What's In My bag? Africa 2024 (cameras, lenses, accessories, computers, clothing, - it's ALL here!)
It's time for a NEW "What's In My Bag, Africa Edition!" Video!
This is a new version for 2024, so you can see what I currently bring to Africa -and why! We'll talk cameras, lenses, accessories, computers, backup, and even clothing choices! I also include some alternative ideas for cameras and gear for a more budget-friendly approach to an African Safari. This is a must-view before your next Africa trip! (Heck, this kit works really well just about anywhere!)
Below are links for the products mentioned in the video. Note that these are affiliate links and I get paid a small commission when you make a purchase after clicking the link. Thank you for your support.
Gura Gear 30L+
guragear.com/products/kiboko-...
10% Off Code: bcg10
Nikon Z9:
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Nikon Z8:
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Nikon 24-120:
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Nikon 100-400:
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Nikon 600TC
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Alternatives:
Nikon 180-600:
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Nikon 600PF:
bhpho.to/49WQMLU
Sony 200-600:
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Canon 100-500:
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Batteries
Z8 Battery:
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Z9 Battery:
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Binoculars (CL 8x25)
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Lens Wipes:
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Microfiber cloth:
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Lens Pen With Brush:
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Rocket Blower:
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Sensor Swabs:
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Visible Dust Smear Away Solution:
bhpho.to/3U81OYS
Delkin Black Memory Cards (325GB):
bhpho.to/4b7wU9Z
3rd party lens body / rear lens caps:
Nikon: amzn.to/44evCHQ
Sony: amzn.to/4aTRgUn
Canon: amzn.to/4d9D7E5.
4TB Samsung T7 SSD (backup drives):
bhpho.to/3xNzJ1E
Apple AirTag:
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OFF! Wipes:
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Permethrin Spray for clothing:
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(Note, this is VERY harmful to cats when wet - make sure your clothes are thoroughly dry and use outside only)
Laptop Bag & Accessories:
GuraGear Chobe 16 Laptop Bag:
guragear.com/products/chobe-1...
10% Off Code: bcg10
Apple 16" MacBook Pro (I have an M2, the new ones are the M3 - I have a 4TB SSD and 64GB RAM)
bhpho.to/3WglA7m
Delkin CF Express Card Reader:
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JBL 660NC Noise Cancelling Headphones
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Amazon Kindle:
amzn.to/49UAFP9
I forgot to mention tripods, monopods and beanbags. I don't tend to take tripods or monopods to these locations since we're shooting from the vehicle. I might consider a monopod of like on a boat or something, but even then usually not. Most of the time if I'm going to use anything it'll be a beanbag (and you can usually take them empty and have your safari company fill them for you). Still, most of the time I don't use much of anything - I just rest the lens on the edge of the window sill or handhold.
I made a simple item i learned from a magazine. It’s a chain about 6 feet long with a screw on one end attached in the bottom of the camera body into tripod mount. Let the chain unravel & step on chain. When entering tall buildings in Manhattan, tripods & monopods are considered possible weapons.
@@lescobrandon3047 That's a cool idea, although I'm not sure how helpful it would be in a safari truck. You're usually either sitting or, if you are standing, there is a nice place to set the lens on the roof.
@@backcountrygallery - Oh yeah. My mistake. 🙃
I had the Sony 200-600mm 5.6-6.3 G Lens, it is just too big and heavy and it have IBIS issues with the Soony A7R-series Cameras, so I sold it and now I have the excellent Sigma 500mm 5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens which is very compact and light weight, I can go hiking with for several hours just carrying it in my hands without problems. I also have the Sony 135mm 1.8 GM Lens whish have so good resulution that I have several times used it as a 300+mm Lens cropping from 61 megapixels, so me gear would be to Sony A7RIV Cameras with Zeiss Loxia distagon 21mm 2.8 T*, Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar. 35mm 2.8 T* ZA, Sony 135mm 1.8 GM and Sigma 500mm 5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens, the latter gives 750mm in APSC mode with 26 megapixels, a nice compact and light weight gear set which only acuires a small camera backpack.
You are a little bit wrong, we are curious about what is in the bag, but we come for the pictures. Fantastic images as always. Loved the environment ones the most.
My best advice to anyone going on safari in Africa is not to obsess over gear and take the time to relax and soak up the incredible environment and experience that Africa offers.
Great advice :)
There's a big difference between going on safari to Africa to relax and going there to photograph primarilly. Steve is a top professional photographer, that's why the gear post is so relevant.
@@JohanJoosteMusiek I'm not sure why you can't go on a photo safari and relax at the same time. Johan, I'm not suggesting gear isn't important. I am suggesting that people take a breath and absorb all aspects of the African safari experience. It is absolutely incredible. I've been with people on safari who so obsess over photography gear and getting THE shot that they lose perspective and go home unhappy and disappointed.
@@peterderrington8985 My answer might be that I live in Africa and I'm used to the environment and atmosphere, so when I go to photograph in parks, etc, I mostly concentrate on getting my shots and yes, gear is important. At the same time I will also take in the moment if I can.
“It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.” Those are the exact words of what I call the “golf umbrella principle”. In 40 years of golfing I’ve needed an umbrella maybe once or twice and was glad to have it. That principle can apply to countless other situations in life, and not just umbrellas!
