safari in south africa: equipment

[sanjay_chaudary]

hi,

I am planning to do a safari in south africa while on a trip. would a tripod be of use from a vehicle?

 

thanks,

sanjay

[louie]

Nope - not enough room and a bit limiting in terms of maneuvering. Assuming the open vehicles they prefer in SA, a monopod is more useful. A beanbag can help if you're in the front passenger seat.

 

If you have an entire row on the vehicle to yourself and a big lens on a gimbal head, then I can see using a tripod strapped to the frame of the seat in front, but otherwise, I wouldn't bother.

[sanjay_chaudary]

Thanks. Its a canon 400mm f5.6 lens and weighs approx 2 pounds and I use a ballhead.

[sanjay_chaudary]

<p>P.S:  is it necessary to wear camouflage dress when going in safari vehicle?</p>

[craig_rogers3]

<p>No it's not.  I've just come back from a fantastic safari in South Africa.  The animals don't see the jeep as a threat or food.  Whilst you are inside the vehicle and don't make sudden movements (and make sure you stay seated), the animals don't really care.  Oh, apart from a sexually frustrated Bufallo who charged the jeep!<br>

If your lens has vibration reduction, you should be ok until the light starts fading, then a bean bag is very useful to hold it steady.<br>

The animals are pretty relaxed with photography going on, they don't even seem to flinch when you use a flash.<br>

 </p>

[louie]

<p>As Craig noted, camoflage is not necessary. I'd go with darker, neutral colors simply because it's likely to be very dusty. I shot the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS lens, which is heavier than your 400mm f/5.6. I shot mostly hand held, though tried to lean on the grab bars door frame when I could. I used my monopod for early morning and late evening.<br>

<br /> You'll want a flash for night drives. Here are my shots from South Africa:<br>

<br /> http://www.pbase.com/escog/southafrica<br>

<br /> I visited Exeter River Lodge in the Sabi Sands and Phinda Mountain Lodge.</p>

[mats nilson photography]

<p>In fact, in many countries in southern Africa, you're not even allowed to wear camouflage dresses for some reason.</p>

[kevin_railsback2]

<p>You don't want to match the clothing that the rebels wear. :)</p>