Abuttolph wrote:
Now that my trip to Kenya and Tanzania is drawing closer, I am again considering a few changes to my gear and would love some input from experienced safari photographers.
Here is what I had been planning to take:
Two Sony A1 bodies
Sony 300/2.8
1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters
Sony 70-200/2.8 GMII
Sony 135/1.8
Sony 24-70/2.8 GMII
Tamron 17-28
Considering taking my Sony 200-600 for flexibility and in the event that something happens to the 300.
Another idea is to get the Tamron 150-500 and take in instead of the Sony 200-600 with the benefits of being smaller and a little lighter. The downside is the crippled frame rate on the A1. Ditto for the Sigma 500 with even more weight reduction.
Also considering getting another body (probably another A1 so that everything can be exactly the same on all cameras). Thinking that it might be advantageous to have the 70-200 or 135 on one, the 300 (without w/o tc) on one, and a long-range zoom on another.
Some of this depends on your shooting preferences based on primes vs zooms. I'm a prime shooter, so I get the desire to bring the 135, but I don't think you really need it. I have all these same lenses to choose from and the 135 is one of my favorite lenses of all time but I did not bring it. I think you will be more than fine with the A1/300 w/TC's + A1/70-200 for 90% of your shooting. I would definitely not bother bringing the 24-70 unless that's your favorite go to lens or something. I've lugged mine over there twice now and did not use it once! It's been complete dead weight for me. I thought, maybe I'll use it to take some portraits in camp or something, but nope, I ended up using my lightweight 35mm prime for that.
So if it was up to me, I would drop the 135, drop the 24-70, AND take an f/4 version of a wide angle zoom unless you know you'll definitely want/need the f/2.8. Because you will probably use this lens 5% of the time and you'll likely be stopping down for landscapes.
If you dropped the 135, 24-70, and took a lighter weight version of a wide angle (16-35 f4 G?), then that would lighten the load and leave room for another body and Tamron 150-500. I would not worry too much about a crippled frame rate unless you plan to shoot mostly BIF but I doubt you are. It's not like you'll see cheetah kills every day so frame rate is not a huge concern as most animals are grazing or walking slowly. And I see that as your backup setup, not your primary setup.
Good luck!!
EDIT: It looks like that Tamron 17-28 is not as heavy as I expected so you are probably good to go. I was thinking it would be much heavier.
berimbolo wrote:
I would consider it simply for versatility. Sharpness at distance (although 15 feet seems very close) will be impacted more greatly by heat than anything else.
True - it also may be that some units are better at distance than others. The versatility would be incredibly useful though.
Thanks for this! One question though - many operators and camps specify that no roller bags, even soft-sided ones) are allowed in local flights, as these are bush planes. Have you faced this issue?
theobserver wrote:
Thanks for this! One question though - many operators and camps specify that no roller bags, even soft-sided ones) are allowed in local flights, as these are bush planes. Have you faced this issue?
I took a Think Tank Roller on all 4 of my African Trips and have never run into this.
artsupreme wrote:
Some of this depends on your shooting preferences based on primes vs zooms. I'm a prime shooter, so I get the desire to bring the 135, but I don't think you really need it. I have all these same lenses to choose from and the 135 is one of my favorite lenses of all time but I did not bring it. I think you will be more than fine with the A1/300 w/TC's + A1/70-200 for 90% of your shooting. I would definitely not bother bringing the 24-70 unless that's your favorite go to lens or something. I've lugged mine over there twice now and did not use it once! It's been complete dead weight for me. I thought, maybe I'll use it to take some portraits in camp or something, but nope, I ended up using my lightweight 35mm prime for that.
So if it was up to me, I would drop the 135, drop the 24-70, AND take an f/4 version of a wide angle zoom unless you know you'll definitely want/need the f/2.8. Because you will probably use this lens 5% of the time and you'll likely be stopping down for landscapes.
If you dropped the 135, 24-70, and took a lighter weight version of a wide angle (16-35 f4 G?), then that would lighten the load and leave room for another body and Tamron 150-500. I would not worry too much about a crippled frame rate unless you plan to shoot mostly BIF but I doubt you are. It's not like you'll see cheetah kills every day so frame rate is not a huge concern as most animals are grazing or walking slowly. And I see that as your backup setup, not your primary setup.
