Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
what to do to prepare for a safari in Africa?
Page 1 of 5 next> last>>
Jul 11, 2019 14:21:39   #
toxdoc42
 
I am planning on a safari next year. I have a really nice set of lenses, but the longest is a 55-200 mm Nikon DX 55-200. I don't want to have to change lenses at the last moment to switch from a close encounter to a one which may even require more than 200mm. Should I pick up a newer version of my current camera and rent a longer telephoto and then carry 2 cameras? Anyone been on such a safari and encountered the need to change lenses so quickly you missed something?

My current camera Nikon D3400 (I bought it partially in preference to other higher end because I liked its weight and feel in my hand)
My prime lenses: Yongnuo35 mm 1:2 , Nikon AF-S 50 mm 1.8G, Rokinon 8 mm 1:3.5 Fish-Eye CS

My Zooms: Nikon DX 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G (kit), Nikon DX VR AF-S 55-200 mm 1:4-5.6 GII ED, Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 70-300 mm 1:4.5-6.3 G (kit)

Reply
Jul 11, 2019 17:54:43   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
toxdoc42 wrote:
I am planning on a safari next year. I have a really nice set of lenses, but the longest is a 55-200 mm Nikon DX 55-200. I don't want to have to change lenses at the last moment to switch from a close encounter to a one which may even require more than 200mm. Should I pick up a newer version of my current camera and rent a longer telephoto and then carry 2 cameras? Anyone been on such a safari and encountered the need to change lenses so quickly you missed something?

My current camera Nikon D3400 (I bought it partially in preference to other higher end because I liked its weight and feel in my hand)
My prime lenses: Yongnuo35 mm 1:2 , Nikon AF-S 50 mm 1.8G, Rokinon 8 mm 1:3.5 Fish-Eye CS

My Zooms: Nikon DX 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G (kit), Nikon DX VR AF-S 55-200 mm 1:4-5.6 GII ED, Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 70-300 mm 1:4.5-6.3 G (kit)
I am planning on a safari next year. I have a rea... (show quote)


You can't change lenses because it is too dusty while out on the Safari. Consider a 200-500Nikon Lens. Also a another DSLR D3400 and have your 55-200 on it. My 3 cents.

Reply
Jul 11, 2019 18:38:45   #
via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP
 
I went to Africa on a photo trip in August of 2013. At the time I planned the trip I had only a D7000 and my longest lens was a nikon 70-200 f/2.8 along with a teleconverter, a 1.4. On the way to my hotel the night before leaving I picked up a nikon D800. I used the D800 and the gear I had to get shots. I had decided to concentrate on mostly portrait type shots as I was not yet into action shots. In many cases, the gear I had worked fine as often the animals were close to the jeep, at one point, in fact, too close to the back of the jeep to get a decent shot! But at Kruger National Park I could have used a longer lens (which I now have). I used a monopod at times to steady the camera as I took shots from the jeep. I think the gear you need will depend on what type of trip you are setting up. Hopefully you have a tour guide who can tell you what gear would be best.

Reply
 
 
Jul 11, 2019 18:49:51   #
Haydon
 
PixelStan77 wrote:
You can't change lenses because it is too dusty while out on the Safari. Consider a 200-500Nikon Lens. Also a another DSLR D3400 and have your 55-200 on it. My 3 cents.


Good advise in this situation Stan.

Reply
Jul 11, 2019 19:10:03   #
a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel
 
Get your shots well in advance, including malaria.

I agree about not changing lenses in the dust, etc. Also, in my experience, bouncing around in a Land Rover or similar vehicle over non-road terrain and with a ride like a brick is not a good situation for changing lenses and safely storing the one you take off. You will probably be in a crowded situation in the vehicle, too.

Reply
Jul 11, 2019 19:28:09   #
User ID
 
If you are a regular blood donor then give
before you leave, cuz you can't give after
you get back.

Reply
Jul 11, 2019 20:21:37   #
rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA
 
toxdoc42 wrote:
I am planning on a safari next year. I have a really nice set of lenses, but the longest is a 55-200 mm Nikon DX 55-200. I don't want to have to change lenses at the last moment to switch from a close encounter to a one which may even require more than 200mm. Should I pick up a newer version of my current camera and rent a longer telephoto and then carry 2 cameras? Has anyone been on such a safari and encountered the need to change lenses so quickly you missed something?

My current camera Nikon D3400 (I bought it partially in preference to other higher-end because I liked its weight and feel in my hand)
My prime lenses: Yongnuo35 mm 1:2 , Nikon AF-S 50 mm 1.8G, Rokinon 8 mm 1:3.5 Fish-Eye CS

My Zooms: Nikon DX 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G (kit), Nikon DX VR AF-S 55-200 mm 1:4-5.6 GII ED, Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 70-300 mm 1:4.5-6.3 G (kit)
I am planning on a safari next year. I have a rea... (show quote)


Get one of those "bean bag" cushions at Lenscoat.com that allows you to rest it on a window or on the frame on the vehicle to support your camera. Those tour buses are crowded, and you often will not have room for anything like a monopod.

