Africa 2008 Cameras, Bags, TCs, Storage

[anshu]

Hey Guys, So I’m taking a family trip for about 3 weeks to Southern Africa this summer and instead of making a bunch of little threads I would try and compile everything into this thread right here. Ok let’s jump in

I’m planning on upgrading my body, I was planning on doing it sometime this summer but this serves as a good enough reason. The 40D has been calling my name.

I don’t know if I should buy the body only or the kit with the 28-135. I currently own the 28-105. I’m pretty happy with it, but I think I could justify the extra 200 for the upgraded lens. So

1.40D Body alone and put the extra money somewhere else
2.40D kit and ditch the 28-105

Data Storage- I’m currently shooting with about 15gigs of flash memory but I know that won’t be enough for this 3 week trip. In past trips I have always taken my laptop with me, but I don’t know if that’s the best idea on this trip. Due to the crime problems etc, I also don’t know how much stuff I can carry.

1.Buy a data storage unit. Maybe something in the 100gb range.
2.Take the laptop because it should be safe

Camera Storage- I’m currently on a Tamarac Expedition 4 and really like it. It stores all my gear nicely; my only qualm is that I have to have my 70-200 on the body in order to close the bag. Also with a few new lenses the bag is getting pretty tight. Even further I’m thinking of taking my 350D along with a new 40D with me.
1.Get a new bag big enough for 2 bodies and all the lenses
2.Get a bag big enough for all the camera stuff and my laptop. Making a rather large bag but nice because it can hold everything!

Reach- From everything I’ve read about Safari shooting, it seems I need something with some length. I would assume I’m going to be using the 70-200. And I think I’m going to pick up the Kenko 1.4x TC. As much as I would love to pick up a 100-400, I just don’t think I can afford that right now.
1.Buy the 1.4 TC on Ebay
2.200mm is enough on the crop and live with it
3.Rent a 100-400 for the trip


I’m sure that I’m going to have many more questions but this is a start.
Thanks in Advance!
Anshu

[rdc640]

dont get 40d kit.

id get 40 and tamron 28-75 and 70-200 f4 IS and 10-22 if you can afford it for those STUNNING landscapes

[condyk]

Well you do need 400mm more often than not - that is a simple fact. 280mm with Tcon will get you good shots but you will miss a lot. If it was a choice between lens and body I would get the lens. Shame to waste the opportunity. As you have the 70-200mm already the best option is a 400mm 5.6 L. That is the combo I use, but with the 4.0 IS L. Take the laptop. Is great for viewing at evenings. The 28-135mm is a poor choice IMO and even more so on a crop body. Lenses like the tamron 17-50mm 2.8 and Sigma 17-70mm will be better in range and quality and price. Dunno which 28-105mm you have but the mk II 3.5-4.5 is very good. i think you could sell a number of your lenses and with the income and not buying the 40D you'd be in a better position to enjoy your safari's. i dunno about bags.

[Roadrunnr]

I went to Kenya/Tanzania Safari for 2 weeks.

I brought my tripod, laptop, all my lenses at the time and I had no problem with it at all (lenses that I had at the time: 17-85 IS, 24-70 f2.8L, 70-300mm DO IS). The hotels and lodges were all quite safe and secure - although I try not to leave a lot of things out in plain view, and I did use the safe when there was one for me to use.

One thing that I would HIGHLY recommend is to minimize changing lenses as much as possible... Africa is REALLY dusty!!! and the last thing you want is have dusts on your sensor! (I have the 20D and man, I had LOTS of sensor dust!). I would suggest that you bring sensor cleaner(s).

Have fun in Africa!

[Citizensmith]

dont get 40d kit.

id get 40 and tamron 28-75 and 70-200 f4 IS and 10-22 if you can afford it for those STUNNING landscapes

I haven't checked prices recently, but for several months after it came out, the 28-135 was selling on ebay for more than the kit price. A fair few people bought the kit and immediately turned round and sold the 28-135 effectively reducing the purchase price of the 40 for a small amount of effort.

