Safari Photography

[Fi_UK]

I'm going on safari later in the year and want to make sure that the equipment I have is adequate for good photos or if I need to invest in some more.

I have a Nikon D40 and have a Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 AF lens. I'm pretty much a novice and self taught but want to make sure that this lens will be big enough for some good animal shots. I've been looking at getting something bigger but see that most are manual focus which I'm a bit nervous about. Don't want to come back with loads of out of focus photos!

Any advice would be great.

 

[John Mc]

I struggled with this too, im going to either hire (or buy depending on funds) a Canon 100-400mm, Maybe suggest a sigma 150-500mm,probably all you'd need. or a 50-500mm for closer shots

 

[Fi_UK]

Unfortunately not sure my funds will stretch that far

Would have to be a cheaper option

 

[John Mc]

Thought about Hiring one from Lensforhire.co.uk? your budget might stretch far enough to do so there
For £57 a week minus delivery you can get http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/sigman-apo-50-500mm-f4-63-ex-dg-hsm-165-p.asp
i did have a nikon lens there,but i noticed you have a D40 and the 80-400 doesent Af with your body

 

[hollis_f]

Whereabouts are you going, and when. It tends to be easier to get close to animals in southern Africa than it East Africa. I've done Botswana with a 70-300 and it was fine. But a 100-400 was sometimes too short in Tanzania.

If I were a Nikonian I'd ole to take the 200-400 mmmmmmm!

 

[Fi_UK]

I'm going near to Ladysmith in July. Looks like I am going to have to make do with what I have as there doesn't seem to be a cheap enough option to make it any better. Hopefully will get close enough to the animals. Can't wait!

 

[Jackwow]

..... I've been looking at getting something bigger but see that most are manual focus which I'm a bit nervous about....

Most are manual focus?!

What lenses are manual focus? :shrug:

 

[casts_by_fly]

I think he means most are manual focus on the D40. The D40 doesn't have a focus motor built on, so the 80-400, 80-200, 70-300 (non AF-s) are manual focus only. Anything sigma without an HSM will be manual focus too.

I took my D40 last May to Sabi Sands and only had the 55-200 'kit' lens. It did just fine, but we were pretty close to most of the animals. To do a private reserve again I'd get a 70-300 AFs or an 80-200 2.8 with a 1.4X. I don't know Ladysmith area as we didn't research it. If you're on a private reserve then you should be ok. If public land, then I'd want longer glass, i.e. hire it.

Thanks
Rick

 

[Russell Johnson]

I would hestitate to recommend equipment in a general sense, as a lot depends on shooting style - as you happy using a longer tele-photo lens?

There more variables behind what equipment than you first consider. My initial reaction is to ask the following questions:

1) Where in Africa are you planning on visiting? The terrain and your ability to off-road will affect how useful each lens becomes.

When I take my groups to Botswana or go individually, we visit the private reserves. We do not need to stay on the roads, meaning you can keep repositioning yourself so your 500mm is a perfect length.

2) Would you be having your own private vechicle, sharing with other photographers or in a shared game drive;


- In a shared vehicle, where people have P &S etc, the guides will try to get you as close as possible, meaning longer lenses are only useful for close up crop. Vehicle shake can also be a major issue. (You are better off with a zoom than fixed prime)

- when sharing with other photographers, it is a good idea to take similar setups, this way there are no arguments.

- Private vehicle, great. Move around how you want - though being restricted to roads as in Point 1 is a major consideration.

On a personal note, I think that if you did not have at least a 500mm setup, you will be missing reach, especially for birding.

In my experience, I would avoid using teleconverters, so something like the 80-400 that Nikon have would provide excellent versatility and reach, though maybe not the best image quality.

(The 200-400 & 70-200 is the best safari setup IMO, though I dont want to break the bank)

I have probably spent close to 15 months on safari in Africa over the last five years, and have found there will also be a situation where you wanted a different lens.

I run a blog that may be of interest you http://www.thesafariphotographer.com




PS Lens support is critical, as you will spend a lot of time photograpinh in low light. Bean bags are the most the most flexible and cheapest option - with more fixed options running into $$$$$$$$$