wildworlds

<p>I think that the kit suggested by Len just about fits the bill and covers most opportunities. The only things I would add apart from some means of backing up the images from the cards, would be a bean bag. Most of the vehicles used in this area tend to be “pop tops” where the roof lifts allowing shooting with the camera resting on the roof. So a bean bag can provide a perfect support. I always recommend taking an empty bag, then buying some beans or rice locally to fill it. It puts a few more dollars into the local economy and leaving the beans or rice behind for one of the camp staff is usually appreciated. I hope Len will post and let us know how the trip went.</p>

<p>As weight is a big factor when travelling to your safari destination especially if you are using light aircraft for part of the trip. I would be tempted to go for the 80-400. It means that you will have greater flexibility in your shots, without having the weight of extra lenses. Apart from shooting birds, you should be fine for most subjects with the 400. You will probably be surprised at how close a good guide will get you to your subject. Having a fast lens is a definite advantage, but I have never found a problem using the Canon 100-400. You should also take something fairly wide to shoot those great Serengeti landscapes. You need to get to the river crossings early, as the best spots get taken quickly.</p>

<p>Hi Under no circumstances would I ever use sand or gravel in a “bean bag”! There is just too much risk of grit getting into the camera if there is a leak. Buy a bag of rice / beans when you get there. Place it in a simple home made cove to make it stronger, otherwise you will end up with it breaking. When you leave, don’t throw the rice /beans away, give it to someone. Many of the people that provide support for Safaris in Africa earn little. A bag of beans or rice can feed a family. We “hire” bean bags to our clients at a nominal fee. We then donate the “fee” to a local church that helps those in need. G</p>

<p>Hi to throw my two cents worth in.... I have just joined the forum so joined this discussion a bit late, but I think that you have made the right choice in going with the 100-400. I shoot wildlife in Africa and I tend to consider that as my “standard” lens. The zoom range is just about right for 90% of subjects and if closed down a stop from wide open it is razor sharp. I thought that the push pull zoom would encourage dust, but even travelling in open vehicles, so far it’s not been a problem. The disadvantage I find of the push pull, is that if you forget to lock it, then carry the camera, it can slide forward at an alarming rate! I also find that the quality of the lens hood fitting to be poor. Certainly for shooting on safaris as I do, I find it just about perfect. As Paula says find a supplier that does try before buy. I have found that many of them will offset the rental cost if you then buy.</p>

<p>G</p>

<p>Hi everyone! I’m a new member based in the UK. I am a professional photographer who is lucky enough to have earned my living by doing what I love for more years than I care to remember! I hope that I can make a worthwhile contribution to the forum and I am sure that I will pick up some useful tips. I have a blog on my new web site that you may like to visit and comment on. Its at <a href="http://www.wildworlds.co.uk/blog.html">http://www.wildworlds.co.uk/blog.html</a> Thanks, George.</p>