Lens help for african safari!
- Thread starter Tbertrand
- Start date
Scott Murray
Senior Member
I spent 2 months in Africa last year. I think you will be right with both the 18-55 and 70-300. I took my 80-400 and for some birds it still wasn't long enough. But you get that.
So maybe add a 1.4, 1.7 or (assuming bright light) 2.0 teleconverter and tripod?
BackdoorArts
Senior Member
Just make sure they're compatible with your lenses.
Scott Murray
Senior Member
Tripods are cumbersome, and you can get good bean bag/sand bag stabilizers for the side of game vehicles. Also you can get clamp on mounts but that depends on the game drive. I hand held most of mine except for a rare timelapse.
Also with most TC they reduce the quality, most game are easily spotted and you can get close enough with out one. If you love your birding then fair enough 600mm is the go but if you can go for the main ones then you should be right, except with rhinos as you do not get too close to them. I even have a full frame picture of a lioness from my iphone, thats how close you get sometimes.
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Bearing in mind your hands are Robocop-steady!
Scott Murray
Senior Member
If you are looking at another lens then I would say go for the new 80-400. If not then what you have should be good enough.
Scott Murray
Senior Member
PS here is a quick snippet of my African trip in 2013 - http://nikonites.com/learning-photography/13619-africa-2013-a.html?highlight=africa
it's a pity Eye-level got banned. I like his/her style!
Thanks for everyone suggestions
Scott, you have some great images on your hands! Bummer your camera took a dump.
Sounds like eye-level was entertaining.
I was planning to take my tripod, but bean bag has me intrigued, are they available over there or do I have to take one?
Scott, you have some great images on your hands! Bummer your camera took a dump.
Sounds like eye-level was entertaining.
I was planning to take my tripod, but bean bag has me intrigued, are they available over there or do I have to take one?
Scott Murray
Senior Member
Take an empty beanbag no weight, fill it up with sand and empty when needed. I would say take one. Also watch your gear as it can get swiped quickly. I managed with out my camera and never made it to Kruger, thats next on my list. Spare cards and batteries are a must and external storage if you have it.
Scott Murray
Senior Member
With me going for 2 months I used a laptop and 2 x 2 tb Lacie HDD. So yes if you can then take it. Batteries and chargers are the go. Also being able to transfer then you are ok. I am thinking that your Safari is only a few weeks then of thats the case then most I say will not help. But if its through 10 countries then I have lots to offer outside of simple photography.
Scott Murray
Senior Member
Ok if only 3 weeks then make sure you have the best gear available to you. Know how to use a flash and use it always. It will help with fill. Listen to your guides, I do not want you eaten. Place your self nearest the window, and make it noticible that you are willing to move. Speak with your driver if he/she does not have a co-driver jump in the seat the lower to the ground the better.
thanks for all of your help. Looking at the grizzly bean bag on amazon right now.
Scott Murray
Senior Member
Not with DSLR But... YOU get close.
Scott Murray
Senior Member
This was taken with Samsung camera.
Scott Murray
Senior Member
And with D800 before it died.