[RPCrowe]

Ebay doesn't really rent lenses but, if you buy a 100-400mm "L" lens used on eBay for a good price you can usually sell it for the same price after you return home. Consider the eBay fees as a rental charge! If you sell it on another online outlet, you might not have to pay any fee and your "rental" will be free..

If you pay for the lens with eBay credit, you may have it sold and that credit line paid off before your first monthly payment is due.

Anyway, whether or not you have the 100-400mm lens with you, you will need a beanbag. A beanbag is the best support for your camera when shooting from a safari vehicle.

If you know a person with handy sewing skills, you can fabricate a beanbag out of the leg of an old pair of jeans or a piece of any heavy duty material. However, you can purchase a cmmercially made Safari Sack for about $30. carry the bag to Africa empty to save weight in your luggage and fill it with beans or rice on arrival in Africa.

[rdc640]

ye obvously the 100-400 is the "ultimate safari lens" BUT! expensive and resticted use afterwards.

200 on a 1.6crop and a 1.4 TC did me fine tbh

id love the 100-400 though, bit weary about the dust in such a dusty environment though!
i came home black bright everyday in the mara as i NEVER sat down. i was nearly always sat on or stood on the roof.

[anshu]

dont get 40d kit.

id get 40 and tamron 28-75 and 70-200 f4 IS and 10-22 if you can afford it for those STUNNING landscapes

I own the 70-200 2.8 IS So Im good there and have the Wigma. I think my 28-105 is going to have to suffice for the mid range.

Well you do need 400mm more often than not - that is a simple fact. 280mm with Tcon will get you good shots but you will miss a lot. If it was a choice between lens and body I would get the lens. Shame to waste the opportunity. As you have the 70-200mm already the best option is a 400mm 5.6 L. That is the combo I use, but with the 4.0 IS L.
Ok, I think your right on all the surveying I've been doing so I think I may be able to make the lens and the body work(just easing off eating and such!).
But If I was going to drop another 1000+ on a lens, I would think the 100-400 would be a better value to me as I could use it with a lot more frequency. Since they are both the same aperture at the 400mm, is there an argument besides for cost for the prime?

The 28-135mm is a poor choice IMO and even more so on a crop body. Lenses like the tamron 17-50mm 2.8 and Sigma 17-70mm will be better in range and quality and price. Dunno which 28-105mm you have but the mk II 3.5-4.5 is very good. i think you could sell a number of your lenses and with the income and not buying the 40D you'd be in a better position to enjoy your safari's. i bags.
I do really like my 28-105 but do agree that having a little more on the wide side would be nice, but my style of photography usually calls for alot more zooming in. For this trip and with the possible purchasing of the 400ishL I dont think I have the funds to replace it. Regarding selling of other lenses, I think I'm attempting to make a second kit that my family could use on a regular basis that I could steal the body if I needed a second body at some point.


One thing that I would HIGHLY recommend is to minimize changing lenses as much as possible... Africa is REALLY dusty!!! and the last thing you want is have dusts on your sensor! (I have the 20D and man, I had LOTS of sensor dust!). I would suggest that you bring sensor cleaner(s).

Have fun in Africa!
Thanks! I think I will definitly pick up a copperhill kit before I leave!
Of your lenses, what did you find yourself using mostly on safari(assuming the 70-300) and when not(assuming one of the walkarounds, if so which one and why)

Ebay doesn't really rent lenses but, if you buy a 100-400mm "L" lens used on eBay for a good price you can usually sell it for the same price after you return home. Consider the eBay fees as a rental charge! If you sell it on another online outlet, you might not have to pay any fee and your "rental" will be free..

If you pay for the lens with eBay credit, you may have it sold and that credit line paid off before your first monthly payment is due.

Anyway, whether or not you have the 100-400mm lens with you, you will need a beanbag. A beanbag is the best support for your camera when shooting from a safari vehicle.

If you know a person with handy sewing skills, you can fabricate a beanbag out of the leg of an old pair of jeans or a piece of any heavy duty material. However, you can purchase a cmmercially made Safari Sack for about $30. carry the bag to Africa empty to save weight in your luggage and fill it with beans or rice on arrival in Africa.

