NBW

We're planning an African safari trip, and I was looking for a bit of advice on what camera gear I should take (and what to leave behind) from anyone who has experience of these sort of trips. I don't want to be bogged down by loads of kit I'm not likely to use!

I've come up with this so far:

Take (items marked * I'm dubious about taking):

Nikon 35mm film SLR
Fuji S2 digital SLR
35/50/85 lens* (could take 35mm compact instead)
180/2.8 lens
300/2.8 lens
1.4x teleconvertor (in conjunction with 300 and/or DSLR gives 450/2.8 & 630/4)
Monopod
Bean bag for resting lens on Land Rover window
Car charger for AA batteries
Polariser*
Lots of 100ASA slide film (DSLR allows shooting at higher speeds, so seems little point in taking faster film - I anticipate bright conditions)*

Leave behind:

20/24/28 lens
Lightmeter
Tripod
Flashgun

333

Don't forget a good pair of binoculars it is amazing how many people on expensive safari trips don't have decent binoculars.

As much film as you can carry as you will use it.

A good SLR & the big lenses are essential.

Think again about the flashgun, as the animals come close to the lodges at night & most lodges encourage things like leopards by tieing meat to a tree.

You will get some fantastic pictures

Where you going anyway ?

Cheers
Richard

NBW

Not sure yet, we're just researching it.

Got to get the 300mm and the DSLR before I go

CharlieWhiskey

Consider a lens with an Image Stabiliser, especially if you hav'n't got the 300mm yet!

Not sure about the Nikon range, as I use Canon, but it makes a hell of a difference and I'm sure on Safari you wont have time to set up a tripod for the 'best' shots

NBW

I'm pretty much committed to a 300mm/2.8, I can't afford a another lens to go along side it, these things are bloody expensive!

Plus, if light conditions are poor, I can adjust the ASA from shot to shot on the DSLR, from 100 to 1600ASA.

Might be worth a few rolls of 400 though, or may be a selection of 100/200/400.

IWatkins

You don't say exactly where you are going, but I would assume Kenya etc. They say Kenya has the biggest sky in the world, hence light levels in daylight are very high. So unless you are unlucky with the weather, 100ASA (or even less) is all you will need during daylight hours.

I would also suggest you spend any spare cash you have on a image stabalised long lens, makes the world of difference to those "snap shots", i.e. the ones you have no time to setup, just point and shoot in the hope you catch it.

Also agree that the widest angle lens you have is worth taking as not all your shots will be of animals I guess. And Kenya and if fact most of Africa has some quite stunning scenery.

Cheers

Ian

PaulMc

Guys, unfortunately it is only Canon that offer the IS feature with lenses, even then only a handful. At least I am not aware of Nikon doing the same.

The IS lenses ARE really bloody good though and allow you do use 2 less f-stops than with a normal lens.
I would take your 300m and something with a 25-80mmish range for the closer shots. Your teleconverter should give a good range with the 300mm.

Which film to take also depends on how large you want your final prints.

106rallye

When I went to Hwange in Zimbabwe there were alot of early morning and late evening safari's mostly before sunrise or after sunset. So flash may be good!

Have a great time where ever you go but if you havn't decided yet consider South Africa as you can get to some good reserves with the big five without the risk of malaria.

Good luck I am very jealous as I would love to go back to Africa!

Oh one more tip if you have never been on a safari before don't take too many pictures of Elephants as you will see so many of them and the same goes for sunsets!! I don't know anyone who has been who does not have about 1000 photos of them!!

Cheers

Andy

NBW

Guys,

Thanks for all the advice, I'll certainly be packing a few more wide angles!!!

FYI Nikon do make a IS (they call it VR) lens, but it's F4.5. Personally I'd rather get a lens a stop faster.

Kenya is favourite I think.

Cheers
Tim

Makalu

Good List....
I would also take the wide angle with you too - Its a big country and Wide angles can fit in more of it!

Dont leave your flash at home!

Consider a second Nikon body too - swapping lenses around while trying to catch the wildlife whilst stationary is not advised!

Mak.

[Edited by Makalu - 9/10/2002 9:31:32 AM]