lenses to take to Africa
Jan 5, 2020 01:18:34 #
Taking a Nikon 200-500. Any suggestions on another zoom for landscapes or people pics. Would Nikon's 18-120 be a good choice? Camera will be the d-500, so it does crop.
Jan 5, 2020 06:23:16 #
Longest lens you can muster. Also a wide angle would be good. I would suggest taking a second body as well. Changing lenses is not a great idea in sometimes dusty conditions. Rent or buy one. I would also take super clamp and a gimble head or a sandbag to clamp onto your vehicle. Get some photos of your vehicle ahead of time so you can plan appropriately.
You will have a fantastic trip.
You will have a fantastic trip.
Jan 5, 2020 06:36:00 #
I would suggest the Nikon 28-300 lens. Very sharp for the zoom range capability. It will be helpful on a second body along with the long telephoto lens. A sand bag is a wonderful gadget, since you have great flexibility to seek support on just about any horizontal surface in the vehicle.
Jan 5, 2020 06:46:14 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
kbk wrote:
Taking a Nikon 200-500. Any suggestions on another zoom for landscapes or people pics. Would Nikon's 18-120 be a good choice? Camera will be the d-500, so it does crop.
Call your tour provider, they know how far or close they will be getting to wildlife. Only they will be able to provide you with the specific information you require.
Jan 5, 2020 07:02:17 #
Sounds great. I’m heading off on a birding trip (not Africa) with my D500 and a new (to me) D810. Choosing lenses to cover the range from wide to telephoto for two different formats, while staying within luggage restrictions, is daunting. Your life will be simpler if you stay in the same format if you bring a second body,
Here’s what i ended up with:
Nikon 200-500
Nikon 300 f4 PF w/ 1.4x TC
Nikon AF-P 70-300 VR (FF version, super fast AF)
Nikon 24-85
Tokina 12-28 f/4 (DX but works on FX 18-28)
I’m bringing a tripod and gimbal for the 200-500, but you’ll probably just need a beanbag. I realized that the 300 PF and the AF-P 70-300 could be seen as redundant, but I’m not sure when I’ ll need a handheld prime or zoom, and i can fit both.
Have fun!
Here’s what i ended up with:
Nikon 200-500
Nikon 300 f4 PF w/ 1.4x TC
Nikon AF-P 70-300 VR (FF version, super fast AF)
Nikon 24-85
Tokina 12-28 f/4 (DX but works on FX 18-28)
I’m bringing a tripod and gimbal for the 200-500, but you’ll probably just need a beanbag. I realized that the 300 PF and the AF-P 70-300 could be seen as redundant, but I’m not sure when I’ ll need a handheld prime or zoom, and i can fit both.
Have fun!
Jan 5, 2020 07:04:21 #
Jan 5, 2020 07:04:35 #
I took a tripod but never took it out of its bag.
Jan 5, 2020 07:23:12 #
My retired ophthalmologist travels regularly to Africa. He takes his two D750 with the 28-300 and 200-500 lenses.
He seems to be very happy with his choices.
He seems to be very happy with his choices.
Jan 5, 2020 07:25:32 #
Having been to Africa twice, I think your choice of lenses is very good. Some people exaggerate the importance of a super long lens for the game drives. The animals are quite used to the safari vehicles and you will be able to get surprisingly close without spooking them. I took a "bean bag" which was very useful in steadying the camera on the vehicle roof top or window ledge. An extra body is a plus so that you have both long lens and landscape lenses at the ready without having to change them in dusty conditions (although such conditions are also sometimes overstated). The extra lens is also an insurance policy, if something happens to one of them. Note: Neither B&H nor Adorama have stores out in the game parks!
Leave the tripod at home (not practical in the safari vehicles) . Make sure to bring camera/lens cleaning supplies so that you can clean your gear at days end. Have a great trip!
Leave the tripod at home (not practical in the safari vehicles) . Make sure to bring camera/lens cleaning supplies so that you can clean your gear at days end. Have a great trip!
Jan 5, 2020 07:34:26 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
A Nikon 200-500mm pairs well with the D500, according to many uhh members. I have a friend who has a FX 28-300mm on a D7100. He loves that lens on a crop sensor. Or, you may want to consider the crop sensor formatted, Tamron 18-400mm lens. You don't need a tripod, for either the Nikon 28-300mm, or the Tamron 18-400mm. Have a great trip.
Jan 5, 2020 08:47:16 #
kbk wrote:
Taking a Nikon 200-500. Any suggestions on another zoom for landscapes or people pics. Would Nikon's 18-120 be a good choice? Camera will be the d-500, so it does crop.
Maybe a 35mm for night shots at the camp. Also a tripod to use to capture images of The Southern Cross.
Jan 5, 2020 09:38:55 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
jccash wrote:
Maybe a 35mm for night shots at the camp. Also a tripod to use to capture images of The Southern Cross.
I own the DX version, Nikon 35mm f1.8G. That lens is very good. And very affordable.
Jan 5, 2020 10:11:55 #
mas24 wrote:
I own the DX version, Nikon 35mm f1.8G. That lens is very good. And very affordable.
Own the same. Use it with my Nikon D500
Jan 5, 2020 12:06:07 #
One other question, how did you pack your gear? Did you use a backpack and what did you do use while in the vehicles?
Jan 5, 2020 12:48:49 #
kbk wrote:
One other question, how did you pack your gear? Did you use a backpack and what did you do use while in the vehicles?
Back pack. Truck had room under the seat for the back pack.
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