I also found this thread very interesting, informative, and somewhat relevant to an upcoming MIT Alumni trip to Antarctica in December, discussed in other threads here. Instead of Land Rovers, we will be using the Nat Geo Explorer (Ice breaker), Zodiacs, 2-man Kayaks, and walking.
I do Nikon crop only and plan to take my new D7500, with D5300 as backup and for my son to use if he wants. Lenses, all with VR, currently include:
1. Tamron 16-300 DX (used extensively on our recent Australia/New Zealand tour...see
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyjag/collections/72157705201936521/)
2. Sigma 8-16* DX (Also went to Australia/New Zealand, but only used a couple of times.)
3. Sigma 18-250* DX
4. Nikon 16-85* DX
5. Sigma 50-500* Full Frame, big Kahuna.
Nikon mount Sigma 150-600 lenses will be available there to try out, but must be shared with other "Togs".
6. Other..thinking about a fast prime.
*Pending results of Auto AF Fine Tuning tests using the D7500.
Any recommendations for which lenses to take will be welcome.
I will bring a monopod, for which I built a handle so it can be used as a cane. Given travel weight restrictions, a major dilemma is whether to also bring a tripod, which would also necessitate a gimbal mount..quite heavy. They won't have tripods for loan, but do have sandbags on the Explorer. I can't envision taking a DSLR on a Kayak nor, with tripod, on a Zodiac.
From the Expedition guide: "If you are a dedicated tripod user (and have your own personal “tripod Sherpa” to carry it), then feel free to bring your tripod for working on shore. However, tripods are not useful on ships, as they tend to transmit the ship’s vibrations. On deck a monopod is much more practical." So the only use for a tripod would be while walking on the ice/snow/rock. Your thoughts or experience will be appreciated.