Antarctica Camera Bag

[Norm Dulak]

My wife and I are planning a 3-week trip to Antarctica, South Georgia Island, and the Falklands. Our primary photographic equipment will include Nikon D300 cameras with Nikkor 80-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 VR lenses, shorter Nikkor 28-105 mm lenses, Benro Travel Angel tripods, Markins ball heads, CF card wallets, and extra camera batteries. We'd like to have the longer lenses attached to our cameras initially.

What kind of camera bag would you suggest that would protect our equipment during Zodiac landings and during periods of precipitation, while still permitting easy access to our equipment as photographic opportunities arise? Is there some sort of waist camera bag that could suffice?

All comments and suggestions will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Norm Dulak

[Norm Dulak]

Since posting this inquiry, I've done a bit more research and have reached a conclusion that might be of use to others planning a similar trip. The answer to my questions seems to be a Lowepro Top Loader Pro 75 AW camera bag. It receives top ratings for quality and meets my camera carrying and protection requirements.

Those who have commented on this bag have used it to successfully carry Nikon D3/70-200 mm and D300/300 mm combinations, and a Canon 40D with an attached 100-400 mm lens, all of which are physically similar to what I will carry. The bag provides quick access to the camera and all weather protection, and an inexpensive shoulder harness is available as an accessory if needed.

Thanks to all who have looked at this posting.

[Mark Hopgood]

I was in Antarctica earlier this year. I would recommend that you have a dry bag for the zodiac transfers and a waterproof cover to allow you to keep shooting during rain. We used a Stormjacket and it worked quite well.

[Norm Dulak]

Thanks Mark.

Sounds like very good advice. In view of the substantial cost of quality Antarctica expeditions, it is wise to be prepared for any eventuality.

I hope that your trip to Antarctica was both interesting and productive!

Norm Dulak

[Arthur Morris]

With relatively little gear one of the two Lowepro totally waterproof backpacks makes much more sense to me than a dry bag: easier access and transportability....

[Mark Hopgood]

You can get dry bags that have a harness built in. They also allow the extra flexibility of putting more gear in than just your camera bag, e.g tripod. Virtually all the guides used one.

I had also thought that the waterproof Lowepro would feature more however they were not popular with those that travelled to Antarctica on a regular basis. Some find them expensive, heavy and limited space and those zippers can be difficult. However they certainly have their place.

My trip also consisted of the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica. You would hand your gear to a crew member on the gangway prior to getting into the zodiac. They would give it back once you were safely sitting down. Similar procedure when getting off on shore. You would unpack your camera bag from the drybag and leave the dry bag and life vest at the landing site.

I used a Lowepro AW minitrekker, Think Tank Airport Acceleration was the most popular. All those 500mm lenses. :)

Cheers

[Norm Dulak]

What I decided on near the top of this thread is NOT a backpack, but a one-camera bag that I could carry in front of me with a reasonably long lens attached (plus one smaller lens), access the equipment quickly, and protect it from weather. Hence, my suggestion of the Lowepro AW Top Loader.

I do not plan to carry a massive amount of equipment ashore but to use my 28-105 mm and 80-400 mm lenses to effectively cover any reasonable situation I may encounter. I will not carry a prime 500 mm lens!

If anyone has a better idea along the lines I suggested above, please let me know.

Norm Dulak