Best Camera & Lens for Safari in Africa (All Budgets)
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Are you planning a trip to Africa and wondering what’s the best camera for safari or what lens to get for safari photography? In this post, you can read some suggestions for camera equipment to take on safari in Africa.
We cover some of the best cameras and lenses for safari photography. In addition, you can find some general tips for safari photography. Find out!
There are so many cameras and lenses that you can use for safari photography; it’s impossible to cover them all. In this post, I am sharing some general tips that you should know when choosing a camera and lenses for your safari trip.
At the bottom of the post, you can also find my personal recommendations for the best cameras, lenses, and also tripods for wildlife photography. Find out!
TIP: If you are looking for more general practical information about taking pictures, please check our guide with the best travel photography tips.
Best camera and lens for safari
We visited Africa several times and have been on numerous safaris. Watching other tourists taking pictures of the animals is often more entertaining than the safari ride itself.
People use every imaginable type of camera on safari. You see smartphones, tablets, but also 10kg half a meter long lenses which are impossible to hold still and are therefore pretty much useless on safari rides…
If you are a professional photographer going to Africa in order to photograph animals, then this post is not for you. If you don’t care about the pictures and only go on safari for the experience – then this article is not for you either.
This post is for hobby photographers who are going on safari and hoping to take at least a couple of decent quality pictures to bring home as a memory of this amazing experience.
Before I continue with what kind of camera equipment you best take on safari in Africa, there are a couple of things you should know. Read on!
What to know about taking pictures of animals on safari
- You cannot take good safari pictures with a smartphone, a tablet or a pocket camera. You can take ok pictures with the newest smartphones, but it’s incomparable with the quality you get with a DSLR camera.
- The chances of you getting a National Geographic – like close-up high-quality image of a hunting leopard in action are close to zero.
- You can take good quality pictures of safari animals even if you are not a pro. But you’ll need good equipment and it helps if you can learn a few basic photography techniques. As a minimum, you need one of the two, so if you don’t know much about photography, you definitely need a good camera and a decent lens.
If you don’t own a good camera yet, a trip to Africa is the perfect excuse to get one. Come on, you are going to spend thousands of dollars to go on a once-in-a-lifetime safari trip to Africa and take a pocket camera with you? Really? You’ll regret it the first day, take my word for it.
And no, your latest iPhone won’t do the job either. You may use it to photograph landscapes or a herd of zebras in a distance, but it will be completely useless for photographing moving animals in limited light conditions (and they move, they always do).
TIP: If you don’t feel like getting a DSLR camera for safari and having to change lenses, take a look at some of the best point-and-shoot cameras available at the moment. Technology doesn’t stand still and there are some really good cameras with amazing zoom possibilities that might be perfect for your needs. We ourselves just bought Nikon Coolpix P1000 and I’m quite impressed with this camera, the zoom, and image stabilization. For the price and the ease of use, I’m not sure I’ll ever want to take my DSLR & lenses on many trips anymore. For a more lightweight and budget-friendly alternative with a great zoom, take a look at Panasonic Lumix FZ80D – this camera will be more than good enough for vacation photos!
Tips for choosing the best camera and lens for safari
I’m not going to go into too much detail about all kinds of different camera brands and models as there are so many of them available with new ones coming out all the time. You can find a few suggestions based on your budget below, but this is what you definitely should know about the best camera for a safari in Africa.
- You need a digital SRL camera or a very good, newest point-and-shoot to take on safari in Africa. What you need, basically, is a camera that focuses fast and takes a picture the moment you press the shutter and not a second later.
- You need a good telephoto zoom lens with a reach of at least 200mm to photograph safari animals. There will be moments you wish you had a 500mm with you, but in my view, it’s just not worth the price and the weight to carry a lens like that if you are not a professional photographer. Unless you get one of the point-and-shoot cameras that sometimes have a zoom that goes to 2000-3000mm – more about it below.
- You need a wider lens for photographing landscapes, which are often just as interesting as the animals. I use 24-70mm f2.8 as my main lens when we travel, also in Africa. If you like really wide landscape pictures, you may want an even wider lens, like 16-35mm (my new favorite). If you have a regular DSRL camera without the full-frame sensor, you’ll probably need a lens of at least 18-55mm for regular landscape shots and one of 10-18mm for wide-angle photography.
- You may want to take a second (cheaper) camera for photographing landscapes so that you don’t have to change lenses all the time when you are on safari. Or simply use your smartphone for that.
- Consider taking a tripod to photograph animals in low-light conditions (morning or evening) at the waterholes. More about it further below.
- Take enough batteries and memory cards when traveling to Africa – at least twice as much as for a regular trip. Charging batteries might not always be possible (certainly if you are camping) and you won’t find many places selling batteries or memory cards in the middle of the Kruger National Park or the Kalahari desert.
What camera to pack for safari
As I said before, this post is not for professional photographers, but rather for regular tourists. Also for photography enthusiasts traveling to Africa and hoping to get a few decent shots of safari animals.
Below you’ll find a few suggestions on what camera and lenses to take on safari.
I’m going to focus on Canon cameras and lenses as this is what I use and know best.
Best-buy cameras for safari in Africa
If you are looking for a decent camera for your trips, but don’t want to spend a fortune on it, you should consider the cheapest DSLR cameras available.
At Canon, it would be the Canon EOS Rebel series. Often you can get a kit (camera + lenses + accessories) for around 500-600 USD. If you don’t know much about photography and just want good pictures without too much effort this camera is just right for you.
Why not just buy a point-and-shoot camera? As already said, you do need fast autofocus and a good lens in order to get decent pictures of safari animals. This DSLR camera will take care of that. But as I’m updating this article, I have to say that there are now also very good point-and-shoot cameras that could do the job just as well. In this price range, we recommend something like Nikon Coolpix P900.
Mid-price range safari camera
If you are looking for more possibilities and even better pictures and don’t mind spending a bit more money, Canon EOS REBEL SL3 and similar series might be a good option for you. This kind of camera is great for photography enthusiasts looking for a good price-quality camera to improve their photography skills.
