toxdoc42

Those of you who have been on a safari and speak about the problem with dust, would you recommend putting cameras in the sort of plastic shield made for rain protection?

DesignOrc

I was in Botswana in April. I had a Canon ES 75-300 on my camera the entire time. The guides at every camp were expert at getting you close. I cannot recall any time losing a shot because it was beyond the lens. We had situations in the opposite direction - like hyena pups chewing on the tires. Because SD cards are so inexpensive, I would suggest getting one card for each day you will be there. Start each day with plenty of storage space.

Yaya

My husband and I just returned from Safari a few days ago. As to equipment, it depends if your safari is allowed to go off road or not. Ours was able to and we got very close to animals. All I used the entire week was my Nikon d7500 camera and a Tamron 70-200 f 2.8 lens. Never changed. You will need at least a lens with that reach if you go off road and longer if you have to stay on the road. F2.8 is also important as safaris are out before and after daylight. It is dusty and you would want to avoid changing lens. If you are going around this time of year, it is winter. Very cold before and after daylight on safari vehicle. I saw no bugs at all but did get all the shots and am just about finished with the malaria meds. Check to see if they go off road. Where will your safari be?

Esko

I have been on three safaris now in Tanzania/Kenya and made equipment adjustments each time, being happy with my last one - two Nikon bodies with a 24-120 and 200-500 Nikon lens w/ a 1.4 tele-extender. A moderate zoom is adequate for closer subjects but you'll wish you had a longer lens for many birds and wildlife out further.

Check with your tour company on features. I travelled in Land cruisers - by far the most common vehicle seen - which provided bean bags, which are great for stabilization when stopped. And yes, you'll want two camera bodies, most importantly for the reason if one craps out, you're not "dead in the water", photographically speaking.

AJFRED Loc: Alabama

I found to be clumsy to try changing lenses in the vehicle, not to mention the dustiness others have pointed out. I have a Canon 5D-II, and used a Canon 28-300 zoom for all the creature shots we encountered. There were occasions where we had fine landscape opportunities, and for those few situations, dust was not such an issue. I changed to my Canon 16-35L II f/2.8 sometimes, for those situations. Not so much stuff to mess with and worry about. I imagine Nikon has similar lenses. Good luck, it is a beautiful and memorable place to visit.

Innershield1

If you have the cash, get a Sony RX10M4

druthven

Take the 200 to 500 and since you are acquainted with the Nikon system take a point and shoot like the Nikon A 1000 for the scenic and candid shots. It's almost pocket size.

toxdoc42

Anyone have suggestions for a tour that doesn't require small aircraft? We want to see the big 5 and Victoria Falls.

Kingman

My understanding is that if your choice is not to use small aircraft, you will need to drive or be driven over long distances on less than ideal roads.