Expedition to Antarctica advice on kit required

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Hello Folks. I've been lurking for a while so its a shame that my first post is unfortunately work related! lol

Here at work we are sponsoring an event down in Antarctica and more specifically a race to the pole.

We have been asked by the media company to supply the neccessary camera equipment that the guys will be taking, which comprises of:
Canon 400D + stock 18-55mm lens
Sigma 18-200mm DC OS lens.
Polorised filter.

Has anyone got any experience of using said kit, or the like, in conditions as low as -50 degrees C? Obviously there are concerns and changing the lens in such conditions wouldn't be recommended for obvious reasons! lol

Also has anyone got any recommendations on the type of kit bag to take? hardcase / soft etc... are there any specifically for extreme cold weather?

Any advice, info, links etc would be very much appreciated.

Andy
 
Im not sure what the weather sealing is like on the 400D, but personally I would be looking to use a camera with FULL weather sealing in conditions like that. Also why are they taking a 18-55mm and a 18-200mm lens? Thats just useless weight. Id take just the 18-200mm lens. Id also suspect that the weather sealing on that lens wouldn't be great. If you have to use consumer kit like this, then consider some fully weatherproof bags and cases, such as the Lowepro Dryzone or even Peli cases.
 
Hmmm 400D Operating Environment is 0 – 40 °C, 85% or less humidity ? not sure its a good camera to take into Antartic Conditions. even the 1D is Operating Environment 0-45 °C, 85% or lower humidity, the Nikon bodies are all similar spec too, except they state Zero humidity ? Not sure what to suggest for the best really !

Would definitely say they will need special care, and no changing lenses at all if you can, condensation will be bad if you keep taking them from hot to cold and back again, which will make them freeze so a cold bag may be necessary to keep them at one temp ?
 
My canon 400d was fine in -20C, didn't even have any battery issues.
 
Having been in the Falklands and Antarctica I will say battery life will suffer. (during winter / harsh weather)

I took a 1Ds and 1D to Antartica, my battery life was about 20mins, then back in a pocket in an inner jacket to warm up, while you use another one. the first one when back upto temp will be ok then for the next 15-20min stint, and so the cycle continued. It just takes your body heat to re vitalise a cold battery, and as your outer suit will probably be rated to around approx -50 deg C, you should be plenty warm for the batteries. Just take lots of them with you.

The only other problem I saw encountered was Aluminium tripods froze / stuck with the cold and they were nearly impossible to extend and low, where as Carbon fibre were ok.

The biggest problem for me was getting used to shooting wearing gloves, I'd recommend finding a pair that you are comfortable with.

Its a fantastic place.
 
A friend of mine works down there he looks after some of the bases I can drop him a note and ask him what ever you want.
He is on limited email size.
Let me know if you want me to drop him a note
 
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