Gloria writes:
Going on a trip to Galapagos and Machu Picchu. I plan to take my Nikon d90 and one lens 18-200 and a new nikon coolpix for underwater. Any other suggestions?
Hello Gloria,
You’ll love Machu Picchu and how wonderful to hit the Galapagos at the same time! I’m envious.
I recently reviewed the Nikon 18-200mm while at Machu Picchu and my impression was it was a great, sharp lens in that range. I often suggest the 18-200mm range to anyone looking to travel and wishing for the simplicity of a single lens, so I think you’re spot on with that setup. The 200mm will allow you to zoom in to the wildlife in the Galapagos and 18mm is wide enough for the classic shot of Machu Picchu. Besides those two highlights, the range is great for wandering markets or walking the beach.
Do you need anything else? I don’t think so. I’m making some assumptions that you want to travel light and simple but want to make sure you have what you need for this once in a lifetime trip. I don’t think a 10-22mm wide angle zoom would serve you particularly well in the islands and there’s only a couple of times it works wonders on the way to Machu Picchu. If there was another lens I’d suggest, it would be a wide angle zoom, but really, if simplicity is your thing, then you are fine with that lens. If was anything less wide than 18mm, I’d tell you to reconsider.
Make sure you try out the Coolpix in a pool if you can before you go to get used to the focus distance. Light bends weird underwater and you often have to get closer than you think. It’s also good to be familiar with the controls before you’re in the islands.
Other than that, have fun! I think you have the basics covered. If there is something specific you want to shoot, let me know. Otherwise, you have just the right amount of equipment to bring back great photos without bogging yourself down in equipment.
pwc