Dreaming of a trip to the Galápagos Islands? I just got back from nearly a month there, and I can’t wait to share what I learned! In some cases, I blew it; in others, I dodged a bullet—you’ll see what I mean when you watch.
In this video, I’ll show you what worked, what didn’t, and give you all the info you need for an incredible trip to the islands.
Heck, even if you’re not planning a trip to the Galápagos, there’s tons of useful info in this video that applies anywhere! Check it out!
PS – If you enjoyed this post, I think you’ll REALLY like my e-books and video workshops! Thousands of pages and hours of videos filled with tips, tricks, and techniques – all my best content! Check ’em out – click here (hey, it’s free to look).
Below are links to the products mentioned in the video. Note that some are affiliate links that give me a small commission if you make a purchase with them. Thanks!
Ortlieb Atrack Bag:
https://de.ortlieb.com/en/products/atrack
PGYTECH Camera Insert (Large)
https://bhpho.to/3FlJmbz
Nikon Z8:
https://bhpho.to/3JwxHFJ
Nikon Z50ii
https://bhpho.to/3DCf6sr
Nikon 24-120:
https://bhpho.to/3JvIDTU
Nikon 100-400:
https://bhpho.to/44hgREs
Sony a1ii:
https://bhpho.to/3DwDagk
Sony 300 2.8:
https://bhpho.to/44YdWR7
Sony 100-400:
https://bhpho.to/4bIUKu2
Sony 24-105:
https://bhpho.to/4bIURps
Alternatives:
Nikon 180-600:
https://bhpho.to/44AXTYL
Nikon 600PF:
https://bhpho.to/49WQMLU
Sony 200-600:
https://bhpho.to/3xOHKU3
Canon 100-500:
https://bhpho.to/44aCTbT
Batteries
Z8 Battery:
https://bhpho.to/3JuHqMN
Sony battery:
https://bhpho.to/41X6Mg5
Lens Wipes:
https://bhpho.to/4ddo647
Microfiber cloth:
https://amzn.to/3DCYq3Z
Lens Pen With Brush:
https://bhpho.to/3QiOJLa
Rocket Blower:
https://bhpho.to/49MZVqd
Sensor Swabs:
https://amzn.to/4d64j6N
Visible Dust Smear Away Solution:
https://bhpho.to/3U81OYS
Delkin Black Memory Cards (325GB):
https://bhpho.to/4b7wU9Z
3rd party lens body / rear lens caps:
Nikon: https://amzn.to/44evCHQ
Sony: https://amzn.to/4aTRgUn
Canon: https://amzn.to/4d9D7E5.
4TB Samsung T7 SSD (backup drives):
https://bhpho.to/3xNzJ1E
Apple AirTag:
https://bhpho.to/3xRxMBg
OFF! Wipes:
https://amzn.to/4d9RB6Z
Laptop Bag & Accessories:
GuraGear Chobe 16 Laptop Bag:
https://guragear.com/products/chobe-16l?ref=xwU9xYfYfCW7HD
10% Off Code: bcg10
Apple 16″ MacBook Pro (I have an M2, the new ones are the M3 – I have a 4TB SSD and 64GB RAM)
https://bhpho.to/3WglA7m
Delkin CF Express Card Reader:
https://bhpho.to/3w3Z46V
JBL 660NC Noise Cancelling Headphones
https://bhpho.to/3Wy8Vgf
Amazon Kindle:
https://amzn.to/49UAFP9
How did you avoid condensation on the outside of your lenses? I was in the Galapagos in February and my equipment fogged up terribly when first taken outside from the air conditioned ship. I missed a lot of shots. My solution was to stash the gear on the cabin balcony most of the time to prevent it from getting chilled. However, not all cabins have balconies and there was some security risk with that approach.
Warm it up with a hairdryer 🙂 We did this every day and no issues with fogging. Warm the entire lens / camera, not just the front element.
The performance of the Nikon Z50II clearly surprised you in a good way. What do you think of the camera overall? I had a D500, so I am familiar with the sensor, but with the processor being updated, maybe Z50II is punching above its weight?
Nice video and great pictures.
Steve, did you have any trouble with severe condensation in the Sony 100-400.. I had read a few people thought the weather proofing on that lens was iffy. Great video!
Questions:
What was the weight limit on your bags?
Image/lens breakdown chart for your Sony setup is great! Do you have one for your wife’s Nikon setup? As a Z50ii owner, I would be especially also interested in the FF (Z8) vs APSC (Z50ii) use.
Great feedback Steve
Thanks
What size was your waterproof backpack and did you have any problem when flying?
It was a 35L and no issues flying
I was particularly interested in your handling of water. We have virtually the same lens pack for travel, and I’ll be doing some on/off boat climbing.
I’ve toyed with two other solutions
A plane Jane water bag that will fit an 45l lowpro and a pelican carry on case (1535?)
Any thoughts or warnings or suggestions would be appreciated
Love you YouTube contentr
Thanks Chris – I don’t really have any ideas for a waterproof bag beyond the backpack I used. I just don’t use them that often. Maybe ask over at the BCG Forums – someone will have an idea or two 🙂