Higher-price/ semi-pro quality camera
Probably the best price/quality DSLR cameras for those who are serious about travel photography are Canon EOS 6DII and similar series. If you want great quality pictures and use your camera on a very regular basis, then these cameras won’t disappoint you. However, we now have an even better recommendation at a lower price – see below.
The perfect camera for safari and general travel photography
TIP – our newest recommendation: In the mid-price range, but with an amazing lens included, so actually cheaper than most other cameras, you can also get a point-and-shoot camera Nikon Coolpix P1000. This is the camera we recently bought and I really don’t think anything else compares to it in terms of possibilities/ flexibility/ price/ quality.
This all-in-one camera has an insane optical zoom of up to 3000mm, but you can also shoot wide landscapes with it. If you don’t want to change lenses but still want good picture quality and the best zoom range on the market, you really can’t go wrong with it.
In all honesty, I think it can compete with one of the latest models of the semi-pro Canon EOS 5D that I own (and that costs about 3-4 times more, not even to mention the lenses). It may not have all the possibilities of a professional camera, but for 99% of people looking for the best camera for safari (and travel in general), it will give you all you could ever wish for. At the moment of the latest update to this article, this is my personal favorite camera and I can highly recommend it to anyone!
Best lenses for safari
Consider investing in one or two really good lenses if you are somewhat serious about photography.
Standard EFS lenses from Canon are ok with the cheapest DSLR cameras and will do the job for occasional travel photography, but if you can afford it, get the best lens you can and rather save on the camera.
I started out with the cheapest DSLR some 10 years ago, but immediately bought two very good lenses (Canon 24-70 f2.8 and Canon 70-200 f4 IS USM). I’ve switched 4 cameras by now, but these two lenses still do the perfect job and are my most used lenses. I couldn’t have used the cheaper EFS lenses on the cameras I owned later…
It’s a big investment in the beginning, but the quality is worth it. On top of that, the good lenses keep their value and you can usually resell them at a good price later if you decide that photography is not for you.
As already mentioned, you need a good telephoto lens with a reach of at least 200mm in order to photograph safari animals. Preferably 300mm or even more if you can justify the cost and the weight. I use the Canon L series lenses, but there are plenty of cheaper alternatives from Canon, but also from Sigma or Tamron.
Just make sure they fit the camera you have as these brands have the same range of lenses for many different brands, including Canon and Nikon.
Best budget lens for safari
You can buy a good beginner’s lens for wildlife photography for $100-200. Canon has a 75-300mm f/4-5.6 or you can get a similar lens from Tamron – AF 75-300mm f/4-5.6.
Mid-range safari lens
There is a lot of choice of good telephoto lenses for safari in the mid-range budget. Some good examples are Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM or Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM.
You can even choose a 2-in-1 solution – a lens that is wide enough for landscapes, but also has a telephoto zoom for animals. Here are a couple of good examples: Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS or Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3.
Best quality lenses for safari photography
The best lenses for wildlife photography will quickly cost you over $1000. As I said, it’s an investment and these lenses will do a great job for many years. However, if you only need a camera and tele lenses for this one safari trip to Africa, then it’s a really expensive choice.
Probably one of the best safari lenses from Canon is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM. I personally find it a bit too heavy and too expensive to justify this purchase, but I still have to meet a photographer who doesn’t love this lens. I use a bit cheaper and lighter version – Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM.
A good alternative with a bit more reach is Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM. I have to admit that I had one of these, but didn’t love it. Maybe it was just one bad lens, because the reviews are really great.
Best tripods for safari trip
If you only have the smallest DSLR and don’t want to spend too much money, remember that any tripod is better than none. As long as it can hold the camera without falling over, of course. Otherwise, you better don’t use any. You can get a tripod for under $50 and it will probably do the job.
If you have a heavier camera and/or lens, the cheapest tripod is not going to be good enough. I use and recommend Manfrotto tripods, depending on the camera/ lens weight and your needs.
For travelers, I recommend Manfrotto carbon tripods since they weigh much less and are therefore more suitable when traveling. They are not cheap, but worth every cent. I had two different tripods before I got this one 6 years ago, and none of the previous ones lasted even two years. Manfrotto is in constant use and it’s still as good as new.
For traveling, I bought Manfrotto 494RC2 ball head since it’s so small and takes less space in my luggage. I now actually use this ball head at home too.
So, this is our guide to the best safari cameras and lenses. I hope that it helps you decide what camera and lens to pack for your trip to Africa and get some really good pictures on safari.
For the best safari experience, make sure to also check our top tips for your first safari experience in Africa. Click the link below to read more!
READ ALSO: Africa Safari Tips
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Hi Jurga! Me and my husband are going to our first Safari adventure in Serengeti next month! And we are planning to buy a camera but having a hard time which one cause it will be our first time to get one. aka newbies. So, what’s the best option for us? Beginner friendly that takes really great pics/vids for safaris and other traveling adventures like cities/landscapes. Our Budget is around $1000+ possibly with the lens included already or not. I saw a lot of recommendations with the Nikon Coolpix P950 or the Panasonic Lumix, but not sure.
Thank you!
Hi Nice, for the best quality, DSLR or new mirrorless cameras are the way to go, but for a $1000 budget, you won’t get that far, especially if you want to couple it with a good telezoom lens. That’s where the all-in-one cameras like Nikon Coolpix or Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D offer a good lightweight and budget-friendly alternative.
As for which one, consider a few things: this Nikon offers 24mm width, whereas the Panasonic 20mm, meaning that you’ll have a bit more width for landscapes/cityscapes with Panasonic. Nikon’s zoom is unparalleled, but you don’t really need 3000mm for most photos and Panasonic’s 1200mm is already more than sufficient for most situations. Panasonic is also smaller/lighter to carry. If you want a lightweight, versatile camera that will take ok photos in most situations, Panasonic will likely be more than sufficient for you. If you are obsessed with getting close-ups of animals, understand the limitations of an all-in camera, and are prepared to carry a bit more weight, then go with the Nikon.