Good luck!!
EDIT: It looks like that Tamron 17-28 is not as heavy as I expected so you are probably good to go. I was thinking it would be much heavier....Show more →
THANK YOU for this advice! I really appreciate the very practical advice here. The 135 was on my list because it is so incredible, but it is heavy and not particularly small. And, I don't mind leaving the 24-70 home either (it is not my favorite lens, and I can throw a 35 or 50mm prime in my bag if I really feel like I need something in that normal focal range). And, as you mentioned, the wide angle Tamron is light. It is also small and the IQ is pleasing. The Tanzania guide recommended to bring a wide angle for some landscapes.
I generally prefer prime lenses as well. This all seems to be a balance of what is physically reasonable to carry, handling and using in the field, image quality, and gear performance. As the planning is an ongoing process, it also seems to be an iterative one.
After I posted, I went back online and looked again at longer lens options. The new Sigma 500mm looks like a great one, especially if the frame rate issue is not that critical. In the case of a cheetah hunt or other fast action, I can make sure to use the Sony 300. I really would feel more comfortable having two long telephoto lenses with me in the event that something happens to the 300 (which would be horrible, but its always possible).
I had another concern about the need to change lenses (or add/remove a tc) quickly, which I am not particularly adept at. But maybe that is not an issue, or is an unlikely situation. In thinking about adding the 500mm and another A1, it would seem to me that things would be covered really well without being too cumbersome.
Abuttolph wrote:
THANK YOU for this advice! I really appreciate the very practical advice here. The 135 was on my list because it is so incredible, but it is heavy and not particularly small. And, I don't mind leaving the 24-70 home either (it is not my favorite lens, and I can throw a 35 or 50mm prime in my bag if I really feel like I need something in that normal focal range). And, as you mentioned, the wide angle Tamron is light. It is also small and the IQ is pleasing. The Tanzania guide recommended to bring a wide angle for some landscapes.
I generally prefer prime lenses as well. This all seems to be a balance of what is physically reasonable to carry, handling and using in the field, image quality, and gear performance. As the planning is an ongoing process, it also seems to be an iterative one.
After I posted, I went back online and looked again at longer lens options. The new Sigma 500mm looks like a great one, especially if the frame rate issue is not that critical. In the case of a cheetah hunt or other fast action, I can make sure to use the Sony 300. I really would feel more comfortable having two long telephoto lenses with me in the event that something happens to the 300 (which would be horrible, but its always possible).
I had another concern about the need to change lenses (or add/remove a tc) quickly, which I am not particularly adept at. But maybe that is not an issue, or is an unlikely situation. In thinking about adding the 500mm and another A1, it would seem to me that things would be covered really well without being too cumbersome. ...Show more →
I'm not familiar with the frame rates you will get with the Sigma 500, so what would it actually be? I'm sure it will be fast enough to cover most of the movement. The animals are moving, but not always super fast. Most of the time they are standing around and you are just waiting/hoping for them to either lift their heads or look your way. If you spot a cheetah and cubs on a mound you'll learn it's almost a given that they'll never all look at directly your camera (they are always scanning). Lazy lions lay around and often close their eyes at the moment their head is facing your camera when they turn their heads. You will also find the animals often overlap to ruin your perfect shot. . On my last safari during one of the few good sunrises we had, I was shooting silhouettes of animals by a tree. I probably shot a few hundred hoping for no overlap, and I think I only got a couple with them lined up nicely with no overlap. But it only takes one shot, and I think I even got lucky with some birds flying in the frame on that one. Leopards can jump tree trunks quickly but as long as you have a decent frame rate on that 500 you'll be fine unless you are all about BIF.
