recommend it. It is one of the best deals going in any system for the price/reach/IQ, there is not much that compare to it when you factor in all three. But, it is really only viable on the EM1 and is one of the reasons it can be picked up cheap on the used market. My biggest complaint with it over my 150/2 is the lack of a focus limiter, but the instant access to manual focus with the SWD version helps. The EM1mk2 with it's in camera focus limiter is going to make this lens into a really great deal, IMHO.

I've wanted the 50-200 f/2.8-3.5 (or more precisely, the 70-280 f/4-4.9, once you factor in the TC) for a while now - this trip would just be an excuse to get it. My issue really is that without the TC, the 50-200 isn't much longer than the 40-150, and while it's brighter, it's also about 4x the weight. But if getting it meant I could get shots of herons and cranes and hawks and flamingos (just a selection of birds taken off of Louisiana's wildlife website), then maybe it'll be worth it.

So yes, I bought her a weekend trip for her birthday. It just so happens it might work in my favor to get something for myself, too.

Jeff Tokayer · Nov 25, 2016

What annoys me the most about the 50-200 is the poor AF performance in low light, specially with the TC's.

I'm going to give it a try with the EM1 II. If it doesn't perform any better in low light AF and in C-AA mode, then I'm switching to the A99II.

Day Hiker · Nov 25, 2016

Jeff Tokayer said:
What annoys me the most about the 50-200 is the poor AF performance in low light, specially with the TC's.

I'm going to give it a try with the EM1 II. If it doesn't perform any better in low light AF and in C-AA mode, then I'm switching to the A99II.

Good luck with that then.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA
Life is good in the woods

Jeff Tokayer · Nov 25, 2016

James Pilcher said:
Jeff Tokayer said:

What annoys me the most about the 50-200 is the poor AF performance in low light, specially with the TC's.

I'm going to give it a try with the EM1 II. If it doesn't perform any better in low light AF and in C-AA mode, then I'm switching to the A99II.

Click to expand...

Good luck with that then.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA
Life is good in the woods

I've been using the A77II since July for action photography. It leaves the E-M1 in the dust, when it comes to C-AF. I hate having to switch from Olympus, after 12 years of loyalty, but the next couple of months will determine my course.

Day Hiker · Nov 26, 2016

Jeff Tokayer said:
James Pilcher said:

Jeff Tokayer said:

What annoys me the most about the 50-200 is the poor AF performance in low light, specially with the TC's.

I'm going to give it a try with the EM1 II. If it doesn't perform any better in low light AF and in C-AA mode, then I'm switching to the A99II.

Click to expand...

Good luck with that then.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA
Life is good in the woods

Click to expand...

I've been using the A77II since July for action photography. It leaves the E-M1 in the dust, when it comes to C-AF. I hate having to switch from Olympus, after 12 years of loyalty, but the next couple of months will determine my course.

aliasfox · Dec 2, 2016

Thanks to all who replied.

So in preparation for this trip, I picked up the 50-200 SWD, with 1.4x TC for myself, and a GM5 for the fiancee.

First, that 50-200 is a beast of a lens. I thought the E-M1 with the 14-54 II was chunky - compared to the 50-200, it's featherweight. Been raining the past couple of days, so haven't tried taking it out, but I plan on bringing it out over lunch today to see if I can catch some birds with it.

The GM5 will be replacing her aged GF3 on this journey, and should provide an extra stop of ISO headroom in the evenings, and a bit better DR during the day (I hope).

I plan on bringing the 12-40 and 50-200 on the swamp + plantation tour, and I'll have the 25/1.4 and 75/1.8 for the evenings. She'll have the 14-140 during the day, and the 20/1.7 at night.

Lastly, we'll be picking up a couple of CPL filters for the trip, as we only have 46mm filters for our smaller lenses. I plan on picking up a pair of Hoya Multicoated CPLs, one for each of us. My question here is whether or not I should just grab a 62mm for the 12-40, or if I should grab a 67 (and step-up ring) so that it can be used on the 50-200, as well. I've heard filters are no good for very long focal lengths, so maybe keeping the filter on the 12-40 will suffice?

Louisiana Swamp Tour - Lenses?

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