If you want better quality and don’t mind changing lenses, within your budget, take a look into Panasonic Lumix G7 4K Digital Mirrorless Camera. The two lenses that come in the bundle offer 14-150mm reach, but you may find that 150mm is not enough for wildlife and want to add another lens, e.g. 100-300mm. This would make the total price a bit over your budget. Plus, you’d be traveling with 3 lenses and have to change them all the time depending on what you are photographing…
@Jurga, thank you for answering! Appreciate it. So I’ve decided to get the Sony RX10 IV instead for an all in 1 camera since it has a built in lense already and ive read reviews about it. What do you think of this? or how about the Sony RX10 Mark IV?
Thanks again!
I’m not familiar with it, but it looks like a very good all around camera (I assume it’s this one). It’s quite a bit over your budget, if I’m not wrong, but other than that, seems great and with 600mm reach, should be plenty for good wildlife pictures. If you read the specifications and customer reviews and feel like it’s the right choice for you, go ahead.
Hi,
I really like your write up it is easy to understand for beginners. I do not own any physical camera and have only been using my phone since the beginning. I will be heading to Tanzania and Kenya in October/November and now considering to purchase a camera, something easy for beginner, lightweight, with reasonable resolution and fast capture of motion. Would Nikon Coolpix P1000 fit all these criteria? You mentioned that no additional lens are required for this model? Is it suitable for other travel like cityscapes?
Thank you.
Hi Ee Lin, the Nikon Coolpix isn’t exactly very lightweight or small, but it is all-in-one. The zoom is insane. However, on the wide angle, it’s a bit limited, so it’s not always ideal for cityscapes. The fast capture of motion is not easy to achieve with most point-and-shoot cameras unless you have plenty of light and can also keep your camera very steady.
Honestly, it’s very difficult to find a good camera that will cover all circumstances and not everyone can justify the cost and the weight.
If you are looking for a more lightweight solution for all trips that covers a good range from very wide to telezoom, take a look at the Panasonic Lumix FZ80D. It’s a great price/quality beginner camera and I think it should be more than plenty for what you are looking for. There are some good reviews on Amazon by people who took it on safari – check it out.
Very helpful, thank you. I’m heading to Kenya in September and struggling with the weight restrictions on in country flights. Carry on limited to 15 lbs. (7 kg). The organizer says that’s it and no chance to purchase extra weight. I can’t get my gear under that even with taking one camera body and 3 lenses (one is a 3 lb telephoto. One blogger recommended stuffing lense in safari vest and carrying the camera with the big lens but I’m not sure that is reliable.
Thank you
Hi Craig, I really don’t know what to say except that these weight restrictions on small planes are strict for a reason. I guess one lens wouldn’t make much difference but if everyone on the plane is allowed 7kg but brings twice as much, is it still safe… No idea. Do you want to risk that they take it away from you? I guess it wouldn’t get that far, but is it worth the stress?
Why don’t you just pick one telelens you think you will use the most and enjoy the trip without having to stress about it on every flight, change lenses all the time, and try to get that perfect shot… Unless photography is the main reason why you are making this trip, I would reevaluate your priorities and just enjoy the amazing scenery and wildlife while still taking great photos and getting more creative with the gear that you have.
Good luck with your decision and have a great trip!
very helpful article. Thank you so much. Heading out for safari July 2024. Do you think the price differential between Nikon Coolpix 950 and 1000 is worth it?
Hi Susan, unless you think you really need a 3000mm range of Coolpix 1000, the 950 (with 2000mm) is also a great camera. It’s also lighter so easier to carry and hold steady while taking pictures. 2000mm is already a very impressive zoom. To give you an idea, most photos I took on safari were taken with lenses that go up to 200mm, max 320mm. So for most situations and majority of people 950 will be more than enough.
Hello Jurga, great article. I have several adventurous trips planned including going on a safari in South Africa in June. I want to upgrade my camera equipment, including with lenses that would be good for shooting wildlife and amazing vistas across the globe the next several years. I am willing to spend time learning more about photography to produce wonderful photographs. I have a Canon EOS 60 D, which I am willing to replace if there is a better option given my plans and interests. My aim is to be a serious amateur photographer rather than at the professional level. What cameras and lenses would you recommend in the mid low and high price categories?
Kind regards
Hi Lauren, if you want to stay with Canon and don’t mind upgrading your entire set, then you may want to look into their new mirrorless cameras. So much depends on your budget. EOS R8 is quite affordable and would be a great improvement from 60D.
If you have any old EF lenses that you want to use with this camera, then you’ll need to get a lens adapter.
If you are planning on getting completely new lenses, then you’ll need Canon RF lenses.
I recently upgraded to a similar camera from Canon, got the adapter, and it works fine with my old lenses. However, one of my most used lenses was so old and glitchy that I also bought a new one that I consider a rather good choice for most situations. I went with this 24-105/f4 lens and I’m quite happy with it. I had 24-70 f2.8 in the past, but I just couldn’t justify the price and the extra weight anymore. I also have a wide angle lens (17-35) that I use in some situations and also a 70-200 lens which I consider a must for any wildlife photography. I also have a Nikon Coolpix with an even bigger zoom – the quality may not be the same, but it’s easy since there is just one lens that covers a very wide range. But there is no way I’m taking all of these at the same time on any trip, so it’s always a struggle which lenses/cameras to take with me depending on the trip.
Anyway, it really depends on what type of camera you are looking for (all-in-one or with interchangeable lenses) and your budget. But if you want to stay with Canon and are looking for very good quality at a decent price, then you really can’t go wrong with the EOS R8 and one or two mid-price not too heavy lenses (e.g. 24-105 f4 and 70-200 f4). If you don’t mind the extra weight, you can find some very good lenses that go up to 400mm or even 500mm. But I would only consider these if you are very serious about wildlife photography.
Hope this helps.
Hi! I currently have the Nikon Coolpix L840 which has 38x zoom. I’m SO tempted to upgrade to the coolpix p950 or p1000. However, it does seem like they’re much bigger than my L840. Do you think 38x zoom is enough for safari? I’ll be doing a 2 month overland trip and getting great photos is a priority for me – but also will be carrying everything around for 2 months so weight is a consideration. I have photographed wildlife in Yellowstone before, they were super far away and I remember being impressed by the zoom capability (this was almost 10 years ago when I first got it), but it doesnt feel as impressive compared to what I can do with just my phone (currently have Galaxy s24 Ultra). FYI, I’m definitely a hobby photographer, and very much rely on a good camera to get good photos!
