Need tips for Africa trip

Hi everybody, my aim was to go to Tanzania this summer; but there are a few matters. All I have is: Xti + tamron 17-50 2.8 with UV and CPL + EF-S 55-250IS 4-5.6 with UV + 2gb lexar pro 133x + 8gb a-data speedy + tripod + camera bag. Do I really need the battery grip, or a second battery will be ok? Do I need more space for storage? I'll take my 30GB Ipod with me and I have the tool to transfer pics from the camera to the ipod without a Pc, but it requires such a long time. Is the 55-250 long enough?? I can't afford the 100-400! I will probably sleep in a tent...how long before recharging the batteries? Will I be able to charge them everynight? Shall I buy a small and tiny tripod? Mine is quite big (even if low-weight) Any other tips and hints??

This is what one person is taking on the Africa trip this year. https://photography-on-the.net …hp?p=5427947&po​stcount=92

You can get a solar kit to charge your batteries, camera and ipod. I'm not sure how well they work though, I believe they are slow. Storage space is up to you. CF cards are cheap right now. I would take plenty of cards, back them up onto the ipod and then don't over write the cards. That way everything is backed up.

You might also look at this thread. There is lots of info in here but it could be a long read.

St1ll wrote in post #5487100
Hi everybody, my aim was to go to Tanzania this summer; but there are a few matters. All I have is: Xti + tamron 17-50 2.8 with UV and CPL + EF-S 55-250IS 4-5.6 with UV + 2gb lexar pro 133x + 8gb a-data speedy + tripod + camera bag. Do I really need the battery grip, or a second battery will be ok? Do I need more space for storage? I'll take my 30GB Ipod with me and I have the tool to transfer pics from the camera to the ipod without a Pc, but it requires such a long time. Is the 55-250 long enough?? I can't afford the 100-400! I will probably sleep in a tent...how long before recharging the batteries? Will I be able to charge them everynight? Shall I buy a small and tiny tripod? Mine is quite big (even if low-weight) Any other tips and hints??

A grip with a second battery is vital when you are travelling if only for the battery power..I'm getting around 1000 shots from my 350D/grip with two batteries installed..Put you batteries on charge as soon as you get into a hotel,,,don't forget an electricity adapter..The XTi is a tiny camera by DSLR standards and a grip will help balance with 55-250IS..

Your Tamron 17-50 F/2.8 and Canon 55-250IS is a good combination..If you are shooting wildlife 250mm might just be a tad short but not by too much..If storage is a problem get a 4GB or 8GB card and shoot Jpegs not in Raw..I'd leave the tripod at home and take a good monopod..

watch out for lions, they'll eat anything

sunblock/insect repellant, a good outfit, plenty of batteries and storage

Rent a lens from eBay...

So you didn't know eBay rents lenses, did you? Well, they don't really "rent" them. Buy a used 100-400mm lens on eBay and use PayPal Credit to pay for it.

When you get back from your trip, sell the lens and pay off the PayPal Credit. If you bought the lens for a decent price, you should not lose anything in selling it. I believe that PayPal Credit has a no payment-no interest for 90 days or six months (I forget which).

Either way, you will have the right lens for your once in a lifetime trip (it would be for me anyway) which will cost you a pittance - if it costs you anything at all.

Two other things to take with you to Africa.

1. A bean bag to support your long lens (which ever lens you are using). Buy a Safari Sack or fabricate a bean bag from the leg of an old pair of bluejeans. Carry it to Africa empty (to save luggage weight - just wrap it around your lens) and buy a couple of pounds of rice or beans to fill it with at your destination.

http://www.kgear.com/r​/R420.html

2. Something to keep your camera/lens clean from dust while shooting. Trash bags are O.K. but, a tacky way to go. A pair of OPTECH Rain Sleeves (they only sell them in pairs for some reason) costs under six bucks and would do a good job. You can shoot the camera while it is wearing the rain sleeve.

http://www.popphoto.co​m …ch-intros-rainsleeve.html

Insurance, insurance, insurance!!!!