mitrecon

You may want to bring the tripod as you will likely have opportunity to do some night sky shooting.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Another reason for traveling light is I would want to be hand holding everything - because any other way is too slow and cumbersome....

dbjazz Loc: Long Island, NY

The rangers and trackers get you VERY close to most of the animals. I found that my super zoom (your 200-500) was used rarely - mostly for birds. You won't need a tripod or monopod.
Other advice:
-Be very quiet and do exactly as you are instructed.
-Notice the smaller creatures, the plants, and the insects.
-Engage with the staff.
-Eat the local food.
-Enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Jack 13088 Loc: Central NY

Yes, do tell us the camps where you are going. It does matter.

I have been there done that twice: East Africa, the falls, and the Cape in June 2002; and Southern Africa, Botswana, the falls, Kruger, and the Cape in June 2010. I am jealous and could go on about it forever.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

On our last trip I took 2 D500's with 18-200 and 150-600 lens. Both cameras manuel mode, AFC, auto ISO upper limit at 800, BBF, AE single point, joy stick set to group focus. Just have fun.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

I have not been there but based on what I know. Be sure to insure the rental equipment. Sand and dust could literally destroy everything. Your equipment could take a beating as well. Changing lenses can be hazardous outdoors.

LXK0930 Loc: Souh Jersey

[quote=greymule]Hello Everyone. Been AWOL during Covid. Probably no one noticed. Anyways, I'd like to get back in the swing of the forum.

Going on a Photo Safari to Botswana and Zambia. I have never shot any wildlife images to speak of so I could use some tips.

I am renting a D850 Nikon and a 200-500mm Nikon lens. Supposed to have pretty good VR system. Will likely be using beanbag support while in the Jeep. As a backup I'm taking my D810 and my 24-70 2.8E. Any suggestions as to the ISO and default fStop? Any other tips would be welcome, since experience teaches a hard school, but fools learn in no other [B. Franklin] Due to weight restrictions, may not take tripod, but maybe my monopod.

Also any tips in general about safari life? We will be going in early November for 2 weeks. Visiting three separate areas. I can provide the names of the areas if that will help you help me.

Thanking in advance as always.

One night will be on some sort of elevated platform to hear the African sounds at night.

Greymule (Rick)[/quote

I have been on those safaris. Will not comment on equipment, but here is some general advice:
1. Expect LOTS of dust. Don't change lenses in the field. (2 bodies with different fl lenses is a good idea).
2. Animals move quickly. Have your camera pre-set for a quick shot. After capturing that, make adjustments for "perfect" shot.
3. Make sure driver turns off motor when you are shooting.
4. Often, vehicle holds more passengers than can get good photo spot. Try to make some arrangements beforehand, so that everyone gets a turn at the best positions.
5. If you are going to exit the vehicle (not recommended), make sure that at least one other stupid passenger is slower than you!
6. If offered a chance to "walk with lions", please decline. This is a scam operation to raise lions until adolescence, and then sell them to private safari parks to be hunted (with guns, not cameras). Many such outfits have been closed down, but I believe that variations keep springing up.

Enjoy your trip.

Bill_de Loc: US

This ebook by Steve Perry might be worth a look. The author is a member here and is accessible if you have questions.

https://backcountrygallery.com/secrets-to-stunning-wildlife-photography/stswp-thumb/

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gfpresley Loc: Florida

I have been to both Botswana and Zambia. The former is far superior to the latter in terms of animals and varied terrain. However, Zambia does offer Victoria Falls if you want to venture (walking) into Zimbabwe – I highly recommend.

I say why go to two countries that have much of the same thing (animals). Why not go to Namibia. This is a photographic opportunity that has no parallel. Do not go to the game parks, spend your time in the Namib desert, tribes people in the Northwest and Northeast, and the abandoned diamond mining town. There is more travel required to cover everything, but if you are going to Africa and Botswana (next to Namibia) why not explore this unbelievable country.

Back to the Safari stuff. Definitely do not take a tripod. Bean bag is a great idea but it depends on the type of vehicle you will use and the number of people in the vehicle. Not convinced a monopod is a good idea for the vehicle. You will stop along the way and in the evening for cocktails so you could use it then.
If you need more info, feel free to email me – gpresley@gmail.com.

photoman43

Take two camera bodies with different lenses. For Botswana, I would substitute a Nikon 70-200mm f4 instead of a 24-70mm for your D810. If you want to lighten your equipment, substitute a Nikon 300mm f4 pf and a 1.4x tc for your 200-500mm. If weight is not an issue, the 200-500mm is an excellent choice.

When I was in Botswana I had two Nikon DSLRs, one with a 70-200mm f4 and the other with a (heavy) 300mm f2.8. Both were used a lot. There is no time to change lenses in the field. I took maybe 5 pictures with my 24-85mm lens. Today a cell phone replaces the 24-85mm. Bean bags are essential. I do not think I ever turned on VR.

In Botswana, the vehicles can leave the roads and drive close to the animals. I do not know the rules for Zambia.

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

Good point re Covid. Here is an interesting global policy that you may consider. https://covacglobal.com/

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

One possible change to your gear selection. On a trip to Tanzania in 2019 most of the six in our group plus both leaders were shooting the Nikon D500 and the 200-500 lens. I had Olympus gear with the 100-400 lens (2x crop) and often shot with the lens at 600-700 equivalent. So the 1.5 crop factor of the d500 would be ideal. Especially since you are renting the second body, switching from the D850, it's a not cost change.

Have great fun.

Hip Coyote

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-546677-1.html
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FWIIW, I second the notion of going to Namibia...

ski Loc: West Coast, USA

STAY HOME!!!!

Dan Wik

Been Africa 20 times and on Safari several with my D850 Nikon...so much game animals so use to tourists in Jeeps you easily get by with medium zoom...do not need 500 mm. In fact leaving for Africa October and will bring my Nikon Z50 50-250 mm more than enough, even for birding...Dan