Hi Dakota, if you are happy with your camera, I’m sure it will be fine. It sounds like it should be plenty for most situations – 38x optical zoom is a lot. The problem is always to keep the camera steady if you zoom in further, so more zoom doesn’t automatically mean better pictures. That being said, obviously, there will be some difference in image quality between an old camera and newer models. Whether that’s a reason enough to upgrade your camera, only you can decide.
Also, having a good smartphone, you will probably be taking many pictures with it as well. It will be ok for general landscape shots and maybe even animals if they are not too far away. Just keep in mind that most of the time, pictures look very different on a big screen vs on your phone, even more so for zoomed-in images taken in less than optimal light conditions.
Good luck with the decision and have a great trip!
Hi Jurga,
Thank you for all your great information and recommendations. I’m going on my first Safari July 2024. I have absolutely no knowledge of cameras, nor use one in my current life but with a trip like this coming up, I would like to have a dedicated camera instead of using my cell phone. I’m thinking of the Nikon CoolPix P1000 as a basic point and shoot camera. I don’t want to deal with changing lenses or anything like that. Does this sound like a good choice?
Hi Mary, yes, this Nikon camera is quite good offering you a wide range of reach for all kinds of situations. However, it’s also quite big and not very cheap – maybe not really something you need if you won’t use it much in the future. There are many other cheaper and smaller cameras with somewhat less zoom reach, which can be just as good for someone who only uses a camera for an occasional trip.
For example, this Panasonic Lumix camera has a range of 25-600mm, very good fixed aperture (f2.8), and is quite affordable and lighter to pack. So if you only need a camera for this one trip, I think I wouldn’t necessarily spend more than $400-500.
Whatever camera you get, be sure to get at least 2 extra battery packs as well!
Hope this helps. Have a great trip!
After 10 years I retired my 10 Canon 650D (18MP APS-C) with Tamron 18-270mm zoom. Served me very well in my travels worldwide.
Now have Canon RP (FF 24MP) + RF 24-240 zoom. Love it. A cropped image from this @240mm this is better than the above @ 270mm (equiv 400).
Simplistically 11MP of the FF wins over 18MP APS-C. I’ll ignore lens quality, changes in technology, etc. IQ great at 24MP FF but at 11MP FF it’s fair to average.
So now . . what to do for the bucket list safari?
I’ve considered another EF(-S) lens for the old 650D. Second hand possible too. But then I’ll have TWO sets of camera gear. Add 3-5 kg?
The RF 100-400 seems ideal for me. Can’t justify superior L series. Forget heavy EF and adapters. Also, I only have the Tamron above. But I’d have to swap back to the 24-240 for under 100mm and for superior quality in 100-200 range.
I can’t justify another FF body or a high end APS-C body (dearer than some FF!) either. A RF cropped image (when editing) could be OK for a little extra reach beyond 400mm.
Hmm.
How about a cheapish APS-C R100 or R50? Extra reach. No swapping lenses. At max reach, effectively 11MP FF versus 24MP APS-C. They use the same battery, etc as the RP, so no need for two sets of accessories. Will be close in feel / familiarity to the RP. Guessing R100 or R50 limitations won’t matter for outdoor safaris, though R50 is better / faster AF.
Overall add1(one) Kg for extra camera + extra lens instead of 3-5kg using my old camera!
Thoughts?
(Besides how to I ‘sell’ this to my wife?)
Hi John, from what I read, you have done so much research already that I really don’t think I can add much to it. To me, it sounds like the set you have and love (24-240) is actually more than sufficient for most situations (not the answer you hoped for? :)). But we all travel with different expectations and if safari photography is the main purpose of your trip, you’ll likely choose different gear than someone who just wants a few photos to remember the experience or post a few pictures on social media…
In the end, it’s all about your personal preferences. Usually, you already know what you want and are just looking for ways to justify that ;).
Nowadays, I personally, would go for the most versatile lightweight solution, so one lens if possible. Or a maximum of two not-too-heavy/long lenses knowing that the telezoom lens will probably end up on the camera 95% of the time. I once bought a 100-400 Canon L lens and ended up sending it back – it was just way too heavy and too long for me. So if you decide to go that way, read some reviews and considerations by people who actually used it. Tamron or others might, of course, be different/lighter, depending on the glass quality.
Anyway, whatever you decide, good luck with convincing your wife ;). And if you decide to save some money not buying new gear, treat yourselves to a nice excursion/experience during the trip! Enjoy it!
@Jurga,
Thanks. The Canon RP 100-400 comes in at 635g. Decent IQ. A little ‘different’ to the 1370g EF lens you tried!
So I’d be at about 1 kg total for either camera with either lens.
FYI Canon have made the RF mount exclusive to them. No third party allowed. Best is an EF mount (any brand) with adapter. That add expense, inconvenience, weight and less than 100% compatibility. I don’t have any EF lenses to ‘rescue’. Only the one EF-S Tamron which is no longer competitive. But at least it looks like the Canon R series of cameras and lenses are developing into a decent range of quality, price and value for money.
Hi Jurga… we are going on our first safari in June. I am a newbie in photography (have a Canon t6i) and wondering what will be the best for bringing home amazing memories. I don’t want to worry about changing lenses while on drives. I am looking at either Tamron 18-400 mm, Lumix FZ1000 ll or Coolpix P1000. I’ve read the P1000 isn’t very good in low light situations. Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Nikki
Hi Nikki, it’s hard to say but indeed in low light, most ‘allround’ lenses will have difficulty, especially if you zoom in to the maximum (3000mm without digital zoom) and have to hold the camera in your hands vs using a tripod. I think that Tamron will be comparable at 400mm with Nikon at that same length. But you can’t compare 400mm vs 2000-3000mm in any way.
If you already have a Canon camera and can get a Tamron lens for quite a lot less than Nikon P1000, then I’d just get the lens and use the camera that you have. I would only get the Nikon if you absolutely want more reach (but indeed, keep in mind that it’s very difficult to take sharp pictures when you hold the camera in your hands and zoom in to the maximum).
Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!
