catterar Loc: Angier, NC

I went in March 2017 out of Ushuaia. I took 2 camera bodies, I'm over cautious, if I only had one and it failed for any reason there was nowhere to get another. I was new to photography so got duplicate bodies so I wouldn't have to learn another system. You can rent a duplicate body so you won't have to buy another. I had an 18 to 55mm on one body and a 55 to 300mm on the other. With this set-up I didn't have to change lenses in the field. I bought a water-proof back pack to carry the equipment while onboard the Zodiacs and ashore. While transiting from ship to shore I kept one camera tucked inside my parka so it was easily accessible for shots of whales, seals, penguins and ice bergs, but still protected from splash and spray. I took a tripod ashore on every landing but only used it once. I took three 32Gb SD cards for each body this way I could use a separate card for each landing then upload them to my computer each evening after dinner. I also took two extra fully charged batteries ashore for each camera and had a circular polarizing filter on each lens. Because I was new to photography I bracketed every shot to improve my chance of getting at least one good image with each exposure.
I'll always remember the anticipation of the trip and will never forget the experience. If you have the opportunity to do the polar plunge do it. You will never regret it. Have a great trip.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

I would suggest something in the wide end of the spectrum (24-70) as previously noted and something with moderate reach (200-300mm). Two good zoom lenses should stand you in good stead. Be prepared for hand held shooting.

I am not sure if I would consider changing lenses aboard a zodiac for fear of water splashing into the camera body. Be sure to query your tour operator.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Go on some local outings and take a lot of equipment with you and see how it goes. Nobody can tell you what you can and can't handle but you yourself. Just pack a bunch of lenses and cameras in a backpack and perhaps sling one around your neck or over your shoulder and take it in your car with you and then walk with it down some trails. You be able to see how heavy it is and how much it's worth taking that much weight. When you've got the weight down to a manageable number, then inventory your equipment, tally the type of subjects you intend to shoot while in Antarctica and then pack for that keeping your weight down to the most manageable number you've predetermined.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

Having done that trip a few years ago I totally agree with JEMR.

LA Loc: Little Rock, AR

It's easy to think an penguins and whales and seals and such and think only about tele. But the scenery is equally amazing so you want wide angle as well. Two lenses should cover it...or one if you have the lens. You do not want to be changing lenses willy-nilly.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

I would opt for a good bridge camera and a good waterproof pocket point and shoot camera. Fancy cameras and batteries don't like cold. It is much easier to keep a bridge camera or point and shoot warm than a big bulky DSLR. Enjoy the warming Antarctic.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

I’ve taken that trip twice, both times with a 5D III and 5DIV, a 24-105 F4II, a 100-400 and a 1.4x converter. If I were to do the trip again, I’d take exactly the same things. IMPORTANT: get thoroughly familiar with your equipment before the trip, or you’ll miss some great shots. I used no wide angle lens - but shot lots of panoramas, which I processed in Lightroom.
We is a consideration, depending on which trip you take. Some involve charter flights, where the total wt carried in luggage is 20kg, carry-on included, but not the stuff in your pockets.
You don’t need heavy outerwear - the travel company that I used provided weatherproof pants and hooded jackets. Layered clothing is the answer - the weather will be milder than you expect - never below 30 nor higher than low 40s as long as you’re near the coast and on the peninsula.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

“We” was intended to be “weight”.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

terpfan Loc: central coast, California

Went to Antarctica last January with Linblad. Took my Canon 5D IV with 24-105 and 70-300 for landings and Tamron 150-600 G2 for whale shots from boat. Also took monopod for the 150-600 on the ship. Take some scapolomine patches for seasickness as Drake can be rough. Try them at home before you leave to assure that the side effects don't wipe out the benefits. This was an absolutely amazing trip. We are going to Europe in a week and just got the Think Tank Airport Advantage for the trip. Wish I had it for Antarctica. I can get the 150-600, 70-300, and 24-105 with 2 bodies and flash in it. It's tight but fits. Not taking the 150-600 to Europe, but nice to know it fits.

aubreybogle Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Concur with this comment concerning water protection for the camera. If the water is choppy, and it probably will be, salt water sea spray in the open Zodiak is a real issue as you transit from your anchored ship to the shore. I own a Canon5D MkIV, and Canon has designed and built it with pretty good weather proofing, but it was not built to be soaked in sea water. Additionally, the lens must be weather sealed, or the camera's weather protection design features will be largely for naught. After a day of shooting, carefully clean the exterior of the lens and camera, and their seals with fresh water. I am not advising against taking this camera ashore with you in Antartica, only continue doing your homework, as you are, and make some fabulous photos..

ecurb1105

Are you doing a boat trip around the coastline or are you flying inland and camping?
What lenses do you have?
Do you have a second body?

EliotN

I have been there once. Took tripod and never used it. I don't think you will use the ultra wide much. You use water proof bags to go ashore and put your camera bag in them so you don't need a water proof camera. The suggestion of something like a 24-105 and 80 or 100-400 would be ideal in my opinion. In terms of temperature their summer is similar to winter here (Philadelphia). Take extra battery for cold weather. Do take laptop to download pictures. You will have tons- I had perhaps 10,000+

Bill P

I'd take logs and kindling and matches.