POTN Great African Photo Safari IV 2011 - limited places available!

condyk wrote in post #12552666
I'm undecided on the tripod. Each time I take one and haven't regretted it but also true that usage is very infrequent ... maybe 2-3 times over a three week trip, at camp water-holes or for camp bird shooting. I hardly use it at home either TBH. I may sell the whole set up to pay for good lens hire.

Ah, Patrick, the wonderful Magnum. I had one over the weekend. I'm sure it'll be available in camp shops for us to scoff during the mid-day madness! Was it in Etosha we had them?

Has anyone considered the Puffin Pad?

http://www.amazon.com …89&ref=pd_sl_6e​c80s0ytl_e

I picked one up from another POTN member for a few bucks cheaper than on amazon, and so far I'm quite pleased with it. I used it a little bit to help stabilize myself even more than the built in IS (used between body and arm) at my recent burrowing owl shoot (see flickr link in siggie if you're interested in seeing the results), and it really was helpful.

It's not soft and squooshy like an empty pod, but it is small (about 7 inches long), and can be turned upside down in a camera bag to cushion a lens (although it won't fit in my backpack that way). And it's super lightweight (about 3 ounces).

Anyhow, just thought I'd mention it in case anyone is interested.

I'm so excited for you guys, and can't wait to hear all about the trip to Kruger.

That looks like a good alternative! I might have considered it if I didn't have already a "pod"

In other situations it migth be a good alternative but in a vehicle around lions I want something that is attached to the lens.

tommykjensen wrote in post #12592405
In other situations it migth be a good alternative but in a vehicle around lions I want something that is attached to the lens.

That does make sense Tommy. I presume you mean so that the entire thing can be pulled in quickly if need be? I can see where the Puffin might be awkward if a quick removal from the window is necessary.

No I was more thinking of the risk of dropping things out of the window.

tommykjensen wrote in post #12593163
No I was more thinking of the risk of dropping things out of the window.

oooooooooooooh.... I see. I think the way the Puffin is made, it should stay put pretty well. In any event, it was just a thought. I haven't used mine extensively, and haven't actually used it on the car window at all. I was actually thinking of getting the tether for it, but didn't want to spend the almost $10. Hey, I've got a safari to save up for (hopefully).

A few pieces of velcro should do the trick as a tether. Soft velco strap to velcro sewn into (or glued?) to the sides of the Puffin. A lot less than 10$.

JAZZ D.P.G. wrote in post #12594731
A few pieces of velcro should do the trick as a tether. Soft velco strap to velcro sewn into (or glued?) to the sides of the Puffin. A lot less than 10$.

Great idea. Now why didn't I think of that?

Thanks!!

Looks a decent item and would work pretty well, as good at least as a beanbag and nice and steady rather than squishy. It does mean more movements needed to mount a lens to the car window ready to shoot, two instead of one with the Pod. At the end of the day we all have preferences. That Puffin is another one to consider.

BTW, this week I confirm final vehicle and accommodation bookings ... we have just a month to go. Time has really flown for me but I have had lots of other things on my mind. Be great to get out to Kruger now and relax for a few weeks.

condyk wrote in post #12618726
Looks a decent item and would work pretty well, as good at least as a beanbag and nice and steady rather than squishy. It does mean more movements needed to mount a lens to the car window ready to shoot, two instead of one with the Pod. At the end of the day we all have preferences. That Puffin is another one to consider.

BTW, this week I confirm final vehicle and accommodation bookings ... we have just a month to go. Time has really flown for me but I have had lots of other things on my mind. Be great to get out to Kruger now and relax for a few weeks.

I'm so excited for you guys, and really wish I were going with you.

I may have come up with an idea for the Puffin. I may experiment with the Carry Speed Rapid Mounting Plate that's on my sling strap. It not only keeps my camera securely on the strap, it's got a tripod mount permanently attached. The big question is whether I could get one permanently affixed to the Puffin without it destroying the pad (hey, it's only styrofoam after all). The screw might be a little short. I wonder if crazy glue would work?

But enough about the Puffin Pad..... it was only a thought I wanted to share with you, since the subject of tripods, etc., came up.

I really think I'm as excited about your upcoming adventure, as if I were going to be there with y'all.

So? Who's packed?

Dave, Tommy and all the rest...

Have a fabulous time! I have been reliving our Africa adventure as I unpacked all my goodies and hung the photos that I took while I was there. I can't wait to see your photos from this year's adventure.

Cheers Becca ... might not take a camera this time so Bino's only for me. Don't mind too much. We can all live the experience afterwards through the images of the other posse members

All accommodation now been paid for. Minor scare as SANParks saying fault with card processing, but not what fault, while CC company saying no problems at all at their end and SANParks actually haven't been trying to take payment. Weird! Assume internet connection issues in ZA. Lots of too and fro phone calls, so a bit of a drag. Anyway, got notification come through today fine. Another day and we may have lost bookings.

Final payment is for vehicles on 26th. Getting real now eh!? A month from now and hopefully we'll be downing a South Africa beer in the garden listening to all the Weaver Birds chattering in the trees.

C A N ' T W A I T

Anne asked who's packed and it's a fair questions. At this time you may be tempted to take everything AND the kitchen sink. If you have any queries please ask so we can keep size and weight down. Makes for a simpler trip and we have more storage room for water, food shopping, and so on.

The accommodation at each stage has all the essentials like towels, soap and most are going to have plates, cooking stuff, knives and forks. We'll have hot showers and AC. So whole camping kit not needed.

Your photo gear could take lots of room so only bring the gear you will realistically use. IMO you ideally need a long prime lens and a smaller zoom, or just a long zoom, plus something like a walkaround zoom, 24-70 or similar. A wide angle if you want, tho' on 100s of game drives I've barely ever wanted to use a wide angle, and a fast prime is handy as light goes down or you want some portrait style shots. A macro if you like small things close up

We will have electricity most of the way through the trip so for a two body set up these days, with great battery life, I'd take 4 batteries. Cards depends how you shoot. Again, on a two body set up I'd take 3x 8GB, with one as spare the others you can download after every game drive. Tripod and suitable head for camp waterholes - on balance probably yes but by no means essential AT ALL. A beanbag IS essential.

Consider your camera bag. is it suitable to keep your essential gear with you in the 4x4 and to shoot from? Or will you just keep your gear on your knee or on the carpet or seat? We only have 3 people per vehicle so the latter is possible and easier. What we don't want is large bags filled with gear in the cabin taking everyone else's space.

Sandles, shorts and shirt is pretty standard clothing, or similar light and breathable. Nylon or tight clothes not advised Bright colours not useful, but not a big deal.

Our routine will be the same every day: up early, snack/drinks, game drive, back for brunch, snooze, laundry, camp and shooting chores, etc. Then another game drive in mid/late afternoon, back to camp, chores/whatever, dinner prep. Won't be needing smart clothes, shoes, etc. A pair of light walking boots may be handy if we go walking in bush. There are many thorns, there are scorpions and snakes, sharp stuff all over.

It's a great way to enjoy life: nice routine, great sights, good company and warm weather

Wuhuuu exactly 4 weeks now