camera settings for Africa safari (Page 5): Excellent point on luggage: This is extremely important if local flights, even on some jets, is involved. We went to Iceland, with a flight...

JBRIII

scubadoc wrote:

Instead of carrying around a bean bag, consider using a neck pillow which you will likely use on the long flight over. Don’t forget weight limitations on most of the local flights from park to park or from country to country. Some tour operators will have made prior arrangements for increased weight limits, but in general, 30 lbs is all that is allowed and that covers camera equipment as well as personal baggage.

Excellent point on luggage:

This is extremely important if local flights, even on some jets, is involved. We went to Iceland, with a flight then to Faroe Islands to a solar eclipse. We could get practically anything to Iceland, but flight to Faroes on a jet was very limited, could not even pay for an extra bag. We have given to Good Will lots of good luggage as we reduce the weight of the bags themselves. In some ways, it's ridiculous, we talk about being a thrown away world where things aren't repaired, now I'm buying new luggage, tripods, trackers for astro, etc. just for flight weight limits and doing the same with printers, etc. that won't work with new computer, etc.

Burkley Loc: Park City

The vagueness of the question has opened up a few very good posts on settings. If your camera allows for programming I would put one program for sunlight and fast action and another program for backlighting. I like the idea of auto ISO for sunlight. As I think about it, I prefer the M setting and a set ISO for backlighting for greater control and detail in shade. Just remember to switch back.

Amaize

Sounds like time to purchase new batteries — they do have limited camera/shelf life. As far as cipro, serious risks are maybe one in 200 or less — quite a bit of research out there — but ask your doc. Travelers diarrhea isn’t just from contaminated food — traveling out of US, bacterial flora is different and can set off the gut. No fun to have the runs when out on the trail. If the camp/lodge serves buffet food, be first in line — risky proposition otherwise. 2 camera bodies — important. I shoot raw-raw to be sure I have my work backed up. If you are carrying some type of computer, another back up to a solid state hard drive is great option.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Don't take anything in a plastic bag. I don't know about all of Africa, but plastic bags are forbidden in Kenya--ALL plastic bags. If you've put stuff in one at the departure airport (TSA regs), take it out and discard the bag when you get to Africa.

Burkley Loc: Park City

For a beanbag I cut up packing peanuts and filled a commercial photography beanbag. I used it occasionally with my 200-500 5.6 Nikon. Very light weight. What worked best for me was covering my lens with a neoprene sleeve, which alleviated the concerns when I rested it in my hand against the vehicle. That set up allows me to move quickly from side to back to side as animals move without worrying about moving the beanbag.

frangeo Loc: Texas

philo wrote:

I will be going to Africa and my Tamron 150-600 is going to be my goto lens. I was planning on shooting in M with a shutter speed on 1000 and an f of about 5.6. Do you believe that these setting will produce sharp images taken from a stopped van. I'm not too concerned about noise. My iso will be set at auto. Also I can't use a tripod while in the van.

Depends on if it's sunny or cloudy???? I live in Texas and I could not tell you my settings until I go outside and take a meter reading. It also may change if I face north or south. You have a camera that can take meter readings it is NOT a point and shoot camera. The camera has adjustments to make proper exposures in a variety of lighting conditions. It's called Photography.

craneman

I have been to Africa twice now and my recommendation is forget about filling up all those memory cards. Take some time to watch the animals, listen to your guide and interact with your fellow passengers. Taking a lot of pictures should be just part of your experience.

Hip Coyote

craneman wrote:

I have been to Africa twice now and my recommendation is forget about filling up all those memory cards. Take some time to watch the animals, listen to your guide and interact with your fellow passengers. Taking a lot of pictures should be just part of your experience.

I could not agree more. I think I put that in one of my posts as well. People get so wrapped up on taking shots they forget to put the camera down, sit and BE THERE. I did that a few times...and I remember them well. Excellent advice.

Canisdirus

craneman wrote:

I have been to Africa twice now and my recommendation is forget about filling up all those memory cards. Take some time to watch the animals, listen to your guide and interact with your fellow passengers. Taking a lot of pictures should be just part of your experience.

That's good advice everywhere.
I remember on one particular night dive years ago.
I was first one down...last one up.
Instead of whipping around trying to see as much as possible (you never know what you miss however).
I came up and said...hey...you guys see that Loggerhead? Nope...
See that Hammerhead? Nope...

Difference?
I went down the anchor line...found a rock shelf which I put my back to and just floated 2 feet above the bottom...motionless...just being...the animal life...all came to me.

It works on land as well...though a group of folks can disturb your success.
Calmness...in the moment...animals will respond to it.

Burkley Loc: Park City

I am becoming an Africa frequenter. It is a shame to be there and fail to appreciate the grandeur of what you are immersed in by concentrating solely on the amazing photo opportunities. Also, most people who are with you are fun.

Hip Coyote

Burkley wrote:

I am becoming an Africa frequenter. It is a shame to be there and fail to appreciate the grandeur of what you are immersed in by concentrating solely on the amazing photo opportunities. Also, most people who are with you are fun.

Yep. If it werent for a grand baby here, Id live in Cape Town! Wow.

To the OP, we are all jealous! Enjoy the wonderful trip and lets see your pics when you get back.!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

philo wrote:

I will be going to Africa and my Tamron 150-600 is going to be my goto lens. I was planning on shooting in M with a shutter speed on 1000 and an f of about 5.6. Do you believe that these setting will produce sharp images taken from a stopped van. I'm not too concerned about noise. My iso will be set at auto. Also I can't use a tripod while in the van.

There is no reason to even think about that now. You can't even use F5.6 if you are at 600mm. I have found the sharpest aperture on that lens might be F7.1, but you will sacrifice depth of field with bigger subjects. Just decide these things when you get there. But practice and get really comfortable with the lens and your camera before the trip - so that you can change settings on the fly if you need to.