Safari in Tanzania

[janice_williams]

Hi

Can anyone advise of the best focal range for a safari and also the

speed of film necessary? I will also be taking sunset/sunrise photos.

Any advise will be much appreciated. I have a Canon EOS 300 with 24-

80 Sigma Lens.

Thanks, Janice

[peza]

400/2.8, 1.4x TC, ISO 100, ISO 800. Out of car when game comes close, 70-200 is ideal. Preferrably f/2.8 of course.<br>

Everything else is compromise, but I guess, you have to make compromises as I have to do, unless you have $7000 to spend.

[wildpicture]

Janice,

as the previous poster pointed out, a 400/2.8 might be a great lens. But it not something everybody can or wants to afford. A Porsche might be a great car to drive on a big empty highway, still most of us will have to do with out normal car.

 

As you mention that you own an EOS-300 with a 24-80 lens, I don't think you'll spend huge amounts on a big lens. And to get great images for your own photobooks and to serve as a great memory, it is also not necessary. I would recommend a telezoom in the 70-300 range to complement your present equipment. It will depend a bit on which parks you'll visit in Tanzania, but mostly a 300mm will be adequate.

 

So together you can cover the focal lengths between 24mm and 300mm. Unless you want to specially photograph small birds or extreme close up portraits you will be fine.

 

Film speed also depends a bit on time of year. Rainy season with dark clouds might ask for a slightly faster film. For printfilm I would recommend a standard 200asa film. My wife always uses Fuji Superia 200 on our trips for prints. I would also take a few faster rolls, something like 800asa. You might see something in dusk which you want to take pictures of. Also some lodges have waterholes which are lit at night. So a few rolls of high speed film are nice. Preferable 24 exposure rolls, so you can change films easier. Meaning that if you have one camera and take only a few shots at night, you don't have to take 30 shots the next day with this film.

 

One thing I would strongly advice is to buy the battery pack for the EOS-300 (BP-200). It takes 4 standard AA batteries, instead of the expensive normal batteries. AA size batteries are available everywhere, your normal batteries will be very hard to find in Tanzania! Also it makes the EOS-300 much easier to handle in my opinion. My wife agrees with me although her hands are much smaller than mine. I like a big camera like an EOS-1, she likes her smaller and lighter EOS-300.

 

For much more information on photography on safaris, book reviews of books you might like to read/take with you, have a look at my website:

www.wildpicture.com

 

have a great time in Africa !!!

Hans

[ShunCheung]

Janice, you need to specify how much money you want to spend. And it is unlikely that you are buying a lens just for one trip. So it would be helpful if you also specify what type of photography you are interested in overall so that your new lens will be useful after your trop to Tanziana.

 

I assme that you'll be photographing primarily from a safari vehicle. Since you are typically confined in the car (usually Land Rover), a zoom that reaches to 300mm will be useful, such as the Canon 100-400 IS or some other zoom with 300mm on the long end. I have been to Africa twice and I used the combination of a 300mm/f4 or f2.8 and a 500mm/f4 plus a 1.4x teleconvertor. A 70-200 zoom is useful overall and for shooting very large animals such as elephants.

 

As far as film goes, I shoot slides and never used anything faster than ISO 200. The equator goes across Kenya and Tanzania is just south to Kenya. Light is pretty strong and you don't need fast film, and as David Middleton puts it, if the light is so poor that you must use ISO 400 or faster film, the chace is that it is not a very good image anyway. I also wouldn't use Velvia type high-contrast film much except early in the morning or late in the afternoon because of the light condition.

