Maybe a silly question, but how do you actuate the shutter button for stills?
Primus wrote:
Most of us indeed like a low perspective although I've now realized that in certain situations - esp if there is a group of animals, a higher viewpoint - standing up in the vehicle and shooting through the roof - is actually better. The other thing I realized on a recent trip to Botswana is that you can sometimes be too low! Then grass and other distractions obscure the animal in an unpleasant way.
Anyway, here is what I came up with a few years ago - have not used it in the field though. The plate is from RRS and the monopod is a simple one, reversed for use in this rig.
I am also attaching what I saw someone using out of a bus in Kenya a few years ago.
Finally, the rig a photo buddy of mine came up with recently. He too has not tried it much in the field.
guitardirky wrote:
I do this same set up with my 135 and 300 GM lenses and utilize the Sony Bluetooth remote to trigger the AF and actuate the shutter.
Have you tried with anything heavier than the 300GM? I know that people do this method with the 400/600 primes, but I've never asked anyone directly. It does seem like the 300GM is perfect for something like this because of its size.
Maybe a silly question, but how do you actuate the shutter button for stills?
Hi Mitesh. As others have said, you can easily use any remote device. I've personally never tried this in the field, but at home, a Pocket Wizard works very well.
My only concern with a heavier lens is getting the animal in the frame and getting the focus right. You can do this if there is not much movement and the say, lion is just lying still. For a moving elephant it would be much harder, certainly for a small person like me.
berimbolo wrote:
Have you tried with anything heavier than the 300GM? I know that people do this method with the 400/600 primes, but I've never asked anyone directly. It does seem like the 300GM is perfect for something like this because of its size.
No the 400 is just to big to dangle for long periods of time and try to compose.
Primus wrote:
Most of us indeed like a low perspective although I've now realized that in certain situations - esp if there is a group of animals, a higher viewpoint - standing up in the vehicle and shooting through the roof - is actually better. The other thing I realized on a recent trip to Botswana is that you can sometimes be too low! Then grass and other distractions obscure the animal in an unpleasant way.
Anyway, here is what I came up with a few years ago - have not used it in the field though. The plate is from RRS and the monopod is a simple one, reversed for use in this rig.
I am also attaching what I saw someone using out of a bus in Kenya a few years ago.
Finally, the rig a photo buddy of mine came up with recently. He too has not tried it much in the field.
berimbolo wrote:
I have the entire vehicle to myself and its designed to lay down with a little opening where I can stick the camera out, but its still not quite the same as being slightly below the subject. I will practice with the monopod before getting to Kenya.
If you have the vehicle to yourself and you are fit enough to hang over the edge then you are all set. I would't mess with the monopod setups, just get yourself the cheap black rapid strap and install the hardware on your lens foot. Then use a carabiner with an adjustable strap from Amazon and route the strap around a handle, canopy cage, or door frame above. Quickly adjust the strap to the desired height and it will support your lens which allows you to keep both hands on the camera below without having to hold it like I am in the photo below. I came up with this idea after trying the monopod thing as I was not jiving with the monopod. I've attached some screen shots from a video that show my strap attached to my lens foot and routed through the handle above, and also a photo without the strap handholding over the edge which is what you are trying to avoid if possible. The strap will handle the 400 and 600 easily. You just have to do the work of hanging over the side.
@artsupreme This is the vehicle set up I have. The image that shows the front passenger door has a little canvas covering an opening that is intended for filming crews, but I can make use of it if need be. I can probably get eye level pretty easily, but a bit harder to get below eye level without a monopod.
@artsupreme@ This is the vehicle set up I have. The image that shows the front passenger door has a little canvas covering an opening that is intended for filming crews, but I can make use of it if need be. I can probably get eye level pretty easily, but a bit harder to get below eye level without a monopod.
