LEXsample :: photography tips for Antarctica

Which lens?

The information on this page only applies to cameras that have exchangeable lenses. A zoom lens can help to avoid swapping lenses, which prevents dust from entering the body. Digital SLR's are particularly sensitive to dust particles which can result in annoying grey dots on your final photograph, especially visible against blue skies and other light areas. Although such dots can often be removed using image editing software, it is always better to prevent them alltogether.

Telelens

Use a telelens, for example in the range of 70-200mm. I've often read that you do not need a telelens on Antarctica, since you can approach the animals. While this is true, I strongly urge all photographers to keep their distance:

A telelens avoids disturbing the animals.
From a distance, chances are better than the animal will display its natural behaviour.
You have the possibility to take portrait pictures or close-ups.

A tele-zoomlens with a range somewhere between 70-300mm is will be useful. If you plan to take action photographs, you will appreciate a lens that is more sensitive to light (f/2.8) with a small respond-time to the body's signal (for fast autofocussing).

Another advantage of light-sentive lenses is that they can be combined with converters, increasing your focal lenght with 1.4x or 2.0x times without while still keeping enough light to work with. This is something to consider if you plan to take pictures of birds that are shy.

Wide-angle lens

A wide-angle lens (28-35mm range for example) is recommended. Not just for to capture the impressive landscape, but also for close-ups that can sometimes bring surpring point of views.

Macro lens

A macro lens can be useful if you are into small things such as lichens. However the employment of a macro lens is quite limited unless it is your speciality. Instead of taking a macro lens you can also use an adaptor ring, to be mounted between body and lens and which allows you to zoom in closer to your subject.