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 02/03/2009 12:39:35 PM · #1
Hi everyone,

Canon South Africa ran a competition recently where the prize is an all expenses paid trip to a game reserve to learn to take proper wildlife photos under instruction of a professional. Well, I won and am going there next Wednesday 11 Feb 09.

I need your advise/opinion.

This is what I am taking with, what would you leave behind or suggest I take?

Canon 40D
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Canon Extender EF 1.4x
Tamron AF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical for Canon

Mono Pod.
Tripod
reflector
Cokin graduated gray filter
580EX flash
Remote switch


Any ideas?
 02/03/2009 12:50:04 PM · #2
I would only take one wide angle lens
I would take a back up body
I would take a long lens. 100-400mm
or at least a 2x to put on the 200.

Leave the tripod and monopod, take a bean/rice bag instead (and you can leave it behind for someone to eat)
I would leave the reflector I think... unless you are really brave I do not think you will be able to hold it up to the animals.

Take me. : )

edit add:
I would bring an external backup of some sort (maybe 2)
You are from there so you must know about the dust... bring a bandana or something to cover gear and a hurricane blower to get the dust of the lens and other cleaning gear for at night.

Message edited by author 2009-02-03 12:52:10.
 02/03/2009 12:50:10 PM · #3
Congrats! That is a wonderful prize.

I would leave:
Tamron AF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical for Canon - size covered, not very fast
reflector - unless its small and is easily packed amid other stuff

Take lots of memory cards, scotch tape, paper clips, a reporter notebook (tiny, for jotting notes in the field)

Good Luck, enjoy, and bring back lots of great pictures!
 02/03/2009 12:52:04 PM · #4
You need a Long lens. See if you can rent a 500mm f/4L IS or a 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS, you'll need the reach for wildlife. A bean bag is also a must when using a long lens like the 500mm f/4

Shots from my Kenya 2006 Safari, most were taken with the 500mm f/4L IS and the others with the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS
 02/03/2009 12:53:51 PM · #5
you may want to think about a 'better beamer' to get highlights in the eyes, balance high contrast light and often animals rest in the shade.

do watch in the african sun they can be set on fire : )
 02/03/2009 12:55:28 PM · #6
I'm on the longer lens bandwagon as well. I'm sure they will get you close but you will need some reach for the shots that they can't. Try renting a long prime!
 02/03/2009 01:10:20 PM · #7
Most of my shots from Kenya were with the 100-400. Only a few were taken with my wide angle lens.

Depending on where you go, you may not have use for the tripod/monopod. I only took my monopod and a beanbag. The monopod was only used a couple of times so may have been able to leave that behind.

Why not ask the photographer that is leading your trek for advice as well?
 02/03/2009 01:42:05 PM · #8
Wow, congratulations Jan!

For wildlife photography you want the longest, fastest, sharpest lens you can get your hands on... plus teleconverters for even more reach. A Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS on a Wimberley gimbal would be ideal. Throw in the 70-200mm for close encounters and you're all set. The wide angle, flash, and other stuff is for shooting people or scenery. You'll probably all of it at some point. Just remember, whatever you leave at home you will need almost immediately. :D

Have fun, and don't forget to write!

02/03/2009 01:53:42 PM · #9
Congratulations to you.
Could you please share with us the picture or a link which got you this prize.
Wish you the best of time in your trip.
 02/03/2009 02:03:42 PM · #10
Thank you for all the replies and well wishes.

I will see about renting a longer lens, it would be useful.

I've always wondered about the better beamer, will look to get one.

I am taking a bean bag, got a nice new one December. Also had second thoughts about the reflector.

I'll try to load some of the images to my flickr account and post a link to that.

I'll be sure to post some images when I get back.

Thanks again!
 02/03/2009 02:08:01 PM · #11
Hey, congratulations Jan, that is one awesome prize!
 02/03/2009 02:16:36 PM · #12
Check it out! THIS is where I am going.
 02/03/2009 02:18:50 PM · #13
almost forgot,
the MOST important thing I would bring is a power bar with SURGE PROTECTION
I am not sure in SA but in kenya a lot of the camps run on generators and they surge.
Equipment is easily fried without one... you do not want a battery charger to fry.
 02/03/2009 02:20:41 PM · #14
Thanks, I think the camp runs on electricity, but will confirm.
 02/03/2009 02:29:53 PM · #15
Congrats! Enjoy!
 02/03/2009 02:46:20 PM · #16
If you are going to a game reserve, 200mm will be more than plenty. I've been to Southern Africa 4 times and at the time, my longest lens was 150mm, and that was fine most of the time. Animals on reserves are so used to being around humans and cars that huge lenses (like the 400 or 500mm) will just add unnecessary weight to you bag!

Congrats and have fun!!
 02/03/2009 03:17:15 PM · #17
Originally posted by jan_vdw:
Thanks, I think the camp runs on electricity, but will confirm.


