Tips for first Safari please.

tlr

tlr

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Hi

I’d like any advice and tips that you knowledgeable folk can give me on safari photography please.

Details are that I’m off to the Masai Mara at the beginning of November. I have a 40d, and I’ll probably take my Sigma 10-20, Canon 24-105 and hopefully a 100-400 (but I haven’t been able to find one second hand yet, but I’ll hire one otherwise). I’ve never used a long zoom before, so I’m hoping to find one soon to get some practice with it before the trip.

I’ll shoot raw so I can sort out certain aspects of the shots later when I get home.

Any hints or tips to stop me wasting my shots – I’ll probably not be able to look at any of the pictures until I get back to the UK.

Thanks
 
tlr said:
Hi

I’d like any advice and tips that you knowledgeable folk can give me on safari photography please.

Details are that I’m off to the Masai Mara at the beginning of November. I have a 40d, and I’ll probably take my Sigma 10-20, Canon 24-105 and hopefully a 100-400 (but I haven’t been able to find one second hand yet, but I’ll hire one otherwise). I’ve never used a long zoom before, so I’m hoping to find one soon to get some practice with it before the trip.

I’ll shoot raw so I can sort out certain aspects of the shots later when I get home.

Any hints or tips to stop me wasting my shots – I’ll probably not be able to look at any of the pictures until I get back to the UK.

Thanks
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my experience of safari is...take the damn shots and forget the lighting..there are no wasted shots in the wild..the animals dont pose and you wont see them again..
dont be put off if you dont see a leopard...this will destroy your eye for all the other wildlife around..there are some pretty interesting birds and small mammals
keep quiet, listen to the guide/driver...he will let you know when its ok to take a leak outside the jeep
take loads of rechargeables and the charger...chargers!!
check out your cards are fully formatted
when one is full put it miles away from your camera or take a way of storing images off camera
do not delete any shots till your slippers are back on at home..
every minute there is a once in a lifetime experience...for you as well
hope you enjoy it..
oh
avoid wading in the mara..
 
White balance setting to cloudy rather than auto, although your taking RAW so you can adjust in editing.

What about a bean bag to rest the camera on, as room for tripod/monopod will be limited to steady the shots, lots of cards, battery's, have you got a battery grip?, as this will come with a AA battery holder if you caught short on power just at the wrong moment or don't have access to main's.

Have you thought about a 1.4x TC to use with the 100-400mm, gives you that extra reach, as you will be mainly using manual focus for wildlife rather than autofocus, so the 1.4x TC and 100-400mm combo will work on your 40D and the clearer/cleaner light conditions shouldn't effect the loss of an extra f-stop of light with the TC attached.
 
TAKE A BEAN BAG, I never DIDN'T use the bean bag the whole time I took photos!
A tripod would be handy, too.

I took my 55-200mm, and hired a 120-300mm Sigma and a 1.4TC, the TC never left the Sigma, and I very very raely used my second body[had the 55-200mm attached]
Only in extreme cases when Lions were right *these* but even then only for a couple of shots, and went back to using the Sigma.

Although, Pete, I must say - I never once Manual Focussed, each to their own I suppose, Idon't trust my eyesight to MF.

Depending on how long your batteries last you MAY be OK with 1 battery and just the charger, I'm lucky in that my batteries lastd really well, but I did have 2 with me, and kept the spare charged.

Some lodges have rationed power throughtout the day, so do be aware of that when it comes to chargers/laptops etc.

I took about 28gb with me, AND my laptop, so everynight I was able to download and edit my pics from the day, but I also didn't delete the pics from the SD til back home and made sure everything on the laptop was backed up on External HD, THEN and only then did I format the SDs.

The Mara was the best two days we did and it's a brilliant place to Safari[and even more so for pictures] It's where we saw the Leopard
 
Thanks for the thoughts.

I was planning on taking a battery per day, and borrowing as many cards as possible as I shan't be taking a laptop.

I'm hoping that I'll be able to borrow a beanbag whilst there, or improvise one, as we are on a tight weight allowance (especially once the 100-400 is packed).

Interesting about the manual/auto info - I rarely use manual focus normally, but rhats why I need to practise with the 100-400 beforehand.

Really looking forward to it now.
 
I went to Tanzania (serengeti) last year, I would say take a beanbag as well or at least try and improvise. I found that the biggest problem was the vibrations caused by the Land Rover we were in. I only took a Canon 70-300mm with me as it was the only long lens I had at the time. To be honest you get so close to the wildlife I only needed anything longer on a handful of occasions.
 
