Superzoom for African Safari - lightweight?
Apr 26, 2018 08:01:37 #
I took a Panasonic zs60 (replaced by zs70) on a safari
It is compact and light super zoom 30x zoom 24-720mm
was able to take great photos
usually game drives are done during the day, low light is not a problem
Also weight is a major problem, especially if you are flying within the country
this camera meets all the metrics
It is compact and light super zoom 30x zoom 24-720mm
was able to take great photos
usually game drives are done during the day, low light is not a problem
Also weight is a major problem, especially if you are flying within the country
this camera meets all the metrics
Apr 26, 2018 08:18:03 #
Apr 26, 2018 08:40:24 #
I would agree with the person on the FZ300. It is weather sealed. Although it has the smaller sensor it has outstanding reviews and is very reasonably priced.
Apr 26, 2018 08:59:27 #
Apr 26, 2018 09:56:52 #
Another vote for considering the Canon SX50 HS or SX60 HS bridge cameras. Plus, both allow you to shoot RAW as well as JPEG. If a Nikon fan, check out the P900, which is JPEG only but has a longer range. Couple disadvantages to both the Canons and the Nikon is sensor size (small) and focusing at long range can get tricky.
Apr 26, 2018 10:00:26 #
lmkb wrote:
I am going to Botswana next month and would like to take a camera with a great zoom but probably don't want to mess with interchangeable lenses due to weight restrictions. I also need a camera that is not too heavy because I have small hands and Parkinson's. I have received several suggestions but would like some opinions and advice. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000, SONY RX10 III, Sony Cyber-shot Dsc-rx10 Iv, and Canon Powershot G3 X have all been recommended. What do you think?
Having been on a Safari in Kenya last summer, I highly recommend taking a camera with a long zoom. The Sony RX10 IV could be a great choice, because of the 1" sensor as well as the 25X zoom. The Panasonic FZ1000 only zooms up to 400mm. For a Safari, the longer reach the better. I used a Canon SX50 with a 50X zoom. Most of the time, I wasn't shooting at full zoom, but there were a few shots I wouldn't have gotten without the extra reach. I was able to get some great lion shots at mid zoom range, about 25X or 600mm.
Apr 26, 2018 10:19:17 #
tomad
Loc: North Carolina
reindeer wrote:
Sony DSC rx 10 IV has an excellent zoom up to 600 mm.
Or up to 1800mm in a pinch with Clear Image Zoom...
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-525322-1.html
Apr 26, 2018 10:19:22 #
xt2
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
My experience with three safaris, including Botswana was I never used a longer lens than my AF-S NIKKOR
70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II. The game drives, early AM and the evening were so well choreographed there was no need for a longer lens. We got so close to wildlife, including the “Big Five” and Lions gobbling up fresh Antelope kill that I could use such a wonderful lens routinely. I am sure others will contradict my experience, however, if I were to return I would only take the 70:200 for those “long” shots. Perhaps other escorted drives elsewhere are not as good since you get what you pay for? However, you can easily determine this with your hosts well before you commit or arrive. I hope you really enjoy yourself!!! Cheers!
70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II. The game drives, early AM and the evening were so well choreographed there was no need for a longer lens. We got so close to wildlife, including the “Big Five” and Lions gobbling up fresh Antelope kill that I could use such a wonderful lens routinely. I am sure others will contradict my experience, however, if I were to return I would only take the 70:200 for those “long” shots. Perhaps other escorted drives elsewhere are not as good since you get what you pay for? However, you can easily determine this with your hosts well before you commit or arrive. I hope you really enjoy yourself!!! Cheers!
Apr 26, 2018 11:03:28 #
Apr 26, 2018 11:39:56 #
very good reminder - I'd almost forgotten about suggestion of dry bags and/or sealed cameras. Thanks!
Apr 26, 2018 11:46:29 #
Stevejayd
Loc: Palm Desert Ca
I have the Nikon B700. Wonderful for daytime high zoom. Raw files too.
Apr 26, 2018 11:57:36 #
Nikon P900 or Canon SX50, refurbed by manufacturer. Have a great trip! Mercer
Apr 26, 2018 12:19:22 #
Apr 26, 2018 12:22:51 #
lmkb wrote:
I am going to Botswana next month and would like to take a camera with a great zoom but probably don't want to mess with interchangeable lenses due to weight restrictions. I also need a camera that is not too heavy because I have small hands and Parkinson's. I have received several suggestions but would like some opinions and advice. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000, SONY RX10 III, Sony Cyber-shot Dsc-rx10 Iv, and Canon Powershot G3 X have all been recommended. What do you think?
The Canon SX50 is very small (tiny) but has a huge zoom range (50x). It takes pretty decent pictures, can shoot in raw!
Apr 26, 2018 12:53:42 #
During our safari in SA and Botswana, I was worried about the reach of my one lens. But then in reality the animals came very close to the vehible. Even a couple of Chetahs who was just walking beside the jeep and practically preening.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.