Everyone’s shooting style is a bit different so much depends on how much you shoot. I’m pretty conservative that way but then again I’ve been down there photographing penguins many times. The cold is not as big of a deal as one might expect, depending on the time of year you you might go. I do not have first hand experience with the Sony A7RII but being a mirrorless camera it does suck up batteries more quickly. Small buttons too as I recall when working with other clients which can be problematic when wearing gloves or with cold fingers.

So, just have a minimum of 3 batteries for each body and keep them charged up. One in the camera, one in your pocket and the other in the camera bag is the way I work…usually!

You can always check in your luggage/camera backpack, but always make that the last option. Check it at the gate prior to boarding if possible so it’s waiting for you as you get off the plane. In Ushuaia it may all end up on the luggage carousel with all the other luggage.

Some small planes just do not have the overhead clearance and you might not know until you’re at the gate. I’ve only been required to check my backpack at the check-in counter once in my life and that was flying to Ushuaia on Aerolineas Argentina. The exact same bag has traveled with me and with them many times without a problem. Go figure. If you do have to check your camera backpack try sticking as much gear into coat pockets and carry on your laptop. Also, try to set your backpack on the ground as much out of sight of the counter agent as possible and not on your back.

Good luck!

If an airline is strict about carry-on weight, can this be checked in?

Hello
I have a backpack which is carry-on approved to get through the airports and can handle it all the way onto the ship. In it would be all of the “expensive must have” gear, lenses, bodies, memory cards, and at least one charger. Some of the electronics, such as that charger, external hard drives, ect. will go into a second smaller carry-on bag. Lens hoods, filters, tripod/monopod, battery grips will go into my checked luggage.

Here’s a link to the current pack that I’ll be using on my upcoming trip which starts in mid-March. Note that I have modified it a bit to allow more expansion.

I do recommend a back-pack that is water resistant as you’re going to get wet at some point, especially while commuting to and from the ship. It’s also much easier and safer to have your gear stowed when walking down the gangway to get in or out of the Zodiac.

Hope that helps! Safe travels.

David