Right on. I could certainly do that but I think once I grab it, Imnot gonna let it go! but certainly an option if I dont like it.

I think I'm going to buy the safari sack. If I was to make one, rough how big should it be?


Thanks Everyone for your responses! I cant wait to go!

[Roadrunnr]

Thanks! I think I will definitly pick up a copperhill kit before I leave!
Of your lenses, what did you find yourself using mostly on safari(assuming the 70-300) and when not(assuming one of the walkarounds, if so which one and why)


I used the 17-85mm for lots of landscape and even taking photos of the animals - our guide usually takes us pretty close up to the animals!
I used the 70-300mm for lots of close up shots of the animals, and some far off distance landscape.
I used the 24-70mm when it's about dawn/dusk.

I would say that between the 17-85 and the 70-300, it was pretty much 50/50! would only use the 24-70mm in place of the 17-85mm when there wasn't much light.

I really wish I had a faster zoom lens at the time (which you have in the 70-200 2.8 IS), because the Big Fives are most active near dawn and dusk.... they are pretty lazy during the day (the heat and all).

Which tour group are you going with?

[anshu]

I used the 17-85mm for lots of landscape and even taking photos of the animals - our guide usually takes us pretty close up to the animals!
I used the 70-300mm for lots of close up shots of the animals, and some far off distance landscape.
I used the 24-70mm when it's about dawn/dusk.

I would say that between the 17-85 and the 70-300, it was pretty much 50/50! would only use the 24-70mm in place of the 17-85mm when there wasn't much light.

I really wish I had a faster zoom lens at the time (which you have in the 70-200 2.8 IS), because the Big Fives are most active near dawn and dusk.... they are pretty lazy during the day (the heat and all).

Which tour group are you going with?

Interesting.....

Would you say you were using the 17-85 more because of its reach on the wide side or the long side, or just the fact it had more range.
My only concern is the 28 isnt that wide on a crop at all, and sorta hate to slap on the 10-20 unless I'm shooting a landscape or something along those lines.
However! there is no room in the budget for another lens along those lines. Unless I win the lottery!

I think were going with a group called Intrepid. Who did you venture with?

Any shooting or gear tips or tips at all for that matter?

Thanks!

[Roadrunnr]

well in all honesty it was very much a 50/50 split.... I had the 17-85mm as I start off the day, and would use it primarily for the range. if the animals were too far, I then would switch to the 70-300mm.... even if the animal were close, I would use the 70-300mm to get a tighter shot of the animals. Would had been perfect if i just had another camera body with me (would save me the time I use to switch lens and avoid introduction of sensor dusts!).

The way I shot is I would use the 17-85mm to take a wide shot of the animal(s) in their surrounding, and gradually zoom in... switch lens to the 70-300mm.... and then switch back.... it was time consuming and I did take A LOT of photos! (over 4000 in 2 weeks).

The tour group I went with was "Rhino Safari" in Kenya, and "Kudo Safari" in Tanzania (it's the same company but named differently between the two countries). I got the package though SkyAuction, and it was the similar package to this one:

http://www.skyauction.com/action/offer/1395425

Our package was 14 days, and this package is 15 days (Samburu being the one place that we didn't go to.. which is where a couple saw the hard to find Leopard! .. The Leopard was the only Big Five that we didn't see on our trip :().

Seriously, my shooting tip would be to buy a used 2nd body, or rent one for your trip! again, my major problem was sensor dusts! (try going through 4000+ photos to find those buggers so that you can Lightroom/Aperture/Photoshop them out! it's a PITA!)

Oh, get yourself a circular polarizer if you haven't already! :-)

[gembobs]

I don't know exactly where you are going in southern Africa, but if you go to Botswana, you are not allowed to drive off the roads (national park rules - they do park at the side of the tracks if looking at an animal, but the guides will not drive you closer to an animal if it is a way off the track) so a decent length zoom will be handy. I have been to Botswana twice, and found my old 75 - 300mm fine most of the time (used on an EOS 300v). I kept the lens on most of the time, however there were times where it was too long, so I switched back to the 28 - 90mm kit lens (we saw lions right next to the track).

