PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Welcome to UHH, glad you joined us.
Have fun, learn and enjoy the forum.

Don

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

I took 2 cameras: A Canon 6D MkII with a 24-105 lens attached, and a Canon 90D with a Tamron 18-400 lens attached. They proved to be perfect for the safari (Kruger National Park). You don't want to be changing lenses out in the bush - too much dust. You can see the results in my photos posted on my feed. (2019)

CWGordon

Equipment for Africa: Don’t feel you will need as much as a 500mm lens. I took one, but like many who have gone, I found it unnecessary. 400 was most I really needed. However, if part of a zoom, cannot hurt to have it. If you are looking to do lots of bird photos, same rule there, as here, no lens is too big.
Many good photographers feel the need for a 300mm and no more. I am interested in hearing the advice you get along the lines of the need for long telephoto lenses.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Welcome to the hog. I guess safari? If so , what’s your budget?

Paul Diamond Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA

Dust is always an 'issue' you will have to deal with. Best is camera and lenses that were designed to be relatively well 'weather sealed'.

Pbrawley Loc: New Jersey

Hello! Thank you for the real world video. I do have a question. Do the drivers stop as long as you to take photos?

Pbrawley Loc: New Jersey

Thanks for the advice. Did you have one or two cameras to limit lens changes?

Pbrawley Loc: New Jersey

Thanks for the feedback! I too was thinking two camera. I don’t want to be weighed down with too much but also don’t want regret not bringing enough.

fecraly

I have been to Africa on 3 safaris. Just returned from Uganda.
1. It is very dusty, so do not plan to changes lens in the field. Take 2 cameras, you can not afford to have one fail on an expensive trip
2. On first trips, I used Nikon 28-300 on a D80. Reach was too short for some pictures (e.g. rhinos, lions over 100m away). On last trip, I used Tamron G2 (150-600) on the D80, and the 28-300 on D500. A great combo and no need to field change lens. Never missed a shot.
3. Get a good camera "backpack" that will hold cameras/lens as above, plus chargers and spare batteries
4. Most Africa is 240 volts. Take a voltage transformer with you. Need a true "transformer, not a voltage adapter. I used a device by Bestic (sp)--about the size of a brick. Also need plug prong adapter specific for the country.
5. Take extra camera cards. No place to buy anything when you are in the bush
6. Do not drink the tap water, despite what the lodge may say. Used only bottled water--especially for brushing teeth. Take meds "imodium" for any diahrrea, and some antibiotics if it is really bad/persistent. Also, I avoided eating any uncooked vegatables unless they were/could be peeled. Salads were out, because I suspect they were washed with tap water.
7. With the increased capabilities of cell phone cameras, one might serve as a back up. On Uganda trip, that is all my companions were using.
Good luck with the trip.

Drledft1

If you’re going to East Africa, Kenya and/or Tanzania lens length is king. Minimum necessary is 500mm, by whatever means, ie., cropped sensor, tele-converter, zoom or prime lens. Pick a photo safari only. One in which you have a row for each photographer and can move side to side. More expensive but well worth it. Other countries where you don’t have the wide open savanna you might be able to get by with 400 (maybe).
Picking the right season is also important- check out some of links listed above for more info. Due to COVID I’ve had to postpone my trip twice and pray next year will be the charm.
Paul Renner safari is the one I’ve used twice. Trip of a lifetime. Good Luck 👍

DickC Loc: NE Washington state

Welcome aboard!!

Pilarb1 Loc: Exton Pennsylvania

Good luck 🍀 in your trip to Africa 😊 I am also an old type of photographer and I choose to use 35 mm in all the things that I choose to photograph. Animals and people are not so different when it comes to color; it’s always a beautiful way to color correct our work and give us the chance to be creative.
Pilar