Governors Camp Safari Kit

[Bigvin]

Hi,

I'm off on safari to Governors Camp in Kenya for 5 nights in July.
Basically I'm after some feedback and advice on what kit to take.

My current gear available is

Nikon D800
Sigma 120-300mm OS
Nikon 24-85mm
Nikon 50mm 1.8
Sigma 1.4 TC
Sigma 1.7 TC

I've read through lots of threads suggesting another camera for a backup / save changing lenses but don't know whether the wife's compact will do.

Just not sure what to take on my first safari.

Cheers for looking in.

 

[htid]

I didn't go to kenya but last time I went on safari I took my d7000, 300mm f4 and 1.4tc, plus my 18-200 for anything close up. Kept the 300 on with the 1.4 most of the time. No spare body or anything, just changed lens when I needed to, but we were in our own closed vehicle so I could close windows when I changed lenses to stop sand.

 

[jennyb]

At Governors last November, I used my 400mm virtually all the time and sometimes we were just too close to the animals and had to move away a bit. I took my 1.4 TC but did not use it. The only time I changed lens was when we took the balloon trip and I used my 24-105mm. So, your 120-300mm will probably be the most useful for animals. However, if it is mainly birds that you are interested in, you will need something longer.

 

[condyk]

It always depends on the location as to length you'll use most. I don't know Kenya but do know Southern Africa well. The default recommendation is min 400mm. Your 120-300 will likely get most use with the 1.4 permanently attached. The x2 I dunno quality wise if it will cut it or even if you need it. You have a decent quality lens but it's a zoom and a x2? No harm taking it, but personally I'd test it at home and if I'm happy I'd take and if not then I wouldn't waste my time. Your 50mm will be handy around camp. The ideal is a two body set up with both the same so as to have some redundancy in the case of damage/fault, but not essential and even more so with a range of 120-300-420 covered on the single body; it's just a case of fingers crossed. I had a guy on one trip I organised bought a new 1D mk III a few years back and it lasted a day!! He had a 5D II 2nd body luckily but lost some functionality he was counting on. Some places allow you off road and so you can get very close, so either the 120mm end or the 50mm should be OK so long as your minimum focus distance on the Sigma is not too far!

 

[Bigvin]

Thanks for the replies.

I've just had a phone call from the travel agents and we've been upgraded to Il Moran free of charge.

Most of my wildlife photography is done with the 1.4 TC attached, so I know the characteristics of the combo.
I'll be taking my GoPro as well, so I just have to decide if I want to get a second body or not.
Mmmmmm wonder what the other half will think if I get a D500

 

[jennyb]

Thanks for the replies.

I've just had a phone call from the travel agents and we've been upgraded to Il Moran free of charge.

You will love it. It's not exactly camping rough. The tents are huge with impressive bathrooms!