Hi Jura. I’m going to Namibia Botswana and Victoria Falls in May 24.
I have a NikonD3300 with Tamron 16 – 300 lens and a Panasonic LUMIX DC FZ82.
I’m cautious of weight, hand luggage etc especially with all the other safari paraphernalia I will be taking… sleeping bag etc. (I’m travelling with a friend, but can’t ask her to fill her backpack with all my stuff!!)
Which would you take? Both? Or should I go for the Nikon Coolpix you recommend.
Thanks
Liz
Hi Liz, it all comes down to how important photography is to you. Since you already have two allround cameras, I wouldn’t buy another one. The Panasonic seems to have the biggest range from wide to a very strong zoom, so if you are happy with the picture quality it produces and are conscious about the weight etc., then I would just pack that one. If your Nikon+Tamron combo gets better pictures, then that’s an excellent choice too with a very good range that should cover most conditions during your trip.
Carrying one camera and just one lens will definitely make things easier for you. It’s not just about the weight for the flights, but also carrying it around, charging batteries, and actually having the camera ready to use when you need it. So if it was me, I would just choose one of the cameras that you have and make the best of it.
PS When making the choice, consider battery life too (or how many extra batteries you have and can charge during your trip).
Have a great trip!
Do you have any recommendations on filters – ND or a polarizer for example?
Hi Kieron, I usually buy either B+W filters or Hoya.
I have an excellent Nikon d5000 that I have had for years. The Nikon lenses are pricey to get the range and did not want to spend the money for an old camera. I did buy the EOS Rebel t7. The Panasonic Lumix was sold out on several sites. I had seen these cameras for best budget on several sites for Safari . Does have a standard lens and a zoom up to 300mm. Hoping this will be enough and debating taking Nikon as well. I did buy a mini tripod and will have friend make me a beanbag to place for steady photos.
Hi Michelle, if you have two good cameras and have the space for them in your luggage, then I’d probably take both. You can use one for wildlife and one for landscapes without having to change lenses all the time (with a risk of getting sand inside).
Have a great trip!
Hi Jurga, great blog. I’m going to Kenya and Tanzania and looking for the easiest, best camera. I’m definitely an amateur. Do you recommend the Nikon COOLPIX 1000 as the best option? Also is it weatherproof? Thanks!
Hi Renee, yes, this camera could definitely be a good choice, or even something smaller if you don’t need such a strong zoom. I’m not really sure if it’s weatherproof, but I’m sure you can find this info online. I use mine quite often these days and never had any issues, in any weather.
Is there a huge difference between the p1000 and the p900, besides the zoom?
We are going to Kenya for our first Safari
Hi James, I don’t think so. It’s just a newer model.
@Jurga,
Thank you! Besides a hood tripod, do you recommend any other of the accessories for the p900 for better image quality while zooming in?
I’m a newbie when it comes to cameras and photography.
Hi James, this is a camera with a built-in zoom lens, so there aren’t that many accessories to add. Maybe a good UV-filter – that is always helpful.
And a good tripod that can hold a camera of that size.
Have a great trip!
Your probably getting paid by Canon since you push only Canon products.
Nikon is a fantastic choice.
So your whole article is just pushing people one way instead of a true fair choice.
Oh boy, your comment made my day! I am sure that Nikon or Canon can survive just fine without me ’pushing’ their products. 🙂
Btw, did you even read the article? Did you not see that the very first camera mentioned is actually Nikon and the second – Panasonic…
Quite honestly, I have better things to do than to explain to ignorant people why I choose to write about products that I personally use and know.
All the best!
Hi there, thanks for all the info!
I’m looking to buy my first ‘proper’ camera ahead of a safari trip. I’m split between buying a second hand Olympus e-m10 mark II or III and extra lenses; a second hand Fujifilm x-t2; or a brand new canon eos M50 mark II which comes with a couple of lenses.
Do you have a recommendation out of these? The idea would be to spend enough to have something if enough quality to capture some amazing memories, but not too much in case it gets damaged when travelling or we don’t take as many pictures as expected.
Appreciate your advice or anything else you think is worth mentioning. Any other second hand models you think worth looking at?
Best
Milan
Hi Milan, I’m not familiar with all these cameras, but I’m sure you can find specifications and comparisons online. Good lenses are often more important than the camera itself, but there are just so many options between so many different brands and price ranges that it’s practically impossible to advise much. If you decide to buy new gear, think about your budget and what you will use it for. Maybe you only need one lens rather than a whole kit. Maybe you can do well with a higher-end point and shoot that doesn’t require changing any lenses. It’s really difficult to give such general advice, and you can already find our tips in the article.
We are mostly familiar with Canon cameras and lenses, and I already discussed those above. I am also quite happy with the all-in-one camera from Nikon that I also mentioned in the article. It all comes down to three things: budget, do you want to have to change lenses, and what quality of the pictures you really need for what you will do with those photos (large prints, albums, social media, etc.).
Hope this helps a bit. Good luck!
Hi, thanks for the useful info in this forum. I have a Cannon EOS M10. I’ve been very happy with it as an entry level “propper” camera and got some good shots on a safari i went on back in 2018. It was limited though at shots more than about 50M away. It has the standard 15-45 lens and a 55-200 interchangable lens. I’m going to kenya in a few weeks on a more extensive safari. would this kit still do the trick or should i upgrade to a DSLR – or at least get a more powerful lens for my M10?
Hi Mike, if you’re happy with the pictures you got last time, I see no reason to upgrade. If you want more reach, then it might be nice to get a more powerful telelens, but it’s really all about your preference and budget I suppose.
Have a great trip!
@Jurga, OK thanks for the quick reply
Took my iPhone 13 ProMax camera to Africa, didn’t regret it–at all! So much easier to get around with it both on a walking Safari and in the landcruiser and I ended up with better photos than the other tourists with DLSR’s that they just bought.
Thanks for sharing your experience, David. I’m sure it can help others who are wondering if they need to take a big camera or can just get some decent shots with their phones.
