Steve Stockhall's Photography Blog :: Choosing your Photographic kit
One of the most exciting parts of doing a safari in Africa is choosing your equipment. There is much to consider and in this blog, I have written up a list of essentials based on suggestions from our book – Wildlife Photography in Botswana – A Practical Guide.
Essential kit list:
-Camera: DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex), preferably with a minimum of 10 million pixels with a high frames per second burst rate
-Lenses:
Wide-angle: eg. 14mm f / 2.8
Standard: eg. 24mm – 70mm f 2.8
Telephoto zoom: eg. 100mm – 400mm f 4.5 – 5.6
-Beanbag
-Gitzo bulb blower, cleaning cloth and solutiom
-Spare battery and sufficient memory cards
-UV filters
-Camera manual
-10 x 42 binoculars
-Strong and sturdy camera rucksack
If you have the spare cash, then the following list will take you a step further:
-Spare DSLR body
-Dedicated macro lens
-70-200mm f2.8 lens
-500mm f/4 lens
-1.4 x extender (converter)
-Top mounted flash unit
-Lightweight sturdy tripod
-Remote switch, preferably wireless
-Memory bank / photoviewer
-Polarising and neutral density filters
Expert Tip #1 – If you are not ready to invest in the equipment just yet then try take a look at hiring some of it. This way you can test drive it before taking the plunge
Expert Tip #2 – Technology is moving rapidly and manufacturers release new models frequently. Shop around and find out release date so you can the latest and greatest just before you leave on safari.
Happy photographing!
Steve
http://www.eartharkbotswana.com
About Steve:
I was born in Zimbabwe and have lived in Botswana for just over 13 years. I have also lived in Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa, United Kingdom and Australia, but definitely call Botswana home. To live amongst the highest concentration of Elephants on Earth is an absolute privilege. I believe that living amongst them to mean that I have really lived life. Going on safari at some point is a must for all. There is much we have to learn as a species if we ourselves are to survive on this blue planet.
Posted Sep 16th 2011, 14:54