Photography on Cruises

[FowlersFreeTime]

I've seen a few of our members are experienced with vacationing on cruise ships. I was wondering what your preferred lens or focal length is when you're on such a vacation. Do you pack light and just use a prime, or do you pack a zoom (or multiple lenses) for all situations? Feel free to post examples!

Doing a Disney cruise soon, I expect photography will take a backseat again, considering packing light with only one lens.

 

[spudhead]

Hi Chris I do 2-3 cruises a year and depends on ports but generally 24-70 f4 or 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 f4 or 70-200 2.8 or 100-400 4.5-5.6 and the Sony rx 100 mk3 top pocket job, having said that I am looking for better options going forward

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

Hi Chris I do 2-3 cruises a year and depends on ports but generally 24-70 f4 or 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 f4 or 70-200 2.8 or 100-400 4.5-5.6 and the Sony rx 100 mk3 top pocket job, having said that I am looking for better options going forward

Wow, so you're ready for anything lol

I'm only going for a 3day cruise and the highlight of the trip is a day on a private island in the Bahamas. I might take more photos on board than I do off. If it were a longer trip with more shore excursions, I would pack a few lenses like you!

 

[spudhead]

Wow, so you're ready for anything lol

I'm only going for a 3day cruise and the highlight of the trip is a day on a private island in the Bahamas. I might take more photos on board than I do off. If it were a longer trip with more shore excursions, I would pack a few lenses like you!

I think you have one or two nice short lenses Chris and as far as reach you shoot crop so I think you will be all good mate, I did have stunning rx1r with the cracking 35 mm Zeiss lens, man that was something, but it got dirt on the sensor one time too many and for a 3k top pocket camera with a known fault it had to go. one from the rx1r below

• DSC-RX1R
• -- mm f/--
• 35.0 mm
• ƒ/11
• 1/250 sec
• ISO 100

 

[Landshark99]

we are not cruise people but a few years ago we were invited on a test run of one of the new Disney cruise ships, we had more stops that you are doing, the Cayman Islands, two in the Yucatan and the private island you are going to. All I brought at the the time was two Olympus EP bodies with zooms and a Ricoh Gr, I honestly took more images at the Mayan ruins we toured than anything else. For me the private island was more of a recreational stop than a photo one, but then again we all shoot different things. the fishing images are from the Disney island, but again being I was very lucky with my catch. They guides told me that usually where they take you, people only catch a few little fish, they were thrilled with my catch. Besides this great barracuda, including a couple of good size clown fish. The guides take them home to sell or feed their families. I would go light and just have fun. Here are some images from the trip sorry they are not shot with a Sony.

• GR DIGITAL 4
• 6.0 mm
• 6.0 mm
• ƒ/9
• 1/1700 sec
• ISO 400

• E-P3
• 12.0 mm
• ƒ/8
• 1/1250 sec
• ISO 200

• GR DIGITAL 4
• 6.0 mm
• 6.0 mm
• ƒ/9
• 1/1700 sec
• ISO 400

• GR DIGITAL 4
• 6.0 mm
• 6.0 mm
• ƒ/9
• 1/2000 sec
• ISO 400

• E-P2
• 45.0 mm
• ƒ/5.6
• 1/800 sec
• ISO 200

• E-P3
• 12.0 mm
• ƒ/6.3
• 1/1000 sec
• ISO 200

• E-P3
• 200.0 mm
• ƒ/8
• 1/320 sec
• ISO 400

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

Get the 28-200 and take a wide prime. All set.

Wow, that Tamron 28-200 is only a bit (50g) heavier than the Tamron 17-70 I currently have, and would make an excellent replacement for the Sony 18-135 kit lens. Adding to my wishlist...
That said, I might only travel with my 35mm prime, just to keep it light and simple.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

we are not cruise people but a few years ago we were invited on a test run of one of the new Disney cruise ships, we had more stops that you are doing, the Cayman Islands, two in the Yucatan and the private island you are going to. All I brought at the the time was two Olympus EP bodies with zooms and a Ricoh Gr, I honest took more images at the Mayan ruins we toured than anything else. For me the private island was more of a recreational stop than a photo one, but then again we all shoot different things. I would go light and just have fun. Here are some images from the trip sorry they are not shot with a Sony.View attachment 47549View attachment 47550View attachment 47551View attachment 47552View attachment 47553View attachment 47555View attachment 47556

Nice pics Bob, and thank you for the insight into cruise destinations. I would kick myself if I didn't bring my camera with me at all, but I will probably just keep it light for my only shore excursion (probably going to skip Nassau port and only get off at Coco Cay).

