Yaya

I have a Nikon D7500 and need suggestions for a good lens to use on safari. I was thinking of the Nikon 18-200 mm with VR II. I already have the Nikon 70-300 lens but figured the 18-200mm would be a better all purpose travel lens. Or do you think I’d do better to get the 18-300mm. Also, does anyone know the difference between VR and VRII? Anyone with safari experience I would really appreciate your input. I’ll only get to make this trip once so I need to get it right. Thanks for any suggestions.

JR45 Loc: Montgomery County, TX

I use the 18-300 as a general use/walk around on both a D7200 and D500.
Perhaps not the best but works for me.

toxdoc42

As far as I can find out the VRII is somewhat of an revision, but also seems not much of a big deal. My 70-300 has no VR and I find it very difficult to hold still at 300 mm on my D3400. I have a 50-200 with VRII and it is my "go to" when I shoot telephoto. It is light and compact and a lovely lens.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I don't think 200mm is enough reach for a safari. Just saying; you don't want to be wishing you had a longer lens for far away shots.

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

Depending on where you are going in Africa, you may find that you will be close enough to many of the animals that the reach of an 18-200 might work well for a fair amount of your shots. This was true in Kenya on the Safari I took in the summer of 2017. However, there will be some shots that you will just not be able to get without a longer reach. You'll likely be disappointed at missing some great shot opportunities if the limit of your reach is 200mm. I actually took my Canon SX50 HS Bridge Camera, and was able to get some great shots at both short and long distances. I was grateful to have the 50X zoom, though only a few shots were at nearly full zoom of 1200mm. One idea would be to take your Nikon with the 18-200mm and buy a bridge camera (such as a Nikon P900 or Canon SX60) with a long zoom range to take along for shots requiring a longer reach. That would also give you a back up camera, just in case anything goes wrong. Otherwise, I would recommend taking a lens with at least a 300mm reach, but that would still provide minimal reach. It is usually recommended not to change lenses while out on Safari because of dust issues, so a zoom lens of some type is ideal.

hahersh Loc: Burlington, ON, Canada

You will be disappointed if 300mm is your longest lens. The 18-200 paired with a Tamron or Sigma 150-600mm will cover most situations. Also, a second body is a must. You will not be happy if you take one body and have a malfunction. A second body will allow you to have two lenses available without changing lenses. There is no problem changing lenses on safari if you use common sense. The problem is that you may miss shots while changing lenses. Enjoy your trip.

LXK0930 Loc: Souh Jersey

I have been on several safaris over the years (Kenya/Tanzania and Southern Africa). I suggest taking whichever lens that will allow you NOT TO CHANGE LENSES in the field. Dust level is unbelievable!!

Also, quickly grab your first few shots of the subject (AUTO setting??), then take your time to set up your perfect shot. Wildlife usually doesn't pose for very long.

Have a memorable trip.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

The most important thing is to enjoy the trip. There is no "need to get it right."

VR came first, and VRII came later, so it's supposedly better in some way - more stops.

What gear to bring -
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-473761-1.html
https://fstoppers.com/animal/essential-camera-features-and-settings-safari-photography-176678
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/8065882473/gearing-up-for-an-african-safari
http://www.bythom.com/photographic-travel/africa/how-to-think-about-equipmen.html
http://www.elliottneep.com/#!/p/gear-guide-safari
https://luminous-landscape.com/digital-safari-equipment-tips/

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I would take an 80-400mm.
The 18-200mm as a secondary lens.

GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

Where are you going? Are they national parks that restrict off-trail driving. Or are they private concessions that allow drivers to get closer when the leopard climbs the tree?
Generally, with the 200 even on a crop camera you will get lots of grass and trees with a little animal in the corner. Of course tbere are times when the elephant mock-charges where you'll wish you had your wide angle.

rogerl Loc: UK (Harrogate, North Yorkshire)

We've done 5 African safaris & 3 Indian ones. Take your 300. If you can rent a 150-600 take that (+ your 18-200 for back up - changing lenses is not as horrific as suggested).

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

The perfect lens for you is the Nikon 200-500 and it is on SALE for the first time EVER. HURRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175034-REG/nikon_af_s_nikkor_200_500mm_f_5_6e.html?sts=pi

eadler

Having been on safari in five different preserves in both Kenya and Tanzania 300mm is not going to cut it. The lowest cost way to go is a 2X converter. That was my choice. The effect on the f stop shouldn't be a problem because you will be in bright light. The second budget way to go is rent a long lens. For my next safari that's my plan.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I've been on two Safaris, the lens you have are fine but your going to need a longer lens, I used a Tamron 150-600 G2 on a D500. My wife used a SX50, she won't use a DSLR. It's a great trip, have fun.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I used a 100-400mm lens and except for a few times where I wished I had a wide angle for a lanscape shot, it served my purposes very well.