Lucky you it's a stunning part of the world!
It's dusty - sometimes beyond belief keeping the camera covered with something is a must. I used an army surplus shemagh. The same problem when changing lenses so a large plastic bag is useful too. Also be v. careful when cleaning lenses. Get your driver to shut the engine off to avoid vibrations when you are taking shots (ours did automatically). I took a 17-85mm and the 100-400mm and was happy with that choice. Get to know your driver and guides ours were great guys and really helpful.
Finally, may sound a bit strange, but put the camera down for periods and just enjoy being there. I envy you and can't wait to go back:)
 
tlr said:
Thanks for the thoughts.

I was planning on taking a battery per day, and borrowing as many cards as possible as I shan't be taking a laptop.

I'm hoping that I'll be able to borrow a beanbag whilst there, or improvise one, as we are on a tight weight allowance (especially once the 100-400 is packed).

Interesting about the manual/auto info - I rarely use manual focus normally, but rhats why I need to practise with the 100-400 beforehand.

Really looking forward to it now.
Click to expand...

the bean bag idea has another little twist to it
good for support and could cut vibrations

when we shot off the side of the raised jeeps edge we got the driver to cut the engine to cut out vibration....it really affected both still and video even with the image stabilisation on the video

tripod is a no no....it takes up weight and space and makes you good game for a lurking lioness...or black mamba
 
chrisforshaw said:
I went to Tanzania (serengeti) last year, I would say take a beanbag as well or at least try and improvise. I found that the biggest problem was the vibrations caused by the Land Rover we were in. I only took a Canon 70-300mm with me as it was the only long lens I had at the time. To be honest you get so close to the wildlife I only needed anything longer on a handful of occasions.
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sorry chris i just saw your vibe comment...snap!
 
tlr said:
Interesting about the manual/auto info - I rarely use manual focus normally, but rhats why I need to practise with the 100-400 beforehand.
Click to expand...

Having done the Kurger Park and several other game parks in South Africa over the last 20 years (brother used to live there), I know that wildlife (annoyingly) is always just that bit further out than you wanted on some occasions, so the suggestion of using the 1.4x TC with the 100-400mm was primarily suggested to get that extra reach and because you would only be able to manual focus this combination on your 40D. The extra reach I think would come in handy (on a 1.6 crop body with 1.4x TC, you would have a 224-896mm lens).

As for cards, I would tend not to go for the very large cards, and rather go for the 4gb or 8 gb cards, rather than 16gb, just in case the card gets corrupted and you lose the image as your not going to backup the images to a portable hard disc or laptop.
 
Remember you're going for the photography AND (I assume) the experience of actually seeing animals and some amazing scenery.

If you're sharing a ride with others, you might not go where you want, or get the shot that you want. Don't let that disappoint you.

Take it all in and lap it up. I'd love to go to the Mara again.
 
Let us know how it went when you get back would love to see some photos.
 
Ah I'm so envious. We did Tsavo East/West a few years back and loved it. Can't wait to do another and will probably be the Masai next time or maybe Tanzania at wildebeast time.

Don't know if you've already sourced a guide but don't go in anything bigger than a jeep.... avoid the small mini buses - packed and annoying. Jeeps tended to be quieter enabling you to stumble accross something and move in closer.

Definitely take a bean bag, maybe a monopod too.
 
sazzle said:
Ah I'm so envious. We did Tsavo East/West a few years back and loved it. Can't wait to do another and will probably be the Masai next time or maybe Tanzania at wildebeast time.

Don't know if you've already sourced a guide but don't go in anything bigger than a jeep.... avoid the small mini buses - packed and annoying. Jeeps tended to be quieter enabling you to stumble accross something and move in closer.

