Antarctica Lens Recommedations
Oct 5, 2018 22:03:02 #
I'm taking a Nat Geo cruise in January and have several Canon lens options. I was hoping to get everyone's opinion as to which to bring. When we're not on the ship, we'll be on Zodiacs and glaciers. My camera body is the Canon 5D3 and the easy answer is my new Canon 100-400 ver II (a very convenient and sharp lens). However, my best photos have a nice bokeh that I can only get with my 2.8 lenses (24-70mm, 70-200mm, 300mm). I was considering bringing these lenses along and for extra reach, use my 1.4 and 2.0 extenders. I've also seen some great wide angle photos taken by others and will likely find room in my bag for my 16-35 f4L, as well. I know this is a very heavy option but my back is still strong and weight has never been a problem.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Oct 5, 2018 22:22:59 #
Oct 5, 2018 22:59:59 #
Great advice, thanks. I bought the Think Tank Airport International for my safari a few years ago (an outstanding piece of luggage) so I'll just fill it with as many lenses as possible.
Oct 6, 2018 07:45:09 #
A strong back is great to haul everything, but is putting everything in the zodiac a disaster looking for a place to happen?
Oct 6, 2018 08:27:30 #
Take a second camera body like 7d mark 2. Perfect with 100 - 400. You will find your 16 - 35 on your full frame very useful for the beautiful landscapes.
B & H may actually provide a selection of lens to try.
I found a dry bag, polarizing filter and waterproof pocket camera TG5 very useful.
You will really enjoy the scenery!
B & H may actually provide a selection of lens to try.
I found a dry bag, polarizing filter and waterproof pocket camera TG5 very useful.
You will really enjoy the scenery!
Oct 6, 2018 08:38:07 #
mizzee
Loc: Boston,Ma
As you gather info, you might try contacting Nat Geo for lens suggestions -- I'm guessing there will be a photographer on the trip? An Olympus Tough TG5 would be a good add.
Oct 6, 2018 08:54:49 #
You have everything you need to photograph in Antarctica and since weight is not an issue you should do fine.
Oct 6, 2018 09:42:04 #
catterar
Loc: Angier, NC
While weight may not be an issue for your back it may be for the airlines. When I flew down to Ushuaia on Aerolinas Argentinas the amount of carry on weight was limited on the international flight and even more restricted on the domestic flight. Check your airline restrictions. That said I took two identical bodies one with an 18 to 55mm lens and one with a 55 to 300mm lens. Have a great trip.
Oct 6, 2018 10:25:31 #
Jeffak wrote:
Great advice, thanks. I bought the Think Tank Airport International for my safari a few years ago (an outstanding piece of luggage) so I'll just fill it with as many lenses as possible.
I took a bunch of gear in my think take Airport to Canada last summer. No issues with the major commercial carriers, but when I got on a smaller plane I was forced to check it at the gate. I worried about it the whole flight. Usually bags that go on last, come off first as you wait on the tarmac. Mine didn't because of the weight, they rearranged the bags. It was a very long 10 minutes to get my gear back. Just saying, if you can keep your gear with you at all times, you will be a lot more comfortable.
Oct 6, 2018 11:53:36 #
mikegreenwald
Loc: Illinois
I do quite a bit of remote travel in small aircraft. In my own ‘plane, no problem, but the charter airplanes tour groups use often have 20 kg wt limits. With the weight of cold weather clothing, that can be a problem. I’ve carried only a 24-105, 100-400, and 1.4 converter. ‘Needed nothing else. I had a Sony Rx100 as a backup and pocket camera, but used it very little. I’ve shot many panos with the 24-105, and feel no need for a wider lens. The above lenses will cover both wildlife and landscapes very well.
On the Antarctic trip, you’ll need less heavy clothing than you might expect. Most tours proved heavy outerwear and boots, the heaviest items that you won’t need in your own kit. Most boats also have excellent and quick - laundry service.
On the Antarctic trip, you’ll need less heavy clothing than you might expect. Most tours proved heavy outerwear and boots, the heaviest items that you won’t need in your own kit. Most boats also have excellent and quick - laundry service.
Oct 6, 2018 16:54:55 #
Oct 6, 2018 17:08:47 #
Bri
Loc: NZ
You don't say where in the Antartic you are going.
My last trip to Antartica I took three Panasonic lens.
12-35, 14-140 and 100-300.
Mostly used the 12-35 and never took the 100-300 out of the bag.
Great place for photography
My last trip to Antartica I took three Panasonic lens.
12-35, 14-140 and 100-300.
Mostly used the 12-35 and never took the 100-300 out of the bag.
Great place for photography
Dec 22, 2018 22:28:55 #
Well... I'm getting closer to my trip on January 5 and after doing a lot of reading, I'm bringing my Canon 5D3, a new 5D4, the 100-400 ver. 2, 24-70 ver. 2 and a wide angle. Here's my dilemma. I currently have to decide between a 16-35 f4 and the 11-24 f4. The 11-24 is a sharper lens and will likely give me some incredible ultra-wide shots, but it's heavier and takes up more room in my bag. This trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm favoring the UWA lens for shots that will be outstanding. Any thoughts on my choice of the wide angle lens?
Dec 22, 2018 22:34:01 #
Since you have a decent amount of pixels, take the UWA 11-24mm with the idea that you can crop to the 35mm when and if necessary.
Dec 23, 2018 06:17:10 #
mikegreenwald
Loc: Illinois
I've taken that trip twice; I had frequent use of my 100-400 , occasional use of the 1.4 extender, and most of all used the 24-105 f4 ii. I use panorama merge for high quality rather than wide angle lenses, always done in PP as in-camera PP is slow and never as good as LR panoramas. My cameras were 2 5D3's first trip, a 5D3 and a 5D4 on the more recent. If I were to do it again, I'd take the same equipment or 2 5D4s. In fact on a trip to the Arctic in a few months, that's what I'll take.
I have an extensive slide show - my only regret there is that I took too few videos of penguins, whales, and seals moving about, and too few views of Albatros and Petrels showing their dynamic soaring over the waves.
It's a wonderful trip, and I wish you the best. The landscapes and the wildlife are like no other, and both beautiful and fascinating!
I have an extensive slide show - my only regret there is that I took too few videos of penguins, whales, and seals moving about, and too few views of Albatros and Petrels showing their dynamic soaring over the waves.
It's a wonderful trip, and I wish you the best. The landscapes and the wildlife are like no other, and both beautiful and fascinating!
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