I'm still on the old F-Mount with a D500 and D850, for my wildlife trips I always use my 70-200mm on the D850 and 200-500mm on the D500, I live in South Africa and find this to be a deadly combo for wildlife
Nice video once again. I just got back Thursday from 16 days in Amboseli, Tarangire, Southern & Central Serengeti. It was nice to get back once again. 2 Think Tank bags, 2 Z9's 1 Z8, 14-24, 24-70, 70-200 and 400 TC., all 2.8's. I also added 1.4 & 2x TC's, a beanbag with a bullhead/gimbal plate and a Benro Gimbal.
Before watching the full video, let me tell you that this is a very sought after information that I would enjoy and love to note your gears in the bag😊❤❤❤
Thanks for sharing Steve. I also switched from Sony to Nikon. I'm loving the Nikon Z8 with the Nikkor Z 180-600mm lens. Nikon's Z line is really fantastic - I'm impressed.
Thanks Steve. Very useful information
Great video Steve! Thanks for the info. Looks like an amazing trip.
Great info Steve. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Steve! It is always fun and joy to watch your videos
Have fun. Look forward to many amazing images.
Excellent video Steve! I appreciate all this info! :)
Fantastic video, Steve!
Thanks Steve enjoy your trip 👍🏻
Can't wait to see your wonderful photos from Africa. Enjoy your journey.
Awesome video Steve - thanks - headed to Africa in Feb
Steve your 3 lens quiver is the exact setup I use 99% of the time, though I can't believe you are not using the Zemlin Hood/Cap on your 600/4TC its a must have
Great advice❤❤❤❤
Fantastic information, thanks for sharing this as I was actually wondering about what should be the lens combo for Safari trips
Hi Steve, this helpful video comes at the right time as I will be going to South Africa (Kruger Park etc..) in July. Enjoy your trip!
Thank you very much, Steve! This is both extremely helpful and timely information for me!
thanks for the run-down. i use fstop gear bags myself. love em.
Another great video and it’s one part of the world I haven’t got to yet! But I can’t wait to do some trips out there
When I went to Costa Rica last December I took my 400 2.8 tc, Left the hard nikon lens hood home and used a softhood from Rolanpro and lens cap from Zemlin Photo. It worked fantastic! Thank you for the video!
Just amazing advice... I am planning a trip myself next year... And there are so many things I would have missed being a total noob (it being my first Safari)...
Excellent video as usual Steve! Probably won't get to Africa, but my Bride and I are driving across the US soon, and this is a good list! It actually confirms everything on my list and adds one that I didn't have, small binoculars! And of course, since we're driving, I'll have tripods and monopods as well! Good job on this video! Hope your trip was a smashing success! Looking forward to seeing some pics and videos soon!
Love your videos
My 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 (on crop is more like 150-600mm) along with my 16-55mm on my Fujifilm X-T5 would be absolutely perfect for such a trip. That’s usually what I take as is on my hikes. Good to know everything you normally take is exactly what I would take. Great video as always.
Enjoy you trip and have fun. For sensor cleaning on travel I have my gel stick for cleaning. Much more easy to handle in the field than the wet procedure.
I've tried those but have heard mixed reviews on them so I stick with wet cleaning. I'm pretty quick with it anymore so it's not a biggie.
So many 'Africa' videos show people taking insane amounts of gear. Part of the fun of going is the planning we do ahead of time and hand wringing about what to leave behind. Too much gear really spoils a trip just as much as leaving something critical behind. This video helped me a lot (especially the tip on bug wipes versus spray!). Heading to Kenya/Tanzania this Fall. Thanks!
Great Video and information, as an Africa who is fortunate to travel often to all the major parks, I would add that for telephoto the 180-600/200-600 lenses are great and cover very big part of the photographers needs add a 70-180 f2.8 and a 24-70f4 and you covered for light and flexible. Low light is the challenge at the long end. I use the 400 f4.5 and in most of the locations especially is SA and Botswana is sufficient plus add a 1.4 and you are covered. In a self drive car with others the big primes become a challange but if you are in an open car with lots of space it is an amazing tool.
No plans for a safari (yet! 🤠) but this is super informative and helpful for ANY trip 👏🏻 I was looking out for lions in the background 🦁
Thanks for sharing your safari bag with us. What do you think about adding a jeweler's screwdriver set, a small flash light, and a power plug adapter?
I use my 32L gura gear bag I have had for almost 10 years - I put both the 400/2.8TC AND 600/4.0TC plus 2 Z9 in mine and put shorter lenses and a 3rd body in my check in for my last trip to Kenya. It is a shame that Gura Gear no longer make a 32L, which is long-enough to fit a 600/4 TC, whereas the 30L is not long enough. I also use a collapsible luggage trolly when in the airport for this very heavy bag.
The pic @16:40 is INCREDIBLE! I'll always watch your vids even though the gear is totally disconnected to my photography because you slip in gems like that
Thanks so much!
Thanks for sharing! We are going to Kenya and Tanzania in July and I’m SUPER excited! For bug repellant, I’m bringing a spray that contains Picaridin (per the Travel Clinic’s recommendation) and as well as a spray you apply to your clothes (before the trip) that lasts for more than a month, even after doing laundry. I’m also renting a 2nd camera body as I agree with your reasoning.
