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Advice regarding a Trip to Africa
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Dec 31, 2018 07:54:07   #
DebAnn Loc: Toronto
 
I am so lucky to have been gifted with a trip to Africa and a safari in 2019. For those who have been there, could you please advise on the following.

I have a full frame Canon 6D Mk II and a 70D crop sensor. For the full frame, my longest lens tops out at 105mm. For the crop, I have one that tops out at 250mm. Given that the 250mm on a crop is actually at lot higher than that, would you take the crop over the full frame? Or, would you save up to buy a new lens for the full frame that goes to around 400mm? Bear in mind that I can't hand hold steady anything that's too heavy.

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Dec 31, 2018 08:16:34   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Here are some recommendations for a safari.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-473761-1.html
https://fstoppers.com/animal/essential-camera-features-and-settings-safari-photography-176678
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/8065882473/gearing-up-for-an-african-safari
http://www.bythom.com/photographic-travel/africa/how-to-think-about-equipmen.html
http://www.elliottneep.com/#!/p/gear-guide-safari
https://luminous-landscape.com/digital-safari-equipment-tips/

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Dec 31, 2018 08:16:50   #
mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma
 
I would go for the Tamron 18-400 for the crop camera. Gets good reviews and will give you plenty of reach without weighing you down. Easier to pack as well. I am very envious; your trip is on my bucket list.

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Dec 31, 2018 08:28:15   #
margaretnewell
 
To a certain extent it depends on what type of safari you are going on. If it is guided in an open safari vehicle that is able to go off road you will most probably be able to get pretty close to the game, and you might get away with the lenses that you already have. If you are doing self drive and having to stick to roads you might want something with longer reach. Take an empty bean bag with you and fill it with cheap rice at your destination.

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Dec 31, 2018 08:36:10   #
Linda S.
 
jerryc41 wrote:
Here are some recommendations


Thank you for sharing this link! While I am not going on a safari, I am traveling to Italy this June. The thought process framework involved in equipment choice provided in this article is a very helpful tool for me...Linda S.

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Dec 31, 2018 08:44:09   #
PaulB Loc: Alabama
 
Since this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, do not leave yourself short. I agree with mizzee's suggestion about acquiring a Tamron 18-400 lens. Also suggest extra batteries and media cards (no camera stores out in the boonies). The bean bag idea is a good one. I took one on both of my Africa trips and it was very handy, I was able to position it on the edge of the safari vehicle roof to steady my camera. You will be amazed at how close you will be able to get to the animals. They are very accustomed to vehicles. Have a great trip!

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Dec 31, 2018 08:45:39   #
whwiden
 
I have used a Tamron 150mm - 600mm in Africa with much success. Mine is G2 version. The VR is solid for hand holding. I do not like carrying it on flights, but am happy once there. Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia. I have made two trips. You often get close enough for good shots at closer range, but may get frustrated without the range. More important for birds than elephants. An 80-400mm or 100-400mm would probably work on a crop sensor. Before my second trip, I did much research for a smaller solution but did not make a change.

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Dec 31, 2018 08:52:03   #
Naptown Gaijin
 
The most important advice I can give is to take your malaria pills starting before you leave the USA, and be sure your immunizations are all up to date. Do NOT drink, or even brush your teeth, with tap water. Do NOT drink anything that uses ICE made from tap water. Do NOT go to a country that currently has an ebola virus outbreak anywhere in that country.

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Dec 31, 2018 08:55:07   #
Kencamera
 
I have been on safari in both East Africa and Southern Africa. I think your 6D Mark II with the 105mm is just fine. Many animals come right up to your vehicle whether on road or off road. For your 70D I would get the longest lens you are comfortable with. One pleasant surprise for me was the number and variety of birds we saw, and the long lens is great for that. However, even many animals are quite far away. Often, especially in Southern Africa they are spooked before you get really close and the longer lens lets you capture them before the run. I used a 5D Mark III with a 24-105mm L IS lens for closer shots and landscapes and a 7D Mark II with a 100-400mm L IS lens and a 1.4 Extender for the longs shots. Enjoy your trip.

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Dec 31, 2018 09:29:38   #
DebAnn Loc: Toronto
 
I should have specified that I am going on a private tour with my siblings to Kruger National Park with a well-regarded guide. Apparently he is also a photographer. Thanks for the advice you have all given me so far.
Deb

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Dec 31, 2018 13:04:06   #
Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV
 
Does your friend who gifted you with a safari need any more friends? I'm planning a trip to Africa, the private tour with a well regarded guide sounds interesting. Any more info available about that?

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Dec 31, 2018 14:29:54   #
rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA
 
Get yourself one of those Bean Bag supports to rest your lens on the window or canopy supports in the Safari vehicle:

http://www.lenscoat.com/lenssack-bean-support-c-54.html?osCsid=c0d02d67fdb4ff2e0b6a60be5ddf5411

YouTuber Brendon von Son just completed several streaming videos regarding his recent trip to Kreuger.

https://www.youtube.com/user/bvans890/videos

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Dec 31, 2018 16:26:21   #
Kencamera
 
Last July my wife and I and several friends visited Thornybush Game Reserve which is right next to Kruger. You will enjoy it I am sure. Ken

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Dec 31, 2018 20:33:53   #
DebAnn Loc: Toronto
 
Yes. Look up Bearded Heron Safaris with Neil Heron, safari specialist.
Retired CPO wrote:
Does your friend who gifted you with a safari need any more friends? I'm planning a trip to Africa, the private tour with a well regarded guide sounds interesting. Any more info available about that?

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Jan 1, 2019 01:19:20   #
Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV
 
DebAnn wrote:
Yes. Look up Bearded Heron Safaris with Neil Heron, safari specialist.


Thank you, DebAnn. I'll do that.

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