tscali

I will be taking a safari in South Africa during September 2017. Should I be concerned about dust during the trail rides? If yes, what type of camera and lens covers do you recommend?

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Never change lenses on a trail ride. Fixed focal lenses do not suck in dirt. Also, consider taking several large garbage bags to put your entire camera bag into when transiting between lodges as well as moving between locations when out on the game drives. Sometimes it is worse than others. You can trash the garbage bag and get a fresh one as it gets dusty itself. Also, if you are taking only one body, consider taking sensor cleaning equipment to use at your lodge.

MtnMan Loc: ID

We went in May to Zimbabwe and Botswana and dust wasn't a problem.

But I know it can be in the more populated places in particular. Our friend, who had been before, recommended we bring some clear goggles. Found some on the Internet for $3. Didn't need them.

I akso brought a white garbage bag for the camera. Didn't need it either.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

A very dusty place is a good place for a good protective filter.

prg Loc: Palm Coast Fll

Take 2 bodies. One for wide angle and one zoom. Have gear professionally cleaned when you get back. Post a ton of pictures and live the dream.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

My wife and I have been on two safaris, no dust.

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

I work in southern Africa as a photographer about half of the year.

Dust can be a problem in arid and semi arid areas. Some areas the dust can be very fine - it seems to get everywhere. When moving between camps a normal camera bag is adequate. When out in an open safari truck try to avoid changing lenses. If you have to then take a clean plastic bag and use this as a change bag. Give your lenses a good clean each evening and if you do not already know how to find out how to clean your sensor.

Be aware also that coming out of an air conditioned camp hut into the warmth will cause condensation on your lenses and the back of your camera for up to 20 minutes; it is a good idea to acclimatise the camera before going on a trip or loose the time it takes for the lens to warm up.

For information we hire Sigma long lenses to visitors to save them having to carry out their own. In the last four years basic common sense maintenance has meant we have had no problems caused by dust using these. Africa is not the only place with a dust problem; even in parts of America such problems exist; they are worse in sub Saharan Africa, places like Morocco and Algeria in the desert.

tscali

Thank you all for your comments. Hope everyone has a Healthy & Happy New Year!!!

lulu48

I've been to Africa quite a few times. Dusty sometimes and not others. Having two bodies with different lenses on each cuts down dust getting inside the camera. When I return I take the bodies in to have the sensors cleaned if they need it. Not all that expensive and it ensures that you don't get those annoying spots on your photos. Changing lenses while out in the bush is the most likely time that you'll get dust.

ramblinmen Loc: Manassas, VA

We did Tanzania and Kenya in late August-September. Since it was the dry season dust was a huge, daily problem. Alas, I only had one camera body for two lenses so the changing bag came in handy (but what a constant pain in the a**, No sooner do you get the big gun out than (then?) there is a beautiful bee eater (bird) sitting on a tree limb 3 feet away). Since I also took a 3'X2'ish hand towel for sun protection and face wiping I also drapped that over my camera while not shooting. Our teeth looked like we had just eaten chocolate by the end of a game drive. I soon learned to brush my filter after every shot sequence as it seemed to have a particular affinity for the talc sized particles. Since you will most likely be shooting (always) from inside your vehicle a tripod is a waste of space. I used one of those airline neck support pillows to rest my camera on for fairly stable support just make sure it is full of bean like material and not a blow up variety. You can also sit on it to protect your bits from travel on exceptionally harsh roads at 40-50 mph.

prg Loc: Palm Coast Fll

I used a monopod in the trucks. It worked well especially with the 600mm lens just be sure to retract the spike. You'll need the rubber tip to keep it from sliding.

tscali

Prg, I just ordered a simple monopod to go with my new Tamron 150-600 mm G2 lens and my Nikon D750. I have a good tripod and will bring it; but I suspect that it won't work in the safari truck unless I get lucky and get the front seat. Since I can't count on that I have the monopod and a bean bag as backups. Did you use any lens or camera covers during your photo shoots to prevent dust from getting into your equipment? If you were to do it over again would you get those type of covers? I leave in Lake Wales, FL. Any chance you could give me a call on my cell: 561-512-2961. I would like to discuss your experience and listen to any recommendations. Thanks.