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African Safari

safari africa

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10 replies to this topic

#1
bani12

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Hi all.

 

It's been awhile since I last posted anything here. In 3 weeks I am going to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe for 3 weeks.

 

I am having difficulties deciding which lenses should I bring with me.

 

Recently I bought a used Nikon d810 which I will bring along d750 with me. I will definatelly take Tamron 24-70/2.8 and Nikkor 20/1.8 lenses. I will also take Tamron 150-600 G2 lens.

 

Do you think I should take 70-200/2.8 as well? It is one of my favourite lenses, but I am a bitt worried it would be too much.

 

What are your thoughts?



#2
Merco_61

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That depends on how comfortable you are with handholding the 150-600 @150-200 mm focal length. The D810 has enough resolution that you can crop some with the 24-70, so the 70-150 hole isn't that important. If you, however, are more comfortable using the 70-200 than the 150-600 where they overlap, bringing the 70-200 along makes sense.

 

Is your mass allotment big enough to pack all the gear?



#3
bani12

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Thanks for the reply, Peter.

 

I have to say I am more comfortable holding 70-200 lens and I also prefer optical quality of the latter.

 

When I was in Budapest at the end of the April I was able to fit this in my Lowepro Flipside 400 backpack: Nikon d810 with Tamron 150-600 attached, Nikon d750 with 24-70, Nikkor 70-200/2.8 and Nikkor 20/1.8 lens, speedlight SB-910. It was quite heavy to carry it around. Oh, I forgot to mention I got MB-D12 battery grip with my d810. That was also in my backpack :)

 

To be honest I don't want to take my 70-200 lens because of the safety and weight concerns. But on the other hand I am afraid I will regret leaving it behind, just because I love that lens.

 

As you mentioned, Peter, the gap between 70 and 150 isn't that huge on d810 because of the crop ability.

 

Here is what I was thinking: I put 24-70 on d750 and 150-600 on d810 because of the 7fps in dx mode with the grip just in case I need it. Then I would only have to change 1 lense in a quite dusty environment of the Namibia's deserts. Am I wrong about this?



#4
Merco_61

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Sounds like a good plan.



#5
bani12

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Sounds like a good plan.

 

Thank you again, Peter.

 

So you think I should go on with my plan?



#6
Merco_61

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It is probably the best you can do.

The 70-200 is a wonderful lens, but it is heavy. Remember to check the rules for carry-on luggage for all air travel before you start on a trip like this. Smaller airlines sometimes have smaller dimension or mass allotments.



#7
bani12

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Thanks, I will definitely check rules for carry-on luggage. 



#8
Wayben

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I've been to Etosha in Namibia and several places in Botswana.  I found that I used my 200-500mm and 24-70mm lenses a lot more than the 70-200mm.  I could have gotten along just fine without the 70-200mm.  I would be inclined to replace the 70-200 with a second much smaller fast lens.  You will have some great low light opportunities that you won't want to miss.

 

The weight limits on airlines are the limiting factor on what to bring.  Once you are at the parks you will probably be in vehicles so the backpack full of gear will be sitting in the seat beside you.  Dust will be a very real concern, especially in Namibia.  You will want to minimize lens changes while out in the parks.  Change lenses in the lodge to set yourself up for whatever is planned for the day if possible.

 

Enjoy!!  You're going to have a great time.



#9
bani12

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I've been to Etosha in Namibia and several places in Botswana.  I found that I used my 200-500mm and 24-70mm lenses a lot more than the 70-200mm.  I could have gotten along just fine without the 70-200mm.  I would be inclined to replace the 70-200 with a second much smaller fast lens.  You will have some great low light opportunities that you won't want to miss.

 

The weight limits on airlines are the limiting factor on what to bring.  Once you are at the parks you will probably be in vehicles so the backpack full of gear will be sitting in the seat beside you.  Dust will be a very real concern, especially in Namibia.  You will want to minimize lens changes while out in the parks.  Change lenses in the lodge to set yourself up for whatever is planned for the day if possible.

 

Enjoy!!  You're going to have a great time.

 

Thank you so much for your input and information you have provided, Wayben.

 

Should I bring 50/1.4 and speedlight instead? That is my fastest lens I own.

 

Yes, our group will rent some SUV's down there and drive around most of the time, as you mentioned.



#10
Wayben

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I think the 50/1.4 would be worth bringing, small, light, and fast.



#11
TBonz

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To be honest, if I were taking that trip, I would take every single piece of photo equipment possible - tripod, monopod, every body, every lens, every flash, .........

 

Oh well, you get the idea...I know it would be a once in a lifetime trip, so I would not want any chance that I left something at home that I found a need (or want) to use.  The 70-200 may not be needed with the other lenses and I would probably start out with the 24-70 and the 150-600 but if you have any low light situations that require longer than 70, you will wish you had the 70-200.  

 

Assuming there are no issues preventing you from bringing it (airline or whatever), to me it would be worth the extra weight to carry just to have it available if I want it.  Back in the film days I took a 2 week trip to Europe.  My camera bag was heavier than my suit case with 3 bodies (including motor bases) and over 10 lenses.  I would do the same thing again!  







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