Travelling Kit

Yvette Smith · 14 May 2017

I currently have a Canon 6d and a number of lenses, favorites are 24-105L and 70-200L f4. I was toying with upgrading to the 5div, or even 6dmk 2 when it arrives. Next year, I am going on a trip to see gorillas in the mist in Rwanda, then a safari in Tanzania, together with a balloon ride, finishing with a week in Zanzibar. Has anyone else done this sort of trip, and what kit advice would you give? I have tried the 5d iv / 70 200L f2 combination and found it a bit heavy. I have also tried the 100 400L f4 and quite liked that...

troutfisher · 14 May 2017

Have you thought about a 1.4 TC for the 70-200, it takes a TC quite well with very little IQ loss , gives you 280 at f5.6 retains AF and if you don't want weight the combo weighs a lot less than the 100-400.

Nawty · 14 May 2017

I did Kilimanjaro followed by the Serengeti and took a D700, 28-70 and 70-300VR and that was sufficient for my needs. Yes at times on safari you want a longer lens but that will always be the case no matter what you have.

You can see how 300mm on FF works in the Serengeti on my Flickr here https://www.flickr.com/photos/72341657@N02/albums/72157634845929635

jonoooo125 · 14 May 2017

Never done the trip but any excuse to buy new stuff is still an excuse. If I were going, I'd buy a 100-400 and see if the 6dii was available in time, if not, buy the 5div. Also, id probably buy a 16-35 or the 2 small primes like the 24/50. Welcome to the forum too

stickytape · 14 May 2017

Nawty said:
I did Kilimanjaro followed by the Serengeti and took a D700, 28-70 and 70-300VR and that was sufficient for my needs. Yes at times on safari you want a longer lens but that will always be the case no matter what you have.

You can see how 300mm on FF works in the Serengeti on my Flickr here https://www.flickr.com/photos/72341657@N02/albums/72157634845929635

Some fantastic natural shots there.

Andrew Smith · 14 May 2017

I've done safari in Tanzania and travelled across Zanzibar. If your 4x4 has a good driver then he can get you close to the action but you will still need a 300mm as a minimum. Pack a lot of mosquito repellent, upset stomach treatment and carry your own toilet paper and first aid kit at all times. PM me for details on Zanzibar - fab place.

Yvette Smith · 14 May 2017

troutfisher said:
Have you thought about a 1.4 TC for the 70-200, it takes a TC quite well with very little IQ loss , gives you 280 at f5.6 retains AF and if you don't want weight the combo weighs a lot less than the 100-400.

Yes, have the TC 1.4 mk2, (used) also considering an upgrade to the mk3 which gives af on the 5div as you say.

Yvette Smith · 15 May 2017

Andrew Smith said:
I've done safari in Tanzania and travelled across Zanzibar. If your 4x4 has a good driver then he can get you close to the action but you will still need a 300mm as a minimum. Pack a lot of mosquito repellent, upset stomach treatment and carry your own toilet paper and first aid kit at all times. PM me for details on Zanzibar - fab place.

Thanks for all that! Familiar with mozzies in Africa, and lack of loo paper in long drop loos in mountains whilst skiing! Not familiar with this site yet, so how do I pm someone?

^Joe · 15 May 2017

I did Masai Mara and Zanzibar.

I took the 6D with Sigma 150-600c - this was great. I also took a spare body for wider shots but this is not essential in my opinion.

Advice is not to change lenses when on game drives, get a good bag, use the hood to rest the lens on the head rests etc, and spend more time watching than shooting.

Andrew Smith · 15 May 2017

Yvette Smith said:
Thanks for all that! Familiar with mozzies in Africa, and lack of loo paper in long drop loos in mountains whilst skiing! Not familiar with this site yet, so how do I pm someone?

Click on their icon and select 'start conversation' - I have just sent you a message