That's a great setup and will work for a lot of low angles in high grass but there will be times when you want to get lower. I would ask the driver if he can remove the rear door if possible and that would be ideal to lay down and hang out. I've removed a small door myself so definitely ask the question. If he can't, I think your best option is to put a cushion where the yellow circle is and hang a strap from the handle where the red line is which will allow you to hang over the side and keep two hands on the camera. If you are shooting tight with long telephotos it's very difficult when trying to hang it from a monopod with a remote. It works, but, been there done that. Monopod is much easier with wide angle stuff.
Wow I just finished reading all 69 pages of this thread and it definitely has to be one of the most complete, up-to-date sources of knowledge for photographic safaris in existence.
My wife and I are currently planning a return to Africa in August next year and are interested in doing Botswana and Tswalu. I've seen a few references to Tswalu mentioned and it seems to be highly regarded here, but I could use recommendations for mixed (dry/water) lodges in the Okavango. Our budget is $1.5-2k pp/night and we've been recommended Kwara, Shinde, Splash and a few others.
Also would be helpful to hear about others' experiences with the lodge transfer airlines out of Maun w/r/t how strict they are about luggage size, weight, carry ons, etc. Thank you!
Amuchnick1 wrote:
Wow I just finished reading all 69 pages of this thread and it definitely has to be one of the most complete, up-to-date sources of knowledge for photographic safaris in existence.
My wife and I are currently planning a return to Africa in August next year and are interested in doing Botswana and Tswalu. I've seen a few references to Tswalu mentioned and it seems to be highly regarded here, but I could use recommendations for mixed (dry/water) lodges in the Okavango. Our budget is $1.5-2k pp/night and we've been recommended Kwara, Shinde, Splash and a few others.
Also would be helpful to hear about others' experiences with the lodge transfer airlines out of Maun w/r/t how strict they are about luggage size, weight, carry ons, etc. Thank you!...Show more →
I've stayed at Kwara in the Delta and had a wonderful time there. All of the camps in that concession are run by the same company (Kwando) so it's a one stop shop if you decide that's where you'd like to stay and split it between a few camps.
To me, Kwara struck a relatively good balance between wildlife, comfort, and cost. There were a few others I looked into but I just couldn't justify. Wilderness Safaris, for example, has some amazing camps in great locations but the cost is significantly higher. It comes down to what's important to you. The tents at Kwara are very large and comfortable, but the common areas were just a bit above average I would say and the food was good, but not exceptional. I have no doubt the Wilderness camps would have it beat in these areas. Is that worth another $1000+/pp/pn? Not to me.
Flying out of Maun is super easy. The small terminal there is clean and efficient. They will weigh the luggage and to avoid any risk I would suggest either stay within the weight limits or purchase more allowance. I go with the latter as I know my photography gear puts me well over. When I went I believe 15kg extra cost about a hundred dollars.
One of the things I like about Pangolin Photo Safaris, is that they arrange ahead of time for extra weight on all flites in their tours. I get an extra allowance (total 25kg) built into the tour price. Since my kit weighs in at 13kg, it allows me to take some clothes.
Alan Kefauver wrote:
One of the things I like about Pangolin Photo Safaris, is that they arrange ahead of time for extra weight on all flites in their tours. I get an extra allowance (total 25kg) built into the tour price. Since my kit weighs in at 13kg, it allows me to take some clothes.
Interesting. I'm strongly considering Pangolin for my (yet to be scheduled) first safari. Based on your experience, are there any other pros or cons of Pangolin?
vbnut wrote:
Interesting. I'm strongly considering Pangolin for my (yet to be scheduled) first safari. Based on your experience, are there any other pros or cons of Pangolin?
I can't recommend Pangolin enough. Stellar.
I have done their Chobe/Okavango/Kalahari package and the Great Migration Package, and in Feb I am on the Amboseli/Samburu/Maasai Mara package.
Can't imagine going with anybody else, and it's really great to be with like minded Photographers with no children and no non-photographers. When you are on a sighting, they will stay till everyone has all the shots they want.
Also, their tour booker people made it easy to add Madikwe at Jaci's and Timbavati at Tanda Tula onto the end of the main package. Everything taken care but moving my fat butt through the airports. .
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