I agree that the newest phones can make some fantastic pictures, and I use my iPhone all time too. But I still carry my big camera on ‘bigger’ trips and always compare those pictures with my iPhone shots. While at first, it always looks better on the phone, the difference on my big screen at home is immense. There’s one thing you have to keep in mind is that most smartphone photos only look good on small screens (and that’s all most people need). But if you want to print them in a somewhat larger format, they are often quite pixelated and – if the light wasn’t optimal – often not that sharp either.
So it really depends on what people want to do with those pictures. If it’s just to post on your social media, then yes, photos taken with the newest smartphones will usually be just fine.
Happy travels!
@Jurga,
Could not agree more.
I’m like you and sometimes use my iphone. Quick and easy way to get a low res pic for posting online / emailing vs getting out the Canon RP, etc.
The latest top of range phone cameras have pretty well knocked out the under $AUD500 separate cameras. The again you are paying $AUD2,000 to get the phone!
For A4 prints and bigger, it has to be a decent digital camera.
The Nikon is currently in back order. Do you have a similar recommendation? My trip is in two weeks. Thank you.
Hi Sandra, see if you can find a newer model or so. There are so many cameras that get updated every few months, so maybe they have a new one out already.
I’m traveling right now and really have no time to research further. But we have some alternative suggestions and other models mentioned in the article.
Have a wonderful trip!
Hi Jurga,
I will be going on safari to Kenya. I have the
Canon EOS 250D DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III lens. Is this a suitable camera and would you suggest an additional lense?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Montana, your camera should be ok for hobby photography, but I would recommend a telelens. Something that goes up to at least 200mm, but 300-400mm would give you even more flexibility. On a lower budget, you could look at lenses by Tamron instead of original Canon lenses.
Here is a very good Tamron 18-400mm zoom lens that should fit your camera well and would give you all the range you need in one lens.
Have a great trip!
@Jurga,
I have the Tamron 18-270mm. Been very happy with it. Reviews for the Tamron 100-400 suggest the 300-400 part is not good. Cropping a 100-300mm lens when editing might be just as good as the 100-400 lens.
Hi Jurga! What a great article! I will be going to Kenya for the first time, and bringing my camera with me—I’m wanting to know if you were charged for any customs fees while bringing your equipment with you into Kenya? I don’t want to be surprised when I arrive! 😀
Hi Vivian, I haven’t been to Kenya myself but I never heard of anything like this for regular travelers with regular camera gear. We never experienced something like this anywhere in the world.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi, thank you for your article I bought the Canon ESO Rebel T5 with 18-55 and 75-300 mm, back in 2015; I used it once. The description mentions only SRL, in your opinion is this a good camera to take for a Safari? Thank you.
Hi Sandra, this camera is a DSLR and it should be ok for some hobby shots. I think the standard kit lenses are quite basic, but you have 300mm zoom and that should be enough for some nice wildlife pictures if there’s sufficient light and you manage to hold it still.
If you haven’t used this camera in 6 years, I’d definitely not buy another one. What’s the point of spending that much money on something you never use otherwise.
So just make the best of the one you already have. Ideally, practice a bit before your trip, so that you get used to the camera, know some basic settings, etc. It’s also good to check how long the battery lasts. If it hasn’t been used for so long, I’d definitely try to use it at home before the trip to be sure that it all works ok.
@Jurga, perfect, thank you so much!!
Hello there, I just wanted to know if, in your opinion, a 70-200mm could be enough for shooting wildlife in Africa. I know that getting a lens above that (200-600) will be better but it would be a lot of money and the use would be limited (with a 70mm i could still be using it for portrait pictures). What do you think? Thanks in advance for reading my comment and nice work with this post, very useful! I have a alpha 7iii with a 24mm F1.4 GM.
Just to add to my question. Is the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 a good alternative to the Sony FE 70-200mm f4? I believe that both have OSS, so I don’t understand why the latter costs more. Is the super 35mm mode on the Sony a7iii a good tool to get a bit more of zoom? Thanks!
Hi Stefano, I took most of our safari pictures with either 70-200mm or 70-300mm lens, so yes, you can get good images at that zoom range. It all depends on how far the animals are, how the light is, etc. It’s often difficult to justify the cost of a more expensive lens, especially if you’ll only use it for a few pictures on this one trip. So don’t worry about it too much and just try to make the best of the material that you have.
As for the lenses you mention, the Sony FE 70-200mm f4 has a fixed aperture (f4 at any zoom range) and that’s what makes it more expensive. To put it simply, the lower the f-number, the better (and more expensive) the lens. Read a bit more about aperture on the internet if you are not sure what this means.
As for the super mode on your Sony, I’m afraid I can’t comment on that since I’m not familiar with this camera. Once again, there’s tons of info online and it might be a good idea to get to know your camera a bit better anyway. It doesn’t make much sense to keep on investing in the more expensive camera gear if you don’t use it to its full advantage. Instead, try to make the most of the gear that you already have.
Also, remember to simply enjoy the trip and the things you’ll see instead of worrying about pictures all the time.
Hope this helps. Enjoy Africa!
Dear Jurga,
Thank you for this informative article. I am going on an African safari in August. I am not a professional photographer but have a passion for photography 😉 After reading your aricle, I went to an electonics shop nearby to check the prices. The sales clerk offered me Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82. Here in your post, you’ve mentioned Lumix FZ3000. The latter is about USD 200 more expensive than FZ82. Would you say for an amateur like myself, it’d be worth investing so much in a FZ3000 or do you find FZ82 acceptable for the purpose of safari photography?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Maryam, there are so many cameras in the lower price range that have great zoom capacity for safari photography, and new, enhanced models come out all the time. I couldn’t find the FZ82 in the US, but this Lumix FZ80 looks great for the price and I read that these cameras are identical, just different names are used in different markets where they are sold. So yes, it looks like a nice budget camera for a hobby photographer. It will never give you the same results as 2-3k$ cameras and lenses, but it will definitely give you enough zoom range to get some nice close-ups of wildlife. The rest really depends on you – how still you can keep your camera, how well you compose the shot, etc.
Hope this helps. Have a great trip!
Hi there. Enjoyed the article. We’re using our safari in a few months as an excuse to finally buy a good camera. We prefer a high quality bridge camera so we aren’t carrying lens. We’re down to the Nikon you recommend, the Nikon P950 and the Sony RX10 Mark IV. The Sony seems to top all of the bridge camera lists but we’ve had lots of people we actually know recommend the Nikons. Can you provide your view on the comparison?