Great video. In general, a big lesson for me was to bring gear that I’d had time to practice with. Top end gear means nothing if you haven’t had the time to incorporate it into your flow. Figuring out how to hold something if you need to quickly manual focus, or support a lens with some extra heft so your arms don’t get fatigued, are the kinds of things you don’t want to figure out in the moment.
Speed is critical - workshop participants miss shots all the time because they take too long messing with their gear (despite my advice and my efforts to help).
Trying to decide after watching this if I still like you . . . probably, but that gear and location make it hard. 😁 I've not made it to Africa and am not likely to, but watching videos like this let me share vicariously in the adventure and beauty. Also some handy information being passed along outdoor shooting generally -- thanks for all of that! Plus all the talk about weight limits made me giggle a little as I remember jumping out of airplanes with 150 or so pounds attached, sort of a mid-flight load lightening. Probably not viable on safari. Love the information, love the enthusiasm.
After being a Nikon user for many years, I took the decision to move to OM Sytems Micro 4/3rds. The main reasons were advancing years and weight. I can now get 2 OM-1s and the 150-400 f4.5 lens together with the 40-150 f2.8 which gives me plenty of options for wildlife in SA and other parts of the world. I still watch your videos Steve. Just because I changed systems doesn’t mean your videos are less valuable.
Good video. Very similar kit to what I take with me, your kit is even more compact.I haven't had any weight/size issues however. The small binoculars was a good idea. My wife takes big binos with her (she doesn't take pics), I have been leaving my big ones home...Might have to think about getting these small ones....more money!
They are painfully pricy, but I kind of feel like they are a one-time purchase.
Thanks Steve. If you want mega wildlife, you should head to our Top End in Australia - also known as the Northern Territory or NT. Many thousands of crocodiles can't be wrong! Best area is Kakadu National Park. Also Lichfield National Park. And the best spot? Fogg Dam!! Loads of water pythons (usually devouring our only native rat); dragonflies ... and millions of birds. Cheers.
Wish you safe and happy trip..If am going to africa it will be mainly D780 and 7500 lense 200-500, 24-120, may be 85 1.8 thats it.
On safari my main lenses are usually the 70-200 F2.8 and 400 F2.8 - although I took a 300 F2.8 and 600 F4 on my most recent safari and those worked as well. I do like having F2.8 for shooting at dawn and dusk and to get those creamy backgrounds. I do also take a monopod, not for support, but to drop the 70-200 out of the vehicle to near ground level to get really low angle shots using a remote when the situation allows
Interesting about putting the 70-200mm on a monopod out of the vehicle. I've never thought about that
I went to Botswana last year with my D850/D6. Though my older 600mm f4 G is heavy, I did use it extensively and so glad I made the effort to lug it. Met a wonderful guy there from the UK who I was happy to show the “Perry-Lightroom-Library-module-three-backup-in-the-field-technique” (he subsequently bought it too) to manage the daily shoot/download/reformat process. Now I have a Z8/100-400 which will go with me back to Africa next year. Though I have a 500mm PF, I didn’t take it but if I didn’t have my older 600mm f4 (still brilliant), it wouldve definitely gone with me…and been easier to lug around…but if it was easy then everyone would do it, ha. Great updated video, Steve. Thanks, as always.
Hi, am going for Kruger self drive safari with a friend next year. I have the 500mm f4 , 600mm f4G, 300mm f2.8. I will have my Z9 and 400mm 4.5. I will also have a Z7ii and a D850. Do you recommend taking the 600mm f4?
I also have a D500 but not sure if I should take it
@@khusroalam3248 Nice collection of great glass. Decisions, decisions. If you live in South Africa and don’t need to fly there, I could understand throwing all your gear in your car. Otherwise, I’d trim your kit down quite a bit as it’ll be both bulky and heavy, let alone a bit redundant. You don’t say whether you have any other lenses (zooms such as a 70-200 f2.8) but if possible, I’d favour taking such a lens with maybe your 600 f4 mated to the Z9 and a zoom to the other body (toss up between the Z7ii and D850 unless you don’t have two FTZ converters). For me last year in Botswana, I had the 600 f4 mostly on the D6 and my 70-200 f2.8 mostly on my D850 (I did use the 600 on the D850 quite a bit too). I also had my old 24-120mm f4 and that was it. Like Steve, once you have two bodies, I feel the premium is on the lens choice that’ll give you the most flexibility.