[alex_lofquist]

Since Kilimanjaro is visable from much of Tanzania, I would recommend a polarizer and/or a neutral grad to cut down the sky/mountain intensity and still keep good exposures for the foreground.I found that I used a 70-210 lens for most of my photos there, though a 400 is great for Leopards in trees, birds, close-ups of most animals, and landscape "extractions". The first time I went to Africa, the longest lens that I had was a 200. I realized that travel there is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When I had the chance to return, I brought a new camera and several lenses. If I were to go back again, I might consider a 300 and 1.4X converter, instead of the 400. Consider Macro capability for flowers, insects like Safari Ants, and the colorful chameleons. I generally used 100 speed slide film, but occasionally 200 for a few situations. I think that I would bring a few rolls of Provia 400 for the occasional indoor or campfire scene.

 

Bring twice as much film as you think you will use. This is no exaggeration. If you have any extra you can certainly sell it at a profit there. I would recommend at least 5 rolls a day while on safari. Do you have a second camera as a back-up? I had the shutter go bad in one of my Leicas, but was fortunate to have a second one with me. Bring lots of spare batteries, lens cleaner, microfiber cloths, camels-hair brush to clean out the dust that is all-pervasive.

 

I would recommend Joe McDonald's book on safari photography. I know of no other that really covers the subject like this one.

 

Best wished for a good trip, Alex

[geddert]

like some others have said... on the long end you will be incredibly dissappointed with anything less then 300, and slighly dissappointed, but able to tolerate a 400. I was told this before going to Africa, since i went there and experienced it first hand, i am going to pass this advice on from first hand experience. i took a 100-400L IS - plus shorter stuff, and the zoom as a one-lens does it all piece fo glass worked well. you could buy this lens in used condition, use it for your trip and as long as you don't beat it up too much you would likely not loose much value, and sell it again (of course it would tie up about 1100+ during that time).

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<img src="http://www.photo.net/photodb/image-display?photo_id=421403&size=md">

<br><i>100-400L IS at 400mm</i>

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P.S. If i "had" to do it again i would rent a 400/2.8 and 1.4x TC, plus use a 70-200/2.8 IS on a backup body... I wouldn't care about the cost (and i am certainly not rich)... and i will problably do it again with that equipment.

[jeff_bloom]

Janice: I've been to most of the parks in Northern Tanzania. On that trip, about 12 years ago, I had a 70-210 that was not powerful enough in many cases. In other cases, however, I was able to get so close to animals, such as lions and elephants, that no more power was necessary to get a nice shot. Keep in mind, however, that I wasn't able to get frame-filling head shots with that lens.

 

In the event that the cost and weight of a 400/2.8 or 500/4 are too much for you, I recommend at least a 300/4, with a 1.4x teleconverter, if you can afford that in addition to the lens. Whatever you bring with you, have fun and bring lots of film. P.S.: contrary to another poster's experience, I found that Mt. Kilimanjaro was NOT visible from most of Tanzania. The mountain is in n.e. Tanzania, and it was only visible as we drove near the border of Kenya and Tanzania.

[wildpicture]

Indeed, some of the best views on the Kilimanjaro are not from Tanzania but from Kenya. The ultimate view (in good weather conditions) being from Amboseli NP.

[janice_williams]

Hi All, many thanks for your responses and great advice. I have another query. Most of you recommend 1.4x teleconverter. Should I only use that with fixed focal lens or can I purchase a 100-300 zoom and also use a teleconverter? I would like to get good close up portrait photos as well as landscapes and also night shots. I was planning on taking Sensia 100 (loads!), Delta 100 & 400 and Superia 400. I will also be taking an extra camera body and tripod. If anyone could advise of excellent safari photography books, again that would be most appreciated. Thanks!

[wildpicture]

Janice,

 

with original Canon EOS equipment you can't mount converters on their 100-300 zooms in this range. The only zooms that accept converters are their 70-200/4L, 70-200/2.8L and the 100-400/4.5-5.6L IS. So you would have to look at other brands for a converter. Sigma or Kenko might be right for you as they both offer good quality. You might look at a prime lens which does accept a 1.4x both of course you loose a lot of versatility compared to a zoom. Another option might also be a 100-400 zoom from another brand. This mainly depends on your budget and what you will use the lens for after the trip.

