audpro1988

My wife is taking a photo trip to Africa - any suggestions as to equipment to take, lenses etc.. She will be leaving from southwest Florida flying to Nairobi - any suggestions as to flights from anyone that may have made the trip?

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

Just tell her to MAKE SURE she does NOT Check lenses or cameras. SHE MUST CARRY THEM ON. Otherwise, you can almost guarantee they'll be stolen somewhere along the route.

audpro1988

Thank you for that bit of information!!!

Glenn K

I second JimH's comment. As for gear, she should, IMO take two bodies, and at least two zooms. You didn't mention what gear she has, so my recommendations re lenses are based on the Canon lineup, as follows: I'd suggest the 24-70 (or 24-105) and the 100-400. If you have a substantial budget, a 500 or 600 prime would be ideal. A sandbag for rooftop shooting. (Kenesis is the kind I have. Fill it with beans or other vegetable matter once she gets there.) And lens and sensor cleaning supplies. That would be a minimum kit. She might also want to consider packing a small, empty photo bag in her carryon for use as a day bag. All this assumes, that she's going to be in a safari vehicle.

audpro1988

Thank you for your reply - every bit of info we can receive is worthwhile. She has a D3000 and a D7000 Nikon. Trying to remember lenses - Sigma 50-500, Nikon 70-300 and others that I can't remember. Thank you again for your input! Ben

Glenn K

Ben,
The Nikon 70-300 is likely to have better IQ than the Sigma 50-500. But the "Bigma" obviously has more reach. So, for her long lens, either will do. She simply has to decide which tradeoff she wants to make. In general, for safari work, length matters. But her mileage may vary. If she has a, say, 1.4 Nikon extender that doesn't disable autofocus, then my recomendation would be to take the extender and the Nikon lens. For the second body, something that starts around 25 to 35 and go to 70 to 100 would be nice for tighter shots. If she's into wider shots, or will be going into interiors (like a Maasi hut), then a very wide zoom as a third lens would be useful. When people get off work this evening, you likely to get some well-informed thoughts.

audpro1988

Thank you Glenn!!

Glenn K

My pleasure.

OkeRon Loc: Folkston, Georgia

I was in Kenya in November and loved it! Don't need a tripod as the guides will get you quite close to the wildlife. Take a 300mm lens, and a wide angle for landscapes. I would be happy to talk to you as you will probably be going to the same parks/reserves as i did.

Sala

Can you share info on the tour and company? I want to take a photographic safari there before too long but have no idea how to plan this.

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

Have been doing a lot of research recently about this very subject as I have been thinking of going in Oct. to celebrate my 75 th birthday.

Glenn K

Sala,

You have, I think, essentially four options.
1. A dedicated photo tour company (e.g., Joseph Van OS Photo Tours @ www.photosafaris.com). Google for others. They tend to be expensive. What you get in return is some degree of hand-holding and knowledge of good photo sites. Good sites is less of a factor on safari, as you're looking for the wildlife and the local guides (and a bit of luck) are the make or break factor.
2. A U.S. based group-tour company that is mostly -- but not entirely -- focused on the safari experience (e.g., Odysseys Unlimited or Overseas Adventure Travel). Have traveled with both and can recommend both. Might be good for a first timer unless you're a seasoned, off-the-beaten-path traveler.
3. An African-based individual or group tour company that will plan your trip for you with your input. Contact http://www.african-safari-journals.com/ for a list of three such companies or browse travel magazines for adverts. (ITN is a good resource -- www.intltravelnews.com). This is the way were doing our next safari. If you're confident in your photographic skills and comfortable traveling w/o a group, this is a cost effective way of combining local knowledge and independent travel.
4. a DIY trip. Let us know how that works out. :) Africa ain't western Europe. It can easily be done, especially if you book into a resort. But I wouldn't recomend it for a first-timer.

Have NFI in any of the companies listed, They're examples only. You'll need to do your own due diligence. Good luck.

Glenn K

P.S.

Audpro1988,

Sorry for highjacking your thread. Got carried away. :?

Raybazan Loc: Rockport, TX

Insurance for the equipment is not that expensive. I suggest she takes inventory, sr. #'s, and ask your home owners if they can add insurance. Be sure to tell them she is going out of the country. I travel a lot international and my home owners covers my camera gear. Lucky lady going to Africa :-)

Ray

jmunny Loc: Buena Park, CA

I went to S.Africa two months ago and did a safari. I took a Nikkor 24-70mm F/2.8 and Nikkor 70-300mm F/3.5-5.6. I only took one body which was the D7000 because it is much lighter than the D700 and does HD 1080. I packed a point & shoot P500 with the 36x zoom just for kicks and was pleasantly surprised with the results. The guides can get you close enough to the wildlife to get great shots with the 70-300. The 24-70 was great for walking around town and into the villages. If if you tire of carrying the gear, the P/S works well.
GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!!