Best lens for a safari shoot? (Page 2): If this is a "once-in-a-lifetime trip" go get yourself a lens with a longer reach! Maybe even just rent one for the trip?? I think you will be...

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

If this is a "once-in-a-lifetime trip" go get yourself a lens with a longer reach! Maybe even just rent one for the trip?? I think you will be happy that you did.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

This is how my friend packs for safari, as well as a photo of his 50-500. The 50-500 is an older lens and Sigma has come out with some newer ones. This has been Benno's go-to lens, however, and he hasn't felt a need to upgrade. Using a crop camera, it gives him an extended field of view of 800mm. He is an experienced photographer and his photos are quite sharp. He weighs his backpack to meet all airlines' requirements so it qualifies as a carry-on.

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camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Usually when shooting, regardless of subject, the lens available to do the shooting is the "best" lens. In your case you are planning buying a lens before the shooting and I am going to say that the chances are excellent you will need with your camera an equivalent focal length of about 600mm.
The Tamron and Sigma choices are excellent alternatives. I cannot make any comments because I do not own any of those lenses but the images I have seen from the Tamron looked very good to me.
Nikon makes a 200-500 f5.6 VR that could be also useful for such subjects like those found in Africa.

rcrogers6

That's for Version 1 of the 80-400mm used.

PaulB Loc: Alabama

I have been to Africa twice. I found that the 70-300 mm was enough reach in most situations (the game drivers do an excellent job of getting you close to the animals and the animals are very cooperative as well---they are used to seeing the vehicles near by). If you would like a lot more reach, I would recommend that you pick up a used or reconditioned Canon SX50 or SX60. Either will do the job nicely!

rcrogers6

First ask the tour company how close their vehicles normally get to the animals. My friend visited several African countries on the same tour and said that his guides got them so close that he didn't need a long telephoto. So, ask.

Otherwise, the Nikon 200-500mm is about the same cost as the new version of the Tamron 150-600mm and the reviews rave about this Nikon lens. When you return home, which lens will you have a use for? The two big rental companies seem to have reasonable prices with their insurance. You could try a rental before you go.

A backup body and extra batteries are wise additions. No, necessary additions! A refurbished D7100 or D7200 would be a way to reduce costs and insure a successful photo trip. A Nikon USA refurbished D7100 from Adorama is $569. Think backup.

PaulB Loc: Alabama

One other suggestion: Recommend you take a bean bag to help steady your camera and lens. In many instances, you will be standing inside the safari vehicle to take your shots and a bean bag set on the roof line will prove very helpful.

rcrogers6

PaulB wrote:

One other suggestion: Recommend you take a bean bag to help steady your camera and lens. In many instances, you will be standing inside the safari vehicle to take your shots and a bean bag set on the roof line will prove very helpful.

My friend used a bean bag every day that he was in the vehicle.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

joann richichi wrote:

Hi. I have a Nikon D7200 and several lenses, however my longest reach is a 70-300 mm 4.5 .. I want to get the best reach without spending a ton of money. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Try http://www.lensrentals.com and http://www.borrowlenses.com .

A 200-500mm zoom can be rented for about $80/week. Teleconverters are $25 to $40 a week. That's a LOT less outlay than buying a beastly lens that will sit idle most of the time!

jwkeith

Terrain and vegetation varies within Africa dependent on where you are going and that effects lens choice. It might help to know where you are going. I just returned from a three week photo safari in South Africa where I visited three different areas each with different terrain. I took two bodies and a selection of lenses but when I returned, I found that 70% of my shots were captured with a combination of a crop sensor body and the Nikon 200-500mm. The remainder were captured with a full frame body and my old 70-200mm. While there were times I wished I had a bit more reach, the 200-500 served me well even in the poorer light of early mornings and late afternoons. I rented mine at a reasonable price. No need to purchase a lens you will not use on a regular basis once you return but Africa for most of us is a once in a lifetime trip and renting good glass can make a huge difference.

MtnMan Loc: ID

PaulB wrote:

One other suggestion: Recommend you take a bean bag to help steady your camera and lens. In many instances, you will be standing inside the safari vehicle to take your shots and a bean bag set on the roof line will prove very helpful.

None of the four camps I visited in Zimabwe and Botswana used vehicles where you could use a beanbag. And you were required to remain seated.

They allowed and I tried using my monopod. It was too awkward. So I went handheld with my Nikon 200-500. It worked marvelously. You can look up my postings.

So you need to check ahead on what type vehicles you will be in.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

joann richichi wrote:

Hi. I have a Nikon D7200 and several lenses, however my longest reach is a 70-300 mm 4.5 .. I want to get the best reach without spending a ton of money. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Call ahead and see if there are any options of renting a lens while on your trip. If not, check with local retailers to see if they rent lenses. If you inquire on this site, I am sure you will get several suggestions.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

I was very pleased with the results from my Sigma 150-500mm lens.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

I would suggest a 375 holland and holland magnum.

joann richichi wrote:

Hi. I have a Nikon D7200 and several lenses, however my longest reach is a 70-300 mm 4.5 .. I want to get the best reach without spending a ton of money. Any suggestions? Thank you.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Actually, it you want to travel with 2 lenses only, all you would need is the Nikon 18-300mm or 28-300mm. And the 200-500mm with a 1.4X teleconverter.