Palau, Yap.....what lens should I bring?

This October I'm on the Peter Hughes Tropic Dancer in Palau followed by the Manta Ray Bay Hotel in Yap. Since this is my first visit to Palau and Yap I would like suggestions on what lens to use on my DX format D2Xs.

I am assuming that I will need wide lens like the 12-24 or 10-17. But how about medium lens like 17-55 or 17-70, or macro lens??

Also how bad are the currents?

I was there with a buddy in Dec of last year and had a great time.

Jan at MRBH in Yap is in charge of the dive operations and made sure

everyone had a great time. We saw many Mantas and a ton of sharks.

Depending on what spot we were at vis was poor to excellent.

The restaurant down and across the street (Thai I think) was the best

for the money. I recommend the seafood curry.

The vis at Palau was nice most of the time and again saw tons of sharks and Mantas.

I used a FF camera but my buddy used a DX format body with the 10-17. I wish they made

something similar for my FF body. He really had outstanding results. We shot a little macro too.

He used the 60mm.

The currents varied at both places depending on tide and location. Reef hooks were necessary

at a few spots and Peleliu Express was ripping.

Enjoy your trip!

This October I'm on the Peter Hughes Tropic Dancer in Palau followed by the Manta Ray Bay Hotel in Yap. Since this is my first visit to Palau and Yap I would like suggestions on what lens to use on my DX format D2Xs.

 

I am assuming that I will need wide lens like the 12-24 or 10-17. But how about medium lens like 17-55 or 17-70, or macro lens??

 

Also how bad are the currents?

I would agree. The 10-17 will get the majority of the work but differently bring a macro (I liked the 60) and an intermediate lens too.

Currents could be classified as mild to full force hurricane. Peleliu was a prime example, current was so strong you couldn't even keep the strobes pointed forward! And if you turned your head you got an instant mask flood. Most areas were easily manageable though.

I have been putting off getting the 10-17 since I plan to change to FX with the new D700's or D3's that are due out later this year.

Do you think the 12-24 will work or should I bite the bullet and pick up a 10-17 for this trip?

Regarding the currents, I better keep my mask strap very tight