What Lenses Should I Take for Whale Watching via Sailboat?

Jazz1 wrote:

I'll be in SanDiego soon, and found a company that offers Whale watching from a sailboat!

Some years ago I did a similar excursion in Vancouver but I had a Sony with 70-200mm lens. It worked okay. I had to go out two days in a row as day one there were no whales on day one.

Note on the Vancouver boat it was quite crowded and people with cellphones pretty much hogged the boat railing. So anyone using a camera with a telephoto lens got jostled quite. a bit.

But today for equipment I have:

Fujifilm XH-1

Xpro3

16-55mm

50-140mm

100-400mm

I'm wondering if the 50-140mm will do the job, as I would like to capture pics of the whale and some background (not Whale portraiture. But, I have a suspicion I'm going to get out there and end up wishing I had taken the 100-400mm.

I'm trying to keep my load of equipment down, as I'll be flying, and doing carryon for my camera gear and iPad Pro 12.9".

I did search the forums, but of course I'd like opinions based on what gear I have. Also, I'll be using a PD Everyday Backpack Zip 15L or a ThinkTank Retrospective 15.

I don't want to use a larger backpack as I have nightmares about theft from the overhead in the plane, and/or the flight attendant demanding to check my camera backpack due space issues. I'd like to keep my gear under the seat in front of me.

I guess I should just lay out the bags and the gear and see what fits best. But, any opinions on which telephotos I should take would be much appreciated.

In my experience, you are much more likely to need reach and the 100-400 would be the best choice.  I also like to have my camera gear near be either in the overhead or under the seat in front of me.

Have a great time!

Morris