Thank you!
Hi Patrick, sorry for the late reply – we were traveling and I’m just catching up on all the comments. And maybe it’s too late by now, but anyway.
Unfortunately, I have no experience with the Sony camera you mention, but having just used my Nikon extensively during our vacation, I’m really in love with it. It’s the first time in years that I just packed on camera, no extra lenses, and could take pretty much any picture I wanted because of its amazing zoom. One thing I wasn’t happy with is the way it handles situations where there’s harsh sun and strong shadows, but my 3x more expensive Canon 5Ds was just the same. I found that in difficult light conditions my phone takes better pictures than any expensive camera. But for all the rest – I absolutely love my Nikon Coolpix P1000.
Hi I am off to Kenya in June, covid permitting.
I have a Panasonic lumix G which i shall take as I love the 4k function and it takes lovely video shots. I was planning on taking the following lenses for this camera
14 to 42
45 to 150
100 to 300
I also have a nikon D500 and I am not too sure as to weather I should take the 150 to 600 sigma contemporary lens, I know I won’t be able to hold still on safari jeep, but was wondering if it would be beneficial for using at camp sites for close ups of birds etc
I shall be staying at Aberdare Country Club, Asnil Samburu camp, Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge and Ashnil Mara Tented Camp plus a couple of days in Nairobi itself
Your comments would be greatly appreciated
Hi Jacqui, if you have two cameras, then maybe take them both. I’d put a wider lens on one and a telelens with the maximum zoom on the other. It’s very hard to switch lenses in a dusty environment while on safari, so this would give you more reach and flexibility. But everything depends on how much stuff you want to carry around, how you travel, etc. You can never have the perfect lens for every circumstance, so I usually try to pack 2, maximum 3 lenses that will cover most scenarios, even if that means that sometimes they won’t be the best ones for that particular shot.
Good luck and I hope that your trip can take place!
@Jacqui, Hi I’m Jamie and headed to Tanzania & Kenya 6/12 (Covid permitting too !).
Jurga, I love your post because I am not a pro and do want great memories of this trip. The 3 Point & shoot you mentioned are my speed since we can only take 33# per person (that’s hard for us girls!!). Which of those 3 mentioned have the best zoom for the money?
Hi Jamie, I know exactly what you mean! I am also getting a bit tired of dragging heavy camera gear with me and still not having the right lens on the camera at some crucial moments. In fact, we just bought one of these point-and-shoot cameras with an amazing zoom ourselves. We chose Nikon Coolpix p1000 and the zoom is just WOW (3000mm equivalent!)! It’s not a cheap camera and also quite heavy (comparable to DSLR cameras), but the photo quality is stunning. Since we are not traveling now, we tried this camera for some portraits, landscapes, and we also took some bird pictures and videos and the results were great. But you do have to put it on a tripod if you use the maximum zoom capacity. On the other hand, 3000mm zoom is insane and you won’t often use it. For pictures where you zoom in up to 500-600mm, you can get some really nice shots even when hand-holding the camera because it also has very good image stabilization.
I don’t have personal experience with all these other cameras, but I am already in love with this one. We bought it so that we can leave our DSLR and lenses at home when traveling and from everything I see, it’s a great alternative.
At the moment, there is no other camera that has such a tele-zoom but is also quite wide for landscape pictures, while also offering great photo quality. This was the main deciding factor for us.
PS If this camera is too expensive for you, take a look at the previous model – Nikon Coolpix 900 – it’s quite cheaper and also has an amazing zoom of 2000mm which is still insane compared to any regular cameras.
Hope this helps. If you get a new camera and take on this safari trip, feel free to let us know afterwards which one you got and what was your experience – it will help our other readers trying to decide what to get.
Have a great trip!
I just wanted to thank you for all the tips and information. As a fairly experienced traveler who has managed good photos with just a cell phone on regular world travels (not wildlife), it was daunting to think about cameras for the first time. I decided on the entry level Canon T6 EOS kit with an 18-55 and a 75-300 lens (plus all the accessories, tripod, etc.). It was about $450 and does everything we’ll need for our first safari to Botswana this year. I am taking an adult education photography class at our local university, which I would highly recommend to anyone who knows nothing about DSLR cameras. Thanks again for the advice!
Glad to hear that you found this info useful, Darrell. And wow, you definitely take this seriously! Taking a photography class will surely help you get some great safari pictures. Often, it’s not that much about the photography equipment you use, but about how you use it.
Enjoy your trip! Botswana will be amazing!
Hi there Jurga,
I am going to Kruger National Park for the first time and I just bought the Canon deluxe kit eos rebel t7i with two lens one is EF-S 18-55 and EF-S 55-250 IS STM. I also bought one sd card 128 gb. I have very little knowledge on photography. My questions to you are, should I get another sd card and what lens should I use as I don’t want to be changing because I will probably miss that once in a life time great picture. Or do you have a recommendation on a different size lens?
What is the best setting for a beginner to leave the camera on? Thank you so much for your help in this. Happy Journey’s
Irene
Hi Irene, if you are a complete beginner in photography, then you’ll probably best leave it in automatic mode – in most cases, it will do the job. But you have to be careful with the built-in flash around the animals, if your camera has one… Otherwise, you have to switch it to Program (P) modus where you can turn off the flash and e.g. increase ISO value for photography in lower light. Try to google a few things like this, so you know how it works and what it does.
If you use just one lens for the animals, then I’d go with the 55-250. I wouldn’t spend even more money for yet another better lens in your case.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip and try to live in the moment rather than trying to photograph it all…
Hello, I was wondering if you have researched anything about mirrorless cameras? I bought an olympus omd m2 mirrorless with a few lenses for our Europe trip a few years ago and do not have a DSLR. I did this after research because I wanted quality photos and interchangeable lenses without heavy weight. Do you think I should invest in quality telephoto/zoom lens or get different camera?
Hi Kristyn, with the ever-improving technology and quality of cameras and lenses, I’m sure your camera will be just fine for safari photography. Mirrorless cameras are great and I heard good things about this Olympus.