 

For night shots (floodlit waterholes?) you will require a tripod as shutter speeds will still be fairly long. Last october I photographed at some waterholes in Etosha (Namibia) with my 300/2.8 at full aperture and 800asa film. Shutterspeeds were still around 2 seconds. But amazingly you can still archieve good results as often the animals (in this case elephant and rhino) stand perfectly still for many seconds.

 

You mention quite a lot of different films (slide, print and B&W). Mark your camerabodies so you can very easily see which body is loaded with which film. And don't get confused with all the different films. In my opinion when I use B&W (hardly ever for wildlife), I have a different "mindset" as compared to when I am shooting slides (allmost all of the time). So it is not just a matter of not confusing the camerabodies, but also not to confuse your "mindsets".

 

There are several goods books on wildlife photography in general. You can read reviews of them (with actual scans) on my website. On the subject of safari photography specifically, there is much less. the book by Joe McDonald is very good. But it may be hard to find.

 

Hans Martens

www.wildpicture.com

[ShunCheung]

Janice, you can also take a look at <A HREF="http://www.photo.net/nature/kenya">my article</A> here in the Nature Forum based on my trip to Kenya back in 1997. I have since visited Tanzania in early 2000. The two are neighboring countries with similar nature photo opportunities, including a joint Masai Mara/Serengeti eco system.

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Most likely you'll be photographing from safari vehicles, typically Land Rovers or 4WD Nisson vans. For camera support, you'll need a bean bag; tripods are not that useful in these trips alough you may still have opportunities to use one.

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As far as books go, Joe McDonald's is indeed excellent. I bought one shortly before my 1997 and it helped me quite a bit. Unfortunately, it is out of print already. But the McDonalds now have a video version. You can get it through their web site: <A HREF="http://www.hoothollow.com/VIDEOKenyaSafari.htm">www.hoothollow.com</A>.

[kim_kaiser]

Hi Janice,,, i too have been to TZ,,and to the popular parks,,,while i had a 300 2.8 and a 70-200 and a 2x convertor,,i think i got most of the shots i wanted,,,they may not have been good, but with sathe combinatins, it was sufficient,,

 

the only think for lenght that i have not seen, noted, may be the 400 5.6,,, adn a convertor 1.4,,, while you will have to resort to manual focus i think,,(f8) the canon 400 5.6 is reputed to be verry good,,and light,,,if you need more speed,, good film selection will allow you to push and still be in good shape,,personally, if i were gonna go light,, id sereously consider a 400 5.6, 1.4 conv, 70-200 zoom,, this could give you good coverage,,and the convertor would work well with both lenses,,with minimal disadvanges,,

 

and as someone else noted,, take lots of film,, and take shots of everything,, people, bugs, flowers,,as wehn u get home,,,you dont want to say,, i wish i had taken a shot of that,,,believe it or not,, i wish i had taken pictures of the masai peoples feet,, of all things,, those are things you cant describe, but, can be artfully done,,there hands,,,etc,,those are things you wont want to forget,,,if i ever get back,,,i wont come back thinking "i wish i had shot that"

 

good luck and have fun,,, its a beautiful, wild country,,

 

SIncerely,

 

Kim kaiser

[geddert]

i don't know for certain that this is the book you are referring to, but i would think it is... it looks like amazon.com can get it within 3-5 weeks:

<A href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1577171292/">http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1577171292/</a>

[ShunCheung]

Matthew, you are talking about a different book by Joe McDonald. The one I have in mind is: "Photographying on Safari," published by Amphoto in 1996 (ISBN 0-8174-5440-3). You can see its cover photo on <a HREF="http://www.hoothollow.com/Joesbookspage1.html">this web page</A> on McDonald's web site. (It is the book on the top right corner with the portrait of a male lion, with his tounge out licking, on its cover.) It is about photographing wildlife, not just photographs of wildlife. I suppose that is the book Hans has in mind as well.