There are a few considerations to think about re taking the laptop - where are you going, will there be a good supply of electricity (eg mains or a decent generator) to allow to charge it up, can you get it within the weight restrictions? (flights on small planes tend to only allow 15kg - 20kg max (I think)). The safety aspects vary from one location to the next - like everywhere really. Though whichever route you decide to go down you will need plenty of space - I took 360+ shots on film plus a further 250 shots on a digital point and shoot in 8 days, and I know I definately take more shots now I have switched to a 40D.

Bags, I can't really help you with - they are a personal choice at the end of the day, but I have an orion trekker, and it just fits in the over head lockers in air botswana flights (prop planes that seat about 50 - 100 people)

Personally I use a monopod (with tilting head) as this is ideal for using in the trucks - the ones I have been in have been converted pick ups - where there is a stadium type seats on the back, so nowhere really to rest a bean bag (though handy to have just incase!) I never used my tripod out there - there wasn't the room in the trucks.

I don't know if this will help you, but I go to Botswana every 12 / 18 months or so, and am currently in the process of upgrading my camera gear in the coming 12 months; I am planning on getting a 70 - 200mm f4 L IS, a 300mm F4 L IS, a 1.4x tc. I have the 17 - 85mm F4.5 IS kit lens too.

I hope this helps you, though it may just confuse you more! I hope you have a fantastic time out there!

[anshu]

well in all honesty it was very much a 50/50 split.... I had the 17-85mm as I start off the day, and would use it primarily for the range. if the animals were too far, I then would switch to the 70-300mm.... even if the animal were close, I would use the 70-300mm to get a tighter shot of the animals. Would had been perfect if i just had another camera body with me (would save me the time I use to switch lens and avoid introduction of sensor dusts!).

The way I shot is I would use the 17-85mm to take a wide shot of the animal(s) in their surrounding, and gradually zoom in... switch lens to the 70-300mm.... and then switch back.... it was time consuming and I did take A LOT of photos! (over 4000 in 2 weeks).

The tour group I went with was "Rhino Safari" in Kenya, and "Kudo Safari" in Tanzania (it's the same company but named differently between the two countries). I got the package though SkyAuction, and it was the similar package to this one:

http://www.skyauction.com/action/offer/1395425

Our package was 14 days, and this package is 15 days (Samburu being the one place that we didn't go to.. which is where a couple saw the hard to find Leopard! .. The Leopard was the only Big Five that we didn't see on our trip :().

Seriously, my shooting tip would be to buy a used 2nd body, or rent one for your trip! again, my major problem was sensor dusts! (try going through 4000+ photos to find those buggers so that you can Lightroom/Aperture/Photoshop them out! it's a PITA!)

Oh, get yourself a circular polarizer if you haven't already! :-)

Right on, sounds good. Ill try and share more details of the trip as I get them.

I just pulled the trigger on the 40D. I asked my sister if she wanted to be a 2nd shooter otherwise I'll just do it myself!

Also ordered a copperhill kit today so hurrrah! getting ready

Thanks

I don't know exactly where you are going in southern Africa, but if you go to Botswana, you are not allowed to drive off the roads (national park rules - they do park at the side of the tracks if looking at an animal, but the guides will not drive you closer to an animal if it is a way off the track) so a decent length zoom will be handy. I have been to Botswana twice, and found my old 75 - 300mm fine most of the time (used on an EOS 300v). I kept the lens on most of the time, however there were times where it was too long, so I switched back to the 28 - 90mm kit lens (we saw lions right next to the track).

There are a few considerations to think about re taking the laptop - where are you going, will there be a good supply of electricity (eg mains or a decent generator) to allow to charge it up, can you get it within the weight restrictions? (flights on small planes tend to only allow 15kg - 20kg max (I think)). The safety aspects vary from one location to the next - like everywhere really. Though whichever route you decide to go down you will need plenty of space - I took 360+ shots on film plus a further 250 shots on a digital point and shoot in 8 days, and I know I definately take more shots now I have switched to a 40D.

