artsupreme wrote:
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. ...Show more →
I hear that. For me I hate having too much on hand. When I am TZ I have a whole vehicle to myself with a driver/guide whereas in South Africa I do self driving - which I have my rig on my lap while I am shifting/driving.
Artsupreme, I do understand where you are coming from as I too have traveled the globe with a surfboard. I have been exploring East Africa since the mid 1970s. I have seen so many changes. In all my years traveling I never even had a camera until recently. Many images imprinted on my brain however.
Your profile doesn't say which beach you are living on but if it is convenient to SoCal we might go out to the wave pool we are building in Palm Desert. Broke ground last month. Dsrtsurf.com.
I am sure we have a lot in common except perhaps traveling with tons of gear.
artsupreme wrote:
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?
ahh multiforum topic - looking to use my sony lenses. is the a7iv 33% (cost difference) better than the a7iii?
Probably not the best person to make a recommendation. If I were going again, I'd take the canon 28-300 ef lens and probably the 200-400 with an external 1.4x (280-560, 400-800). The 28-300 was very useful. We had elephants approach us were the 300 was great but they kept getting closer and closer without stopping. The 28-300 allowed me to photograph the entire sequence without changing lenses. I wish canon made a 180-600 f5.6 but I would definitely prefer a zoom over fixed. The 200-400 is the best canon has. Might take a 600 too if I was into birds but there is a limit. I'd bring a back up. I was on a trip to Antarctica where the guy dropped his camera in shallow water early on and was essentially done for the trip. You have two bodies. Maybe take a 24-105 and 100-500 with 1.4x as a backup for the 28-300 and 200-400. The new 200-800 is too early to tell. Wish it was 200-600 f5.6 not sure about 24-240 as replacement or substitute for 28-300
1bwana1 wrote:
Artsupreme, I do understand where you are coming from as I too have traveled the globe with a surfboard. I have been exploring East Africa since the mid 1970s. I have seen so many changes. In all my years traveling I never even had a camera until recently. Many images imprinted on my brain however.
Your profile doesn't say which beach you are living on but if it is convenient to SoCal we might go out to the wave pool we are building in Palm Desert. Broke ground last month. Dsrtsurf.com.
I am sure we have a lot in common except perhaps traveling with tons of gear.
Yes, sounds like we are different from a photo gear perspective but we are on the same page from a surfing perspective. Not to derail the safari thread, but as for wave pools I've been lucky enough to have been involved with the US wave pools since their inception. Starting with Surf Ranch when it started operating back in 2017. I've been lucky enough to surf and shoot there many times over the last 6 years. (This is the elite wave pool of all wave pools). They now have a few others around the world (check out the new one in Abu Dhabi https://www.surfabudhabi.com) I've also been to Waco several times from the inception (back when it was called BSR). Palm Springs Surf Club (PSSC) has been completed for several months but it keeps breaking down. I've been invited to surf it 3 times now but it's been cancelled every time. Also, FYI they are building a nice pool in Oceanside just up the street from you called OceanKAMP, They are also trying to get one built in Costa Mesa which will be close to me. Dsrtsurf was a location my friends started working 10 years ago. It will be a nice pool when it opens as it's Wavegarden technology. Pools are sprouting up all over the world. I'm headed to Indonesia for a boat trip in the Mentawais. I could go on and on about wave pools and surfing, but this is a safari thread. Nice to run into a surfer here in what I call the bird forum. Now, back on topic after a little sunrise pool barrel. (R5 @ 85mm f/1.4):
Could someone tell me the original artist of the first song? Maybe someone understands the language they are singing and will write a few words to help me find this song?
I don't think that is a song on its own. It is an original creation of ambient music meant to be played in the background. The only place it exists is in streaming sites like YouTube and spotify.
I don't remember if someone here mentioned Gorillas in Uganda
I am seriously considering 3 day tour from Kigali (Rwanda) to Uganda because permit there is half price and driving is much shorter from there.
Anyone have experience with this tour ?. With only 1 day gorilla permit but in reality you spend 1h with 1 gorilla family in a forest. Is it enough
PIOK wrote:
I don't remember if someone here mentioned Gorillas in Uganda
I am seriously considering 3 day tour from Kigali (Rwanda) to Uganda because permit there is half price and driving is much shorter from there.
