what to do to prepare for a safari in Africa?
Jul 12, 2019 16:30:45 #
appealnow
Loc: Dallas, Texas
I was on safari in March. My main camera was Nikon D5300 with the DX 18-300 mm F/3.5-6.3. I decided not to take the Nikon 200-500mm. Instead, I bought a P900 for very long shots. I know you sacrifice quality because the sensor is small but you can grab the camera and shoot. I would advise using a second camera several times before making safari. I lost shots or had bad ones because I wasn't familiar with how the P900 works. There is not a lot of room in the Land Rovers and you're sometimes your moving quickly to get the bean bag on top and take your shots. (most of the guides have bean bags in the Land Rovers, check before you go with the tour company.)
Jul 12, 2019 16:37:32 #
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.
"Been there...Done that..." with two lenses on two cameras. You don't want to try to change lenses out on Safari. My Safari was a few years ago and I did it with a D100 with a Sigma 150-500mm lens and a D300 with a Sigma 28-270mm lens. You NEED both. Today I would use my D800e with my Nikon 70-300mm and
my D850 with my Nikon 200-500mm lens. I couldn't find any use for the Nikon 35mm and 10-20mm lenses I had along. Wouldn't bother with WA lenses on another trip. I captured great images the first time and am saving for another Safari to capture even greater images with the full frame bodies. Layer your clothing and wear a broad brimmed hat and you'll be set.
Jul 12, 2019 17:25:41 #
Pstrombe
Loc: Columbus, OH
If you want to photograph birds you will need more than 200mm. In deed wildlife in general if you follow the advice to fill the frame with your subject you will often need more reach. I took my Tamron 150-600mm telephoto on a Canon 60D bad was very pleased with the result.
Jul 12, 2019 19:16:56 #
terpfan
Loc: central coast, California
Went to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana several years ago. Used a 70-300 on my crop sensor Canon for 95% of my pictures. Occasionally slightly longer would have been nice, but never needed wider. If I were going again i would definitely consider a 100-400. A 150-600 is pretty bulky and heavy.
Depending on your reasons for going, time of year can have a major effect on what you see. Our guide in Kapama Reserve recommended mid September to end October for the best animal viewing. It is their spring and the trees are not covered in foliage which can block your view.
Depending on your reasons for going, time of year can have a major effect on what you see. Our guide in Kapama Reserve recommended mid September to end October for the best animal viewing. It is their spring and the trees are not covered in foliage which can block your view.
Jul 12, 2019 19:25:31 #
terpfan
Loc: central coast, California
You also have to be a little bit lucky. I could probably return many times before I would get the opportunity again for this shot. Shot at 300mm on my crop Canon. Lucky for me, they were facing me, not away from me as many of the animals were. Zebras and giraffes tend to walk away from you when they see you. I got a ton of shots of zebra and giraffe rear ends. Have an absolutely wonderful time. Be well and be lucky.
Jul 12, 2019 19:52:55 #
Bri
Loc: NZ
I have just returned from Kenya/Tanzania.
I took a 12x35x 2.8 and a 50x200 x 2.8.on a Panasonic GH4
When out on safari in the Toyota's I always used the 200mm.
Could have done with a bit more length for birds.
There were occasions I was too close at 50mm but there was always another opportunity.
If an animal is out of range for a 200mm dont worry there will be another chance.
Any worthwhile vehicle will have a pop top and room for your elbows. Good drivers always turn the engine off to prevent vibration. To my mind a bean bag or similar would have been a nuisance to others in the vehicle.
The animals have no fear of vehicals.
Its a wonderful experience
I took a 12x35x 2.8 and a 50x200 x 2.8.on a Panasonic GH4
When out on safari in the Toyota's I always used the 200mm.
Could have done with a bit more length for birds.
There were occasions I was too close at 50mm but there was always another opportunity.
If an animal is out of range for a 200mm dont worry there will be another chance.
Any worthwhile vehicle will have a pop top and room for your elbows. Good drivers always turn the engine off to prevent vibration. To my mind a bean bag or similar would have been a nuisance to others in the vehicle.
The animals have no fear of vehicals.
Its a wonderful experience
Jul 12, 2019 20:12:27 #
My wife and I took a safari thru Botswana several years ago. She used a D80 with a lens up to 200mm. I used a D50 with a 24-105 lens. Also took a 70-300 lens which I never used. Most of the time we were so close to the animals we could and did reach out and touch some. Patted several elephants on the behind as we drove past, they didn't mind at all. Only a few times would a longer lens have been appropriate and in those cases I cropped and blew up the photos for the same effect. All travel was via boat or open car. Lots of dust, a can of compressed air was handy. Hope that helps.
Jul 12, 2019 20:51:07 #
samonk
Loc: Alabama
I envy your upcoming trip, but with the situation in some many formerly peaceful countries consider making sure you have medical evcuation insurance.
Jul 12, 2019 20:56:39 #
Jul 12, 2019 21:52:07 #
samonk
Loc: Alabama
Why not what? All I said was make sure to buy med evac insurance back to the states. I could have listed several reasons not to go but refrained. The risks are a personal decision.
Jul 13, 2019 00:34:52 #
My question, why not was to the Hogger indicating that a person returning from a photo shoot would no longer be able to give blood, and I wanted to know why. The insurance recommendation was not a concern for me. Sorry the tagging was appended incorrectly.
Jul 13, 2019 07:04:21 #
toxdoc42 wrote:
I am planning on a safari next year. I have a rea... (show quote)
I am an "Advanced Amature" Photographer, having a Nikon D3300 DSLR and 3 main lens, a 35mm 1.8g lens, a 50mm 1.8g lens, a 18-140mm 3.5-5.6 lens, a 55-200 lens. I seldom use my 55-200 Nikon lens.
If you are financially able, consider Nikon faster Aperture lens, like a 2.8 Telephoto lens, that would provide you better quality images. You might also look into "Renting" a better quality lens for your "Special" Photography journey.
Jul 13, 2019 07:59:35 #
What country are you going to? India, China, Tanzania, Kenia and S. Africa are pretty different environments to photograph in when speaking about rules for Safari providers.
Jul 13, 2019 10:00:01 #
samonk
Loc: Alabama
Thanks. You had me baffled. The reason is disease exposure. For me, Africa and the Middle East are "no go" territories due to diseases, kidnappings (even in friendly countries) and terrorism.
Jul 13, 2019 10:55:10 #
xt2
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
toxdoc42 wrote:
I am planning on a safari next year. I have a rea... (show quote)
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