Lens recommendations for Antartica trip
p.1 #1Lens recommendations for Antartica trip
Hello photographers far and wide!
I’m spending Christmas and New year on an Antartica cruise. 23 days, 111 pax max (The Sir Douglas Mawson). Sailing from Ushuaia to the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic peninsula. It’s a big trip and expensive. Not sure I’ll get a second chance so I want to do it right.
Has anyone done something similar and have opinions on long lenses?
So far I’m mostly set on an A1ii, A7R6, 20-70G, 100-400 4.5GM and a Sigma 20-200 as a city walk around for Santiago and Buenos Aires. Likely I’ll also throw in a fast 50 as well.
But I don’t know if I need anything longer. And if I do what? I have all of Sony’s super teles (mostly) and a Sigma 300-600. The Sigma is out due to the fact that I just don’t want to carry it. Mostly I’m torn between the new 600 f6.3GM with 1.4x and my (very good copy) 400-800. My best guess is that the longer lenses will be for BiF and maybe some wildlife from the boat.
My gut says the 400-800 for flexibility and not changing lenses. But the 600 is much lighter and smaller.At 600 the prime is obviously a bit better but at 800 (TC added) they look pretty much the same to me.
On land should I just take the 100-400 and a TC or both lenses. I know there are restrictions on what can touch the ground but will we be close enough for frame filling shots of penguins etc? I will have to handhold but with 24hrs of daylight that’s not the biggest problem.
So if anyone has been to Antartica I’d really appreciate some advice on what they think is the best bet for a long lenses plus anything I should look out for or be aware of. A photo or two wouldn’t hurt.
Thanks in advance.
Gordon
I’m spending Christmas and New year on an Antartica cruise. 23 days, 111 pax max (The Sir Douglas Mawson). Sailing from Ushuaia to the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic peninsula. It’s a big trip and expensive. Not sure I’ll get a second chance so I want to do it right.
Has anyone done something similar and have opinions on long lenses?
So far I’m mostly set on an A1ii, A7R6, 20-70G, 100-400 4.5GM and a Sigma 20-200 as a city walk around for Santiago and Buenos Aires. Likely I’ll also throw in a fast 50 as well.
But I don’t know if I need anything longer. And if I do what? I have all of Sony’s super teles (mostly) and a Sigma 300-600. The Sigma is out due to the fact that I just don’t want to carry it. Mostly I’m torn between the new 600 f6.3GM with 1.4x and my (very good copy) 400-800. My best guess is that the longer lenses will be for BiF and maybe some wildlife from the boat.
My gut says the 400-800 for flexibility and not changing lenses. But the 600 is much lighter and smaller.At 600 the prime is obviously a bit better but at 800 (TC added) they look pretty much the same to me.
On land should I just take the 100-400 and a TC or both lenses. I know there are restrictions on what can touch the ground but will we be close enough for frame filling shots of penguins etc? I will have to handhold but with 24hrs of daylight that’s not the biggest problem.
So if anyone has been to Antartica I’d really appreciate some advice on what they think is the best bet for a long lenses plus anything I should look out for or be aware of. A photo or two wouldn’t hurt.
Thanks in advance.
Gordon
Nov 12, 2026 at 04:07 PM
p.1 #2Lens recommendations for Antartica trip
Having just returned from a much simpler trip, I'd still suggest the efforts and restrictions on carry-on will be important. One doesn't want to have a surprise "You can't bring/fit that in carry-on." moment. That could be a too much, too big, too heavy, drag through terminals, unplanned flight changes sort of thing. Or just overly enthusiastic about what to take and divide amongst the travel group.
Have you contacted the tour provider/ship? Is there a passenger wrangler or naturalist/guide who can offer info from experience on what works well for their trips?
Have you contacted the tour provider/ship? Is there a passenger wrangler or naturalist/guide who can offer info from experience on what works well for their trips?
Nov 12, 2026 at 04:50 PM