Lens for Antarctic Trip

I am in need of advice from anyone who has been to Antarctica.

I have an upcoming trip early next year and have enough funds for either a Oly 40-150 f2.8 or the Panasonic 100-400. Been waiting to see the results and comments on t he 100-400 lens.   I expect mainly to shoot the landscapes, but also penguins, sea lions, and if lucky, whales (this is going to happen either from the ship at a distance or the kayak up close - TG-3 for that).  All of the Antarctica/photo sites I have checked the photographers have prefer telephoto lenses in the 100-300 full frame range.  Although some would say longer is better, but then they mention weight.

I'll be using both the EM1 and GX7 (backup).  My current lens are: Oly 12-40, Pany 45-150 f4-5.6, and 100-300 (which is a good copy; pleased with the results under in the 300mm).  I do have other lens (primes and UW).  I am also thinking of using a mono-pod with the 100-300 although those same website have said tripods are not likely to be used.

With that in mind, I expect most of my shots if not all to be hand held.  I am leaning toward the Oly 40-150 and the TC. as the most useful range and weight combo for this trip since I have the Pany 100-300 (although not weather sealed) for those times I need the extra reach.

Any thoughts or advice?

When we went the majority of my shots were on land, only a few were from the ship (whales, seals and some penguins on icebergs.) I just reviewed my website images and the longest I posted was at 200, most were shorter. I'd consider the Oly 4/3 50-200 on your EM1 (I used this) or the Oly 40-150 2.8. We were lucky with the weather but I would want weather sealing if possible as things change quickly there!  I had the 12-40 on my EM5 as well.

Incidentally, I hadn't considered the 100-400 Panny as it's new, that might be a good option as well except it doesn't offer the shorter focal lengths that you may need.

If you want to see shots my website is bobgreenberg9918.zenfolio.com

Have a great trip,

BOB

averacpa wrote:

I am in need of advice from anyone who has been to Antarctica.

I have an upcoming trip early next year and have enough funds for either a Oly 40-150 f2.8 or the Panasonic 100-400. Been waiting to see the results and comments on t he 100-400 lens. I expect mainly to shoot the landscapes, but also penguins, sea lions, and if lucky, whales (this is going to happen either from the ship at a distance or the kayak up close - TG-3 for that). All of the Antarctica/photo sites I have checked the photographers have prefer telephoto lenses in the 100-300 full frame range. Although some would say longer is better, but then they mention weight.

I'll be using both the EM1 and GX7 (backup). My current lens are: Oly 12-40, Pany 45-150 f4-5.6, and 100-300 (which is a good copy; pleased with the results under in the 300mm). I do have other lens (primes and UW). I am also thinking of using a mono-pod with the 100-300 although those same website have said tripods are not likely to be used.

With that in mind, I expect most of my shots if not all to be hand held. I am leaning toward the Oly 40-150 and the TC. as the most useful range and weight combo for this trip since I have the Pany 100-300 (although not weather sealed) for those times I need the extra reach.

Any thoughts or advice?

You should definitely take weather sealed lenses.  Once you are back on the ship, there is enormous pressure to immediately review your pictures.  This must be avoided at all costs.  The camera system must be warmed up to room temperature while still in a dry camera bag before you can safely open the bag or you will fill the lenses with condensation.  This process is much quicker and safer if you are using weather sealed lenses.

To be clear, I have not been there, but a friend went with a Nikon D4 and an 80-400mm Nikkor among other lenses. They said they seldom took the 80-400mm off for whatever that may be worth to you.

Can't comment lenses, other than weatherproofing could be useful. However, on a recent trip to Sweden/Finland, 100 miles above the Arctic  Circle, in 3ft of snow the monopod was very handy just stuck into the snow. Collapsed it went inside the backpack, very handy.

The other thing about Antarctica and other cold ship shooting that needs to be discussed.  This is tripod vs monopod vs beanbag for stability.  Our trip was composed of two types of photographers. 1) professionals who always shoot with a tripod, generally off ship  - and had brought a young woman (spouse?) to carry their gear.  2) everybody else - this group often shot from the deck of the ship - where tripods and monopods are useless because of ship vibrations.  This group made good use of beanbags (which they could carry themselves.