@@khusroalam3248 I live in SA and go to KNP at least 2x per year for longer trips. over many years i have learned the following. The less options you have the more time you take to shoot great pictures. Take two bodies, and travel light, Z9 with the 400 f4.5 and a TC 1.4 and a 70-200f2.8 on the second body. then take a wide 24-70f4 for around camp and landscapes. The key is you are stuck in a car all day and handling big heavy lenses your fellow travellers duck and dive and shooting on both sides of the car often makes handling an issue. I have used my 300 f2.8 with 1.4 and 2.0 for many years as my only telephoto lens with stunning results. The big birds like vultures and eagles are great if you have 500 mm reach you will capture great images. The 70-200 f2.8 is great when you go on a night drive and need a fast lens. This is where the 300 f2.8 is a winner. But the 400 f4.5 will do the job very well. I have now used mine in Kruger, Botswana and Etosha in Namibia and the lens is a winner. The great thing is that this combination is light, fast and a pleasure to use in a car. Carry less shoot more. Have fun. Kruger is fantastic especially if you can go north where there is less traffic. I took a couple from Fr on a trip and they shot with 2 x D500's with a 300 f4 pf and sometimes added a 1.4 TC and a 70-200 f2.8 and also used a 1.4 TC on the lens. The crop factor obviously helped with the FOW, the 300 f4 with TC gave them FOW of 630 f5.6 and they shot some amazing images of the big birds. The Z9 give you the DX mode if you need reach on the 400 f4.5 add the 1.4 and you have 840 f6.3 mm FOW.
Great gear info. Think a monopod would be the ideal to bring along for safari trip like this. A typical tripod may be cumbersome to carry from location to location. Filters too would be great for those sunset shots
For this trip, we have to stay in the vehicles, so tripods, monopods, etc, aren't really useful.
Great video, thank you. I'm heading there in August/Sep and cannot wait. Juggling options. My current bag manages to fit all this in (minus the 400)...but no clothes :( NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Z Teleconverter TC-2.0x Z9 +Z7II
Great stuff Steve. I do wish the 100-400 was an internal zoom, shame too it isn't an F4, I loved my 200-400F4 ! Take care.
Same here - although it would be far larger.
Good Video Steve--returning to Tanzania for the 5th time soon and your bag is almost exactly like mine. One comment on clothes--No Camo clothes, and no dark blue or black unless you enjoy being bitten by tsetse flies. A bar of laundry bar soap makes doing underwear easy, I only take 3 pr for a 3 week trip.
Yup - I put a note about blue / back clothing in the slide towards the end of the video - I hate those little files and they LOVE dark colors.
Love your video Steve, I think it would be great to have a video on why you switched back to Nikon from Sony? Thanks again mate!, Sean
I didn't switch - I'm taking Sony to Africa on Saturday with a new a9iii in the bag :)
Seeing scuffs on your 600 f/4's lens hood makes me feel better about the state of my 180-600
Tools not jewels :)
Hello Steve, Do you have room for me in that bag? Ha Ha, would love to go with you. Great video!!!
LOL, sure, right next to the 600 :)
Very helpful. Heading to Kenya and Tanzania in 6 weeks. Unfortunately I have a 33lb pp limit so very limited in weight. My gear pack with all tech is 17lbs. That leaves 16lbs for clothes 😮. Taking Fuji 150-600 and 18-120 with XT4 and x-T20.
It's rough - see if you can get a freight seat.
Thank you for this. Very helpful video, even though I'm not really planning any safari's any time soon, but this does give me an idea of what to bring and what to maybe leave at home (my issue is I have a tendency to bring too much gear and only using a fraction of it). I would say for memory cards, bring larger cards if you think you'll shoot more, but I'd honestly not buy anything larger than 256GB. Particularly if you only have a single-card system because in general, 256GB is a lot of images, even from a high-res camera and if something were to happen to that card (you lose it or it fails) you've lost a lot of photos (of course, backing up to a tablet or other secondary storage device every day is recommended, and was mentioned) but I personally don't use cards larger than 256GB for anything (and my camras do have dual slots for backup if needed, but it's something I was told a long time ago -- not to use excessively large cards because the risk of losing images -- at least with smaller cards if you did have a card go bad, you would presumably only lose what was on the card, if anything at all (but if you backed up maybe not). I would say this method or way of thinking is a bit old-fashioned since CFE and XQD cards are much more robust, and I found this mainly to be of concern with SD cards most of the time (have had some go bad for no reason, and they were brand-named cards not cheap ones) but have yet had a CFE or XQD go bad (again, name branded) so not so much an issue if you have a CFE card slot. Part of this goes back to when I had a D750 with dual SD card slots, and I would always put new cards in my camera each day even if t he cards weren't full, as they would act as a backup, in addition to the backup on my laptop and SSDs (it was basically the fourth backup) and so with smaller cards this is usually cheaper to do. Although if your second card is an SD card then you can buy a bunch of those generally cheap (even 256GB ones). For the sensor cleaning, if you have a cheap old camera sitting around, maybe try it on that once or twice to get the hang of it. I used to never do this, but found one time in Yellowstone I had to since I got a moisture spot on the sensor some how (it was smaller like maybe 1mm in diameter but it showed up in pictures so I had to wet clean the sensor). Be sure to bring at least a handful as it may take 2 or 3 tries in some cases to clean the sensor and make sure to get good quality swabs, and not cheap ones that can leave lint or fall apart or cause you to scratch the sensor because of the materials). The fluid I think is less critical as long as it's for cleaning camera sensors (although I tend to stick with the Eclipse type cleaning solution myself). I can vouch at leaest in the US, sensor cleaning solution is not really a problem in a carry-on as I've travelled with it in my camera backpack on planes for years, but to other countries, I don't know. They may not I usually put mine in my liquids bag though which they don't seem to really check that closely, or at least don't take everything out, they just look at it and pass it on, so maybe if you do bring it with you, put it in your carry-on liquids bag). If anyone is considering a second body but maybe cannot afford a second Z8 or Z9, the Zf is the next best thing (or the Z6 III when it comes out as it will likely be similar to the Zf with a few upgrades, I've been told). So that might be a good way to get a decent second Nikon body for about half the price of a Z8 or Z9 that still is capable of doing most wildlife (of course it won't be like a Z8 or Z9 but it will be better than a Z6 or Z7). Even if you have to buy a used Z50 for say $600, it's better than not having a second camera body in reality (although you do probably want to get one that uses the same set of lenses).