Anyone have experience with this tour ?. With only 1 day gorilla permit but in reality you spend 1h with 1 gorilla family in a forest. Is it enough
I only have experience with Rwanda/Virunga but I'm sure it's similar. Yes, it's a very expensive expedition for only getting 1hr with the gorillas. My experience was probably close to a worst case scenario based on our hike and the location of the family, but it was still 100% worth it.
We offer tours of the big 5 in Zimanga South Africa and will be going next year. We will have the tour information up for next year shortly. Visit www.roadrunnerphotographytours.com.
PIOK wrote:
Could someone tell me the original artist of the first song? Maybe someone understands the language they are singing and will write a few words to help me find this song?
I tried searching in but could not find it, so if anyone can point me to the thread here or in other places, I would be happy.
I have an upcoming trip to the Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater and a private conservancy in December. I have not yet decided on the new brand I am going to commit (whole other conversation), I am sure any of the major ones should do. I am thinking of taking a 400mm 2.8 (with a 1.4x TC) on one body, a second body with a 70-200 f4(?) and possibly a 150-600/200-600/100-500 zoom (to switch as needed). I am also tempted to have a 600mm f4 + 400 f2.8 and use an iPhone for everything else.
I will fly from the US, but there are a few internal flights - not sure if a freight seats have been purchased.
Now the questions:
1. Do the bodies & lenses make sense? I will typically shoot mammals and birds (very little landscape and almost no astro/macro). If not, what other recommendations do you have?
2. What bag/backpack? I would prefer something like the Gura Gear Kiboko, but I also don't want to draw attention to the bag. Is that a problem? While driving around, I am sure we'll hold them in hand most of the time.
3. Is there a bag that even holds 2 mirrorless bodies like the R5 along with a 600 f4 and 400 f2.8?
4. Do we need any filters (even plain ones) for the expensive lenses? I have seen arguments on both sides, but any suggestions would be welcome.
theobserver wrote:
I tried searching in but could not find it, so if anyone can point me to the thread here or in other places, I would be happy.
I have an upcoming trip to the Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater and a private conservancy in December. I have not yet decided on the new brand I am going to commit (whole other conversation), I am sure any of the major ones should do. I am thinking of taking a 400mm 2.8 (with a 1.4x TC) on one body, a second body with a 70-200 f4(?) and possibly a 150-600/200-600/100-500 zoom (to switch as needed). I am also tempted to have a 600mm f4 + 400 f2.8 and use an iPhone for everything else.
I will fly from the US, but there are a few internal flights - not sure if a freight seats have been purchased.
Now the questions:
1. Do the bodies & lenses make sense? I will typically shoot mammals and birds (very little landscape and almost no astro/macro). If not, what other recommendations do you have?
2. What bag/backpack? I would prefer something like the Gura Gear Kiboko, but I also don't want to draw attention to the bag. Is that a problem? While driving around, I am sure we'll hold them in hand most of the time.
3. Is there a bag that even holds 2 mirrorless bodies like the R5 along with a 600 f4 and 400 f2.8?
4. Do we need any filters (even plain ones) for the expensive lenses? I have seen arguments on both sides, but any suggestions would be welcome....Show more →
1. I think one of a 400 F2.8 or 600 F4 is all you need. No need for both. A 70-200 F2.8 that takes a TC or a 100-400 is a good second lens.
2. No one is going to steal your bag. You're going to be in a vehicle or in a lodge/hotel 99% of the time.
3. I'm pretty sure the Gura Gear Kiboko 31L holds everything you'll need.
4. No filters needed except maybe an ND filter for long exposures
theobserver wrote:
I tried searching in but could not find it, so if anyone can point me to the thread here or in other places, I would be happy.
I have an upcoming trip to the Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater and a private conservancy in December. I have not yet decided on the new brand I am going to commit (whole other conversation), I am sure any of the major ones should do. I am thinking of taking a 400mm 2.8 (with a 1.4x TC) on one body, a second body with a 70-200 f4(?) and possibly a 150-600/200-600/100-500 zoom (to switch as needed). I am also tempted to have a 600mm f4 + 400 f2.8 and use an iPhone for everything else.
I will fly from the US, but there are a few internal flights - not sure if a freight seats have been purchased.
Now the questions:
1. Do the bodies & lenses make sense? I will typically shoot mammals and birds (very little landscape and almost no astro/macro). If not, what other recommendations do you have?
