Rainforest Lens Advice

larsbc wrote:

LarsPolarBear wrote:

Changing lenses in the rainforest:

Some other members of the forum have suggested that it is a "no go" to change lenses in the rainforest and that you need a second body. I would not agree with that. Most people here in the region shoot with only one body and change lenses all the time (or have you heard Robin Wong taking always several bodies on his shoots - nope!). If it really pours, you will look for shelter anyways and so will the animals. I would not bother bringing a second body due to humidity or rain, if you don't want to miss a shot due to lens change that is a different story...

I completely agree with you. Humidity gets into the camera, no matter what. If people are concerned with the camera or lens fogging up, they need to be more concerned about temperature changes.

I've carried two bodies and between pack straps, camera straps, binocular straps and sunglasses strap, it's a real mess getting things tangled. Not to mention managing two bodies if you're doing anything but walking on a flat trail. Going up or down steep slopes and needing to grab branches and things (vegetable belay ) to keep from falling can be a real nightmare. The ground can be fairly wet, which adds yet another complication.

If it's going to rain, or is raining, just stick with one lens or rig up a system to be able to swap lenses, like under your raingear. It's totally doable.

I've spent some time in the Osa, and here's my response to your question in order.

1) Don't go without a body and lenses that are not protected against water incursion.

2) Avoid any zoom lens that does not zoom internally.

3) With a 2x factor body you will want 300mm plus a TC

4) You will want a true macro lens. Bring one that doubles as a general walk around/ landscape/travel lens.

5) Learn to use a Better Beamer and fill flash prudently and properly.

6) If you store your gear in an air conditioned room and go out into 100% humidity be prepared for internally fogged lenses.

6) Have a great time!

Jonathan Spool wrote:

I've spent some time in the Osa…

Osa is great! I'd love to go back!

and here's my response to your question in order.

It wasn't my question…  

1) Don't go without a body and lenses that are not protected against water incursion.

2) Avoid any zoom lens that does not zoom internally.

3) With a 2x factor body you will want 300mm plus a TC

4) You will want a true macro lens. Bring one that doubles as a general walk around/ landscape/travel lens.

Check.

5) Learn to use a Better Beamer and fill flash prudently and properly.

I never use a flash.

6) If you store your gear in an air conditioned room and go out into 100% humidity be prepared for internally fogged lenses.

Good to know.

6) Have a great time!

Always!

larsbc wrote:

LarsPolarBear wrote:

Changing lenses in the rainforest:

Some other members of the forum have suggested that it is a "no go" to change lenses in the rainforest and that you need a second body. I would not agree with that. Most people here in the region shoot with only one body and change lenses all the time (or have you heard Robin Wong taking always several bodies on his shoots - nope!). If it really pours, you will look for shelter anyways and so will the animals. I would not bother bringing a second body due to humidity or rain, if you don't want to miss a shot due to lens change that is a different story...

I completely agree with you. Humidity gets into the camera, no matter what. If people are concerned with the camera or lens fogging up, they need to be more concerned about temperature changes.

http://nickgarbutt.com/rainforest-photography/

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Photography-Tips/cameras-humidity-condensation.aspx

https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/unsealed-bodies-in-tropical-humidity.351054/

Excellent links

1. Avoid changing lenses: get a second WR body (used?). Even in sunshine, there might be drops falling from the leaves, but more important: you don't loose time when your comapny moves on or some interesting bird appears.

2. F4 is too slow, except if you want to use a tripod for more static scenes of don't mind ISO 1600-3200. With a good NR in PP like DxO Elite, you could manage F4. However, paths ususally provide for holes in the canopy and, you might often get more light. This is my experience from Costa Rica.

3.I'd use the 2,8/12-40 and the 40-150 on 2 bodies. I find the 40-150 too heavy, too, for general use. But, since you consider renting lenses, you might rent this one!

4. Compare the gear of this guy with some experience: http://www.sulasula.com/en/category/articles/olympus/

Peter

I shutter at the thought of changing lenses in high humidity, and I LIVE in the Philippines.  I had several lenses that grew mold inside the lens and had to dispose of them.  Now, when not in use, everything is put inside my dehumidifier container.

eques wrote:

4. Compare the gear of this guy with some experience: http://www.sulasula.com/en/category/articles/olympus/

Peter

The work from this guy is truly inspiring 👍

Based on experience from a trip in the rainforest in Amazonas (Peru) last year I will add:

You say that you want to shoot wildlife. Besides humidity and (relative) darkness, as pointed to by many others, the rainforest is a demanding environment for a photographer in more respects : It is also messy - lots of trunks, branches and leaves that may hide the motives most of the time, and clutter your view and the motive when you're able to view them - normally at a distance while they're moving.

To get good pictures of wildlife in this circumstances you must be prepared to have:

a) a good guide that knows the sites and the behaviour of the animals,

b) lots of patience,

c) lots of luck

(Lots of luck may partially substitute for lots of patience, but don't count on it ...).

A fast long tele is indispensable, (and you should be fairly well off with the 40-150 +TC1.4, but don't be surprised to come to think that something even longer would have been nice to have ... For my own part I used the 4/3 50-200/2.8-3.5 very often with a 1.4 extender).

Long lenses and low light will further often necessitate something less wobbly than your hands for supporting the camera/lens. I agree that a tripod will normally not give enough flexibility for catching fast moving creatures. However, contrary to previous comments, I found a monopod useful on many occasions. I often carried the camera/lens mounted on the (more or less fully) extended monopod over my shoulder, and was then able to fast focus on the motive with support. (A monopod still doesn't dampen sideways motions very much unless you can lean the camera/lens towards a trunk or something else.) You should also train a lot before departure on handholding the tele on maximum reach - even though IBIS helps a lot. The technique where you grab your right overarm/shoulder with your left hand, and push the camera/lens into your left elbow (or let it rest on your left overarm or shoulder) reduces risk of camera shake by a factor of many steps. (Don't forget good breathing technique, also.)

The last thing you should consider is that the requirement for patience may not go well in combination with children (or other non-photograping family members or member of your guided group) .... Try to sort this out before the tensions become to high. Either for your own part to accept that you may not get the picture, or at least the ideal one, or for the others to give you necessary time - perhaps you ought to separate at times.

Those are great tips thanks. I do intend to practice technique with the lenses throughout the summer. As a family we go hiking locally a fair bit, and with a few camping trips planned hopefully I can build up some experience with the lenses.

As for patience of the kids - it will be short. I do not expect to get results like Petr Bambousek. But hopefully with enough preparation and practice I can get some shots I'll be proud to show my kids when they're older and remind them that they were there!

Good. Sounds like your approach may be fairly "family friendly" -- but when you're there, having used a lot of money to get there and you know that this may be your only chance to catch some special kind of animal, -- well, you still don't really know how keen you may be to wait just some more minutes, while the others get ready to go ....

Hi-

I'm planning a trip to Antarctica, and have the same camera (Olympus OMD E-M 5 II) and similar thoughts/questions as you for upgrading my lens choices.  I'm wondering what you decided?