Nice video! Trip to Africa it’s my dream. Wondering if you did all the necessary vacations before and after?
great video. Should've done it 2 weeks ago !! LOL
LOL - I was still too jet lagged from the trip - and now I'm heading back in a few days!
there are other youtubers.....famous one that did a similar video that only took the canon 300 2.8 lens as their longest reach lens......going on safaris I found the 600 and now the 200-800 lens to be my main shooting lens and for videos the 100 - 500 canon lens. hardly ever use 70-200 lens. maybe for filming our location and private photos I will use it. I would love to go to where you are going now, never been there. Enjoy and thanks for the video.
The Sensor Shield on Nikons, I would think, would do a pretty good job given the environment...Is that not the case? For me, I have just made it a habit to switch off the camera and activate the sensor shield before replacing the lens even though my environments are nowhere close to what you shoot...Unless you consider some folks dancing like animals in a wedding 😜
I really like your channel and most of the time I am in total agreement with what you have to say. But if it were me I would opt for my backup camera to use the same batteries and memory cards. That way you only have one type of battery and charger to save weight and confusion. Also the recommended blower, I would change it to the Hepa Jet II with its heapa air filter. Otherwise you are just blowing dirty air back onto your sensor if it is not filtered.
Thanks! For me it came down to two different battery types or buying another Z8 - so I took two battery types :) Thanks for the tip on the blower - that's pretty cool!
Love the animal-scape shots especially the one with the lion, trees, rocks and rainbow. You didn’t AI the rainbow, did you Steve? Just kidding. Really nice look to that one. Thanks for all the great tips in this video.
No, but I was in a panic to find a shot if that counts! That rainbow stuck around for a bit and we kept looking for something, ANYTHING to put in it - I couldn't believe how well it worked out!
Have you considered the Zemlin Photo lens cap? They make a lens cap for the 600 f4. I got one for my 400 f2.8 TC. I am not happy with the new Gura Gear back packs because they are not deep enough for the 400 TC lens. My old one was but the new ones are not and I can not control what others throw in the overhead bins.
Another great video, Steve. I have Z9 and Z8 and the same lens (24-120, 100-400 and 600 f/4 TC) ready to go to Tanzania and Kenya in June. I only question whether I should bring the 400 f/2.8 TC instead of the 600 f/4 TC. Which is more important low light or longer reach? RDD
The lenses are essentially the same in low light unless you're filling the frame with the 400. If you need a 600 and are using a 400 and cropping, you lose that extra stop when you compare equivalent outputs. See my video Does Cropping Make Your Photos Noisy? I'd be more concerned about the group itself. If it's a lot of people shooting shorter lenses, you may end up too close for the 600. If it's a lot of people shooting 600s though, 400 might be too short - all depends the group and driver. I can tell that the VAST majority of my shots (90%+) were with the 600mm and 600 with TC (about 60/40 with 60% at 600mm). Again though, I control the driver position in my group and pretty much everyone was able to get to 600mm or more.
Wow, would love that 600mm but just checked the price £15,000! That is so much to spend on something that you carry around with you, you must be doing well 😀
It's almost like I do this for a living :)
Watched the full video. Very informative and interesting 👍 I too use a Lenspen but with some doubts as to whether the cleaning tip may damage the lens/ Nikon NC Filter coating. Now I feel it's safe as you too are using it. One query Steve, please reply.... Do you do a Full Format or a Quick Format of the memory card before starting a fresh shoot every time? Is Full format better for the card's health? Or does a full formatting reduce a card's life?
I use them more for quick spot removal - 99% of the time though, I use the wipes. Most of the time I use Quick Format, maybe every 10 times or so I'll do a full format (and I do a full format whenever I pop in a brand new card or one that I was using in another camera).
@@backcountrygallery very helpful reply ❤️ thanks once again 🙏
Hey Steve, Great video and tips! I'm from South Africa so I'm fortunate to go on safari pretty often. Even if it's just locally by going to Kruger National Park and self-drive. I always have 2 camera bodies with different focal lengths for versatility Canon R7 with a Canon EF 400mm f5.6L lens And a Canon 5dmrkiii with a Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM lens Additionally I take a 1.4x teleconverter that I can use on either combo Plus my RF600mm f11, which is nice and small and super light And then a wide angle lens, my Canon EF17-40mm f4L Although I must say that I've found my 600mm is overkill when I go to for example Sabi Sands, MalaMala or Timbavati. My 400mm is usually sufficient cause you get so close to predators there. Enjoy Tanzania! 🐾
Thanks! When you say 600mm is too much, do you mind if I dig a little deeper? Is that because you can get closer or you have to get closer? One of the reasons I favor 600mm is that the farther back you are, the more eye-level the shot appears. So, often just because I can use something like 400mm (or even 200mm), I opt to keep the vehicle back farther to get a more eye-level look.
