ILGO Tours BLOG

Photography Opportunities at Lake Kerkini (Greece) – A Photographer’s Guide Built on Experience (PART 4)

Pelicans in Kerkini, on white fog

Photo Gear at Kerkini: Why Less Tele, More Vision

If there is one mistake almost every photographer makes before arriving at Lake Kerkini… it’s packing for distance. Long lenses. Bigger lenses. Even longer lenses.

Because, of course… wildlife means far away, right? Not here. At Kerkini, the reality is different. Sometimes… too different.

The Dalmatian Pelican is not a distant subject. It’s close. Very close. Sometimes so close that your longest lens becomes useless.

And that’s where everything changes.

Why Wide Matters More Than You Think

Most people come prepared to zoom in.

The real challenge here? Learning how to step back. Because when a pelican is right in front of you, close enough to fill the frame, you have a choice: take a tight portrait or tell a story.

Wide lenses allow you to:

  • include environment
  • play with reflections
  • build atmosphere
  • create depth

And suddenly, the image is no longer just about the bird. It becomes about the place, the light, the moment.

Ultrawide – Getting Inside the Frame (10–24mm)

This is where things get fun. Ultrawide lenses at Kerkini are not just for landscapes.

They are for proximity. You can place the pelican close, dominant, powerful, while still keeping the environment: water, mist, mountains, sky

You decide the balance:

  • a huge subject filling the frame
  • or a small subject in a vast scene

Everything works… if you control it. And then there’s the creative side.

Longer exposures in low light. Soft water. Movement. Atmosphere. This is not “classic wildlife photography.” This is experimentation.

Fisheye – When You Stop Playing Safe

If there’s one place where a fisheye makes sense for wildlife… it’s here. At Kerkini, you have a rare opportunity: to be extremely close to a wild bird.

And with that comes freedom.

  • exaggerate proportions
  • distort shapes
  • emphasize the bill, the head, the presence
  • create unusual, striking backgrounds

Will every frame work? No. But when it does… it’s something completely different.

Use it. Test it. Push it.

Wide Lenses – The Essential Tool (24–35mm)

If I had to choose one range I would never leave behind… it’s this.

24–35mm gives you control.

  • tighter compositions than ultrawide
  • fewer distractions
  • more focus on the subject

You still keep context, but now with intention.

Personally? I wouldn’t go out on the water at Kerkini without a 35mm.

Standard Lenses – Where Things Get Personal (40–85mm)

Now we start moving closer. This range allows:

  • portraits
  • behavior
  • details

Without losing flexibility. A 50mm, for many photographers, becomes the most used lens here.

Why? Because it sits perfectly between environment and subject. Not too wide. Not too tight. Just… natural.

Short Telephoto – The Hidden Gem (90–200mm)

This is where things become very versatile. A 90mm macro, for example, is incredibly useful:

  • portraits
  • feather detail
  • close interactions
  • background separation

And then comes the classic: 70–200mm

Probably the most reliable lens at Kerkini.

  • flight
  • interaction
  • clean compositions
  • flexibility
Details of pelicans beaks at Kerkini

Long Telephoto – Useful, But Not for What You Think (200–600mm)

Yes, bring it. But not for pelicans. Let’s be honest:

You don’t need 600mm for a pelican at Kerkini. If you use it, it’s probably because the bird is already too far… or you’re missing better opportunities closer to you.

But long lenses still have a role:

  • geese
  • swans
  • cranes
  • raptors

For those moments, having a second body ready with a long lens is perfect.

Just don’t come here thinking this is a “600mm destination.” Because it’s not.

Camera Bodies – What Really Matters (And What Doesn’t)

Let’s start with something simple. At Lake Kerkini, your camera brand doesn’t matter. The model doesn’t matter. The generation doesn’t matter.

If you have a camera, bring it. That’s it.

Any Camera Is a Good Camera

It’s easy to fall into the trap:

  • “Do I need the latest mirrorless?”
  • “Is my camera good enough?”

Let’s be clear:

The camera you already have is good enough. Because here, the real advantages come from:

  • proximity to the subject
  • predictable behavior
  • time to compose

This is not extreme, high-speed, impossible wildlife. This is controlled, readable, photographable.

But Let’s Be Honest… Newer Cameras Help. A Lot.

Now, let’s not pretend otherwise. Modern cameras bring serious advantages:

  • better ISO performance (clean images in low light, mist, early mornings)
  • wider dynamic range (critical for white pelicans with direct light)
  • eye autofocus and subject recognition
  • more reliable tracking in flight

And yes… these features can make your life much easier. If you have access to a newer camera, use it. Don’t ignore that advantage.

Because at Kerkini, those tools help you:

  • keep sharp focus on the eye
  • recover highlights in white plumage
  • shoot confidently in difficult light

Full Frame – A Useful Advantage

Full-frame cameras shine here, especially in:

  • low light
  • mist and haze
  • high-contrast scenes

You get:

  • cleaner files
  • more flexibility in editing
  • smoother tonal transitions

But again: This is a bonus. Not a requirement. APS-C or Micro 4/3 systems can deliver excellent results if used well.