Yes, but is the electricity supplied via standard power lines or is it supplied by a generator? The camps aren't generally near any populated areas so probably have to generate their own electricity through the use of gas generators.

It's always good to have a surge protector anyway.

The game reserves in South Africa may be different than Kenya, but a lens of 400-500mm was necessary a lot of the time. There were only a couple of situations where we were too close for 500mm. It's up to you though. I'd rather have a lens available and not need it than wish I had it but chose not to bring it.

Congrats on winning this wonderful opportunity. I'm sure you'll enjoy every second.

Message edited by author 2009-02-03 15:17:46.
 02/03/2009 04:01:59 PM · #18
Originally posted by geinafets:
If you are going to a game reserve, 200mm will be more than plenty. I've been to Southern Africa 4 times and at the time, my longest lens was 150mm, and that was fine most of the time. Animals on reserves are so used to being around humans and cars that huge lenses (like the 400 or 500mm) will just add unnecessary weight to you bag!

I notice that most of the photos in your Africa gallery are of people or landscapes. Only a few are actually photos of wildlife. Of those few, none are true close-ups that provide a good look at the animal. Most are from too great a distance to show any details of the animal, and in wildlife photography, detail is paramount. In most of your photos, the animal is only a small part of the image. They're essentially landscape photos that include animals. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that--and many of your photos are wonderful, but most of them are not what I would consider true wildlife photos.
 02/03/2009 04:17:34 PM · #19
Jan, I am just thrilled for you! What a wonderful opportunity for a photo safari! I just can't wait to see your photos when you return! So, I'm staying tuned...and hope you will post.

Good Photo Hunting! ;-)

PS...I'm not a wildlife photog, but I'm told it's best not to wear RED...;-)
 02/03/2009 04:24:11 PM · #20
Originally posted by Mick:
Originally posted by geinafets:
If you are going to a game reserve, 200mm will be more than plenty. I've been to Southern Africa 4 times and at the time, my longest lens was 150mm, and that was fine most of the time. Animals on reserves are so used to being around humans and cars that huge lenses (like the 400 or 500mm) will just add unnecessary weight to you bag!

I notice that most of the photos in your Africa gallery are of people or landscapes. Only a few are actually photos of wildlife. Of those few, none are true close-ups that provide a good look at the animal. Most are from too great a distance to show any details of the animal, and in wildlife photography, detail is paramount. In most of your photos, the animal is only a small part of the image. They're essentially landscape photos that include animals. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that--and many of your photos are wonderful, but most of them are not what I would consider true wildlife photos.


The photos I have in my Africa gallery are mostly people because I showed the people ones at my school so I had those on hand when I was uploading that day. It's true that a lot of the animals you will see will be a decent distance away, but I can't think of a single animal that I didn't get within 10ft or less of. I went with only 2 lenses and a polarizer and rarely wished I had more. Of course I wasn't used to more at the time, but...

I'm not saying I'm right or anything like that. I just thought I'd throw my two cents out there because I've been there and to offer a differing opinion.
 02/03/2009 04:51:51 PM · #21
I've been to multiple game reserves In South Africa shooting wildlife, but first off CONGRATS! Thats incredible. I was going to say have a longer lens? but I saw the extender... you'll have more then enough. If You are going in like I did in a vehicle with lots of space, who cares how much you take, you dont need to carry it. Just leave it in the car. I used my 580EX II for night safari's, to be honest... I mean it was needed to get a shot,m but still... unless you really have all the time in the world (and as with many parks only the park official tours run at night, so you dont have the control.) Its incredibly difficult to get anything worth while. That being said, a friend of mine had his gear and got incredible Night shots of Lions with his flash.
I say leave behind the tamron and reflector (or put it at the bottom of the bag.)
Heres my tips from my experiance:

Sit in the middle of the vehicle when driving, Its tempting to sit pressed against a window, but if your in the middle looking out, you can quickly move to the left right front or back to get the shot if it moves fast. I got some Lepord and Lion shots this way.

Burst mode is handy to have on with the cats in case they run, bark (yes cheetahs bark), or something sponaneous. On your 40D You can set up 2 of your custom modes, one with high speed burst and another with out. the Burst mode setting should have AI servo AF enabled.

I would say leave on the long lens, but have the 17-85 handy. I left my 50-500 on, and Im So glad I had that reach, We had some great encounters with cheetah cubs, but there were a distance off from the path.

Depending on which park you're going to Dust can be a problem, but I've never seen it bad enough to have to cover up specially for it. Be sure and bring water, and a granola bar or something, You dont want to have to stop watching cause your hungry.

I'm sure you'll be prepared. AND I mean you'll be with a pro right? maybe you can borrow? haha Who is the Pro?

Feel free to ask me any questions about my experiences. You can see some of my shots at www.cboydrun.com Go under wildlife. :) and again, CONGRATS!
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