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

Oh STOP!

Seriously, every time I think about going somewhere without a wide or long lens, I think to myself: "But what if..." and I end up packing them anyway!

If I were going, it would be the 24-105, 50-400, and the 35/1.4.

Or the 24/1.8

Or both.

But maybe I'll need the 17-28 too?



Rather safe than sorry!

Not helping me pack light here Tim!
But for real, that's why the 17-70 stays on the camera 90% of the time.

 

[liggy]

Until recently my minimalist trip kit was A1, 17-28 / 28-200 and either the 35GM or another fast prime or Q2.

I now have the sum total of *one* cruise under my belt so take the info with a grain of salt.
Most of my trips are with my wife and people that could not care less about photography so keeping lens changes to a minimum is important.

With that in mind I picked up the 20-70 F4. Absolutely love this lens. So much so that I've already sold the 17-28.
We took a jazz cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon with some cool stops in between. Took the A1, 20-70, 70-200GM II + 1.4 TC and Q2.

Rarely used the tele. F4 worried me a bit but I really don't mind bumping the ISO and shooting away and using Topaz to reduce the noise. Such a great all around lens. Even worked fine for concert photos, food shot and everything in between. With the 28-200 I felt the need to change to the 17-28 fairly often. Not a problem with the 20-70. Super useful focal length, pretty light and compact.

• ILCE-1
• FE 20-70mm F4 G
• 44.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/2000 sec
• ISO 6400

• ILCE-1
• FE 20-70mm F4 G
• 33.0 mm
• ƒ/8
• 1/125 sec
• ISO 100

• ILCE-1
• FE 20-70mm F4 G
• 70.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/160 sec
• ISO 6400

 

[spudhead]

Oh STOP!

Seriously, every time I think about going somewhere without a wide or long lens, I think to myself: "But what if..." and I end up packing them anyway!

If I were going, it would be the 24-105, 50-400, and the 35/1.4.

Or the 24/1.8

Or both.

But maybe I'll need the 17-28 too?



Rather safe than sorry!

You need a super wide angle for people shots after a couple of days of dining and bar crawls

 

[JimsZ]

I recently did one and took my 24-105, seemed to cover most eventualities. Might add the 55 1.8 on the next one in 10 days time. a7IV is camera in case you are wondering interested.

• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Pro Max back triple camera 1.54mm f/2.4
• 1.5 mm
• ƒ/2.4
• 1/1050 sec
• ISO 25

• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Pro Max back triple camera 1.54mm f/2.4
• 1.5 mm
• ƒ/2.4
• 1/4000 sec
• ISO 25

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 60.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/2500 sec
• ISO 400

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 58.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/1000 sec
• ISO 125

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/250 sec
• ISO 125

 

[spudhead]

I recently did one and took my 24-105, seemed to cover most eventualities. Might add the 55 1.8 on the next one in 10 days time.

Hi to need to click on the full size image when posting images

 

[JimsZ]

Sorry not sure what you mean..

Just added a few via my phone as an example, that’s how they upload… they appear to open up when you click them into a gallery? hope it’s ok

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 93.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/250 sec
• ISO 200

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 28.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/640 sec
• ISO 100

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/640 sec
• ISO 100

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 30.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/640 sec
• ISO 100

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 83.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/640 sec
• ISO 100

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

Hey Jim, nice vacation photos.
What spud's referring to is if you choose to "Upload Image" using the orange button at bottom left of the message window, you then have the choice to insert it as a "thumbnail" or "full size". The full size option expands the picture to fit the browser window and puts the metadata of the camera & lens at the bottom of the picture.

 

[JimsZ]

Thanks

I did use the orange button labelled upload images to the left of insert quotes. I only use my iPhone and LR mobile or SOC, so images are usually lost in jpegbi believe?

I did note every one else seem to show meta data. I need to work out how to use the settings I guess..

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/4.5
• 1/200 sec
• ISO 100

 

[JimsZ]

I see.. how’s this, full image?

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 34.0 mm
• ƒ/4.5
• 1/800 sec
• ISO 100

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

I see.. how’s this, full image?
View attachment 47602

yup, now you're cooking with gas!