Regarding lens changes in the vehicle, I don't see this as an issue, at all. I was there during the severe drought in 2022 during the dry season and I didn't have any issues changing lenses in the vehicle in the dusty/dry conditions. There are a few places where there's a very fine "moon dust" and you obviously wouldn't change a lens there, but everywhere else is all good. Your guide can stop in a nice location for the swap. Especially if you are strategic about it and can have someone help you with a "1,2,3 ready" swap.
artsupreme wrote:
I'm not familiar with the frame rates you will get with the Sigma 500, so what would it actually be? I'm sure it will be fast enough to cover most of the movement. The animals are moving, but not always super fast. Most of the time they are standing around and you are just waiting/hoping for them to either lift their heads or look your way. If you spot a cheetah and cubs on a mound you'll learn it's almost a given that they'll never all look at directly your camera (they are always scanning). Lazy lions lay around and often close their eyes at the moment their head is facing your camera when they turn their heads. You will also find the animals often overlap to ruin your perfect shot. . On my last safari during one of the few good sunrises we had, I was shooting silhouettes of animals by a tree. I probably shot a few hundred hoping for no overlap, and I think I only got a couple with them lined up nicely with no overlap. But it only takes one shot, and I think I even got lucky with some birds flying in the frame on that one. Leopards can jump tree trunks quickly but as long as you have a decent frame rate on that 500 you'll be fine unless you are all about BIF.
Regarding lens changes in the vehicle, I don't see this as an issue, at all. I was there during the severe drought in 2022 during the dry season and I didn't have any issues changing lenses in the vehicle in the dusty/dry conditions. There are a few places where there's a very fine "moon dust" and you obviously wouldn't change a lens there, but everywhere else is all good. Your guide can stop in a nice location for the swap. Especially if you are strategic about it and can have someone help you with a "1,2,3 ready" swap. ...Show more →
Not wanting to hijack this thread, but is visiting the Mara in late December (Christmas to New year) a good idea? I have been offered a discounted rate by a friend, due to cancellation by another member, but I am not sure if it is the right season to visit.
If I do, what conditions should I expect? Obviously, that'll influence my choice of gear
theobserver wrote:
Not wanting to hijack this thread, but is visiting the Mara in late December (Christmas to New year) a good idea? I have been offered a discounted rate by a friend, due to cancellation by another member, but I am not sure if it is the right season to visit.
If I do, what conditions should I expect? Obviously, that'll influence my choice of gear
There is no such thing as hijacking this thread for anything related safari. There's a great wealth of knowledge out there for everyone to tap into. As for December in the Mara, I think on any "normal" year it's a great time to go. It's kind of like spring time after the November rains with light crowds. No migration at that time but not everyone cares about that. The weather patterns are funky right now so who knows what this December will be like. It should dry out if El Niņo fades away. But if not, you might not have the best trip. I definitely would not have wanted to be there this last December. Way too much rain and mud. I say roll the dice....
ken.vs.ryu wrote:
best bang for the buck body for af speed?
I'm far from the most knowledgeable here but my first thought is the Canon R6M2. I've got a rental coming tomorrow but it seems everyone that has one is really pleased with it, especially the autofocus. I'll know more next week...
ken.vs.ryu wrote:
best bang for the buck body for af speed?
If for a safari, what do you shoot? Only small BIF requires heavy lifting but there are plenty of options. Your resolution preference is also a big part of the decision. If I didn't care about resolution I could take some R6's to Africa and the AF & fps would be more than sufficient for everything I shoot over there, including eagles or vultures in flight. R6's can be had for less than a grand so it depends on your style and budget.
Also, what brand are you interested in? Canon or Sony?
I'm generally in favor of hunting especially if it brings money into the local economy. But trophy hunting the big "tusker" elephants in Africa - the money goes to the Federal Government...Tanzania is in the permitting process to allow more hunting of their older elephants of the northern population (that wander back and forth between Kenya and Tanzania)
UPDATE - TROPHY HUNTING IN TZ
from @ElephantTrust & @elephantvoices
Urgent Call to Action: Important information regarding the trophy hunting of Amboseli's elephants in Northern Tanzania!
The impending announcement of the new hunting quota for elephants in Tanzania, expected in July, is cause for grave concern. It is anticipated that the quota for the area in Northern Tanzania, frequented by the cross-border Amboseli population, will once again likely be set at five. As you already know, in the past seven months alone, we have already lost five large males to trophy hunters. If five more are killed later this year, there will be no males older than 35 left in this part of the population, and only a few remaining in the entire Amboseli population.