Definitely take a bean bag, maybe a monopod too.
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:thumbs:

and if you can afford solo use of a jeep/landcruiser...you can get up at 5am and go hunting early before the punters in these things

safari_truck.jpg


noisy bunch..a 6 month trek vehicle

our parties were 4 max and the best was 3...othewise mrs crow and i would be arguing about who had the camera and who had the camcorder
our friends had a personal jeep...2...and they went to the mara river to see the blood bath...it was about 2-3 hours drive from the lodge...
all we got were the cold lions first thing in the morning...to cold to move

lion-head-2.jpg


this is what you take if you dont have a big gun and scope
 
Take at least 2 good blower brushes and 2 sleeves from a long sleeve tee shirt to make a cover for your lens. Fix with a rubber band around the lens hood. Leave some shoulder area on the sleeve as this will cover your camera. It's well worth buying a small shirt specially for this. It can be very windy and dust is kicked up easilly. I would guess your 100-400 is all you need really as it is amazing how close you can get in the Land Rovers. I do not like 1.4x as you can enlarge on the computer when shooting low ISO. You don't get much time back at camp to recharge batteries so at least one will be left behind charging up while you are out.
Hope this helps.
 
AlWev said:
You don't get much time back at camp to recharge batteries so at least one will be left behind charging up while you are out.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
or take a cigar lighter charger adaptor...if they do one for A batts
they do them for phones
sit with the driver and you may get some action shots of a chase..the jeeps chase each other
this is the serengeti just after a cheetah kill had been sighted
its all go then
we got there as the vultures were cruising in for the dessert
the poor old cheetah was really winded and hadnt eaten much and would be chased off by the more aggressive vultures..jackals were approaching as well



scan from machine print
 
Sounds fantastic....

You said you are looking for a longer lens? Rent it.(Calumet) Much simpler and if it gets damaged the insurance takes care of it.

Or I have Sigma 175-500mm for sale if you want it? (Canon)
PM me if you are interested.

I would only take bodies and small lens and rent the rest of the kit.

Oh and a Monopod as well as your beanbag.
 
Mr Crow? are they all in hardtop Jeeps and Landy's on these tours now?

No open top Landrovers?

I would love to go on one of these but not in a hardtop.

Couple of South African mates said it's best to get a group of guys that want to shoot over there and hire a guide to go to the best places. If there were enough from here who wanted to club in I'd be up for it.

Not sure how feasible that would be????? Any ideas?
 
Daryl said:
Mr Crow? are they all in hardtop Jeeps and Landy's on these tours now?
No open top Landrovers?
I would love to go on one of these but not in a hardtop.
Couple of South African mates said it's best to get a group of guys that want to shoot over there and hire a guide to go to the best places. If there were enough from here who wanted to club in I'd be up for it.
Not sure how feasible that would be????? Any ideas?
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yes there probably are some open tops..i never saw any...it does rain a bit and something could fall in
ours were pop up roof land rovers...land cruisers..and vans<not so good without FWD
the one in the shot had a roof we opened and closed as required
i did see a couple of 'dudes' on deck chairs on the roof of a land rover

here is our interior of our kenya 'van'

van.jpg


if you do a private hire with i would say 4 max in the party you can get to places earlier....and further away
in our mara lodge it was quite a way to the mara river...so we never got there but our travelling companions in another land rover..just the 2 of them..massaged the drivers wallet and shot off at 4am to get there for the big feast...stayed all day and then just made it back for dinner
no faffing around going in circles killing time and following or being followed by the pack doing the 'circuit'

oh! yes, we had an open jeep in south africa in nayala game reserve..the spiders kept dropping in as we crashed the undergrowth....so its possible to get one...but flash storms in the serengeti and mara make a top a welcome feature
cheers
geof
 
Take a change of underwear and a good pair of running shoes for when the lion takes exception to you taking pictures of its children :D
 
I did Kenya earlier this year - it was fantastic. 2 days in the Amboseli reserve down near Kilimanjaro, then up to the Masi Mara for the rest.

Tips:
Take a bean bag. 90% of my shots were taken with one.
Dean on the forums here sells really good ones for a great price, and they're filled with polystyrene balls so are very light - http://www.camerabeanbags.co.uk/

Hire the 100-400 - it's perfect for safari and you won't regret it. It's the one I hired. Don't bother with an extender - you will get very close to some animals and need the wider end.

If possible, take a second body with a wider lens on - I missed a few shots while changing lenses. Also, there is a lot of dust there. You might want to get hold of a few clear plastic bags for changing lenses inside.
Also there's some stunning scenery around, so you will want a wider lens for that

Keep your lens hoods on - they'll keep dust down and you may be in for a lot of sunshine

Keep your equipment well protected while travelling - it's REALLY bumpy out there. Imagine travelling down a really badly potholed country road, at 30mph, for 5 hours

Here's my pics from this year for an idea of what you may encounter. Hope you like :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/weetobix/collections/72157617171245724/
 
Weetobix said:
I did Kenya earlier this year - it was fantastic. 2 days in the Amboseli reserve down near Kilimanjaro, then up to the Masi Mara for the rest.