@@backcountrygallery Off course you may I get what you say about the farther back you are the more eye-level your shot appears. I haven't had the pleasure to visit countries in East Africa, so I don't know how close or far vehicles get to for example predators. In private reserves in South Africa like Timbavati, Sabi Sands and Thornybush the guides may off road for predator sightings. So in many instances you are mere meters away from them, and occasionally you're lucky enough where especially lions and leopards walk right past your vehicle. Hence me saying that in those situations you're to close with a 600mm lens. At least that is in my experience.
Great info in this video, Steve. I do not see them listed in your gear list, so do you put a UV filter on your lenses? If so, what brand do you use?
Nope, no UV filters. More trouble than they're worth IMO. We had a participant with one that kept fogging and we couldn't get it off. No thanks.
Hi Steve, great video. Im wondering though how do you take that weight onto a domestic flight? Most allow 5kg as hand luggage best regards, Richard
Huh - we've never had any issues. I'm not even sure there is a limit in the US. Overseas, we really don't get weighed unless it's a prop plane and we usually have those charted for our group.
Definitely feel like you can get away with a 600mm in the national parks of East Africa where you can’t off road, but in the private reserves 400 2.8 is 100% the way to go. And as these parks get more and more crowded with tourists, the private reserves are quickly becoming the preferred choice for dedicated photographers. And I say that as someone who just did both last month and found myself with much better shots from the private reserves.
Thanks! When you say 600mm is too much, do you mind if I dig a little deeper? Is that because you can get closer or you have to get closer? One of the reasons I favor 600mm is that the farther back you are, the more eye-level the shot appears. So, often just because I can use something like 400mm (or even 200mm), I opt to keep the vehicle back farther to get a more eye-level look.
@@backcountrygallery fair point. I’ll say that many conservancies have higher amounts of vegetation and thickets than national parks because that habitat is ideal for big cats. So often times you do end up getting closer at a sighting regardless if you wanted to or not. And often times as well these private reserves have open sided vehicles rather than the enclosed land cruisers so you can still get low just by holding your camera out. Different strokes for different folks, but safaris are becoming more and more popular and overcrowding is starting to ruin sightings. If you’re already spending thousands of dollars on a trip, spending a little more to get better shots with exclusivity in a private reserve is starting to become the better bang for your buck in my opinion.
I have a Delkin CF Express reader, but recently bough the Prograde 4.0 reader. It is about 2x faster (on a MacBook Pro) as it supports Thunderbolt 4. The price is about the same.
Thanks!
Hi Steve! I just wanted to tell you not to use imodium because it can cause a serious heart problems. Instead you can yse Ultra Levure or something like this which is safe. Cheers Nick!
Looking into it, that looks like it's really only a problem if you abuse it: www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-about-serious-heart-problems-high-doses-antidiarrheal#:~:text=Taking%20higher%20than%20the%20recommended,by%20your%20health%20care%20professional. As a doctor I know says, anything is a poison if you take enough of it :)
Could you post the gear list that you had at 19:58 of the video? Does your guide provide bean bags for shooting stability? I've been to Tanzania twice and it's a fabulous adventure. Hope to make it back soon.
It's already in the description area for this video.
Hi Steve, I just got back from a cruise with safari game drives in South Africa. Now, I want to do a dedicated safari trip. I took a Canon R6 mark II with the RF100-500 and RF24-105 f4. Love the 100-500. For my next trip, I'm going to add either the R5 or R5 mark II (not sure yet) and probably an additional lens. Questions: 1) So, you're in the safari vehicle with 2 camera bodies with attached lens. How are are you storing the unused camera with mounted lens until you need it and then how are you storing your bigger lens with camera body when you switch? Basically, what is your camera management in a safari vehicle? 2) How are you managing low light situations? Looking at your kit, your lowest f stop is f4. do you miss an f2.8. I used the RRS MC-34 with the Wimberley MH-100 ( Thank you 4 your video on it); which really worked well. No arm fatigue. In low light, to save my ISO from going thru the roof, had to sacrifice my shutter speed and it really helped. I must have been on the low end game drives, because they didn't have bean bags or actually a railing to use one. 3) Just a thought. Another video you could do is your favorite safari locations. Thanks
1 - for storage, there's no way to know. Most safaris have more people than we do per vehicle (I limit mine to 1 person per row), so space is potentially very limited. I end up in the front seat which is really tight so I spend most of the day with cameras on my lap. If you do have a whole row to yourself, it's easier since you can keep one camera on the seat next to you (you can strap them in with a seatbelt if needed). 2. Not an issue - VR and keeping the camera on the edge of the vehicle or a beanbag is really all that's needed most of the time. Sure, there are times the light is really low, but most of the time it's just not a big issue. 3. Thanks - I might just do that :)
Hi from South Africa 👋 So what I do with my second body and lens that is usually on the middle seat of the safari vehicle, is that I keep it stored in a dry/wet bag. That way it is protected from the elements like dust and rain, and I have quick access to it when needed. I do the same on self drive safaris in Kruger National Park. I usually keep my main body and lens covered in between shoots with a large soft microfibre cloth. An old pillowcase works just as well to keep the dust out.
