African Safari: Aloha, have been a subscriber to this forum for the last 3 yrs and enjoy every day. Since I bought my first Sony FI in the 80s I have been an avid photographer. Next...

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African Safari

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Sep 16, 2019 15:47:27 #

cvoleti

Aloha, have been a subscriber to this forum for the last 3 yrs and enjoy every day. Since I bought my first Sony FI in the 80s I have been an avid photographer. Next month from Oct 6th to 21st I’m taking a Safari, four days in Kruger National forest and 11 days in Tanzania. I have a D7500, Two D810 cameras and several Nikon lenses. A 20mmF1.8,a 27-70-f2.8,80-200 F2.8, a 18-200mm F 3.5-5.6,a 28-300 F3.5-5.6,a 300mm PF F4 and 200-500mm 5.6 along with Nikon AF-S teleconverter TC-14EIII. From members who have done this Safari what would be recommendations if I were to carry two cameras and two lenses which I’m used to. Mahalo.

Sep 16, 2019 16:04:07 #

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I would take D810 with 200-500 mounted and other D810 with 18-200 mounted. Can't change lenses in the field. Too dusty. Have fun.

Sep 16, 2019 16:26:17 #

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

I would concur with PS77 and it would give you all around coverage. That 1.4 TC might come in handy in some instances but that means changing in the field. I did that on a "few" occasions but you do have to pick your times. Have fun and we look forward to some great shots.

Sep 16, 2019 16:38:42 #

Properframe Loc: US Virginia

Take a clear plastic bag large enough to get a body and your largest lens in comfortably - in case you need to change lenses in the bush. Most likely only when sunset approaches and you want the wide angle. I personally took 2 bodies and 4 lenses. D850, D810, 14mm, 24-70, 70-200 and 200-400. Also a 1.4TC III. Used the 70-200 on the D810 and the 200-400 on the D850 for most of the drives. Sunrise/sunset used the other 2. Non mammal shots (ie lodges,people) used the 24-70. Only used the TC 2 times for an owl and a boa.
Enjoy. One of the more remarkable places to photograph.

Sep 16, 2019 18:25:37 #

cvoleti

Enjoy reading the replies.Definitely not changing lenses in the field. Purely for logistics I want to take two cameras with two lenses mated for the 14 days as per PS77. A little concerned about the weight of the200-500, would the 300mm Prime fit in? Mahalo...

Sep 16, 2019 19:01:26 #

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

cvoleti wrote:

You will love the 200-500. Weight will not be an issue as you will beable to brace it on part of the vehicle. Consider buying a "BeanBag" to cushion vibration.Also, I would leave the extender home.

Sep 17, 2019 06:21:23 #

Alex A

cvoleti wrote:

Aloha, have been a subscriber to this forum for th... (show quote)

Don't forget to sling a monopod into your bag too (for the 500) and bean bag for resting on the edge of the Veh roof or door ...

Sep 17, 2019 06:54:17 #

Tommy 86 Loc: East TN

I just got back from Tanzania and Kenya and I agree with your two cameras, two lenses plan. I took a beanbag but never used it - had a 150-600 lens and just rested it in roof of truck and it was fine. You might not want to hastle with placing the beanbag and end up missing shots. Have a great trip!

Sep 17, 2019 07:11:24 #

larryhav Loc: Charlotte, NC

I was in Namibia and also South Africa (Mala Mala) near Kruger last September. I am a canon user and brought a 7DMII with a 100-400 4.5-5.6 lens and a full frame 5DM4 with a 24-105 f4.0 lens. I ended up switching and using the full frame 5DM4 with the 100-400 lens a majority of the time even though I lost the 1.6 magnification with the 7DMII body. I found I needed the higher ISO capability of the full frame 5DM4 because you will be out early in the morning and late in the afternoon. You will need the higher ISO to handle higher shutter speeds to capture action. I was able to remove the noise and crop the photos to get very good close up shots. So in your case, I would concur with many of the others in the forum and take both D810's and the 18-200 and 200-500. That should cover all your bases and give you the best quality shots after Post Processing. Enjoy the trip, you will have a great time!

Sep 17, 2019 07:42:36 #

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

cvoleti wrote:

Aloha, have been a subscriber to this forum for th... (show quote)

The best advice I can give you is to call your Safari company, they know when and where they shoot and will be able to help you with your lens choices.

Sep 17, 2019 07:53:42 #

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I'd take your d810s with the 18/200 and 200/500. Place a pool noodle on the tripod leg, helps reduce vibration.

Sep 17, 2019 08:16:43 #

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

I was in Kenya for two weeks:
Both D810's / 28~300 / 200~500. Forget the TC's , the jeep driver should get you well within range of those lenses. Check with the tour operator for bean bags; my tour had really good ones.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/egc6lw9mjtfa241/KENYA%20%2011-19-2.mp4?dl=0 There is sound, turn on your speakers.

Sep 17, 2019 08:27:52 #