That is why I don't use them that much .. someone told me they take away from the clarity of the photo. I had a 8 pointed star filter I thought would be "fun" to play with .. took photo of the Northern Lights with the MOON (forget I had the filter on!) .. made the moon into an 8 pointed star! Was kinda' pretty but .. that was not what I really wanted .. (No. Lights were not very brilliant to begin with) Was kinda fun to play with tho .. but, just have never used the filters much! Thanks for your advice tho!

I guess I (being a beginner & not really knowing what & how to do things) get excited when I see a whale or black bear & just go out shooting! (with the CAMERA!) I get lucky once in a while but really need to stop and think what I need on the camera settings etc! Used the P&S for years .. just got into the more complicated camera .. I need to stop & think! :thumbup:

I USUALLY ONLY use the UV .. have a bunch of them & just recently decided to use them .. (why have them without using .. right? a lot of $ invested) Have I been right or wrong .. use or not use? I will have to remember which one does what tho! Good thing to remember tho .. check the filters before use! Thanks for the heads up!

beanmg .. thanks for all your help!

JF9..I really did not mean to get off the main subject of the question and I apologize for that .. but I sure got a lot of great info .. :) JF9 .. we want to see pictures! Have a great trip & good luck with equipment!

** and Thanks to all ** for your impute from all of us African Safari "dreamers & wishers'! HUMMMM, hopefully some day my dream will come true! I know I am gonna start planning & saving! Sounds like an awesome place for wildlife photography!

Jeryh .. thanks .. I thought so, you just confirmed my beliefs! So far, I love it!

WOW SOME REALLY GREAT INFO HERE .. I AM SURE JF9 is happy with all of your suggestions! However, I noticed most all of you shoot with Nikon's .. any suggestions for a Canon user? I am hoping to go in Feb/Mar (or Nov) 2014 to Africa.. somewhere & price permitting! I will carry a Canon 5D Mark III for my main camera and a Canon 6D as secondary .. what lens would you suggest? and locations? I will keep this for future ref .. and get started on plans soon! (I am sure I need to get on the ball! LOL) THANKS for some great info! Been looking at Africa for many years .. I think I need to get plans in place NOW! THANKS AGAIN.. I am sure many people will get help out of this info! :)

AWESOME SHOTS! WOW .. CONGRATS! :)

for a FF camera .. I got the 24-70 mm ultrasonic (a little pricey) but, have been using it for 3 months & well worth the buck! Used it for Yesemite Natl' Park & Alaska .. both Anchorage landscape & wildlife.. and Iditarod in Nome .. GREAT little lens .. good luck & enjoy the Canyon & Flagstaff, they are so beautiful in Aug! (probably could use a longer lens for wild life .. unless you plan on getting up close & personal, but for a wide I vote for the 24-70mm! LOL

Thanks mooner.. we will get what we can .. all packed & ready to goooooo. :thumbup: wish us luck! :)

MT Shooter .. you are RIGHT .. sorry I missed putting that in my comments! :thumbup:

Jerry .. Thanks for the great advice .. I ALWAYS leave the camera & equip in the camera bag or plastic bag until they get to room temp .. never thought about taking filters off! :D Same goes for leaving inside the bag/plastic or otherwise when going out from an a/c room or car.. ALWAYS LET THEM ADJUST TO THE NORMAL CONDITIONS! :thumbup:

OK guys & Gals.. I am new here .. how do you send a PM from this site? Thanks..
Barbara

Thanks everyone! Really appreciate your in put! Snow or no snow .. fire or no fire waterfalls .. clear sky or clouds .. I am sure I will have a ball and take way too many photos! (I LOVE parks! so much beauty to see!)

I will have what I refer to as my "tote goat" (this was just a joke may years ago with the son)LOL Hubby is going and strong and knows how to drive in snow .. yes, it sounds like it will be much like our Alaska home .. I am sure we will just love it .. so many beautiful shots can be taken with the snow on the trees etc. I am getting so excited .. I can't hardly control myself! :)

Mooner.. great shots! WOW! :P