j._scott_schrader

I appear to be in the minority here, but I would recomend taking the big glass with you if it would not hinder you from enjoying your trip. If it is a hinderance to your enjoyment to have to lug it around then take it and leave it in the car as you never know what you might encounter in route to your destination.

Scott,

 

I spent a week on St. Paul Island in 1997. It is a great location for bird photography. I strongly urge you to take your 500mm f4. I used a 400mm f2.8 and rarely used it without the 1.4 converter attached. Even with that length I wished I could have had more reach (bigger lens). Also, you probably already know this but build a few extra days into your scheduale in the event that the plane can't get back to St. Paul to pick you up on your scheduled day. I was stranded on the island for 4 extra days because of the weather. Have fun, it's a great place! If you would like to see a couple of my photos from St. Paul you can view them in the "Birds" gallery at http://www.scottschrader.com