Still a work in progress, but if anyone is interested, here are my photos:
http://tinyurl.com/ycvbx3v
and "blog":
http://tinyurl.com/ykra9rr
Thanks

Lovely pictures
Thank You for posting.

Looks like a good time
Was it cold, or as cold as it looks ?!

Thanks Percy. It wasn't really as cold as you'd think it would be. Then again, it's "summer" there

Great pics!

Read your blog again and looked at all your pictures again.

Great stuff.

I would love to goto Antartica also.

There are some places in the world you just want to go to .... and itis difficult to explain to others . why!

I am glad it was summer there !!!

Beautifully written blog and gorgeous photos. Thank you very much for sharing ... it was all inspiring.

Heather, thank you so much for your kind words, really appreciate you viewing them and taking the time to post!!

And to Missy too, thanks

Very nice shots, Robin. I'd be interested to know what equipment you used for the telephoto shots. Looks like you had a very successful trip -- makes me want to go back to Antarctica again!

Chris

Chris, after much debate right up to the last minute, I ended up leaving the 100-400 home. Mainly for weight reasons. So I took my 70-200 f/4 (old version, non IS) and a 1.4x extender.

I had the extender on during my first zodiac ride, and wouldn't you know it, we encountered some really close wildlife, too close, and I missed my shots. So the extender stayed in the cabin after that.

I found the 70-200 worked well for me for the rest of the trip. Oh, and the 17-40 too!

Thanks for the response. It is always hard to figure out lenses for a trip like that, because you can encounter such a huge variety of subject distances. We are going to the Galapagos next May and it seems like exactly the same kind of situation. But in my case, I have my wife taking pictures too, so we can "divide and conquer." In Antarctica, I used the 100-400 and she used the 24-105 on shore landings, and that worked out really well. Not sure what we will do in the Galapagos but I am tempted to give her the 100-400 and use the 500/4.
Anyway, congratulations again on your excellent pictures, and thanks for sharing them.

Chris

Thanks Chris!

Yes, it's nice to have a Canonian (or is it "Canonite?") partner to share lenses

Galapagos, I'm sure that will be wonderful! Looking forward to hearing about your trip...

Outstanding photography.

What were the average temperatures? Did the wind blow constantly? I am going in January.

Thanks gshah!

Charli: I too went in January. I didn't take note of the temperature, but it wasn't as cold as one would imagine. Then again I packed really well. The coldest and windiest situations were in the zodiac, and outside while on the ship - sometimes it was too brutal to take for more than a minute. On land it was a lot calmer. When the sun was shining I even took off my outer jacket once or twice!

Nutella,
Amazing Pictures!!!
I remember your Amazing pictures from China.
Please publish a book, I'll be first in line
to buy it.

Wow thank you so much poochie! Actually I have been toying with the book idea. Of course that would mean I'd have to go back to Antarctica to make sure I had enough photos for it

Heading South on Nov 26th .. Wondered what filters besides maybe a polarizer that you used for your shots. Taking 55-250 and 18-55 lens, Canon Rebel and a point and shoot.

Would you recommend tri-pod? I guess the extender should stay at home.

Also with type of thermals did you bring for the trip. Still debating choices. Seems like cotton is out. Appreciate feedback

I didn't find any filters other than a polarizer useful.

I used a monopod instead of a tripod; especially with my 100-400 lens. If your extender works with your 55-250, I'd definitely take it ... though I didn't use my 100-400 nearly as much as my 17-200, there were times I was glad for the added reach of my long lens.

Have you looked into smartwool long johns. Soft; not at all scratchy ... my husband and I both swear by them now.

Have fun and come back and share your photos and your impressions.