We went to Antarctica last January. It was an absolutely amazing trip. Have a FF Canon. Used mostly 24-105 and 70-300 on land and Tamron 150-600 on ship for whales. Got some great shots of penguins while sitting on muddy brown snow. With a lot of penguins around, it was NOT mud. Previous poster was correct, Drake can be rough. Southbound Drake was no problem, return had 30 ft waves and high winds. Neither my wife nor I get motion sickness, but the ships doctor gave my wife phenergan and she slept 20 hours. I chose no meds, but couldn't make it to bridge to get shots of water over the bow. I would try patches before you go so make sure no side effects. Any questions PM me. Have a fabulous time, it truly is the trip of a lifetime.

I just reply thank you. However, one of the nicest compliments I ever received, while in Africa on safari, someone in our tour group pointed toward me and said "He hs a good camera. . . and he knows how to use it."

I have a Sirui 426S monopod (it has 3 feet), Jobu gimbal and Tamron 150-600 G2 with a full frame Canon. Works amazingly well. If traveling is ever an issue, the monopod and gimbal fit in checked luggage and lenses and body in my carry on. I will frequently stand on one of the monopod feet for stability and would never walk away from it with camera mounted, but it is light and moves easily and quickly.

I,too, like Laser Light. They are in central California, Aptos. The glossy prints are very reflective. I the mat finish works much better if there is a lot of light. I took samples of both finishes to my local camera club. Vast majority of members preferred the mat (non glare) finish. I really like the metal prints, just be careful which finish you select.

Have a great trip. Finally attached a photo

I traveled to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. I had a 7DII with a 70-300L on it most of the time. There were only a few occasions where I would have liked more length. Keep in mind that virtually all you shots will be hand held. I would tale the backup camera and extra cards. The attached photo was at 300 on the 7DII. I have printed it 20 x 30 and it looks great. Have a wonderful time

I generally don't do heights well, should I avoid the climb?

I will be going on a Viking River Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam this fall. I have a FF canon. My every day lens is a 24-105. Will that be wide enough for photos of the Cologne cathedral or should I rent/buy the 16-35 F4? Is it worth taking my 70-300 for photos from the ship? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Gets as much practice before you go as possible. Previous post said set on P mode and use auto focus. Excellent advice and you won't miss a shot. While in Amsterdam, go to top floor of library for great city wide shots. Also excellent cafeteria there at reasonable prices. Have a great time and take lots of pictures.

As mentioned earlier, I use the Sirui P 426S monopod. The legs really add stability to the monopod. I then mount a Jobu Jr 3 gimbal to it. It works amazingly well. I use it with 7D ii and Tamron 150-600 G2 and got excellent results shooting mostly wildlife and grandkids sports.

Thanks. I will definitely check out Laserlight. Aptos is just 45 minutes from my house.

I have not tried either of these types of prints. I'm looking for opinions of one over the other as well as recommendations for which lab to process them. I'm in central California so Bay Photo is close enough to drive to. Thanks in advance for your replies.

We did South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana with Ntaba African Safaris. They are based in Kentucky, not sure of the city. It was an amazing trip, got fantastic photographs. One thing you might consider. I asked our guide in Kruger National Park what the best time of year is to travel to South Africa. We were there in early October. He recommended mid September to late October because that is their spring season and leaves are not covering all the trees making it easier to see and photograph the animals. I never would have considered that but hope the information helps you. Have a wonderful trip whenever you go.

I left off the G2 for the Tamron 150-600.

I have a Sirui P-426 monopod which I use with a Jobu Gimbal. The monopod fits easily into my checked luggage. The photo was taken with Canon 7D II and Tamron 150-600 at 600. Set up is light and easy to use