 

[JimsZ]

So back to Cruises, I see your off on a Disney cruise soon, my last one (and first) was on the Azura round the Mediterranean and Adriatic coast line, started in Malta, ended in Malta. Next one in around. Ten days is starting in Athens, on the Enchanted Princess, ending in Barcelona with several ports along the way.

What the deal with Disney cruises and what pictures you aiming to focus on.

Reason I ask is when in port, there’s around 3,000 people all heading the same way generally, and it makes for a busy street scene. Add another cruise ship in port and the same time and the numbers go up and getting about can be a bit of a chore.. It can be hard getting anything other than people in the shot

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/5
• 1/1250 sec
• ISO 100

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 65.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/3200 sec
• ISO 800

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/125 sec
• ISO 800

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/5
• 1/1000 sec
• ISO 100

 

[spudhead]

So back to Cruises, I see your off on a Disney cruise soon, my last one (and first) was on the Azura round the Mediterranean and Adriatic coast line, started in Malta, ended in Malta. Next one in around. Ten days is starting in Athens, on the Enchanted Princess, ending in Barcelona with several ports along the way.

What the deal with Disney cruises and what pictures you aiming to focus on.

Reason I ask is when in port, there’s around 3,000 people all heading the same way generally, and it makes for a busy street scene. Add another cruise ship in port and the same time and the numbers go up and getting about can be a bit of a chore.. It can be hard getting anything other than people in the shot


View attachment 47604View attachment 47605View attachment 47606View attachment 47607

That is better

 

[JimsZ]

Practicing while sitting here watching warrior series 3

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/1000 sec
• ISO 400

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/400 sec
• ISO 400

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/500 sec
• ISO 400

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/640 sec
• ISO 400

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

So back to Cruises, I see your off on a Disney cruise soon, my last one (and first) was on the Azura round the Mediterranean and Adriatic coast line, started in Malta, ended in Malta. Next one in around. Ten days is starting in Athens, on the Enchanted Princess, ending in Barcelona with several ports along the way.

What the deal with Disney cruises and what pictures you aiming to focus on.

Reason I ask is when in port, there’s around 3,000 people all heading the same way generally, and it makes for a busy street scene. Add another cruise ship in port and the same time and the numbers go up and getting about can be a bit of a chore.. It can be hard getting anything other than people in the shot


View attachment 47604View attachment 47605View attachment 47606View attachment 47607

To be honest, I've never been on a cruise before. We booked this 3 day Disney cruise because it seemed family friendly (our daughter will be 15 months old). I don't think we'll be doing much of anything interesting at the first port (Nassau), maybe a harbor tour. Second destination is the private cay, so mostly beach time as Landshark99 mentioned.

So to answer your question, since the destination is secondary to the whole experience for me, I just want to take a few nice pics of my wife and kid with the random shot of whatever catches my eye on or off the ship.

 

[JimsZ]

Few things to look out for.
Explore the ship, it will have some interesting features, take some pictures see what they come out like. Sunrise and sunset, golden opportunity for some lovely portraits. I missed the opportunities with the sunrise and sunset but hope to get some this next trip.

We were lucky to have a couple of great experiences, USS Gerald Ford accompanied us for a while, we had its aircraft fly by the ship putting on an air show, I didn’t have my camera or phone with me, gutted! We got caught in a storm, the captain had to try and avoid as it was quite powerful, 70 MPH winds and an epic lightning show. Again camera didn’t come out but I caught some lightning on my camera (video) so in summary, I have a new camera bag and it’s going every where with me this next trip. The bag is a shoulder bag and can carry the A7IV with the 25-105 and the 55 1.8 and spare batteries… be prepared

I have a3 second video of some lightning but I can’t see how to share, and a distant
picture of the aircraft carrier but seem to have lost it

Just to add, I found out they do a behind the scenes tour on the ship, there is a charge, but if your interested in that sort of thing, ask at reception as they may not announce it’s available. I didn’t find out until it was too late. I will be asking about it next time as it will
Occupy some time on one of the at sea days hopefully.

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/125 sec
• ISO 100

• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Pro Max back triple camera 5.1mm f/1.6
• 5.1 mm
• ƒ/1.6
• 1/12048 sec
• ISO 32

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/4.5
• 1/200 sec
• ISO 100

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 83.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/1000 sec
• ISO 100

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 24.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/1000 sec
• ISO 100

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/4
• 1/800 sec
• ISO 100

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
• 105.0 mm
• ƒ/5
• 1/320 sec
• ISO 100