Bring a tripod to African safari?
Jan 20, 2023 19:21:19 #
wdross wrote:
If you have a 4/3rds system, you could get away wi... (show quote)
Very, very good point. Thank you!
Jan 20, 2023 21:04:02 #
I took a monopod and found it useful, but my beanbag resting on the side of the safari truck was more versatile.
Jan 20, 2023 21:20:19 #
Jan 20, 2023 21:34:36 #
jimward wrote:
I took a monopod and found it useful, but my beanbag resting on the side of the safari truck was more versatile.
Thanks. I am thinking about bringing a monopod.
Jan 20, 2023 21:35:59 #
Amaize wrote:
We did use a monopod on my last safari, last July …
Thanks again for all your insight.
Jan 20, 2023 22:55:38 #
jeffy wrote:
Hello fellow photographers! br I have a question f... (show quote)
No, it would be more trouble than it’s worth. Also stay away from monster lenses. In LrC I selected all the keepers and used the search to build a histogram and found most between 70 and 200 mm. Keep your kit simple because changing is awkward at best. All drivers I have with are pretty camera savvy and will get you close for a good shot. It is like the old advice don’t waste money on a long lens just buy a car and drive closer.
Jan 21, 2023 07:03:14 #
Jan 21, 2023 09:11:20 #
Jack 13088 wrote:
No, it would be more trouble than it’s worth. Also stay away from monster lenses. In LrC I selected all the keepers and used the search to build a histogram and found most between 70 and 200 mm. Keep your kit simple because changing is awkward at best. All drivers I have with are pretty camera savvy and will get you close for a good shot. It is like the old advice don’t waste money on a long lens just buy a car and drive closer.
I don’t totally agree. I took my 600mm and was glad I did. The quality and depth of field I could get was great. Just happen to have the 2 examples below on my ipad. They are starting in some areas at least requiring vehicles to stay farther back to help protect the animals. Not always and if they approach you that is great. Also depends on where you are. The drivers and guides do make a world of difference. Getting you as close as possible without putting stress on the animal. I also like tight shots and close ups, so for me the 600mm will always go!
This guy was hiding out in the grass pretty far away.
(Download)
This would not have been a usable photo with out the 600mm
(Download)
Jan 21, 2023 09:43:21 #
Jan 21, 2023 11:17:15 #
I’m starting to think I will bring as much equipment as I can, but based on airline restrictions and how much/far I will need to carry the equipment to and fro.
Jan 21, 2023 16:27:11 #
Photolady2014 wrote:
I don’t totally agree. I took my 600mm and was gl... (show quote)
Neither of these would look out of place in a spread in National Geographic ⭐🌟💛🌟⭐
Jan 21, 2023 16:33:48 #
Amaize wrote:
We did use a monopod on my last safari, last July …
And you had quite the awesome sky to boot
Jan 21, 2023 18:38:17 #
Photolady2014 wrote:
I don’t totally agree. I took my 600mm and was gl... (show quote)
I retract that advice. It turns out I was close to omitting that observation. So much of the usefulness of say a big lens depends on non photographic details of the trip and sometimes chance. Your cheetah photo besides beings wonderful photo is a pretty rare occurrence. In the last decade cheetahs have disappeared from large portions of their range. And even though they typically have large litters few of the cubs survive their first season. So it would have been tragic if you didn’t have that lens to create that photo.
My observation is it is easy to pack and lug around too much stuff that only slows you down when “it” happens. The experience of your guide and driver plus the quality of their equipment (vehicle) are critical to the experience. A safari is hours of boredom with a few seconds of terror to reuse a common expression. I would never advise buying new equipment and using it for the first time on safari.
The OP didn’t mention where and when he was going. Where and when were your photos taken?
Jan 22, 2023 13:22:29 #
Jack 13088 wrote:
I retract that advice. It turns out I was close to... (show quote)
These were last August in the Masai Mara of Kenya. The cheetahs do have a tough time and 2 of these cubs have been lost. One to snake bite one to a crocodile just a couple days ago. While I like getting really close like everyone, I do hope more regulations take place to protect them, especially when they have little ones. We were lucky to see cheetahs on several occasions. It was the leopard that was more elusive on this trip!
Jan 22, 2023 13:23:03 #
joecichjr wrote:
Neither of these would look out of place in a spread in National Geographic ⭐🌟💛🌟⭐
Thanks so much!
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