Safari suggestions: I am using a nikon D800 and an old D200. I am planning on a safari with a moderate wide angle, 70-200,and 80-400 nikon lenses. Am I better off getting a refurbished...

Archiefamous Loc: Manhattan

I am using a nikon D800 and an old D200. I am planning on a safari with a moderate wide angle, 70-200,and 80-400 nikon lenses. Am I better off getting a refurbished D3 or the sigma 100-600 for this once in a lifetime trip?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Archiefamous wrote:

I am using a nikon D800 and an old D200. I am planning on a safari with a moderate wide angle, 70-200,and 80-400 nikon lenses. Am I better off getting a refurbished D3 or the sigma 100-600 for this once in a lifetime trip?

This article should help.

http://luminous-landscape.com/digital-safari-equipment-tips/

Jwshelton Loc: Denver,CO

In 2006 I spent 10 days in the Mara region of Kenya.
My equipment was a D200 and a D2x. For lenses - a 300/2.8, a 1.4TC, 17-35/2.8 and a 28-60/2.8.
I was able to take great pictures with that equipment.

As others will add, a lot depends on where you are going and what you want to photograph; a lot depends on who is behind the camera. My surprises were the number of birds and how close we were able to get to some of the animals, especially lions.
Regardless, you are truly in for the experience of a lifetime.

Know your equipment; back up your cards at least daily; be aware of the dust. And most importantly - enjoy.

Archiefamous Loc: Manhattan

Very useful info. Still undecided but perhaps I may need to get both. Booking one year in advance

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

I went to Tanzania 3 years ago and my setup as follows:

Canon 7d w/ 70-200f2.8L and 2x extender
Canon T3i w/ 400 f5.6L and 1.4 extender
Nikon Point & Shoot for quick shots and video, take lots of video

I own the Tamron 150-600 and would take it in a heartbeat, I cannot comment on the Sigma lens, but hear it is good. Take a bean bag empty and buy beans there to fill. At the end of your trip, give them to your guide who will be most appreciative. Where are you going? We were able to observe the Wildebeest Great Migration, even better than documentaries we have seen. A tip, do not change lenses as Africa is very dusty, you will see that, clean your lenses daily. Enjoy your trip and post some shots. Gary

Archiefamous wrote:

I am using a nikon D800 and an old D200. I am planning on a safari with a moderate wide angle, 70-200,and 80-400 nikon lenses. Am I better off getting a refurbished D3 or the sigma 100-600 for this once in a lifetime trip?

Wildebeest Migration

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Friends that have gone on Safaris tell me that due to the overwhelming dust, they never, never change lenses in the field. Consider a good 18 - 300 zoom. One couple told me they spent 30 min to 1 hr at the end of every day cleaning the camera body and lens of dust!

Archiefamous Loc: Manhattan

All great suggestions. If I can swing it perhaps I will get both

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

jerryc41 wrote:

This article should help.

http://luminous-landscape.com/digital-safari-equipment-tips/

Very informative article. Makes me think that if/when I ever go on a safari I will take a bridge camera for the lighter weight and lack of a requirement to change lenses... He makes lots of good points, but many of them are from the perspective of a professional who can hire a private vehicle and driver. But those points also point out the potential difficulties and frustrations for a photographer traveling in a group of non-photographers on a normal safari.

alamomike47 Loc: San Antonio, Texas

Make sure you post some of your shots.

alamomike47 Loc: San Antonio, Texas

jerryc41 wrote:

This article should help.

http://luminous-landscape.com/digital-safari-equipment-tips/

Very good article thanks for sharing since a safari is on my bucket list.

deepdiverv Loc: arizona

The set up you have will work fine.Like someone mentioned avoid changing your lens . My last trip I used my nikon 80-400mm and a D7000 95% of the time with great results.

80-400mm nikon D7000

Archiefamous Loc: Manhattan

Beautiful pictures
Thanks for advice

ole sarg Loc: south florida

I would think you would be best off with a Remington 306!

Archiefamous wrote:

I am using a nikon D800 and an old D200. I am planning on a safari with a moderate wide angle, 70-200,and 80-400 nikon lenses. Am I better off getting a refurbished D3 or the sigma 100-600 for this once in a lifetime trip?

drosegarden Loc: Kansas

deepdiverv wrote:

The set up you have will work fine.Like someone mentioned avoid changing your lens . My last trip I used my nikon 80-400mm and a D7000 95% of the time with great results.

Great photos! Did you use a monopod with your nikon 80-400 and D7000? Or, were the camera and the 80-400mm hand held?

DeAnne

deepdiverv Loc: arizona

I used my camera case when ever possible.A monopod would help at times and a tripod would not be a good choice in a vehicle. About half of my shots were hand held.