Whale-watching/Kaikoura

[archiescat]

Yes ok, I am going whale watching in Kaikoura with some friends in early October. I have no idea what lens to take. Would the 70-200mm f/4 IS fit the bill on a FF? Surely I don't need a wide-angle? I am worried about spray and will probably get a protective bag. I am babying my gear or is it fine?!?

[xecuta]

im that lens is weather proof? i seen one photo from anohter forum with a 50D and the 70-200mm sits in the snow.

[archiescat]

Originally Posted by xecuta

im that lens is weather proof? i seen one photo from anohter forum with a 50D and the 70-200mm sits in the snow.

Yes probably correct but it will be saltwater....!

[jackinavox]

pretty sure the 70-200mm f4L IS is not weather proof..

the 50d on the otherhand.. i don't want to test

[fokker]

The 70-200 f4 IS is definitely weather sealed, don't bother with a protective bag.

The 50d in that picture is not weather sealed :O

[jackinavox]

good to know.

so it's only the non-IS F4 that's not weather sealed then..

[tomberkley]

the f4 IS and the f2.8 IS are weather sealed the other 2 are not.

[McKev]

You shouldn't need to worry about sea spray, unless it's a very rough/windy day, but chances are if you go out it will not be. Even if it is, you can go an shoot from the top deck of the boat, which should be out of the range of any sea spray. The focal length range of that lens should be good, but you may want a wide angle lens to get some shots of the mountains from the sea, especially if it is nice clear day.

Speaking from experience, as a semi-local (my family lives in Kaikoura, but I study in Dunedin).

Anything else you want to know?