WHICH LENSES FOR KENYA SAFARI: Hi, all, I need advice on which lens for a safari in Kenya. I have a Lumix FZ1000, which has a 400mm equivalent zoom. I also have an Olympus OM-D E-M10...

TRAVLR38 Loc: CENTRAL PA

Hi, all,
I need advice on which lens for a safari in Kenya. I have a Lumix FZ1000, which has a 400mm equivalent zoom. I also have an Olympus OM-D E-M10 II with (among others) a 14-150 zoom and a 75-300. With the 2x crop factor, this equals, respectively, a reach of 300 and 600 mm.
the Oly reaches farther and the body itself is a good bit smaller. It also has a larger sensor (mft vs one inch).But the disadvantage is changing lenses in what may well be dusty conditions. And the lenses are not bright at the extreme end of their range (f/ 5.6 and 6.7)

The Lumix has a built in zoom (hence no changing of lenses) and retains an f/4 throughout its range (25-400 mm equivalent).
The question is: will 400 mm be sufficient to photograph the wildlife I might see? Don't quite know what to expect. Big mammals, of course. But birds, and others?
I would appreciate any advice any UHHers, especially those who have taken a safari, can give.
Thanks in advance.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

TRAVLR38 wrote:

Hi, all, br I need advice on which lens for a saf... (show quote)

I would take both.

whwiden

400mm will be sufficient for many shots. But you will want a longer lens in some cases, even for large animals, and certainly for birds. Take both. You will even wish for more than 600mm on occasion. Consider a small sensor super zoom as a back up--like a Nikon B700.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Here's what Photographers have told me about African Safaris. The Animals are so used to the vehicles, that they do not view them as a threat (unless you're out of the car, then you're lunch). So the 14-150 and 75-300 would be ideal. I've heard funny stories about Photographers in the jeeps trying to maneuver a long lens to shoot a Cheetah who is just outside the vehicle, or right on the edge of the road. And, do not even think about changing lenses in the field since the dust is epic.0

TRAVLR38 Loc: CENTRAL PA

Thanks. This is why zoom lenses are so useful.

berchman Loc: South Central PA

TRAVLR38 wrote:

I also have an Olympus OM-D E-M10 II with (among others) a 14-150 zoom and a 75-300. With the 2x crop factor, this equals, respectively, a reach of 300 and 600 mm.
the Oly reaches farther and the body itself is a good bit smaller.

Crop factor lenses do not "reach" further in the sense of magnification like a 10x binocular reaches further than a 7x binocular. They just have a smaller field of view. Common misunderstanding.

SafariGuy

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Here's what Photographers have told me about African Safaris. The Animals are so used to the vehicles, that they do not view them as a threat (unless you're out of the car, then you're lunch). So the 14-150 and 75-300 would be ideal. I've heard funny stories about Photographers in the jeeps trying to maneuver a long lens to shoot a Cheetah who is just outside the vehicle, or right on the edge of the road. And, do not even think about changing lenses in the field since the dust is epic.0

I agree on the need for more than one lens...we are headed out on our second Kenyan/Tanzania safari and have not found the âdustâ issue to be a problem. Last year we had a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 lens along with a 400 mm prime and s Tamron 150-600 and used them all but the 150-600 more than any. I apologize if I posted the same info before I wasnât sure it had gone out.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Go to tabaware.com and use their photo calculator. Plug in crop factor, focal length, and expected distance to subject to see how big your field of view will be. Given any animal's estimated size you will be able to get an idea of how much of the field of view will be filled by the animal. I'd go with the LUMIX.

Robeng Loc: California

SafariGuy wrote:

I agree on the need for more than one lens...we are headed out on our second Kenyan/Tanzania safari and have not found the âdustâ issue to be a problem. Last year we had a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 lens along with a 400 mm prime and s Tamron 150-600 and used them all but the 150-600 more than any. I apologize if I posted the same info before I wasnât sure it had gone out.

What outfitters did you use, thinking about a trip in the near future.

RobertW Loc: Breezy Point, New York

If mirrorless: 70/300, 25, 12/50 rifle stock type shoulder brace, monopod
Safari in Serengeti, but with the equivalent in standard lenses, i.e. 150-600, 50, 24-100

TRAVLR38 Loc: CENTRAL PA

Thanks for your input.

TRAVLR38 Loc: CENTRAL PA

Thanks for your input.

TRAVLR38 Loc: CENTRAL PA

Thanks for your input.

TRAVLR38 Loc: CENTRAL PA

Thanks for your input.

TRAVLR38 Loc: CENTRAL PA

Thanks, but seems like too much of a load. I would prefer to keep it simple.