This is a crisis that demands immediate action!
We urgently need your help once again:
1. Contact the United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Express your concern regarding this pressing issue. You can use the following addresses: scientificauthority@fws.gov and managementauthority@fws.gov
Reach out to the Tanzanian Ambassador/Embassy of your country: Urge them to take action against this issue. The US Tanzania embassy contacts: ubalozi@tanzaniaembassy-us.org
Spread Awareness: Share this information widely to amplify the call for action and rally support.
Thank you again for your support!
Abuttolph wrote:
Now that my trip to Kenya and Tanzania is drawing closer, I am again considering a few changes to my gear and would love some input from experienced safari photographers.
Here is what I had been planning to take:
Two Sony A1 bodies
Sony 300/2.8
1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters
Sony 70-200/2.8 GMII
Sony 135/1.8
Sony 24-70/2.8 GMII
Tamron 17-28
Considering taking my Sony 200-600 for flexibility and in the event that something happens to the 300.
Another idea is to get the Tamron 150-500 and take in instead of the Sony 200-600 with the benefits of being smaller and a little lighter. The downside is the crippled frame rate on the A1. Ditto for the Sigma 500 with even more weight reduction.
Also considering getting another body (probably another A1 so that everything can be exactly the same on all cameras). Thinking that it might be advantageous to have the 70-200 or 135 on one, the 300 (without w/o tc) on one, and a long-range zoom on another.
My take is that less is better. Just like in an image with less distraction is better. I honestly would add the 200-600 and drop the 300 (as much as I love it), the 135, and the 17-28.
Enjoy the adventure, be there in the moment. Get great pictures, but don't make the trip only about images and being bogged down with gear.
rdcny wrote:
I'm generally in favor of hunting especially if it brings money into the local economy. But trophy hunting the big "tusker" elephants in Africa - the money goes to the Federal Government...Tanzania is in the permitting process to allow more hunting of their older elephants of the northern population (that wander back and forth between Kenya and Tanzania)
Knowing Africa very well, Kenya and Tanzania in particular I am betting that the majority of the money ends up being diverted by corruption rather that benefiting the people, or the wildlife.
artsupreme wrote:
I've received a couple PM's asking what I meant when I mentioned "hustling", and I regularly get PM's inquiring about gear options and the best bags to use for safari. I'm not sure what page it's on but several pages back I laid everything out in detail about the gear. I bring a ton of gear in inexpensive bags that are not made for camera gear, and this is to save a few pounds. The photos below show some of my gear laid out in the safari tent and safari vehicle, and one of me carrying all of it for a game drive. The overhead bin shot shows the lightweight rollers I use to transport it.
As for my comment about hustling I'm referring to several things, like being out first and returning last to camp. Get out no matter what the conditions are - rain or shine, blistering hot or cold, windy or dusty, etc. Be the first vehicle out of camp in the morning long before sunrise to get yourself positioned, and do the same preparation for every sunset. Don't miss any sunrises or sunsets. Hang out the side of the vehicle when physically possible, and move around in the vehicle. Get out of the vehicle as much as possible and move around to get different angles. If you don't like how your guide positions the vehicle then speak up and tell him to move. Constantly scan the terrain along with your guide, because there are times when you will spot something he doesn't see. My lady and I have both spotted leopards that the guide hadn't spotted yet. A lot of people just roll along socializing in the vehicle and leave it up to their guide's one set of eyes. Be patient, meaning while everyone else might go back to camp for lunch, you stay out and wait for the cheetah kill that you've been tracking all morning. Take risks and go the opposite direction of all the other vehicles. This has paid huge dividends for me with experiencing one of my best leopard sightings with no one else around for miles. The other vehicles were all busy watching a cheetah and cubs lay in the shade. I could go on but these are the types of things I'm talking about. I realize this style is not for everyone as most people like to relax and enjoy their cup of tea and eat breakfast after sunrise before they head out. But from my experience, you get out of it what you put into it from a photographic perspective. The more you hustle, the more you'll be rewarded. It can get exhausting doing this for several weeks straight, but it's all worth it in the end.