Thanks.
Thank you for the video.. I was wondering what lens's your wife takes with her Z8 ? And of course what bag she uses..
She was using the 180-600 (she mostly shoots video - all of the wildlife clips in this video were from her). She likes the 180-600 for video thanks to the zoom - it makes it much easier for active situations. For stills, she was using the zoom and the 600PF - both worked out really well.
@@backcountrygallery Thank you very much for the reply, Have a great trip .
Great video as always, I have a question. Can I put a Sony 400 2.8 with hood and Sony A1 with grip in one side of the Gura Gear 30L+ ? Seems this company does not have a phone .....like so many.
Yes, but you'll probably have to have them attached. (I can almost - but not quite - do it with eh 600 - just little short)
Excellent video Steve , will the camera bag hold a Sony 600 F4 , Sony 100-400 and two A1 bodies ?
I'm in Botswana with Sony at the moment - that bag has everything you list AND a 24-105 and an a9iii (yes, with my 2 a1 bodies and one is gripped!) Those small Sony bodies are great for packing!
@@backcountrygallery Thanks Steve , how are finding the A9111 ?
Hey Do you know where to buy the gura gear backpack in germany?? Thanks. I only found - not available
Thank you for the video. Can you please provide a link to the video you did with your Sony kit please? I did try Nikon for a while but at that time the only had the Z9 and carrying two or more was too heavy so I sold my Nikon kit. At that time I used the adapted 500 PF, then swapped it out for the 400 PF and 1.4x TC. With Sony I still have two A1’s and an A7RV and now an A7CR. Take care.
Here ya go: kzhead.info/sun/na6Clr2rnoJ6ZJ8/bejne.html
@@backcountrygallery Thank you for the super fast reply.
I had the Z 400mm 2.8 TC for over a year and a half before getting the 600mm 4.0 TC this past Nov. I couldn’t agree more that the 600mm TC is the way to go when on safari in Eastern and Southern Africa. Out of curiosity, why would you have preferred taking two Z8’s instead of your Z9 and Z8?
Probably, yes. Not any real advantage with the Z9 for what I was doing and it's heavier.
Hey Steve! I admire your work and I just wanted to ask you which affordable wildlife kit (camera+lens) do you recommend for beginers. Note that the budget is arround 2200 euros. Keep creating those beautiful videos and photos! Cheers Nick.
Probably something used - maybe a D500 or D7500 and 200-500 is a good starting point.
@@backcountrygallery I agree but is there something in the mirrorless system like the canon r10? I know that you dont really use canon but isnt the eos r10 a good choice? The only problem is the lens because there is a 100-400 rf but whith a max aperture of F8 and a 600rf F11. There is also a sigma 150-600f6.3 lens but when its used with mirrorless cameras there are some af issues. I am very confused.
@@user-th7sv9xh1b I have no experience with the r10 at all, so I just can't say. Also, lenses are one of the challenges with the price point you mention - you really won't find any fast glass for those kinds of prices. I would try to stick to the Canon lenses though - I always like the manufacturer's glass better. (Although, we do have quite a few people on our workshops who like the Tamron 150-600 - food for thought).
@@backcountrygallery What about the eos r8 (a FF body, 40fps, good buffer, good bird eye af) with the canon rf800 f11. Also how does it cmpares with the D500 ans the nikon 200-500? Thanks and I apologoise for my english but I am a 15-year-old boy from Greece.
@@user-th7sv9xh1b These may be better questions for the BCG Forums - I've really never used the R8 or the 800 so I just don't know how they would compare. There may be some members at the forums that have though and can give you better advice :)
Great stuff! 👍 How about the 400 TC? Have you ever considered this to be an option?
I have - and I think it'll work. However, I don't have one yet so I'm not sure how well it works with the 1.4 TC (internal and external). I find that lenses with TCs usually don't focus as consisnelty as dedicated focal lengths - and that includes my 600 TC - it's a bit more accurate without the TC engaged.
@@backcountrygallery thanks for your opinion on that. I am currently switching from 600 FL to 400 TC - due to weight and flexibility reasons. might keep the old 600 a little longer though. haven't seen issues on the TC lens in regards to focussing so far which probably means that it is not an issue that concerns me (even if it exists) :)
@@simpics-simonschneider I know I see a difference with my Sony 400 2.8, I'm not sure if the Nikon experiences the same kind of thing or not. It's only going to F/4, so you wouldn't think it would ever matter with any 400 2.8, but it seems to on the Sony at least. Also, it's not like it's unusable either - it's maybe 10% less consistency or something :)
How about 70-200 and 180-600 combo and spare 1.4tc alongs with two bodies any specific reason to choose 100-400 instead of of 180-600? I guess 100 to 180 mm ?😊
Sure, that works. For me, the 100-400 eliminates the need for the 70-200 - and the 100-400 is much smaller than the 180-600 (remember, I'm trying to ALSO pack a 600 F/4!)
Thanks Steve! One question though. How do you manage to carry both the GuraGear Kiboko AND the GuraGear Chobe (with all the stuff in them) on board the plane to Africa? All airlines I know of only allows ONE bag as hand luggage.