2. What bag/backpack? I would prefer something like the Gura Gear Kiboko, but I also don't want to draw attention to the bag. Is that a problem? While driving around, I am sure we'll hold them in hand most of the time.
3. Is there a bag that even holds 2 mirrorless bodies like the R5 along with a 600 f4 and 400 f2.8?
4. Do we need any filters (even plain ones) for the expensive lenses? I have seen arguments on both sides, but any suggestions would be welcome....Show more →
Camp life, village life, and interesting people and culture is enough to justify taking at least something wide.Maybe a nice compact and fast 24mm.
I usually don't put lear filters on my lenses. But let's say you take the a 24mm, 70-200mm GMII, and the 600mm F/4 plus a TC. That is a nice set of expensive lenses. The African environment is dirty and dusty. You will be driving in open air vehicles all day. The lenses do get dirty. I would rather clean dust and grit off an inexpensive clear filter than my front lens elements. If the environment is too dirty to change lenses in the field then it is likely an environment where for me filters make sense.
I would suggest if you bring the 400mm then bring a 70-200mm 2.8 instead of the 70-200mm 4.0. If you don’t have a 70-200mm 2.8 then I would either rent one or bring the 100-400mm instead. If you go with the 600mm then bring the 100-400mm. For anything else wider just use your iPhone. I travel to eastern and southern African a lot, and I have the Z 400mm 2.8TC and 600mm 4.0TC and I wouldn’t bring them both.
theobserver wrote:
I tried searching in but could not find it, so if anyone can point me to the thread here or in other places, I would be happy.
I have an upcoming trip to the Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater and a private conservancy in December. I have not yet decided on the new brand I am going to commit (whole other conversation), I am sure any of the major ones should do. I am thinking of taking a 400mm 2.8 (with a 1.4x TC) on one body, a second body with a 70-200 f4(?) and possibly a 150-600/200-600/100-500 zoom (to switch as needed). I am also tempted to have a 600mm f4 + 400 f2.8 and use an iPhone for everything else.
I will fly from the US, but there are a few internal flights - not sure if a freight seats have been purchased.
Now the questions:
1. Do the bodies & lenses make sense? I will typically shoot mammals and birds (very little landscape and almost no astro/macro). If not, what other recommendations do you have?
2. What bag/backpack? I would prefer something like the Gura Gear Kiboko, but I also don't want to draw attention to the bag. Is that a problem? While driving around, I am sure we'll hold them in hand most of the time.
3. Is there a bag that even holds 2 mirrorless bodies like the R5 along with a 600 f4 and 400 f2.8?
4. Do we need any filters (even plain ones) for the expensive lenses? I have seen arguments on both sides, but any suggestions would be welcome....Show more →
theobserver wrote:
I tried searching in but could not find it, so if anyone can point me to the thread here or in other places, I would be happy.
I have an upcoming trip to the Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater and a private conservancy in December. I have not yet decided on the new brand I am going to commit (whole other conversation), I am sure any of the major ones should do. I am thinking of taking a 400mm 2.8 (with a 1.4x TC) on one body, a second body with a 70-200 f4(?) and possibly a 150-600/200-600/100-500 zoom (to switch as needed). I am also tempted to have a 600mm f4 + 400 f2.8 and use an iPhone for everything else.
I will fly from the US, but there are a few internal flights - not sure if a freight seats have been purchased.
Now the questions:
1. Do the bodies & lenses make sense? I will typically shoot mammals and birds (very little landscape and almost no astro/macro). If not, what other recommendations do you have?
2. What bag/backpack? I would prefer something like the Gura Gear Kiboko, but I also don't want to draw attention to the bag. Is that a problem? While driving around, I am sure we'll hold them in hand most of the time.
3. Is there a bag that even holds 2 mirrorless bodies like the R5 along with a 600 f4 and 400 f2.8?
4. Do we need any filters (even plain ones) for the expensive lenses? I have seen arguments on both sides, but any suggestions would be welcome....Show more →
1. You mentioned private conservancies, so the three posters above nailed it. 400 2.8 with TC's, 70-200 2.8, and a lightweight wide angle will cover everything. If you like slower lenses with smaller apertures then a 100-400 or 100-500 works.