Regarding gear - I never let anyone carry my gear even if it means I'm carrying several heavy bags and sweating my ass off. This is just my personal preference because I know how it's handled from the day I leave home until the day I return. Plus, some of the tents are very far from camp so this makes for some good exercise in between game drives, and also a little exercise while traveling between camps.
I'm looking forward to hearing some of you report back after your safari this year. ...Show more →
Crazy amount of gear pictured here. Maybe appropriate for a pro on a particular assignment, but likely to negatively impact most even serious enthusiasts on their first Safari.
I encourage people to get their heads and their harts out of the camera bag and into Africa. You are not shooting wild animals in a game park. It is a reverse Zoo. How many pictures of a Lion do you need hanging on a wall to remember your trip. Live it, enjoy it.
1bwana1 wrote:
Crazy amount of gear pictured here. Maybe appropriate for a pro on a particular assignment, but likely to negatively impact most even serious enthusiasts on their first Safari.
I encourage people to get their heads and their harts out of the camera bag and into Africa. You are not shooting wild animals in a game park. It is a reverse Zoo. How many pictures of a Lion do you need hanging on a wall to remember your trip. Live it, enjoy it.
I personally only bring 2 camera bodies and a couple of lenses to keep it simple and have fun. Howwever some of my favorite moments on safari didn't involve having my camera out at all.
1bwana1 wrote:
Crazy amount of gear pictured here. Maybe appropriate for a pro on a particular assignment, but likely to negatively impact most even serious enthusiasts on their first Safari.
I encourage people to get their heads and their harts out of the camera bag and into Africa. You are not shooting wild animals in a game park. It is a reverse Zoo. How many pictures of a Lion do you need hanging on a wall to remember your trip. Live it, enjoy it.
I carry that gear all over the world with me, I'm used to it. East Africa is easy for me because I don't have my 7ft coffin size surfboard bag and pelican cases full of water housings, swim fins, masks, etc. I've been hauling surfboards and gear around the planet for 30yrs and it's the norm for me. We go to destinations much more remote than East Africa and I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't enjoy "soaking it in" unless I have a proper camera in hand. Shooting is my version of "soaking it in". If there's bad light or nothing exciting I'll put the cameras down, but otherwise I'm always double fisted if there's anything to shoot. As for pictures of lions, if there's good light the more the better as they'll be looping on digital displays all over my house for many years.
Everyone is different. That's why you see people on Safari plenty happy with their iPhones. I will say though, you won't find me holding a cell phone up at a concert to record ants in the dark. That to me is ridiculous, but most others love to do it. Horses for courses I guess.
robert_in_ca wrote:
I personally only bring 2 camera bodies and a couple of lenses to keep it simple and have fun. Howwever some of my favorite moments on safari didn't involve having my camera out at all.
If I was to skimp it I would do the same considering I always have two bodies in hand or on my lap and I could live with that. But it's nice having the 3rd setup on the seat or floor considering I get my own vehicles and there's plenty of room. The R5 + 100-500 is for my lady to shoot when she wants, but she's learned to love the 70-200 more so she doesn't use the 100-500 much. I use the 70-200 a lot too, so the three bodies and lenses get a lot of use on Safari. The 100-500 gathers cobwebs unless I want to use it for video. I bring it mostly as a backup.
My favorite moments on safari are adrenaline moments when I'm out of the vehicle pushing the envelope with elephants. Being scared to death when they lock eyes and mock charge is quite the experience when you are out of the vehicle. But, I still have a camera in hand during those moments.
. On my last safari during one of the few good sunrises we had, I was shooting silhouettes of animals by a tree. I probably shot a few hundred hoping for no overlap, and I think I only got a couple with them lined up nicely with no overlap. But it only takes one shot, and I think I even got lucky with some birds flying in the frame on that one. Leopards can jump tree trunks quickly but as long as you have a decent frame rate on that 500 you'll be fine unless you are all about BIF. 