ole sarg Loc: south florida

have you considered simplifing your life with a canon SX50? It is a great bridge camera and will give you all the reach you need and a wide angle of 28mm with a reach of 1500mm.

One camera no lens changing, compact, not too expensive and it will give you time to actually enjoy the safari!

neco Loc: Western Colorado Mountains

Last Sunday's Denver Post had an article on what to take on an African Sarari. You can read it here: http://www.denverpost.com/travel?source=Nav_Travel

JF9

Thank you everyone!!!

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Be sure to check with the rental places. Some large glass is available quite reasonably. I am envious. How long are you on safari?

JF9

Yes will check rentals, will be goping for 14 days. Can't wait!

photonphysicist Loc: Texas

rent a 400mm lens and a doubler.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

JF9, I have never been to Africa. I will assume you are not going for the migration.
There are two other lenses I would try and have with me in addition to what your 28-300.
A fast 50mm for lowlight.
A wide, at least 10mm zoom if you could swing it for landscapes.
You will never have everything you need so don't even sweat it.
I would take at least a travel pod.
If you wind up with all those giant lenses that everybody wants you to take, take me along and I'm glad to go and help you carry them.
Have a great trip.

beanmg

JF9

I'm not going to quote make/model/spec but pass on some practical experience.

- You will be moving much of the time and when you are not your usual photographic subjects will be; sometimes very fast, many times just turning to present their rear ends.
- You will seldom have much time to get the 'killer' shot.
- You may be competing with fellow safari-ist for the best view.
- With day and night safaris you will have an extraordinary range of light levels.
- It will inevitably dry and dusty - danger of dust in camera body.

On this basis I'd:

- stick to one lens but make sure your case allows you to stow it ready for instant shooting.
- the lens has to be as fast as possible - you will always want the capability of very short exposures.
- zoom is essential - you will have lions sniffing at you from 1-2 metres but many of your subjects will be some way away (depending in the safari park rules)!
- as you will be traveling in pretty poor road/track conditions there is no place for a tripod but a sand-bag (filled with authentic African dirt) makes a good alternative on your jeep doorway or whatever.
- do enjoy the experience directly, not just through the viewfinder.

Finally, of course you must use the old adage 'don't wait for the best picture' - take every opportunity, it may never return - lions don't do a 'Take 2' killing an impala.

UK Mike

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

I think that the Nikon 1.4x teleconverter maintains all lens-camera connections, including autofocus.

HTH

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

Been there, done that. The lens you have is adequate, though at times a longer lens is nice though not necessary. A monopod and a beanbag served me well; most of the time I had no place to have used a tripod, and the monopod is much lighter to transport.

JF9

thanks again everyone!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I would not go there without a good ZOOM lens ! I would take the Sigma 100-300 F4 with 1.4 TC - super sharp and very portable. If I was a little more serious ( and I would be) I would take the latest Sigma 120-300 2.8 with OS and 2X TC. Not as portable as the 100-300 , but MORE portable than most ! - either buying or renting.

Bballer Loc: White Plains, NY

I spent three weeks in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe back in January shooting over 4,000 frames with the D7000 and D600. I got some spectacular shots at Kruger National Park, Swaziland, Ghombe Game Preserve, Victoria Falls, and many other beautiful places using Nikkor 17-35 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, and 300 f4 on both cameras. I found the 17-35 f2.8 to be ideal on the vast savannahs. The results were absolutely stunning in the golden hours. I suggest that you get the MB-D11 Battery Grip, plenty of memory cards, and get ready for the time of you life

JF9

Wow thanks ballerina,image existed,beanmg and everyone!!!

JF9

Bballer,sorry iPad changed your name.