It all depends on the time of year and your destination. In the Kruger I prefer using my 400mm 2.8TC on one body and my 70-200mm 2.8 on my other body.
In the Serengeti I will use my 400 with the TC engaged + 1.4TC added—as the distance is greater than in the Kruger. Still have my 70-200 on my second body. However if I am in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area I don’t have my external TC on my 400mm as you’re allowed to drive off road (excluding the crater floor).
vbnut wrote:
I'm following this incredible thread closely and learning at lot with the hope that I'll be able to some safaris in the near future. With that in mind, can you elaborate on the above comment? If one had access to any lens that was desired (e.g. by renting) why would there have to be compromises? Is there something specific about safaris that is different from other wildlife photography that causes these compromises?
This is exactly what I am using in Tanzania at moment. Been using RF 70-200 f2.8 on one body and RF 400mm f2.8 plus RF 1.4 on another. I've found the animals are either very close or very far of that makes sense.
In one of the parks I had to use the Rf 2x and I have to say I am impressed with the IQ. The RF extender is definitely better IQ to me than the EF III.
Been fantastic so far, and we are fortunate we are a private safari with the 400. Also really happy with the Zemlin hood. Got a 95mm one for the RF 400 instead of using the canon one.
robert_in_ca wrote:
It all depends on the time of year and your destination. In the Kruger I prefer using my 400mm 2.8TC on one body and my 70-200mm 2.8 on my other body.
In the Serengeti I will use my 400 with the TC engaged + 1.4TC added—as the distance is greater than in the Kruger. Still have my 70-200 on my second body. However if I am in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area I don’t have my external TC on my 400mm as you’re allowed to drive off road (excluding the crater floor).
Jonathan-ST wrote:
I really want to know are animals angry because of drones?
If that's the case, how do we keep it safe ？
The animals will get a bit agitated if you get too close to them as they aren't used to the sound. I tried to keep the drone far enough away to not disturb them but still close enough to get some decent footage, and even then sometimes they'll look in the direction of the drone due to the sound.
I've heard of people getting very irresponsible with them. Drones are not permitted in most areas over there for wildlife and other reasons.
rafster wrote:
This is exactly what I am using in Tanzania at moment. Been using RF 70-200 f2.8 on one body and RF 400mm f2.8 plus RF 1.4 on another. I've found the animals are either very close or very far of that makes sense.
In one of the parks I had to use the Rf 2x and I have to say I am impressed with the IQ. The RF extender is definitely better IQ to me than the EF III.
Been fantastic so far, and we are fortunate we are a private safari with the 400. Also really happy with the Zemlin hood. Got a 95mm one for the RF 400 instead of using the canon one.
Are you getting any heat shimmer at 800mm? I know it's the rainy season (May) right now so maybe the cooler temps aren't affecting the long FL's? I was getting heat shimmer in Kenya at 400mm in September/October.
Yes at 800mm I definitely see it. I seen it too with 1.4 but less
Today managed to get away mostly without the TC so at 400mm in the Serengeti as we managed to get close to most animals
artsupreme wrote:
Are you getting any heat shimmer at 800mm? I know it's the rainy season (May) right now so maybe the cooler temps aren't affecting the long FL's? I was getting heat shimmer in Kenya at 400mm in September/October.
Jonathan-ST wrote:
I really want to know are animals angry because of drones?
If that's the case, how do we keep it safe ？
It’s actually people who will get more angry than animals. Animals may panic if you screw up and I imagine you’ll potentially get into trouble if that happens - either legally or by being ostracized in camp.
Also, you are supposed to have a permit in Kenya, I believe. From what I have heard, this is quite expensive and takes time to get. I am sure in some privately owned locations it’ll be fine, as long as you follow any requests by the land owners, but as far as I know (and this could be outdated) you would be at risk of either having your drone confiscated or even arrest if you just packed one and flew it there without a permit.
Other countries have different laws. So check for where you are going. I believe permits are required in many countries for use in national parks/ protected areas (Botswana, fairly sure that is still the case) but rules do not appear to be as strict as Kenya in general and you may be able to get the permit more quickly.
