Kit recommendations for Farne Island trip please

charliefox

charliefox

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Chris
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As it says in the title really....

My wife and I are hopefully going on the 2 1/2 hour trip to Staple Island next week. Having never been before and never photographed anything from a boat, I'm hoping you seasoned professionals will be able to help out :)

I don't really need to do the whole lens debate thing as I'm fairly happy on that front. However, I would appreciate advice on the extras:
  • Tripod, monopod, both or neither?
  • Take a few lenses in a medium rucsack or just the bare minimum?
  • Any items you wished you'd taken last time and didn't?
  • Conversely, any items you took with you and didn't need?

Needless to say I'll also be weighed down with kit to protect us from the worst of the elements, should there be a lot of spray or rain.

Any advice gratefully received... :)
 
If you're photographing from the boat, handholding will provide the most stable platform because your body can compensate for the roll of the boat.
Monopod might work if you can work it against the movement of the boat.
Personally i'd only take a tripod if i was landing on the island which you haven't mentioned?

Boat owners on the whole dislike you using a tripod on their boat because of the space it takes up and safety issues with people around you.

A beanbag might be a good idea to rest your lens on the side of the boat if possible.
 
You mention protecting yourselves from the elements, but what about your camera and lenses? I know TP did an excellent cover for them a while back and I'd recommend one whole heartedly.
 
Thanks for the thoughts so far. Sorry, I should've said that we'll be landing for an hour, weather permitting, hence the tripod / monopod question.

The cameras are well protected, don't worry;) Kata E704 / 702s for a downpour or OpTech Rainsleeves if it's lighter.

Just curious what other Farne attendees took with them really. I always take too much kit - just thought I'd try not to make the same mistake again and here what the veterans had to say :)
 
Did the two island £25 trip earlier this month.
Sun cream, big silly foppy hat, tripod and a big lens.
Go to the boat early, GET A SEAT ON THE SIDE, NOT IN THE MIDDLE!!!!
The boat turns so both sides get a chance to view the different birds and seals.
Can be cold on North Sea even in summer.
Have a great time.
Jim
 
Cheers Jim - all good advice, thanks.

I'm trying to convince myself that I only need to take one "white" lens. It's either the 100-400 or the 300 f2.8 + 2x..... I may even make a decision by Tuesday morning :thinking:
 
I used a 5D, 100-400, 28-200 USM, tripod, had great fun.
 
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