wildman Loc: Bluffton, SC

I've never been there before and am having a problem deciding exactly what equipment to take. If anyone can help, please do. (Weight IS a consideration!)

My current plan is a Nikon D500 (For close-up crop) with a Tamron 150-600mm lens - distance shots of animals. I can carry a 1.4 tele as well, but will I need it?
Also plan to carry a D750 for "walk-around" and, otherwise "normal" shooting. With the 750, I am torn between the Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8 or 24-120mm.
In addition to Kenya, we are going to Victoria Falls. I have a Nikkor 14-24mm 2.8 and a 16-80mm. Will I need the wide angle there?

Thanks for any insight.

wildman

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

[quote=wildman]I've never been there before and am having a problem deciding exactly what equipment to take. If anyone can help, please do. (Weight IS a consideration!)

My current plan is a Nikon D500 (For close-up crop) with a Tamron 150-600mm lens - distance shots of animals. I can carry a 1.4 tele as well, but will I need it?
Also plan to carry a D750 for "walk-around" and, otherwise "normal" shooting. With the 750, I am torn between the Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8 or 24-120mm.
In addition to Kenya, we are going to Victoria Falls. I have a Nikkor 14-24mm 2.8 and a 16-80mm. Will I need the wide angle there?


I just got back from an Alaskan tour and I used a 24-105 the most. Bring the zoom (the 150-600) but leave the tx at home, if they are that far away you will just get a fuzzy photo anyway. That said, I also used my 16-35 a lot for those vast open landscape shots that made me want as much as feasible. So yes, you will most likely want wide.
May you have good light! Hope your trip is a lucky one.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

I have been to Africa twice and am going again next year. I would suggest the D500 with the 150-600 on one camera and the 24-105 on the D750. You don't want to be changing lenses in the field, it is so dusty. Bring a small towel or cover and use when traveling but not using one camera. You might also bring the wide angle for the falls and landscape. Enjoy every minute!!!

wteffey Loc: Ocala, FL USA

Really, really dusty. I would never again take an expensive camera that was not weather sealed. If I ever get to go again I will take a good weather sealed bridge camera.

Dossile

The 150-600 has plenty of reach with the D500. I agree with the 2 lenses on two body approach. I used a Nikon 200-500 on a D850 body for most shots and a Nikon 28-300 on a D800 when shooting animals and had my Nikon 16-35 for landscapes. Too much dust to change a lens in the field.

BigRedRex

Totally agree with the 2 lens, 2 body approach. It is hard to imagine the dust. Enjoy!

Akron Roger

If you're planning on going in wet season, or a month or so later and going on the walk across from Victoria Falls you will need a waterproof camera---you will be soaked! Dry season
is our summer time, so if you are going August through November (approximate), waterproof should not be needed. Sub-Sahara Africa is a wonderful place---enjoy!

ole sarg Loc: south florida

You will need at least a 7.62!

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

What she said. This is the equivalent setup that I used last year for the same type trip and I was very pleased with results.

FredCM Loc: Central Illinois

Before you decide on a lot of heavy camera gear, check the airlines' web sites for carry on restrictions. Unless of course budget is no concern. And don't forget the compression hose for the long long plane rides. Emirates Air has all this talk about carry ons but no one seemed to care, the usual rules applied.

FredCM Loc: Central Illinois

Before you decide on a lot of heavy camera gear, check the airlines' web sites for carry on restrictions. Unless of course budget is no concern. And don't forget the compression hose for the long long plane rides. Emirates Air has all this talk about carry ons but no one seemed to care, the usual rules applied.

DJD Loc: Seal Beach, CA

I was in the Serengeti and Masa Mara last year. Both places very dusty. I used a D500 and I had numerous dust spots on the sensor and had to have it professionally cleaned upon my return. I did not change lenses in the field but still got the dust spots. I mostly used a Nikon 80-400 lens. However, a lot of times our vehicle got too close the the animals to make this lens effective. That's where your 2nd camera with a wide angle lens would come in handy. Its not uncommon for a lion(s) to rest in the shade of a vehicle. Also the sunsets on the Serengeti are spectacular. A few years back, I walked the pathway along Victoria Falls. The mist was like a constant rain shower and visibility was very poor. I used a waterproof point and shoot and would not recommend either of your cameras if the mist is heavy. Also, you'll need a good poncho (nearby vendors rent) and shoes like crocs or the like. My hiking shoes got soaked and had to have our hotel put them in the dryer. I'd recommend the 150-600 and the 24-120. I don't think you'll need the 1.4 tele. Have a great trip. You are going to like it. One other recommendation, if you are in a tented camp (as we were) you'll hear a variety of animals at night. We had a pride of lions come close to our camp and the male decided to make his presence known by roaring to his pride. It was riveting. Anyway, I wish I had set up a trail camera by my tent. Sorry for being long winded. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoMwmeNzjj4

fecraly

Been to Africa twice. Serengeti/Masa Mara in June 2016. Local winter so was relatively cool, dry and dusty. I used D80 and Nikon 28-300. (Since upgraded to D500 ). 28-300 did not have enough range. Take the 150-600 but leave 1.4 TC. Second body with wide angle zoom is good if you want scenery and close ups. DO NOT change lens in field, and take a plastic baggie to cover/protect while riding in safari vehicle. Be prepared for animals (baboons, lions!!) up close; within 10 feet of vehicle. Both my trips had severe weight limits due to capacity of the "bush planes" (33 pounds max for everything you have). No issues with international carriers. It will be a great trip. Enjoy.

kenbowes

I often read about the dust in the Serengeti. We were in the Serengeti last November, the time of onset of the light rains and saw no dust so the time of your visit will influence your ability to change lenses. Sometimes however you will want a different focal length quickly so a zoom has a place. I took my A7ii with 24-240 lens. At least 80% of my pictures were taken with that lens and adding sonys 2x digital enlargement facility brought the total up to 90%. I also took my canon sx50 and a 500 mm mirror lens for the other 10%. I am still facing the editing of thousand of photos - it was an incredible photographic experience. You will never forget it.

gjgallager Loc: North Central CT & Space Coast Florida

On an unrelated subject, is your 'avatar' from 8/21/2017? We drove up from Florida to Santee for the experience of a lifetime. Greg.