Advice regarding a Trip to Africa
Jan 1, 2019 10:53:55 #
I agree with Naptown Gaijin and would add do not eat any fruit that is not peeled. I don’t know where you are going, but in my experience Africa can be a land of extreme beauty, but can be a land of extreme ugliness and one needs to be emotionally prepared for that.
Jan 1, 2019 11:04:52 #
mikegreenwald
Loc: Illinois
On a similar trip, I used 2 Canon 5DIII bodies. The most used lens was the 24-105; second was the 100-400 with moderate use of the 1.4 tele-extender. If I were goin again, I'd take the same equipment (upgraded to 5DIV).
Jan 1, 2019 11:07:40 #
Having been on a number of Safaris to Africa, a beanbag and a 100-400mm lens will be among your most used Photographic items
Jan 1, 2019 11:17:26 #
I used Canon 7D M II and 80D on my trip to South Africa. Took several lenses had the range from 18mm to 560mm (400+1.4X) Canon and Tamron 18-400. My best results were with the Canon 100-400 L. Shot a lot with the Tamron 18-400 as I found the range of this lens met most of my needs. BUT, found at the wider ranges image sharpness fell off. I had left my Canon 70-300 at home, taking the Tamron instead, wish I had left the Tamron at home and brought the Canon 70-300. Still got good results with the Tamron when I did not go below 50mm. I would certainly not go with only a 105mm as my longest lens. I also used the Canon EF-S 55-250, with decent results. My partner had the Tamron 150-600 for her Nikons and I was envious of that range when photographing small birds!
Jan 1, 2019 12:29:27 #
LXK0930
Loc: Souh Jersey
I have been to Africa twice, and would have to disagree with some of the advice.
(1) Although some animals (lions, giraffes, etc.) allow you to get pretty close, some (especially leopards) do not.
(2) If the animal is hunting (or being hunted), it may be pretty far away and there is no way your vehicle is going to keep up with it.
(3) Guides work as teams. If one sees an interesting scene, he/she puts out a call, and many vehicles converge on the spot. You may be at stuck at the back of the parking lot! Remember, you can NOT get out and walk to the front. If you decide to, make sure that you are not the slowest guy there!
(4) You do not want to change lenses due to dust (unbelievable, especially in Kenya!!) and vehicle bouncing around.
For all these reasons, I suggest that you bring the longest lens that you can comfortable carry. A 28-400 (or 18-250 on cropped sensor) should do fine.
P.S: Sock/bean recommendation is a good one.
(1) Although some animals (lions, giraffes, etc.) allow you to get pretty close, some (especially leopards) do not.
(2) If the animal is hunting (or being hunted), it may be pretty far away and there is no way your vehicle is going to keep up with it.
(3) Guides work as teams. If one sees an interesting scene, he/she puts out a call, and many vehicles converge on the spot. You may be at stuck at the back of the parking lot! Remember, you can NOT get out and walk to the front. If you decide to, make sure that you are not the slowest guy there!
(4) You do not want to change lenses due to dust (unbelievable, especially in Kenya!!) and vehicle bouncing around.
For all these reasons, I suggest that you bring the longest lens that you can comfortable carry. A 28-400 (or 18-250 on cropped sensor) should do fine.
P.S: Sock/bean recommendation is a good one.
Jan 1, 2019 12:30:43 #
I'm 75; a camera & nature buff. Buy the FULL frame; you can always crop. A full frame 400 zoom works; if there's a 24 or 35-400 that produces a sharper image, that'd be my choice. You'll wish for the 18 once or twice. Practice panning, using multi-frames per second; chases are unforgettable. Insects, definitely. SkeeterBeater Gel (on-line) is FAR more effective and safer than Deet. Large neck scarfs for sun & DUST for you AND your camera; avoid changing lenses in the field if possible. Use a UV filter to protect your lens and a lens hood. Bean bag, good occasionally. Cotton Carrier (on-line) has better (expensive) solutions. Extra batteries and cards. DON'T lean on a tree or anything for support. I got a bite infection that befuddled MDs and lasted months from doing that. Have the trip of your life!
Jan 1, 2019 12:33:11 #
I have been to Africa twice. Used Nikon 28-300 on a D80. Good results but not enough reach. You need at least 500 mm to get those last few "once in a lifetime" shots. Since most animals are "habituated" and used to humans (in vehicles), they can be really close (e.g. elephants,lions sometimes 10 feet away!). Long reach is needed maybe 30% of the time. Will go to Africa again in 2020, but now with my D500 and a new lens (150-600, or 200-500) and the D80 as back up. I take mostly animals and street scenes, little landscape, so no real wide angle needed. Also, NEVER change lenses in the field--way too much dust in Africa. Also, best to keep camera/lens in a large baggie, when not shooting, to keep dust off the equipment, especially the zoom lens barrel. You will have a great trip. Enjoy the moments!
Jan 1, 2019 13:03:47 #
JFCoupe
Loc: Kent, Washington
If not mentioned already, plan to take two bodies with you. Just in case there is an unexpected failure, you have a backup ready to go. If needed, rent the longer lens that you want like a Tamron 150-600, etc.
Jan 1, 2019 13:08:25 #
madclownrme
Loc: Southwest Louisiana
A 400 mm lens would be nice for reach. My best advice is to enjoy where you are and what you see. I've been to Africa a few times and enjoyed every trip.
If you make a second trip think about Pilansberg National Park. It's not as heavily trafficked as Kruger and all the game drivers there are professionals.
Have fun, and try the different foods in Africa.
If you make a second trip think about Pilansberg National Park. It's not as heavily trafficked as Kruger and all the game drivers there are professionals.
Have fun, and try the different foods in Africa.
Jan 1, 2019 13:16:24 #
I went on a safari 2 years ago and did a lot of research myself. I brought a Canon EOS Mark 1V and a Mark III. I ended up buying a Canon 100-400 lens and it was perfect. I don't think I brought a monopod, but if I did, I never used it. I had a 24-105 on my Mark III, with me at all times, just in case I needed it or my Mark IV broke. I got amazing pictures with the 100-400. We were in a guided jeep- off road. You will have the trip of your life! Make sure to bring extra batteries and be sure to back up every night to external drives!
Jan 1, 2019 13:34:02 #
byuaceman
Loc: Mesa, AZ
I went to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana in June, 2018 (Happy New Year!). I only took my 70D and my Tamron 18-400. It was great! I was able to capture everything I wanted. You won’t be disappointed. Enjoy the trip!
Jan 1, 2019 13:36:41 #
If you can't back up every night then carry lots and lots of memory cards. Always have extra cards with you during the day. I had one extra card and it was bad. Heck I had three more in my room.
Jan 1, 2019 13:51:59 #
The best advice you will receive here is to get the Tamron 18-400. It has a lot of range and outstanding image quality. It also has really fast focus. It’s not too heavy and is the absolute best choice you make for this trip.
Jan 1, 2019 13:56:43 #
GySgt wrote:
The 70D with the Tamron would be best.
"Best" in what way? It would have more reach. But the 6D has far superior low-light capability and gives a far better image quality. His main camera should be the full-frame.
Jan 1, 2019 14:12:25 #
xt2
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
I think you may have answered your question... For me, I’d go as light as I can and you have the kit to do that already imho...
Happy NY!
Happy NY!
DebAnn wrote:
I am so lucky to have been gifted with a trip to A... (show quote)
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.