Sorry if you already have a permit and are simply asking how to responsibly use a drone - I have no experience of that, which is why there are so many instances of words like ‘appear’ and ‘believe’ and ‘think’.
PaulMaewpa2 wrote:
It’s actually people who will get more angry than animals. Animals may panic if you screw up and I imagine you’ll potentially get into trouble if that happens - either legally or by being ostracized in camp.
Also, you are supposed to have a permit in Kenya, I believe. From what I have heard, this is quite expensive and takes time to get. I am sure in some privately owned locations it’ll be fine, as long as you follow any requests by the land owners, but as far as I know (and this could be outdated) you would be at risk of either having your drone confiscated or even arrest if you just packed one and flew it there without a permit.
Other countries have different laws. So check for where you are going. I believe permits are required in many countries for use in national parks/ protected areas (Botswana, fairly sure that is still the case) but rules do not appear to be as strict as Kenya in general and you may be able to get the permit more quickly.
Sorry if you already have a permit and are simply asking how to responsibly use a drone - I have no experience of that, which is why there are so many instances of words like ‘appear’ and ‘believe’ and ‘think’.
I agree with this. Beyond stressing the wildlife (it's taken so long to acclimate them to the vehicles, I imagine the buzz of a drone being really disruptive), I could not imagine being at a sighting and someone else sending a drone up. That obnoxious buzz moving in and around a leopard in a tree would drive me insane. Also, I imagine the risk of losing signal or battery and having it land somewhere unplanned is also reason to restrict them. I really hope they never permit them, at least as they exist today.
Drones are also used by Rhino poachers to locate Rhinos. If every tourist is just flying drones everywhere it makes it much more difficult for the anti-poaching units to pick out drones being used for poaching.
VKM2F wrote:
I agree with this. Beyond stressing the wildlife (it's taken so long to acclimate them to the vehicles, I imagine the buzz of a drone being really disruptive), I could not imagine being at a sighting and someone else sending a drone up. That obnoxious buzz moving in and around a leopard in a tree would drive me insane. Also, I imagine the risk of losing signal or battery and having it land somewhere unplanned is also reason to restrict them. I really hope they never permit them, at least as they exist today.
If drones were allowed over there it would be total chaos at a sighting with multiple drones in the air buzzing around and mid air collisions. Drones will never be allowed for mass tourism but I do think they should offer a limited permit process that's very expensive and comes with strict rules. For example, $1500 permits limited to a fixed amount per month and they could use the revenue to fund the anti-poaching units. Strict rules and stiff fines would keep most of them under control.
There is a current permitting process for Kenya but it's very tough and limited to commercial photographers and residents. It would be nice to offer another option to qualified hobbyists and generate a healthy revenue stream because they need more money to protect the animals.
I made sure to never launch mine around other vehicles, we were always solo and isolated. I didn't fly it around any cats either, but captured pretty much everything else. If you lose signal, the drone will fly to the home point where you launched, or the home point you set if you decide to change the original home point.
If you figure out a way to get your drone in there and you are keeping your distance and being responsible you won't have any issues with other tourists or disturbing animals.
MattAxel wrote:
Drones are also used by Rhino poachers to locate Rhinos. If every tourist is just flying drones everywhere it makes it much more difficult for the anti-poaching units to pick out drones being used for poaching.
I hung out with a couple guys from an anti-poaching unit for a few days and their stories were unbelievable. They talk about killing poachers like it's no different than smashing a mosquito on your arm. They were loving my drone too.
artsupreme wrote:
I hung out with a couple guys from an anti-poaching unit for a few days and their stories were unbelievable. They talk about killing poachers like it's no different than smashing a mosquito on your arm. They were loving my drone too.
Yep, Ranger in the Serengeti told me for poachers, it's SSS.
Granted I have not read all 28 pages, is there a recommended company/guide for a short trip for a family of 2 adults 3 kids in December... for under $10k?