Speed vs Reality

Do you need extreme speed? Not really. Pelicans are:

  • slow
  • predictable
  • cooperative (photographically speaking)

You have time to:

  • compose
  • adjust
  • think

So while fast burst rates and advanced AF help… they are not what defines your image.

One Camera vs Two

One camera:

  • simple
  • lighter
  • works

But: you will miss moments while changing lenses

Two cameras:

  • instant reaction
  • no stress
  • full flexibility

At Lake Kerkini, where distance changes constantly… Two bodies make a real difference.

Reliability Over Specs

You’ll deal with:

  • mist
  • water spray
  • rain
  • cold mornings

So what matters more than megapixels? Reliability.

  • weather sealing
  • battery performance in cold
  • intuitive controls

Because when the moment happens… your camera has to work. No excuses.

Bottom Line

Yes, better cameras help. A lot. But they don’t replace:

  • positioning
  • light awareness
  • behavior understanding

At Lake Kerkini, the opportunity is there for everyone. A modern camera will make things easier. But it will not make the image for you.

Sunrise with pelicans, in Kerkini

Why Light Gear Wins at Water Level

There is something many photographers believe in, and they are not wrong. Long lenses isolate the subject from the background.

Yes. Absolutely true. But here’s the problem.

At Lake Kerkini, you have something rare. Something most wildlife destinations simply don’t offer: the possibility to shoot at water level, consistently.

And that changes everything.

The Reality of Shooting at Water Level

Let’s talk about what really happens in the boat.

You lean over the edge. You lower your camera close to the water. Sometimes you don’t even look through the viewfinder.

You compose:

  • by instinct
  • by experience
  • by what you see on the screen

And you shoot. Now try doing that with a heavy telephoto lens.

  • one hand struggling to support the weight
  • unstable framing
  • difficult control
  • missed moments
  • It becomes… complicated. Fast.

One Hand. One Frame. One Moment.

Now take a different approach. A light setup:

  • camera + wide or standard lens
  • balanced
  • easy to control

You can:

  • hold it in one hand
  • control it with your fingers
  • shoot using the rear screen

Sometimes even:

  • holding the entire setup with two fingers
  • triggering with the same hand

This is not theory. This is how I actually get those low, intimate, water-level shots.

My Setup in Practice

For me, this is essential.

  • A light camera + (ultra)wide or standard lens
  • Mounted in a cage with a video handle
  • Perfectly balanced for one-hand operation

I use:

  • the articulated screen for framing
  • and trigger the shot directly from the camera (sometimes even from the screen)

This allows me to:

  • keep the camera just above the water
  • react instantly
  • stay fluid and precise

Modern Cameras Shine at Water Level

Here’s where technology really comes in handy.

When you’re leaning over the boat, holding the camera with one hand, sometimes you cannot control buttons, dials, or manually move the focus point.

In these moments:

  • A newer camera with eye autofocus and subject tracking becomes invaluable.
  • You frame what you want, and the camera locks on the bird’s eye automatically, no matter where it appears in the frame.
  • This means you can focus on composition, stability, and timing, without worrying about missed focus.

In short: at Kerkini, where the birds are so close and you’re often shooting instinctively from the water, this feature is not a luxury, it’s a game-changer.

But What About Background Separation?

Yes, telephoto lenses compress and isolate.

But here’s the key: You don’t need a telephoto to separate your subject.

At Kerkini, I often prefer: 50mm – 90mm range, combined with wide aperture

This gives:

  • beautiful background separation
  • natural perspective
  • and most importantly… control

Because I can still:

  • move freely
  • shoot low
  • react fast

Freedom vs Compression

So the real trade-off is not: tele vs wide

It’s: compression vs freedom

  • Telephoto gives you isolation, but limits your movement
  • Lighter lenses give you freedom and open creative possibilities

At Kerkini, that freedom often leads to better images.

Pelican at sunrise, in KErkini

Accessories – The Things That Actually Save Your Shots

Gear is not just cameras and lenses. At Kerkini, small things make a huge difference.

  • Low-angle support (custom handle / rig): Essential for shooting at water level 
  • Knee pads: You will kneel. A lot. Your knees will thank you later
  • Waterproof protection: For you and your equipment, spray, mist, rain… it all happens
  • Dry bags: Because water and expensive gear are not friends
  • Gloves (thin, functional): Cold mornings + camera control = tricky combination
  • Microfiber cloths: You’ll use them more than you think.

Bottom Line

At Lake Kerkini, gear is not about reach. It’s about perspective.

  • Wide lenses open creative doors
  • Mid-range lenses give control
  • Long lenses are secondary tools

The biggest mistake you can make here is not bringing enough millimeters. It’s not understanding when to use them.

