For photographers, there is nothing like traveling to the Swalbard Islands and entering the pack ice for photography. As I have packed for such a trip, I am evaluating the camera gear that works best on my previous architect journey. My goal is to travel with a streamlined, yet highly capable camera kit for everything from landscape to wildlife – but with a primary purpose of photographing polar bears.
In this summer my journey will be divided into two parts. The first is dedicated to land-based activities such as observing Arctic foxes and bird life. The second is a ten-day navigation aboard a small icebreaker, which has potential philosophy of seal, walras and polar bears. These small ships allow the ship or zodiac directly allow for wildlife photography, which offer scenes close to animals at the water level.
Given these two different sides of the journey, what does my bag look like, as well as the challenges of international travel? In this article, I will invite you to take a look, and maybe I will find some inspiration for your journey!
Two camera bodies
It is advisable to carry two camera bodies for such a trip. Partly, it is useful for backup in terms of failure. The weather in the Arctic is not so bad during summer, but still the camera can be hard on gear. The temperature usually ranges from -5 ° C to +10 ° C (about 23 ° F to 50 ° F), with strong winds and sometimes rain and snow.
A second camera body is also beneficial to avoid frequent swapping lenses. This saves time and allows more flexible shoots in bad weather, where you may not be able to change the lens safely.
I will bring two Nikon Z9 bodies. I bought them before more options are available, and their weight gives a challenge. However, they are Weatherproof and are able to shoot in adverse conditions without any problem, and I know how to use Z9 from the heart.
Today, a pair of two Z8 cameras can be more suitable. I could see the strong autofocus system of those cameras, using Nikon Z6 III, or even Nikon Z5 II on a budget. However, for such a unique visit, I appreciate a 45 -megapixel capacity, which slightly affects the ability to print.
I advise, if possible, to carry two bodies that are similar or at least compatible in ergonomics and performance. This makes it sharp to switch between them. In addition, camera may provide some additional facilities due to being able to share batteries and accessories.
Trio
As any person who is reading my field test can guess, my selection includes Nikon Z 24-120 mm F/4S, 100-400 mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S, and 600 mm F/4 TC VR S, I have refined this selection with time, and I think it suits me completely. Typically, I will permanently connect with one of my cameras to Nikon Z 100-400 mm F/4.5-5.6 VR, while I switch between 24-120 mm depending on the subject and 600 mm on another camera.
Nikon z 24-120mm f/4 s: a multi-layered lens
An excellent travel lens. Although wildlife is the main focus of my journey, there will definitely be moments for landscape photography or some rear scenes. This lens provides remarkable versatility, which covers a wide focal range with a constant F/4 aperture, allowing it to be perfect for many situations.
Nikon z 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 s: My most essential lens
This zoom telephoto is indispensable for my wildlife photography. It provides great access to moderate and large subjects, such as seal, flying beaches on the beach, or polar bear at the medieval. Its focal range allows for various compositions, which is important when the speed of the response is important. The built -in VR stabilization is useful for handheld shots, especially in low light or on moving boats. Its size is manageable, which leads to a good agreement between access and portability.
Nikon Z 600 mm F/4 TC VR S
It is difficult to say anything about this lens that has not been said in advance. It is large and heavy, provides spectacular image quality, great glitter (F/4), and, at the top, incredible access. The ability to integrate the 1.4X internal teleconverter, increasing the focal length to 840 mm, is a huge benefit. This means that it is practically versatile as a zoom. This is my first to bring 600 mm F/4 to Svalbard; I have used 500 mm F/4 in the past.
Finally, for this journey, I will not take a very wide angle with me. I do not remove shooting conditions where they will be necessary. I will bring one during the winter to take a picture of northern lights or stars, but Swalbard experiences midnight sun during summer, so there is no chance of it.
optional
Today, we are lucky that there is an extraordinary range of cameras and lens options for such a trip, including the market used. For mirror photographers, Nikon Z 600 mm F/6.3PF and 180–600 mm F/5.6–6.3 are both strong options. The two-lens kit with 24–120 mm f/4 and 180–600 mm f/5.6–6.3 will be highly capable and very less expensive.