Reply
 
 
Jul 11, 2019 22:13:34   #
toxdoc42
 
via the lens wrote:
I went to Africa on a photo trip in August of 2013. At the time I planned the trip I had only a D7000 and my longest lens was a nikon 70-200 f/2.8 along with a teleconverter, a 1.4. On the way to my hotel the night before leaving I picked up a nikon D800. I used the D800 and the gear I had to get shots. I had decided to concentrate on mostly portrait type shots as I was not yet into action shots. In many cases, the gear I had worked fine as often the animals were close to the jeep, at one point, in fact, too close to the back of the jeep to get a decent shot! But at Kruger National Park I could have used a longer lens (which I now have). I used a monopod at times to steady the camera as I took shots from the jeep. I think the gear you need will depend on what type of trip you are setting up. Hopefully you have a tour guide who can tell you what gear would be best.
I went to Africa on a photo trip in August of 2013... (show quote)


We are still in the planning phase. We will not choose a huge group tour, preferring smaller groups. I don't like bus trips at all. I don't think any one offers much photo advice unless you find a specific photo trip.

I am a physician and have had all shots. We will start malaria prophylaxis 2 weeks before and continue the same after our return, will have lots of repellant with us, malaria is not the only insect borne illness I'd like to avoid.

Reply
Jul 11, 2019 22:38:13   #
TylerDurdensReel Loc: Fresno Ca.
 
Don't spend too much time with a camera in your face.

Reply
Jul 12, 2019 05:42:24   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Gear -
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/

Photography -
https://www.safaribookings.com/blog/15-african-safari-photography-tips
https://digital-photography-school.com/10-tips-to-photograph-an-african-photographic-safari/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/lists/activities/photography-tips-africa-safari/
https://www.porini.com/blog/essential-photography-tips-african-safari/
https://www.gadventures.com/blog/tips-photos-african-safari/
https://www.tripsavvy.com/taking-great-photos-on-safari-1454103

Reply
Jul 12, 2019 06:05:58   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
toxdoc42 wrote:
I am planning on a safari next year. I have a really nice set of lenses, but the longest is a 55-200 mm Nikon DX 55-200. I don't want to have to change lenses at the last moment to switch from a close encounter to a one which may even require more than 200mm. Should I pick up a newer version of my current camera and rent a longer telephoto and then carry 2 cameras? Anyone been on such a safari and encountered the need to change lenses so quickly you missed something?

My current camera Nikon D3400 (I bought it partially in preference to other higher end because I liked its weight and feel in my hand)
My prime lenses: Yongnuo35 mm 1:2 , Nikon AF-S 50 mm 1.8G, Rokinon 8 mm 1:3.5 Fish-Eye CS

My Zooms: Nikon DX 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G (kit), Nikon DX VR AF-S 55-200 mm 1:4-5.6 GII ED, Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 70-300 mm 1:4.5-6.3 G (kit)
I am planning on a safari next year. I have a rea... (show quote)


Step one. Call the tour company and ask them their recommendations.
Step two. Call the tour company and ask them their recommendations.
Step three. Call the tour company and ask them their recommendations.

Reply
 
 
Jul 12, 2019 06:22:47   #
sb Loc: Florida's East Coast
 
PixelStan77 wrote:
You can't change lenses because it is too dusty while out on the Safari. Consider a 200-500Nikon Lens. Also a another DSLR D3400 and have your 55-200 on it. My 3 cents.


I agree. I used my 100-400 lens with my Canon almost exclusively.

Reply
Jul 12, 2019 06:59:10   #
NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin
 
Check out "The Wildlife Photography Podcast" From Gerry van Derwalt from www.Wild-eye.co.za he has a African Photo tour company and I have really enjoyed his info even though I doubt I will ever be able to afford one of his Safaris the info and knowledge I have gained have improved my outlook on nature photography

Reply
Jul 12, 2019 06:59:43   #
NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin
 
billnikon wrote:
Step one. Call the tour company and ask them their recommendations.
Step two. Call the tour company and ask them their recommendations.
Step three. Call the tour company and ask them their recommendations.



Reply
Jul 12, 2019 07:20:51   #
jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida
 
toxdoc42 wrote:
I am planning on a safari next year. I have a really nice set of lenses, but the longest is a 55-200 mm Nikon DX 55-200. I don't want to have to change lenses at the last moment to switch from a close encounter to a one which may even require more than 200mm. Should I pick up a newer version of my current camera and rent a longer telephoto and then carry 2 cameras? Anyone been on such a safari and encountered the need to change lenses so quickly you missed something?

My current camera Nikon D3400 (I bought it partially in preference to other higher end because I liked its weight and feel in my hand)
My prime lenses: Yongnuo35 mm 1:2 , Nikon AF-S 50 mm 1.8G, Rokinon 8 mm 1:3.5 Fish-Eye CS

My Zooms: Nikon DX 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G (kit), Nikon DX VR AF-S 55-200 mm 1:4-5.6 GII ED, Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 70-300 mm 1:4.5-6.3 G (kit)
I am planning on a safari next year. I have a rea... (show quote)


But the Nikon 200-500 Lens. Here is a shot using that lens.



Reply
Page 1 of 5 next> last>>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.