Photography in Svalbard

Choosing the Right Photography Gear for Svalbard

by Photographer Marcel Lesch (Evolumina)

As a professional photographer, visiting Svalbard had always been a dream of mine, especially the chance to encounter polar bears in their natural habitat. Capturing these unique moments requires the right equipment, but here’s the good news: you don’t need an expensive setup to take stunning photos in Svalbard.

The landscapes are breathtaking, and wildlife often comes close, so even a smartphone or beginner’s camera can deliver incredible results. That said, you’ll want to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re wondering what gear works best for photography in Svalbard, here’s what I used during my voyage with Waterproof Expeditions:

My Camera Setup

The main camera body is a Canon R5 MK II equipped with a Canon RF 400mm 2.8 Prime lens. That combo is a dream to work with, and many photos of mine are taken with this setup. As a second body, I mainly use my old Canon R5 MK I with a Canon RF 70-200 2.8. This gives me more flexibility to capture animals with their beautiful surroundings. Believe it or not, 400mm is often too close!

• Main Camera Body: Canon R5 Mark II
  Lens: Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 Prime
  Perfect combination for wildlife photography.

• Second Camera Body: Canon R5 Mark I
  Lens: Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8
  For flexibility and capturing the surrounding scenery.

Lenses for Photography in Svalbard

For shore landings, you might want to consider a wider lens as well. My go-to lens is the Canon RF 28-70 2.0, a true gem for documentary photography or capturing the everyday life onboard. I have rarely used my Canon RF 15-35 2.8 wide-angle lens as I enjoy taking telephoto landscape photos, and the glaciers and stunning scenery are also quite far from your ship. Therefore, an ultra-wide angle might be too broad to capture this scenery.

• Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.0 – My favourite lens for documentary-style photography and life onboard.
• Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 – Wide-angle to capture the dramatic landscapes.

Other Camera Gear

For the first time, I brought a monopod to support my big lens during long polar bear sightings. It was a lifesaver for reducing fatigue, but I often removed it to stay flexible and move around the ship for different angles.

Keeping your gear secure and dry is essential, especially during zodiac cruises. A waterproof bag with camera inserts works perfectly, providing easy access and protection against snow and sea water. Also make sure to pack extra batteries before heading out, the cold weather can drain them much faster than usual. The last thing you want is to miss capturing an incredible wildlife encounter due to an empty battery.

• Tripod or Monopod – For stability, especially during longer wildlife observations.
• Extra Batteries & Memory Cards – Cold weather drains batteries fast!
• Dry Bags & Lens Cloths – Protect your gear from moisture and snow.

Photographer’s Tips for Svalbard

Getting that perfect shot of a polar bear is unforgettable, but don’t forget to put your camera down occasionally. Take in the moment with your own eyes, it’s an experience that will stay with you forever.

A word of caution: avoid carrying too much gear. Carrying around lots of photography gear increases the risk of making noise, and the last thing you want is to accidentally drop your camera or bang a tripod against the ship’s metal and scare away the wildlife.

• Use one camera at a time for flexibility and safety.
• Avoid carrying too much gear, noise can scare wildlife.
• Most importantly: Enjoy the Arctic moments!

Why Choose a Small Ship for Photography in Svalbard?

For the best photography experience in Svalbard, traveling on a small expedition ship like Explorer is a game-changer. Smaller vessels allow for more flexibility in landings and wildlife encounters. We had no schedule, no rush. Instead, we had patience and time to enjoy and experience.

With only 12 people onboard, everyone can disembark at the same time for zodiac cruises and shore landings. You’ll have more space to move around for different angles, and you’ll have no problem finding unobstructed views whether you’re onboard the ship or in the zodiac. Plus, the intimate setting means personal guidance from the crew and more time to focus on your shots rather than rushing to the next landing site. In short, a small ship offers the freedom and access that serious photographers dream of.

Ready to experience the magic of Svalbard for yourself?

View our Svalbard Signature Expeditions

Note: Depending on the camera lens used for photography, wildlife may appear closer than it actually is. We always follow local regulations and keep a safe distance to wildlife.