Bags, I can't really help you with - they are a personal choice at the end of the day, but I have an orion trekker, and it just fits in the over head lockers in air botswana flights (prop planes that seat about 50 - 100 people)

Personally I use a monopod (with tilting head) as this is ideal for using in the trucks - the ones I have been in have been converted pick ups - where there is a stadium type seats on the back, so nowhere really to rest a bean bag (though handy to have just incase!) I never used my tripod out there - there wasn't the room in the trucks.

I don't know if this will help you, but I go to Botswana every 12 / 18 months or so, and am currently in the process of upgrading my camera gear in the coming 12 months; I am planning on getting a 70 - 200mm f4 L IS, a 300mm F4 L IS, a 1.4x tc. I have the 17 - 85mm F4.5 IS kit lens too.

I hope this helps you, though it may just confuse you more! I hope you have a fantastic time out there!

Ill do my best to find out more about inter continent travel regulations etc so I know what I can carry.
Ill think about a mono pod seeing as I hadn't planned on one and I know a decent setup wouldn't be too cheap
I think my new lens setup of the 100-400 should cover me for everything

This trip is starting to cost way to much! Oh the hobby....

[gembobs]

I just have a cheap monopod (I paid about £20 for a Jessops own brand here in the UK) and that works fine as it is never fully extended. Truth be told, fully extended it isn't the strongest, but I only use it when I go on safari.

This link shows a picture of the truck we used in Moremi in September 07, I have only used these style of trucks in both Chobe and Mokolodi, and have never seen any other style of safari truck in the three parks. (ok, so it isn't really of the truck itself, more the only photo I have with the truck in it - but it will give you an idea of what I mean)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2441181310_428fae131d_b.jpg

Just remember a trip of a lifetime isn't supposed to be cheap - otherwise it wouldn't be a trip of a lifetime! Plus once you have the gear you never need buy it again! (and that makes future trips seem cheaper - trust me! ;-p)

[anshu]

Oh, get yourself a circular polarizer if you haven't already! :-)

Really? I don't have one and they arent cheap for 77mm. but do you think its a must have?
Cheers

[anshu]

I just have a cheap monopod (I paid about £20 for a Jessops own brand here in the UK) and that works fine as it is never fully extended. Truth be told, fully extended it isn't the strongest, but I only use it when I go on safari.

This link shows a picture of the truck we used in Moremi in September 07, I have only used these style of trucks in both Chobe and Mokolodi, and have never seen any other style of safari truck in the three parks. (ok, so it isn't really of the truck itself, more the only photo I have with the truck in it - but it will give you an idea of what I mean)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2441181310_428fae131d_b.jpg

Just remember a trip of a lifetime isn't supposed to be cheap - otherwise it wouldn't be a trip of a lifetime! Plus once you have the gear you never need buy it again! (and that makes future trips seem cheaper - trust me! ;-p)

Interesting! If I can grab a cheapie there maybe I'll do that, will have to see how the funds are playing out!

Any other thoughts on the 100-400 vs the 400?

[condyk]

Really? I don't have one and they arent cheap for 77mm. but do you think its a must have?


Nope ... I;'ve always had one but never used it. A set of Lee filters or Hitech are useful for landscape, but also pricey and not essential either.

Interesting! If I can grab a cheapie there maybe I'll do that, will have to see how the funds are playing out! Any other thoughts on the 100-400 vs the 400?

The truck gembobs shows is pretty typical give or take. You can see your seat placement is important if you want to take shots. Sit up front or on the side in the middle. Back can get bouncy! A monopod, £30-60, will be useful unless you take an IS lens, in which case don't bother unless you want the extra support. Can be tiring hold a lens. On a single body take the zoom. On a two body set up take the 400mm IMO.

[Roadrunnr]

Really? I don't have one and they arent cheap for 77mm. but do you think its a must have?
Cheers

If you have time, you can order from hvstar.com, they have filters for a good price. If you don't have the time, then just get it from your local store. The Circular Polarizer is really useful to make your photos stand out on a bright clear day. :)

For me, I bought it as soon as I got my camera cause I just love using it in my landscape photos.

