Shooting in Antarctica: Any advice that may be useful for my upcoming Antarctica adventure? It will be very different from several tropical locations that I have been shooting in. I am...

FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9

Any advice that may be useful for my upcoming Antarctica adventure? It will be very different from several tropical locations that I have been shooting in. I am taking a D850 and a D500 with Tamron 150-600 G2, Nikon 28-300, and Tamron 16-30 lenses. What other glass would be a better choice than the Nikon 28-300 for example?

Carl S

In both of my trips down there, we experienced everything from calm to stormy weather with freezing rain, sleet, and snow. The landings well all by zodiac so keeping gear dry was a necessity. Unless you are headed to the South Georgia Island, I found little use for a long lens. I took a waterproof backpack camera bag, and on shore frequently used a tripod. I also took a waterproof pocket camera that I made good use of, and a number of photographers had Hero cameras in housing and a pole to use for underwater images of ice structures. Check with your outfitter for their recommendations is my best suggestion. And take warm clothes: muck boots were valuable!

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

FotoHog wrote:

Any advice that may be useful for my upcoming Antarctica adventure? It will be very different from several tropical locations that I have been shooting in. I am taking a D850 and a D500 with Tamron 150-600 G2, Nikon 28-300, and Tamron 16-30 lenses. What other glass would be a better choice than the Nikon 28-300 for example?

We too are headed for an Antarctic Adventure in January. I plan on having just one camera body, the 5D IV , and two lenses. A 28-300 L and a 100-400 L2. I shouldn’t need anything longer or wider than what those lenses will give me. I may throw in the 1.4 converter because we are going to S Georgia island also. I had not thought about getting a GoPro for underwater shots of the ice, but now I am putting it on the list.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Never having been to the Antarctic, I would imagine, though, that the landscape is expansive. I would take a wide angle lens. Since you're taking the D500, I would suggest something like the new Tamron 10-24mm. If you don't already have this lens, you'll be happy to add it to your collection.

FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9

Carl S wrote:

In both of my trips down there, we experienced eve... (show quote)

Thank you Carl S and all other respondents for your input. One can never get enough information in advance of a new project or undertaking. I thought a long lens would come in handy for the, either unexpected or otherwise, long distance target. Water protection gear YES, and wide angle glass will definitely be a "must have" for the vast expanses of Antarctica.
Underwater equipment? Hummmm ..... interesting!!! Will give that some thought, but my woollies are already packed.

Thanks guys.

cascoly Loc: seattle

antarctic weather is usually in the 30-40's (F), so similar to other winter shooting. YMMV. I carried my camera in a water proof bag on the zodiacs. I work with just one lens such as 16-400 -- higher zoom much more useful than wider angle -- time ashore is limited, so you dont want to be switching lenses, and the zoom is necessary for the penguins and handy to pick out details of glaciers, or whales.

wide angle views often become 3 strips of water/snow/sky and the picture doesnt have the power of your experience. for wider shots I also stitch together several images.

https://www.shutterstock.com/g/cascoly?searchterm=antarctica

FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9

cascoly wrote:

antarctic weather is usually in the 30-40's (F), s... (show quote)

It is interesting to know that zoom power would be more useful than wide angle ability under those circumstances. I did not expect that. Nevertheless, I always appreciate first hand information. By the way, I was in Greenland not too long ago and was blown away by the scenery and did not regret having had long reach and wide angle capability with me. Now, the deep temps in Antarctica worry me a bit.

Thanks again.

Collhar Loc: New York City.

cascoly wrote:

antarctic weather is usually in the 30-40's (F), s... (show quote)

Non photographic question. We are in 2020 going on a SilverSeas Alaskan Expedition Cruise to Alaska. Did the cruise company provide the waterproof boots or did you have to bring your own? Thanks

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

FotoHog wrote:

Any advice that may be useful for my upcoming Antarctica adventure? It will be very different from several tropical locations that I have been shooting in. I am taking a D850 and a D500 with Tamron 150-600 G2, Nikon 28-300, and Tamron 16-30 lenses. What other glass would be a better choice than the Nikon 28-300 for example?

Nikon 28 - 300 Photographer52.com Browse to Travel then Antarctica to see a slide show.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

I've been on two Antartica cruises. Both were on small boats and included daily or twice daily Zodiac trips, usually to shore, sometimes just cruising around whales, seals, ice, and penguins. Boots and outerwear were provided, and were all that was needed for shore trips, but a warm coat for pre and post trip travel is needed. I wore long underwear and a wool shirt and shorts under the provided outerwear for shore trips, and was always comfortable.
The long lens is useful for birds at sea, and the pocket camera is a great accessory.
I used my 5Diii ( first trip) and 5Div (2nd trip, with 24-105L ISii) for 95% of photographs, and if I were going again, I'd take that and a Sony Rx100 Mkvii pocket camera.
I tried a Sony Rx10iv on an unrelated trip to the Arctic, and the photos were not of the quality I prefer for the large prints (up to 30x40, much bigger for panoramas). It certainly was convenient though, and fine for most slideshows excepting light shots.

JanSIrons Loc: Central Illinois USA

Collhar wrote:

Non photographic question. We are in 2020 going on a SilverSeas Alaskan Expedition Cruise to Alaska. Did the cruise company provide the waterproof boots or did you have to bring your own? Thanks

This should probably have been a separate question. Check with your cruise company. We're doing a Lindblad/NatGeo Alaska Wilderness cruise in 2020. They specify that knee high waterproof boots are required and offer a place that rents them ... for $70 they'll be delivered to our cabin & retrieved after the cruise. Ridiculous, said I.

We checked into buying our own. Price was good, but they are very bulky and weigh a ton. I think we'll opt to rent. Enjoy!

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I have never been to Antarctica but I have a friend who has. He used successfully his 28-300 VR without issues with his D750. I believe, judging by my conversations with him that you have all that is needed to cover the subjects you will encounter.
Protection of your gear while going from a heated room to outdoors is important to avoid condensation, I am sure you know that.

ELNikkor

Leave that monster cannon in the closet back home. Stick the 28-300 on the D850, and the 16-30 on the D500. Have a great time & share what you shoot with us when you return!

jtang2

You are in for a great adventure! I was in Antarctica (including Falklands & South Georgia) in 2016; the D850/16-30 and D500/28-300 will cover most of your needs. The 150-600 will be useful in South Georgia. Make sure to take a dry bag for the landings. I used a D810/24-120 and D7200/100-400 and also took an 18-35 and 70-200.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Olympus Tough TG6 might be a better choice for underwater. It’s weather sealed, crush protected, freeze proof.