2. Pick whatever bag or backpack you prefer, but I will say your unattended gear on Safari will be more safe than inside your secured home in Denver.
3. There are several options, even the cheap lightweight roller bags that I use for safari posted several pages back.
4. You could use a clear filter for your 70-200 if you want, just make sure to test it first through the focal length range before you use it.
And like Robert mentioned definitely don't bring both a 400 and 600. If you were to decide to go with Canon you should be looking at the 100-300 as well.
I'm just returning from an off the grid location and catching up with messages. I received some horrible news that we lost a good one in Africa. Stanley became a friend of mine and was one of the best or the best guides I've ever had. I called him the Leopard whisperer. It was almost like he had a crystal ball for all wildlife. Stanley positioned us perfectly for a cheetah kill that several other guides got horribly wrong. I could write a novel about how great Stanley was but you can read some of the comments on Offbeat's IG post. He will be missed by many and his family needs help. If you can even just spare five bucks it goes a long way and it's obviously for a very good cause.
I taught Stanley how to shoot and he fell in love with photography. Here's a frame grab from a phone video showing him shooting some cheetah with my gear. Please help his family if you can. You might have to cut/paste these links for them to work. R.I.P Stanley.
I leave this week for a month in South Africa, Botswana and finishing at Victoria Falls.
Self driving and picking up a Land Cruiser in Joburg. Headed to Kruger for 5 days and then up to Khama Rhino, Moremi, Khwai and Chobe. Then will head to Victoria Falls to raft the Zambezi. Been a bucket list item.
Flying business on Ethiopian from US. Any experiences with them and baggage? Will be taking a Thinktank Airport Security v3 and a Thinktank Shapeshifter 17. With a lot of weight...
Have camera bags packed and am bringing:
Canon R5 x2
Canon 80D
EF 600mm F4 II
RF 100-500mm
EF 70-200mm III
EF 24-70mm II
EF 16-35mm III
Sigma 14mm F1.8
EF 1.4 extender III
EF 2x extender III
RF 1.4 extender
Gopro Hero 9
Trail Camera
Rode VideoMic NTG
For stability, I am picking up a Gimpro Door Mount in Joburg, will have a Lenscoat beanbag and a Manfrotto Superclamp.
Will have Promediagear Katana Jr Gimbal, Sirui ball head and Manfrotto 502 fluid head.
Along with storage, laptop, batteries, etc... etc...
Will also bring a tripod/monopod. I want to take some milky way shots and the tripod and also be a monopod and can use that for low angle shots with phone remote shutter.
Feel like I'm bringing the kitchen sink, but I am self driving so feel I have the room. Just wonder about Ethiopian Air and the weight.
I leave this week for a month in South Africa, Botswana and finishing at Victoria Falls.
Self driving and picking up a Land Cruiser in Joburg. Headed to Kruger for 5 days and then up to Khama Rhino, Moremi, Khwai and Chobe. Then will head to Victoria Falls to raft the Zambezi. Been a bucket list item.
Flying business on Ethiopian from US. Any experiences with them and baggage? Will be taking a Thinktank Airport Security v3 and a Thinktank Shapeshifter 17. With a lot of weight...
Have camera bags packed and am bringing:
Canon R5 x2
Canon 80D
EF 600mm F4 II
RF 100-500mm
EF 70-200mm III
EF 24-70mm II
EF 16-35mm III
Sigma 14mm F1.8
EF 1.4 extender III
EF 2x extender III
RF 1.4 extender
Gopro Hero 9
Trail Camera
Rode VideoMic NTG
For stability, I am picking up a Gimpro Door Mount in Joburg, will have a Lenscoat beanbag and a Manfrotto Superclamp.
Will have Promediagear Katana Jr Gimbal, Sirui ball head and Manfrotto 502 fluid head.
Along with storage, laptop, batteries, etc... etc...
Will also bring a tripod/monopod. I want to take some milky way shots and the tripod and also be a monopod and can use that for low angle shots with phone remote shutter.
Feel like I'm bringing the kitchen sink, but I am self driving so feel I have the room. Just wonder about Ethiopian Air and the weight.
I can't speak for Ethiopian Air but I would drop the 24-70 and 16-35 and just use your 14mm for the occasional wide shot. And instead of those two heavy EF lenses add an RF 35 1.8 in case you want to shoot some portraits.