Common Gear Mistakes at Kerkini

Now let’s be honest for a second 😄

Bringing Only Long Lenses

The classic beginner mistake. You arrive with:

  • 400mm
  • 500mm
  • 600mm

And nothing else. Result?

You spend half the time unable to shoot because your subject is too close. Kerkini is one of the few places where not being wide enough is a real problem.

Being Afraid to Go Wide

Some photographers simply refuse. They see the bird close… and still zoom in.

Missing:

  • reflections
  • atmosphere
  • storytelling

If you don’t go wide here, you’re leaving 50% of the opportunity behind.

Not Changing Lenses Fast Enough

Moments happen. Distance changes. Light changes.

If you’re stuck thinking “this is a tele shot”… you’ve already missed a wide masterpiece.

Overcomplicating Gear

Too many lenses. Too much thinking.

Kerkini rewards:

  • simplicity
  • adaptability
  • awareness

Not gear obsession.

Gear Safety – Keep Your Gear (and Sanity) Intact

You arrive at Kerkini with two, three… maybe four cameras. You’re leaning over the boat, eyes glued to the water, framing that perfect low-angle shot. And suddenly… reality bites.

The Chaos Around You

  • Cameras not in use? Left on the bench or floor.
  • Boat sways. Cameras roll. Someone sits or steps on them.
  • Pelicans take off, flap their wings, shake off water… instant shower.
  • Birds occasionally perch on the boat, shake water (and whatever else) all over your precious gear.
  • If your bag is open… and yes, I’ve seen this… it can get a direct hit from digested fish.

And yes: pelican digestive juices are extremely corrosive, capable of eating through metal and plastics over time, but mostly over the fine coating of your front lens. That 600mm lens you brought along? One bad roll off the bench and it could end up either soaked, ruined, or both.

The Safe Way to Handle Gear

  • Waterproof/rigid box or case: Quick-open, quick-close. Keep cameras mounted with lenses ready. Always within reach.
  • Stable positions: Never leave cameras on the floor or unsecured bench. Use straps, cases, or even clamps.
  • One lens at a time in hand: Avoid juggling heavy telephoto lenses you won’t use. Less is more on the water.
  • Balance your weight in the boat: Learn how to stabilize yourself so cameras don’t tumble overboard.

Extra Tips for Pro Safety

  • Lens caps on, cameras off between shots: Mist, water, bird droppings, protect optics.
  • Microfiber cloths always in reach: A splash can ruin a shot or scratch a lens if you try to wipe it too late.
  • Dry bags or padded waterproof compartments: Perfect for backup gear, extra lenses, or even snacks (trust me, pelicans have no respect).
  • Avoid overloading the boat: More gear = more risk. Only take what you actually plan to use.
  • Strap management: Secure cameras to you or the cage/handle, especially when leaning over the water.

Backpacks and Waterproofing – Don’t Be Fooled by Marketing

Ah, the classic “waterproof camera backpack.” The ads promise:

  • “100% waterproof material”
  • “Perfect for any adventure”

And yes… the fabric might be waterproof.

But here’s the kicker:

  • Most zippers are not.
  • Most seams are not.

On land, walking with a backpack under light rain? Sure, you’re mostly fine. Water will run off the exterior bag, but will not enter the liner
But in a boat? Oh… the story changes.

The Reality on the Water

  • On the boat move, the wind push all the water drops, pushing it in zippers edges, in the seams.
  • Waves, splashes, wind, and mist all conspire.
  • Result: water seeps in. Gear gets wet. Lenses fog, electronics panic. Disaster waiting to happen.

And yes, I’ve seen it. Sad faces. Expensive gear ruined.

My Solution – 100% Safe and Practical

I use a motorcycle bag made from PVC tarpaulin:

  • Truly 100% waterproof
  • Rubber zipper seals
  • Extra shock protection via my camera backpack liner

It fits all cameras + lenses, keeps everything dry, and is practical for boat work.

Why it works:

  • Even if splashed constantly, water slides off.
  • Unlike a backpack, wind can’t force drops in.
  • Quick access to gear without compromising safety.

Simple. Effective. Life-saving.

Lesson

Marketing can’t account for Kerkini’s reality: low-angle shooting, boat movement, splashing pelicans, and unpredictable weather.

Invest in real waterproof protection, not just “waterproof material.” Your cameras will thank you.

The Philosophy

At Kerkini, gear safety is not optional. A single lapse:

  • wet lens
  • rolled telephoto
  • corroded camera

…can turn a perfect day into a disaster.

The paradox? The gear you don’t use is often the most dangerous. That heavy telephoto? Most likely a boat bench hazard within minutes. Your ultrawide? Stable, ready, lightweight… and capable of producing the shots you actually need.

On the water, simplicity + preparation + awareness beats raw firepower every single time.

Text and photos: Iliuta GOEAN

<<< PART 3 <<<       >>> PART 5 >>>

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