For those who've been to Africa.. Posters say that the Tamron 18-400 lens isn't good in low light. Would there be any point in packing a good flash for my trip to South Africa in...

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Posters say that the Tamron 18-400 lens isn't good in low light. Would there be any point in packing a good flash for my trip to South Africa in October? I think we head out on safari at about 4:30 am when I'm assuming the light is low.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

No need for a flash. Won't reach much beyond the vehicle and, if you're doing a night or early morning drive, the guides will have lights which work well.

jotaele

Flash will be useless and not allowed during the drives. It spooks the animals.

Sylvias Loc: North Yorkshire England

I have recently been to India on a tiger safari. I used the Tamron 18-400 lens all the time. Starting out as you say very early in the morning and returning at dusk. Not allowed to use a flash. I just kept playing with different settings increasing the iso. I have posted three sets from my tour on UHH. Take a look at post #1.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-586932-1.html Hope you can see what the lens will do.

Have a great time.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Sylvias wrote:

I have recently been to India on a tiger safari. I... (show quote)

Those are great Sylvia. Thanks for sharing.
Deb

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

DebAnn wrote:

Posters say that the Tamron 18-400 lens isn't good in low light. Would there be any point in packing a good flash for my trip to South Africa in October? I think we head out on safari at about 4:30 am when I'm assuming the light is low.

Of course, it doesn't matter where I go to photograph, I would never leave without any of my flashes!

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Sylvias wrote:

I have recently been to India on a tiger safari. I... (show quote)

Hi Sylvia. Meant to ask you earlier. I haven't yet used the 18-400 very much. But I'm having trouble balancing it. Maybe because it's the first lens that extends so far. I have heavier lenses that I can hold steady. Did you find this was an issue when you first got yours? I'm thinking I'll have to take a monopod to Africa and hope the safari people have bean bags.

Sylvias Loc: North Yorkshire England

DebAnn wrote:

Hi Sylvia. Meant to ask you earlier. I haven't yet used the 18-400 very much. But I'm having trouble balancing it. Maybe because it's the first lens that extends so far. I have heavier lenses that I can hold steady. Did you find this was an issue when you first got yours? I'm thinking I'll have to take a monopod to Africa and hope the safari people have bean bags.

I think the more you practice with it you will get better. You have plenty of time before you go. Just try and use it every day shoot anything and everything till you get a feel for it. I have also found the heavier the lens is I can hold it steadier.
The problem you will have when you are in the vehicle will be other people standing up and moving when you are trying to be steady. It is difficult to not get movement and at times you just have to take the shot and adjust accordingly. I have been on numerous safari trips in Africa and India and have seen some people with tripods, but there is not much room to manoeuvre. People with bean bags have taken their own, never seen any at the camps to use.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Sylvias wrote:

I think the more you practice with it you will get... (show quote)

Thanks Sylvia. I'm going on a private safari with my sisters. Only one of them is also a photographer. Cos we're sisters we can tell each other to move, keep still and whatever else we need them to do!!

Sylvias Loc: North Yorkshire England

DebAnn wrote:

Thanks Sylvia. I'm going on a private safari with my sisters. Only one of them is also a photographer. Cos we're sisters we can tell each other to move, keep still and whatever else we need them to do!!

You will have to whisper!

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

DebAnn wrote:

Posters say that the Tamron 18-400 lens isn't good in low light. Would there be any point in packing a good flash for my trip to South Africa in October? I think we head out on safari at about 4:30 am when I'm assuming the light is low.

I took a small flash for night shots of people at the camps.

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

DebAnn wrote:

Posters say that the Tamron 18-400 lens isn't good in low light. Would there be any point in packing a good flash for my trip to South Africa in October? I think we head out on safari at about 4:30 am when I'm assuming the light is low.

I would call the tour company you have booked and ask their advice, they do it every day and they would have good information for you.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

billnikon wrote:

I would call the tour company you have booked and ask their advice, they do it every day and they would have good information for you.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

There were only a few times that I would have wanted a flash - but then I would have needed a focusing system like the "Better Beamer". All in all, it wouldn't have been worth the extra bulk and weight.

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

DebAnn wrote:

Posters say that the Tamron 18-400 lens isn't good in low light. Would there be any point in packing a good flash for my trip to South Africa in October? I think we head out on safari at about 4:30 am when I'm assuming the light is low.

Flash is useless. Shoot in RAW format and adjust your exposes in post. I have a shot of a leopard that was captured in the shade in late afternoon and was EV-5. The raw capture is black. The final image is perfect!