Ed Chu Loc: Las Vegas NV

headed out to the Masai Maara for a week, in early Aug; planning to bring a D500; can bring my Nikon 200-500 but prefer to save on weight ( partly to make sure I meet airline requirements for luggage weight within Kenya ), but, will probably opt to bring my Tamron 18-400; opinions ? ( will bring my Lumix G85 and 100-300 OM lens as a backup and to obtain that further reach if I don't bring the d500 setup )

Zooman 1

I used my Tamron 18-400 last year in South Africa, did OK, but shots taken with my Canon 100-400 were overall much sharper, but not as convenient when I needed the wider range. Found I didn't miss not having more than 400mm.

have fun!

Selene03

I would take the 200-500 if you are going on a safari. I think you will want the reach.

Ed Chu Loc: Las Vegas NV

realize that my 100-300 is equivalent to 200-600 in the MFT format

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

With the D500 you will get 750mm equivalent with the 200 to 500mm. If the airline won't allow it I would carry it and walk. Or leave the toilet paper at home and use leaves.

Amaize

Agree with 200-500. It is all about reach, and when you get those close shots, as the lions circle your safari vehicle, pull out your iPhone. There are 2 critical issues in safari. Be sure to get open top, not open side car. You want to move easily front to back, side to side. Though also keep in back, no front, of your mind — do not forget to get on knees and shoot low thru windows — those are some of the best shots. The other big issue is to have a talk with the driver. You need to be clear that he/she needs to follow YOUR directions. They must stop when you see the pic you want. Most of the time they are used to average tourists, not true photographers. And what 2 photographers see the same image, anyway ? I recommend 3 max in the vehicle. 4 is pushing it for space. If you have a week in the park, you can get amazing pics. Few more recommendations — don’t come back to the lodge for lunch. Get out early, come back late. Most important — tell your guide your only interest is to follow cats ! Cats are about action, except when they are hanging out in the trees, literally. Cats hunt. Everything else grazes. You will see all the other stuff, no sweat, bu watching lions, leopards, cheetahs in the hunt — there is absolutely nothing like it. The stalk is incredible, and the charge, oh yes. For a week, you can sit in a cat for a hour or two — relax when they are quiet, and get ready for action.

Amaize

Keep in mind, your guiding service contributes to animal conservation, though also there are many opportunities to donate

https://cosmosmagazine.com/biology/sniffing-out-clues-to-our-sense-of-smell

I like the Ol Pejeta Conservancy protecting the remaining 2 Northern White Rhino

https://www.helpingrhinos.org/adopt-a-rhino/

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

OK, and you may also want to check with your tour company. Most have good advice on what to bring.

tuanhungh

Just back from Kenya Safari & birding. Travel light -Nikon D850 , 200-500mm, 24-70mm, iphone 8plus. 2x telecoverter, travel tripod ( handle up to 11 lbs ). Peakdesign camera backpack, carry on suitcase. No problem with airline. Around 3,000 + shots : 95% using 200-500 mm then iphone for movie. Leave tripod home ( you are not allowed to get off your Safari vehicle while in the park or reserve ), I don’t know 200-500mm on D500, but my D850 work very well ( FX or DX ). I got all the ‘ big five ‘ and 22 bird species rare and unknown (to me). Btw, Nairobi National Park just next door of Nairobi City offers every mammal (except elephant) & most birds of Kenya. Hide a one person tour ( from usd180 (5hrs) to 380 (12hrs) plus $43 park admission )
If you are meat eater then Carnivore Restaurant is a place ( from beef to crocodile ). The weather in July is ‘not’ Africa at all - 74 by day 65 by night. Very green on Safari.
T

tuanhungh

Sorry, I typed on the wrong place.
Just back from Kenya Safari & birding. Nikon D850; 200-500mm, 24-70mm, 2x Nikon teleconverter, iPhon 8plus, travel tripod ( handle up to 11lbs ), Peakdesign 30, carry on suitcase , no check in . No problem.
Around 3000 plus shots at Nairobi National Park and 5 other parks & reserves. 98% on 200-500mm (FX & DX),iPhone for movie. Leave Tripod home, you are not allowed to set you feet on the ground within the park/reserve. I don’t know about 200-500mm on D500, but mine works very well. I got all the “ big five “ and 20 plus rare or unknown for me bird species.
Nairobi National Park is a must to visiting, locates by the city 😲, offers everything except elephant. Hide one person tour usd 180/5hrs or 280/12hrs. Plus $43 admission/person.
If you are meat eater then Carnivore Restaurant is yours ( world top 100, serves from beef to crocodile )
Weather is Not Africa at all - 74/65 f, the high land very green, need insect repellent, sun blocks.
Not very good thing is very few flamingos (not millions) at far distance.
Good luck

Rhinophoto Loc: Davis, CA

Just back from Kenya and Tanzania. I had a Nikor 80-400 on my D7200 that I used exclusively in the safari vehicles and that combo met my needs. I had an 18-200 on my D7100 for backup and that I used for street scenes, interiors, people, etc. The Big Five and big cats are wonderful to see - but the birds and small animals will give you some of your best photo opportunities.
We worried a great deal about our weight limit when we were packing for the trip - but never saw a scale in Africa. It may depend on whom you are flying with.

Piltdown1952

It has been eight years since I was in the Maasi Mara and I still have fond memories. You will want the longest lens you can get. The 500 at a minimum. If this is a once in a lifetime trip I would even recommend renting something longer. P.S. the Maasi are happy to pose for pictures but expect a generous tip. American dollars are welcome.

Jwshelton Loc: Denver,CO

Take the 200-500, 24-70 and a teleconverter. Weight should not be an issue. You will want the reach. Did you receive recommendations from your tour company? Enjoy!

jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

On these small planes they have no checked luggage--you just put your bag in the back and keep the rest on your lap (there is not even room for your feet under the seat in front of you. The weight limitation means everything you're brining but you. I've never been weighed because it's all done at landing strips in the middle of nowhere but once there you can can see why there are luggage restrictions so I'd pay attention to that.

On my trips to Africa I used a Nikon d7100 with the Tamron 18-400 and did not feel I needed longer as I got almost all the shots I wanted with that setup and didn't have to change lenses in the field or at a moments notice. Of course it also depends on just how much IQ you want--the Tamron lens does a really good job but there are sharper lenses out there--they just weigh more.

Piltdown1952

Good point about changing lenses as seldom as possible. The Maasi Mara does get dusty.