Meanwhile, other options on a budget include a used Nikon D850 or D500 with F-mount lenses. There will be some compromises in this combination, even if it is an old gear. Some of my favorite F-mount lenses include 500 mm F/5.6 PF, or any e-series telephoto (400 mm F/2.8E, 500 mm F/4E, and 600 mm F/4E).
I use Nikon because this is for me, and I suggest it because it is what I know. But I am sure you can get similar results with similar gear from other brands.
Essential accessories: from binoculars to data
Beyond the camera body and lens, a well-chosen set of accessories for a successful photographic trip is important-especially for destinations like Swalbard, which is very demanding on the equipment.
Binocular
Extremely useful, preferably good quality and medium-shaped sizes (eg, 8 × 30 or 10 × 42). You will often see animals at a large distance, before they can be photographed. The telescope allows you to inspect their behavior and plan your shot.
Lens and sensor cleaning kit
While there is no dust in the form of Africa, the condition of the arctic can be difficult on photographic devices, and a cleaning kit can be useful for lens and sensors. It should always include a blower to remove dust before touching any glass or sensor, microfiber fabric, and pre-matched wipes for lens (I use zees antifog wipes).
For the sensor, I bring lens swab and fluid. I always clean my sensor before every trip, and I rarely need to be cleaned again while traveling. But running into a dirty sensor without a way to clean it is a major problem.
Charger and Spare Battery
Although the Nikon Z9 battery is exceptionally long lasting, it is always intelligent to bring at least an additional battery. If you use small batteries, you suggest to bring at least 2-3. Again, the battery management becomes more efficient due to having two of the same camera. I only bring a charger, because I can also charge the battery in the camera via USB-C.
memory cards
I bring four cards: three 512GB and a 325GB, about 2 tB. Now that I use that* compression, this is probably an overcome – I can store around 50,000 pictures on the Z9 with this set of cards. I like to use another card slot as backup instead of overflow, but it is still enough for such a trip.
Tipi?
Given the nature of this campaign, it is not appropriate to use a tripod – this zodiac is impractical on boats, and it can transmit the engine vibration when the camera on the large ship. As a result, most photography from boats is done at hand. However, I hope to use a monopod for the land-based parts of the trip.
Monopod
I will bring a light Leofoto 284C with a Vambron MH -100 Vambron Mono Gimble Head. I will report back after the journey.
Dry bag
Picked up from a zodiac is presented to those challenges that should not be underestimated. I bought a very light sea-se-summit dry bag that fits my camera with 600 mm F/4. You do not understand its value until you are tempering, the air is not sitting on the edge of a zodiac through the air -arctic seas. Once the boat slows down, it is safe to remove the camera from a dry bag.
Laptop and Backup Drive
Bringing a laptop on a courageous journey such as it can be somewhat distracted from a holistic experience. However, it is also useful for supporting photos during the journey and assessing images taken by me.
I always bring two 2TB ssds. For me, it is important to have a fruitless backup system. I put everything – which includes card readers, charging cable, plug and like – a messenger bag. It travels with me as a handhold accessories.
Bag
For this type of journey, I use a Guragear Kiboko 30L+. It is very room and very light, fitting within the airline limit. One side fits 600 mm F/4, including the hood, while the other side fits 24–120 mm and 100–400 mm lenses and two camera bodies. The binoculars fit on top. You can see everything in the photo below, which shows “work” or active configuration with lenses associated with bodies:
However, during flights, I never take the lens on the carcasses to prevent tension on the mount. While flying, my bag looks more like this:
I like the inauguration of butterfly-style on this bag in a harsh environment. It helps me to avoid opening the pack completely every time.
conclusion
Selection and packing the kit for a wildlife photography trip for svalbard requires careful attention to expansion. In addition, there may be some careful and honest analysis of your past journey to decide which gear is necessary and should be left at home.
I hope you found this article interesting and I enjoyed seeing what I am doing to travel summer in Arctic! Once returning from Svalbard, I will report back on the journey and tell you how everything happened.