Try Lion King Adventures in Tanzania. We got a premium honeymoon safari and was amazed how much less it was than going through a UK agency plus we ended up with private safari, better accommodation etc.
ajamils wrote:
Granted I have not read all 28 pages, is there a recommended company/guide for a short trip for a family of 2 adults 3 kids in December... for under $10k?
Shimmer was very pronounced yesterday in the crater with the RF 2x. It made it somewhat difficult at times to focus.
Was my first time on safari and coming from UK never really had these issues, so was interesting.
We just finished and it was a great trip. Got some great shots so looking forward to going through when we get home in a week. Really impressed with the Rf 400, I was able to handhold throughout and if I had my previous EF II IS there I would have definitely felt it!
artsupreme wrote:
Are you getting any heat shimmer at 800mm? I know it's the rainy season (May) right now so maybe the cooler temps aren't affecting the long FL's? I was getting heat shimmer in Kenya at 400mm in September/October.
Still working my way through this amazing thread and the many Nat Geo worthy images.
However the reason for viewing it at all is that I will be going on my first safari first week of September (Thornybush, SA), not planned but serendipitous ! Only 4 nights but I know it will be an amazing experience as my daughter has been there before.
I was a bird photographer for many years, mostly in China and Borneo, including other wildlife, when and where I could find it (inc. as a scuba diver for many years). Now I generally concentrate on travel, cityscape and landscape, so all of my long lenses have been sold.
I will be taking the A7r5 (medium to long distance, as an APSC crop still leaves me with 26 MP, that's more than the A9's 24 MP!) and A9 (close ups) plus the A6000 (IR landscapes).
The more I read through this thread, and reviews from the likes of Dustin Abbott and Christopher Frost, the more I think the new Sigma 60-600mm and it's excellent IQ, instant AF and lower weight (than my other considered options, my 16-36/4 PZ, a 70-200/2.8 ii and a 400/2.8 with x1.4 TC) makes sense. Paired with my 16-35/4 it seems even lens changes (which aren't an issue - I bring lens cleaning kits with me everywhere, changing and cleaning in a large plastic bag in the field if necessary) would rarely if ever be required.
On the A7r5 the 60-600mm will give me from 60mm (in FF) up to 900mm (in APSC mode and 26mp). It's also about 600g lighter than the 400/2.8. Whatever long lens I land on will be a rental so all options are wide open.
Any opinions on this lens? I know that at dawn/dusk it's slow aperture would be at a disadvantage to the f2.8 lenses but it's easy to now bump up ISOs and use noise reduction software in post.
Frogfish...the Sony 200-600 F6.3 is such a good lens in the Sony system, I would not look any further than that one...and can get used in great shape here at FM for better than a new 60-600 Sigma...
rdcny wrote:
Frogfish...the Sony 200-600 F6.3 is such a good lens in the Sony system, I would not look any further than that one...and can get used in great shape here at FM for better than a new 60-600 Sigma...
Thanks mate but I've been through all the comparisons and finally ruled the 200-600 out. The 60-600 is, according to both Abbott and Frost, just as good a lens as the Sony (better in some instances and the OSS is a lot better allowing lower shutter speeds, an example given is 1/5 at 600mm and pin sharp!) but with that extended 60-200 range it could be invaluable on Safari - as opposed to switching cameras or lenses (and needing 3 to cover 16-35 / 70-200 / 200-600).
The downside to the 60-600mm is that it is not an internal zoom but it does have a plethora of weather seals and packs down smaller than the 200-600 for carrying. And of course if I just rent it then the dust isn't a worry for long term use.
Also I can hire any of the lenses here in the UK and then buy the lens if I like it (60-600 or 200-600 for example) brand new back in China for less (inc. the rental here in the UK) than I'll pay for one new in the UK. The upside to that being that I'll have used it in tough situations and know for sure if it's for me or not.
I really think it's down to either the 60-600mm (alongside my current lenses inc., the 16-35 PZ) or the 400/2.8+TC + 70-200/2.8 ii if absolutely necessary. Around £500 to rent those two and the TC for a few days or around £150 for the 60-600mm. For this trip I'm happy to pay for whichever is best suited to the job.
