African Safari Gear - Revisited

This topic was covered in some depth back in 2016, but since then, the Nikon lens lineup has changed a bit. I apologize for any perceived duplication.

 

I'm heading to Kenya and Tanzania soon. Weight limits are tight, so I could use some advice on what to bring. At present, I plan to bring my D7200 and D750. On the D750, I'm considering taking the 28-300 VR and on the D7200, the 200-500 VR. This looks like it would give me continuous coverage from 28-750 when the crop factor is taken into consideration on the D7200. It would also seem to minimize any lens changing in adverse conditions. I will also probably throw in the TC 1.4 and the 50mm 1.8 along with my P7000 pocket camera.

 

If my budget permits, I'm debating trading the D7200 for the D7500 and upgrading the D750 to the D850. Otherwise, the plan would be unchanged.

 

Thoughts please?

The only area not covered with your lens choices is wide angle shots. 28mm on a full frame could work for most wide shots, but in the Serengeti, if you get lucky and see the migration from one end to another, 20mm or 24mm might be needed on a full frame or something wider on a DX body. One smallish lens to consider adding is the Nikon 16-85mm DX.

 

Aside from lenses, take a 5 stop ND filter that fits your 28-300mm. This will allow for blur shots of animals running next to your land rover. I did not have one with me and regretted it. .

I don't know any reason to trade your D750 for a D850 if you're going to be putting Nikon's 28-300mm on it. If you follow Joseph's excellent suggestion of the 16-85mm, you could see if the weight limits allow you take a 70-200mm f/4, which is wonderful, and leave the 28-300mm behind. If the mix you settle on doesn't go wider than 28mm, do consider Nikon's 20mm f/1.8 for FX. It's fairly light, and very nice.

Joseph and Hector- Thank you both for taking time to respond. You've been very helpful, and the advice about a wider lens option makes sense. The 16-85 looks like a nice option, although it adds a pound to the overall kit. Perhaps I'll leave the P7000 home and just use my iPhone. Thanks again.

This topic was covered in some depth back in 2016, but since then, the Nikon lens lineup has changed a bit. I apologize for any perceived duplication.

 

I'm heading to Kenya and Tanzania soon. Weight limits are tight, so I could use some advice on what to bring. At present, I plan to bring my D7200 and D750. On the D750, I'm considering taking the 28-300 VR and on the D7200, the 200-500 VR. This looks like it would give me continuous coverage from 28-750 when the crop factor is taken into consideration on the D7200. It would also seem to minimize any lens changing in adverse conditions. I will also probably throw in the TC 1.4 and the 50mm 1.8 along with my P7000 pocket camera.

 

If my budget permits, I'm debating trading the D7200 for the D7500 and upgrading the D750 to the D850. Otherwise, the plan would be unchanged.

 

Thoughts please?

 

Which Kenya/Tanzania safari are you on? I'm leaving Sept 6 for 10 days with Gate 1 Travel.

Which Kenya/Tanzania safari are you on? I'm leaving Sept 6 for 10 days with Gate 1 Travel.

 

I’m going with Road Scholar - 14 days. Looks like a great trip.

Although I did it years ago, things seem to have changed much less than we then feared.

Have fun - it's definitely a trip of a lifetime.

Your gear sounds good, but consider one of the ca. 24-105mm range for the wide angle to telephoto. The 200-500 will be great, and the shorter zoom will be both easier to carry and use for the everyday walkabout...

 

Although I did it years ago, things seem to have changed much less than we then feared.

Have fun - it's definitely a trip of a lifetime.

Your gear sounds good, but consider one of the ca. 24-105mm range for the wide angle to telephoto. The 200-500 will be great, and the shorter zoom will be both easier to carry and use for the everyday walkabout...

 

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The natives are friendly

Thanks for the reply. Nice image - can't wait to get there!

I'd double check on the weight limits. We didn't encounter any using Delta to Arusha and from Dar as well as Coastal, Regional and a couple of other local airlines. A possible exception might be if a local plane is fully loaded then the pilot might get picky. Each of us had 2 bodies (D5 + D800), 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, TC, tripod, speedlight, chargers, extra batteries and assorted misc filters and stuff. I also had a 200-500, 135 Micro, and 11mm. He had a 400. I had one 48 lb camera bag, he had two bags that I assume were somewhat lighter but together were likely 60 lbs. This in addition to our clothes. Camera bags were carry-on for all flights.

 

Some of his photos: Tanzania | Africa | Destinations | For Instants

 

If you've never been you're in for a treat!

WAngell--loved your photos and travelogue!

might google Michelle Burgess. She does a kenya/tanzania tour every year that is just for photographers. I think her company is In Focus.