Tips:
Take a bean bag. 90% of my shots were taken with one.
Dean on the forums here sells really good ones for a great price, and they're filled with polystyrene balls so are very light - http://www.camerabeanbags.co.uk/

Hire the 100-400 - it's perfect for safari and you won't regret it. It's the one I hired. Don't bother with an extender - you will get very close to some animals and need the wider end.

If possible, take a second body with a wider lens on - I missed a few shots while changing lenses. Also, there is a lot of dust there. You might want to get hold of a few clear plastic bags for changing lenses inside.
Also there's some stunning scenery around, so you will want a wider lens for that

Keep your lens hoods on - they'll keep dust down and you may be in for a lot of sunshine

Keep your equipment well protected while travelling - it's REALLY bumpy out there. Imagine travelling down a really badly potholed country road, at 30mph, for 5 hours

Here's my pics from this year for an idea of what you may encounter. Hope you like :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/weetobix/collections/72157617171245724/
Click to expand...

good advice .. another un mentioned but essential commodity is a supply of your favourite trot stopper..imodium or other...and take some toilet paper as well..
at lake manyara (tanzania) we had to use the bushes because a lazy pride of females were relaxing against the toilet block..with a half eaten zebra stuck in a tree beside them

if you have a pit stop and its safe to leave the vehicle..dont feed any thing
the birds dive bomb after a while... and its ecologically not allowed

leave footprints...take memories..digital as well
 
All good points.

I've bought myself a beanbag, bought a 100-400 for the trip (which I'll probably sell when we get back). I'll pack plastic bags, but that T shirt sleeve idea is a good one if its dusty.

Thanks a lot, off in a 10 days, hopefully post some decent pictures when we return.
 
HI,

I have just retruned from there you lucky thing you just take it all in and look with your eyes as well as the camera it is absoultely breathtaking. :thumbs:

I am going back In Feb next year.

Amboeselli was good but not half as good as the Masai Mara and if you can afford it the balloon trip is a must got some awesome photos out of that.

I took pillow cases to change lenses in as they were not so noisy as the plastic bags but the animals a re quite unfazed by you being there they are used to it.

You will be in for some rain as it is raining heavy there at the mo so the animals wil be quite active also.

Have a great trip and above all enjoy :wave:
 
Tip of the day: TRY NOT TO BE EATEN and remember not to pee in the Rivers.........
 
archangel said:
Tip of the day: TRY NOT TO BE EATEN and remember not to pee in the Rivers.........
Click to expand...

:D this means extra bottle storage in the jeep...or one of those big cans
 
Back from this safari now, put a handful of pictures up here: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=179824

Thanks for all the advice. Beanbag was invalable, as was the 100-400 I bought. Luckily there was no dust as they'd had a bit of rain. Park was pretty quiet and saw loads; about 50 species of birds and 30 animals. Had perfect views of everything we had hoped for.

Guides were great, we had 2 guides to the 4 of us in an open topped Defender. Guide had worked there for 20 years and knew everything. He stopped the engine everytime and moved the jeep about for great views without being asked.

Absolutely brilliant trip - soon to be repeated.

Again, thanks for all the advice.
 
For Daryl,
I have been reading thru this thread and seen that you have a sigma 150-500 for sale.I am currently looking for one of these.do you still have it.
don't know how to pm sorry.
 
absolutely spot on...and the framings help immensely
 
Hello I'm new here :wave:

I have just been browsing and I thought I would join so I could reply in this thread.

My tip would be "Don't forget the bugs" The insects over there can be just as amazing as the bigger stuff, at night time you can set up a light and get some close up action of the huge beetles and milliepedes etc.

During the actual safari I would ask your guide to let you know when its safe to get out and see dung beetles and other insects on the move around the jeep. :thumbs:
 
Urchin said:
Hello I'm new here :wave:

I have just been browsing and I thought I would join so I could reply in this thread.

My tip would be "Don't forget the bugs" The insects over there can be just as amazing as the bigger stuff, at night time you can set up a light and get some close up action of the huge beetles and milliepedes etc.

During the actual safari I would ask your guide to let you know when its safe to get out and see dung beetles and other insects on the move around the jeep. :thumbs:
Click to expand...

welcome

good tip...spiders in the trees are a bit of a frightener as well
 
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