[wildpicture]

Indeed. This is the book. It can sometimes be bought through

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0817454403/ref=ase_wildpicture/103-2152565-3758239">Amazon</a> second hand.

[alex_lofquist]

The thing that I liked about "photographing on Safari" by Joe McDonald, is that he gives good recommendations as to how to calculate proper exposures for various animals. Spot metering is a must for most of them, and he gives suggestions as to where to meter, and the amount of compensation that may be needed based on its hide's reflectivity.

 

I see that he has just announced a new book, but I don't know anything about it.

 

It is true that you really can't see "Kili" from everywhere. Even when you are close, the peak is often cloud covered. The best views are probably better from Amboseli in Kenya, if you can cross the border at Namanga.

 

Alex

[geddert]

I just got "photographing on Safari" by Joe McDonald from ebay, it was available used in new condition for $8 plus shipping... it is a GREAT book. I wish i would have had access to it before going to Africa, but i did manage okay with out it.

[jon_hill]

I have lived in Tanzania for almost three years and have done lots of wildlife photography. I'll second everyone's advice about trying to get to the 400mm range. I use an 80-400 zoom and love it. I would recommend a zoom over a fixed lens/TC combination for safari for two reasons: 1) You are less like to miss a shot because you won't be taking the TC on and off. 2) You are less likely to get dirt in your camera.

 

Your film choices are OK. The 100 speed slide film will be your staple film and the 400 print film will give you plenty of flexibility for morning, evening, and high contrast situations (like that leopard in a tree that you just can't frame without some sky.) I would recommend a few rolls of 800 speed print film and a few rolls of 400 speed slide film (I find the new Sensia 400 to be a fantastic film for animals.) You should consider that sometimes your vehicle will come around a corner upon a scene and you will have less than 10 seconds to get a shot before the animals run off. For this reason, I often keep 400 speed film in my camera (set to Program mode) so that I have a better chance at handholding successfully with longer glass when all I can do is turn, focus, and fire. Then if the scene isn't changing, I'll switch to 100 and be more deliberate with my camera settings and support options.

 

Image Stabilization (or Vibration Reduction in my case) is great if you can afford it. Otherwise, you might opt for taking more of the faster films. Try some test shots at home before you go, handholding your longest lens. I can virtually guarantee that you will do this at some point in your safari vehicle and you want sharpness over fine grain and color saturation. The pros might tell you differently, but they usually have a vehicle to themselves and aren't having to deal with other people rocking the vehicle, blocking your shot on other side of the car, limited time at any given location, etc. Use the fastest film you can be satified with.

 

Have fun!

 

-Jon

www.jonkhill.com (check my site for plenty of Tanzania photos)

[janice_williams]

Hi Thanks again for all your advice. I have purchased a Sigma 100-300 F4 lens with 2x teleconvertor. This should get me the shots I want. I have also purchased an extra camera body...Canon EOS 30. I now have a couple of months to practice with them before going to Tanzania. Will spend a small fortune on slides and developing.

I'm still having trouble getting a copy of Joe McDonalds book. If anyone has a copy they don't mind selling...let me know!!

Thanks, Janice

[ShunCheung]

Janice, have you e-mailed Joe McDonals and see whether he still has any copies of his book left? As I mentioned before, he now also has a video which is pretty helpful, although the video also promotes the safari tours he leads.

 

I would test the 100-300mm/f4 with the 2x TC on. I assume that you also have a 1.4x TC, as I think it'll be easier to use that lens with a 1.4x TC. I use neither Canon nor Sigma, so I am not familiar with that exact lens.

[tommy huynh]

Ideally, I would have had a 600 f4 with 1.4 and 2X TCs. As it was, I'm not a wildlife photographer, and got by just fine with my 100-400 IS, with the 1.4x on it most of the time, and the 2x when I was pressed to do so. Here are the <a href="http://www.tommyimages.com/Stock_Photos/Africa/Tanzania/index.html">photos I took back from Tanzania</a>.