[anshu]

Nope ... I;'ve always had one but never used it. A set of Lee filters or Hitech are useful for landscape, but also pricey and not essential either.



The truck gembobs shows is pretty typical give or take. You can see your seat placement is important if you want to take shots. Sit up front or on the side in the middle. Back can get bouncy! A monopod, £30-60, will be useful unless you take an IS lens, in which case don't bother unless you want the extra support. Can be tiring hold a lens. On a single body take the zoom. On a two body set up take the 400mm IMO.

Ok, so maybe a cheapo monopod!

I just don't know what the benefit of the prime is, since they are both 5.6. I know cost is out there, but for the long term use of the lens I think the zoom would be more usable, is there any reason I'm skipping?

If you have time, you can order from hvstar.com, they have filters for a good price. If you don't have the time, then just get it from your local store. The Circular Polarizer is really useful to make your photos stand out on a bright clear day. :)

For me, I bought it as soon as I got my camera cause I just love using it in my landscape photos.

I could always grab one from there I'm just wondering about the justification of buying one!

Thanks!

[anshu]

Going to revive this guy once more. Since Im going on one of these tours things, do you guys think I should carry my laptop in my camera bag or is it ok to have a laptop bag and a camera bag and keep it all separate?
I have a couple bags in mind, but once you need a laptop sleeve the choices are much much less

[condyk]

I just don't know what the benefit of the prime is, since they are both 5.6. I know cost is out there, but for the long term use of the lens I think the zoom would be more usable, is there any reason I'm skipping?

The prime usually has better IQ and better AF, but the downside is what makes the 1-4 attractive: no IS and no zoom. Pick what will work bnest for you.

Going to revive this guy once more. Since Im going on one of these tours things, do you guys think I should carry my laptop in my camera bag or is it ok to have a laptop bag and a camera bag and keep it all separate?
I have a couple bags in mind, but once you need a laptop sleeve the choices are much much less

I like to keep everything together and also I pack carefully so everything has a place. On a trip it is easy to lose things and you notice easier if something is missing. A single bag is usually also easier to handle.

[Kerrits]

I havent read the whole thing, but if you are landing at OR Tambo international Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa) you absolutely MUST take your camera on the plane as hand luggage if you ever want to see it again. That goes for any other electronics as well. I would say that electronics being stolen after is has been checked in the the norm rather than the exception.
If you have common sense and dont leave your stuff on a restaurant table unattended while you visit the bathroom, and dont have stuff on the car seats while driving you will be fine.

[anshu]

The prime usually has better IQ and better AF, but the downside is what makes the 1-4 attractive: no IS and no zoom. Pick what will work bnest for you.

Thanks mate I think I'm gonna go with the zoom

I like to keep everything together and also I pack carefully so everything has a place. On a trip it is easy to lose things and you notice easier if something is missing. A single bag is usually also easier to handle.

I suppose this is true....

I havent read the whole thing, but if you are landing at OR Tambo international Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa) you absolutely MUST take your camera on the plane as hand luggage if you ever want to see it again. That goes for any other electronics as well. I would say that electronics being stolen after is has been checked in the the norm rather than the exception.
If you have common sense and dont leave your stuff on a restaurant table unattended while you visit the bathroom, and dont have stuff on the car seats while driving you will be fine.

I will definitly be checking my stuff on, and I'm pretty weary about my stuff

Looks like a laptop bag it is.
Cheers

[Roadrunnr]

I carry my laptop and all my camera gear in one backpack and that is my main carry on luggage.. I would NEVER check it in. As for when I am checked in at a hotel and going out, I leave my laptop in the hotel room locked up, and my camera gear with me where ever I go.

[anshu]

What bag are you on.
Im deciding between a computrekker(plus I guess) and vertex 200, or maybe another expedition series....

I carry my laptop and all my camera gear in one backpack and that is my main carry on luggage.. I would NEVER check it in. As for when I am checked in at a hotel and going out, I leave my laptop in the hotel room locked up, and my camera gear with me where ever I go.

[Roadrunnr]

I have the Computrekker AW actually :)