Birding photography in Kenya: We are planning a trip to Kenya this fall. I have been using a Nikon D7200 with Sigma 150-500 for several years. I'm happy with results, but wonder about...

Dellis51 Loc: Linn County Ks

We are planning a trip to Kenya this fall. I have been using a Nikon D7200 with Sigma 150-500 for several years. I'm happy with results, but wonder about the 200-600 or the 60-600 for that extra range. Would it be worth it ? Also would a mirrorless camera be a better idea altogether? Never used one so I don't know what I don't know about that option. Just want to make sure my picture taking is up to the investment in the trip. Also, any tips on Kenya if you have been there?

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

I'LL BE EAGERLY AWAITING TO SEE SOME OF THE RESULTS OF YOUR TRIP. :-)

Terry in Indiana Loc: rural Indiana

Dellis51 wrote:

We are planning a trip to Kenya this fall. I have been using a Nikon D7200 with Sigma 150-500 for several years. I'm happy with results, but wonder about the 200-600 or the 60-600 for that extra range. Would it be worth it ? Also would a mirrorless camera be a better idea altogether? Never used one so I don't know what I don't know about that option. Just want to make sure my picture taking is up to the investment in the trip. Also, any tips on Kenya if you have been there?

I've been to Kenya many times...what a treat you have in store! My advice would be to stick with the camera and lens you are familiar with. For almost everything (except perhaps some birds), your 500m will be plenty of reach. If you have another camera body, you might want to bring it and also a closer range lens, like the 24-70m. Many times the animals will be quite close, too close for the 150. Check to see if your tour provider has beanbags for support, they are very helpful to stabilize your cameras.

Enjoy your trip! I know you'll bring back some great images and fantastic memories!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I've been to Kenya one time (first time in Africa) about three years ago and want to go back yesterday! I took a D850 and Nikon 200~500mm. It wasn't a "birder trip" but I've always been into bird photography. I missed a few birds that I could have gotten with another 100mm or so but I could do some extensive cropping with the FF camera, so it worked out pretty well.
If your budget allows it, I would suggest that you look at a gently used D500 (pretty inexpensive these days, and a great wildlife camera) to put your Sigma on. You would have an equivalent 750mm. Nothing wrong with the D7200, but it doesn't compare to the D500 for wildlife! IMHO.
I'm currently birding in Florida with the D500/D850 with the Nikon 200-500mm and it's working very well for me!

old poet

Ditto. Retired CPO. You'll love the trip. Enjoy the beautiful kind people. However, be mindful of pickpockets in the airport or crowded places.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Dellis51 wrote:

We are planning a trip to Kenya this fall. I have been using a Nikon D7200 with Sigma 150-500 for several years. I'm happy with results, but wonder about the 200-600 or the 60-600 for that extra range. Would it be worth it ? Also would a mirrorless camera be a better idea altogether? Never used one so I don't know what I don't know about that option. Just want to make sure my picture taking is up to the investment in the trip. Also, any tips on Kenya if you have been there?

The Sigma 60-600 is a very practical choice - but realize it is quite HEAVY. In any case I would be taking a Sony RX10m4 for at least as a back-up and you might find it as your primary set-up after you use it a while and see the results. I would set it up like I show here - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-740275-1.html

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planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

Kenya is on my bucket list! I'm going cross off one on my list, though, a week from today - 23-day tour to Jordan and Egypt. Because of baggage restrictions I'm just going to take my FF with a 24-105. I think that will get me most of what I need. Can't wait to see your pics:) Not looking forward to the lay-overs, though...nearly 5 hrs at ORD alone :(

Stan Wieg Loc: Fair Oaks, CA

Good for you! I took a Tamron 150-600 on a Sony A77 and had plenty of reach. Terry is right: sometimes the 150 will be too much - you'll see! I ended up using the iPhone for some shots. I'd take a bug net too (https://www.amazon.com/Hestya-Mosquito-Protecting-Climbing-Preventing/dp/B07CPNS1XW/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3P4ZIPKIUMDPB&keywords=headnet&qid=1684350289&sprefix=headnet%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-8&th=1). It's cheap at amazon, and some of those flies bite.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

Dellis51 wrote:

We are planning a trip to Kenya this fall. I have been using a Nikon D7200 with Sigma 150-500 for several years. I'm happy with results, but wonder about the 200-600 or the 60-600 for that extra range. Would it be worth it ? Also would a mirrorless camera be a better idea altogether? Never used one so I don't know what I don't know about that option. Just want to make sure my picture taking is up to the investment in the trip. Also, any tips on Kenya if you have been there?

If you buy a new camera give yourself a lot of time to learn the features or you'll lose a lot of photos

Amaize

Fall is not too far off, so I assume you have basics in place. If not, I’d suggest looking into Serengeti/Tanzania. I could get you some good contacts for that. If you can do a private vehicle that is your best option. Otherwise, you will be in a vehicle with probably 6 people, so your opportunities are more limited — not much room for shooting, plus you’re at the mercy of others as far as choices in your movements. The best is 3 in a vehicle. Plus, for birding specifically, open top — not open side — is a better choice. You can move around side to side, and have better chances for BIF pics. I will be in the Serengeti in June. Have been there many times. If you have specific info you need, feel free to let me know. I can give lots of details. Enjoy !

Dellis51 Loc: Linn County Ks

I took your advice and ordered a D850. Looked so much better than the D500 - is that wrong?

Also my wide lens is a Nikon 18-55. Is that enough zoom ?

Many thanks for your advice.

Amaize

Birding is not my primary objective. I would assume you have a pretty good sense on lenses for your shooting. I carry 2 850s, one with 500 prime, the other 70-200. You may want a little more reach than 500, though it is one of Nikon’s sharpest lenses, plus much more hand hold friendly that the longer lens, which can be great for BIF. It’s doubtful you would need anything wider than 70mm, though iPhone with RAW can be handy. I also carry a 1.4 lens extender so most shots/distances are covered. Cannot more strongly recommend MRC-nano Master lens filters. They run over $100. They simply repel dust to an amazing extent like no others, so you will just need a blower and lens brush when out shooting.