Bush flights are no issue since we usually cater the plane. (and we just stick our stuff in the back). The only airline we use in Africa is Airline and they have never said anything.
Thanks again, but I was thinking about intercontinental flights from North America or Europe to Africa... One way or another you have to get TO Africa;-)
@@stefanwirten5296 With flight starting in the US, it's never an issue. I can't speak to what European airlines are doing though.
Hi from South Africa, If you fly with Airlink between countries in Africa they usually 2 pieces of hand luggage. We travelled between Johannesburg and Kasane, Botswana in March and we both had our camera backpacks and a laptop bag as hand luggage. If your camera bag is to big to fit in the overhead locker they Skycheck it.
@@jackieboshoff2013 Thanks Jackie!
Steve, do you take any travel tripod or monopod?
Nope, we're in vehicles all the time so no way to use it.
Hi Steve! Do you think that the 800mm would be too long on a Safari? Thanks!
I used 800mm (840) about 40% of the time - the rest of the time it would be too long IMO.
I'm going on a trip to Iceland here in about 15 days and was wondering if you had any recommendations for insurance to cover the camera gear? I cannot have it on renters or home owners insurance.
Check out this thread at the BCG Forums: bcgforums.com/threads/photography-equipment-insurance-options-retitled-discussion.26902/
Thank you very much!!! @@backcountrygallery
I have the same gear except the Z400mm f2.8 vs the Z600mm f4. How often do you use the tc on the 600mm?
About 40% of the time.
Hi Steve, great video, but my question relates to carry on limits of 7kgs on most international flights. How do you get away with away with your 11kg camera bag?
No one ever asks. We've flown Delta and United and never had anyone weigh or question us. I think they assume they are lightweight since they are just backpacks :) Now, rollers - I see people get questioned from time to time.
When flying between countries in Africa they usually don't have a problem cause they know you're going to a safari destination with camera gear. Just don't look like you're carrying a super heavy backpack and you're usually fine. Rollerbags not so much though
@@backcountrygallery Unfortunately I fly from Australia, and almost every time they weigh my backpack. It also seems to be a big risk taking a chance on getting away with more than the limit because if they check then you are faced with putting some of your fragile camera gear into checked luggage.
I plan a travel to Tanzania… does a 800 just too much? My other one is the 100-400…… but… this 800 PF is so good 🤷🏼
That's really more than a gap than I'd want. I tend to be at 600mm more than 800.
25.1 Pounds? When is it best to split the load into two bags v. carrying one very heavy bag?
25 pounds really isn't a heavy bag IMO. I already have the bag and the laptop bag so I can't really split things up anymore than they are.
Just curious why you are not putting a lens coat on your telephoto lenses.
More trouble than they are worth. They get in the way and hold water when wet. I've had nothing but problems with them - including fogging the lens as they dry and cool.
This one is not in your bag, but I am curious... what monitor do you use for editing? Thanks Steve!
Just the laptop monitor on the road, but I have an Apple Display and an Eizo monitor as well.
@backcountrygallery awesome, thanks Steve! :)
Taking along a laptop appears to be real PITA when it comes to global travel, especially considering laptop is #1 target for sticky fingered baggage handlers. Another thing to worry about. Plus, is it really necessary v. just taking along more cards? Never heard of cards being defective and do not really wanted to spend my valuable safari time tinkering with a laptop to review pictures and download to yet another electronic device; better things to do.
I take mine all over, never a problem and not a pain at all. With regard to memory cards, I like to have backups - and not just because I worry about data loss. Card can be misplaced, damaged, stolen, etc. I like to have three copies of everything and to take 3-4 TB worth of cards and backup cards is pricy - the laptop is cheaper. Plus, I work on the road so I use the laptop for videos, culling, e-mail, customer service, website management, etc.
Hi Steve, Regarding macbook thoughts. I decided to start using a 12” iPad pro which you can hook your card reader to and upload photos. The latest model is super fast. I have a macbook but find the iPad size great for travel. Also excellent on the plane. You can add a keyboard case if you want that as well.
Steve, that’s a nice weight of 25.1 lbs as your cabin carry.. Here, with due respect, the total weight limit that is allowed per person, one piece and it is 8 lbs, so how do you get around that..
No one has ever asked or weighed it. On smaller prop planes where they do sometimes weigh it, I just walk it out and either put it in the back or allow them to set it on the cargo area beneath. Most of the time, it's just in the back.
@@backcountrygallery that surely helps. Thanks a lot
Boy you could have made this a bit shorter but interesting any way and you never mentioned tripods??
No Extenders? 1.4x?
Not on this trip since the only lens I would use it with would be the 600 and it has one built-in :)
magic trick happens at 6:19
What is the bino controversy?
As mentioned, it was more a thing on the forums. Strong opinions both ways. One camp thinking they are great to have along and the other claiming they don't use them and the extra weight isn'' worth it.
It seems you do not attach lenses to your cameras when you use your camera bag. What do you use during a gamedrive to put our gear in? You cannot attach your lenses at the time you see something interesting, can you?
Normally, my cameras are out with lenses attached during the drive. The bag just gets them there.
You should have stuck with Sony
I still have Sony - and I'm actually taking it on Saturday to Botswana.