Just maybe put on the lens with the furthest reach (biggest zoom) and leave it on the whole day. You can probably use your smartphone for any regular landscape shots if you don’t want to change the lenses too much.
Enjoy your trip!
Great article. Would you bring a Canon 100-400 F4.5-6.3 or the 70-200 f2.8. I have a Canon R and 7DM2
Thanks
Vito
Hi Vito, if you are taking two camera bodies, then take two lenses. If I were to choose, I’d go for the 70-200 2,8 – the picture quality is amazing and I find the 100-400 too big to deal with… But that’s just my personal preference and you might miss the 400 range at times… It’s really up to you.
Enjoy the trip!
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog article and so helpful to help me decide which camera to pack for safari. Really looking forward to my safari experience and hope I can get some nice pictures as well.
Glad to help, Rich. Enjoy your trip and try to just enjoy the moment rather than always striving to get the most perfect picture. Remember, it’s first and foremost about the experience!
Great article with some good tips.
Another tip: For the people that don’t want to BUY any lenses, in some countries (I am living in Portugal), there are shops (even online) where you can rent lenses (and even cameras and other equipment). As I probably won’t be using the lenses I will use for my safari very often, for a fraction of the price, you can have very good lenses for the time you need them.
Hi Roar, yes, you can rent lenses in most countries indeed. But if you are going for a 2-4 week trip, it’s sometimes really costly. But yes, if you never need a lens after that, then it’s still much cheaper than buying a new one.
Thanks for sharing your tip – I’m sure it will be useful to the other readers as well.
Happy travels!
Hi Jurga,
Thank you for this post. We are going to Tanzania and I’ve been trying to figure out a balance between having a couple of lenses and their weight. Also what kind of camera bag to get. I have a backpack camera bag, but find it very cumbersome. Since we will be in a jeep most of the time, I don’t want to have to take it off my back and open it every time I want to change lenses.
Any tips on camera bags?
Hi Jeanne, I’m afraid I can’t help you with it. Pre-kids I used this type of camera bag, but now we always have so much stuff with us that we always carry a day backpack (we have several 30 liter backpacks like this) with us. My big camera (and any lenses) just go in there.
Can you also share a typical camera setting to take photos of animal in motion and still? As well as settings for taking animals in the morning and sunset where there is low light. Appreciate your help.
Hi Noel, that’s so difficult to say. If it’s darker (morning, dusk), you will need to increase your ISO value (so, let’s say during the day you’ll use 100 or 200, but when it gets darker, you’ll need to adjust it) and it’s also best to have a lower aperture (lowest your lens will allow – so f2,8 or f4 for example). For moving animals, you can put your camera in shutter speed mode (Tv) and if it’s light enough, you can probably get some good shots at 1/60- 1/200 seconds, but it’s really a matter of trying. Otherwise, just leave the camera in Program (P) or Aperture (Av) mode and choose ‘High Speed Continuos’ setting instead of ‘Single Shooting’ – that way you make lots of pictures in a very short time and can then delete all the ones that aren’t good and just keep the best ones.
Photography is all about light and all the camera settings depend on that. The good thing with digital cameras is that you can experiment as much as you like without it costing you more.
Hi Jurga,
What a great article! I read it twice to make sure I understand all the details 🙂
I am going to Kenya on a safari and looking for a new camera. As I am new into photography I am doubting whether to go for a cheap DSLR with two lenses as described or go for a zoom camera. (Nikon d3500 versus Nikon p900). As I understood from the article I should go for the DSLR but in the comments I read that a point and shoot is also fine. So I am somewhat confused…
Hi Maarten, this is a really difficult topic, as there are so many different cameras, lenses, and also people have different expectations.
Of course, a DSLR and a very good lens will give you better pictures. Especially if you have several lenses and can use the one that fits the circumstances best. However, there are many people who just don’t want to carry a big camera and don’t want to deal with several lenses. In those cases, I do recommend a good point-and-shoot camera with a very strong zoom. Often, especially if you know how to use the camera and can adjust aperture and/or shutter speed as needed, you can get very good pictures with those cameras as well.
I would consider what you are planning to use the camera/ lenses for and how comfortable are you with carrying a big heavy bag filled with camera gear. If you are ok with the weight, changing lenses, if photography is your hobby, and you want to use the camera for many other trips for years to come, then I’d go with a DSLR and a few really good lenses (they are the best investment – I changed so many cameras, but my expensive lenses are still doing a great job in more than 15 years of very heavy use).
If, however, you just want some pictures to share on social media or put in a family album, don’t want to spend too much money, and will only use the camera for this one trip and maybe very occasionally after that, then it probably makes little sense to invest in an expensive DSLR. Especially, if you don’t want to change lenses or carry heavy weight…
So it’s really a very personal decision based on what you will use the camera for, how much money you want to spend on it, and – I can’t stress this enough – the ease of use and weight are also very important for many people. So take that into account as well.
Good luck and enjoy your trip!
Thanks for your reply Jurga!
I went for the dslr! I have to learn a lot, but am looking forward to it!
HI,
I’m going next week to kruger park (my first safari) and I have aquestion that I hope you can answer. I will take the canon 5D and 70+200 l 2.8. I will borrow from a freind the 2.0 extensions (L from canon). I don’t want to change the lenses during the safari because of the dust (!). Is it worth trading the apperture (2,8 to 5,6) with the reach (200 to 400)?
Thanks
Paulo (from Portugal)
I can’t really tell you that, Paulo. There will be situations when even 400mm will not be enough, and there will be situations where you wish you had f2,8… It’s always about compromises…
Doesn’t your camera have a crop function that you can just choose in the settings? I have a 5Ds and can do that, but my older camera didn’t have that option. So maybe check that – it’s a good alternative if you aren’t sure as you can just crop on the camera itself, without having to change lenses or sacrifice on aperture…
Thank you for your reply. Mine is a first generation 5D. Unfortunately doesn’t have the crop function.
Jurga: In about 6 weeks my wife and I will take our first safari, in South Africa (August 2019). I’m at a loss as to what I should get for tele shots. I bought my first (and only) SLR in 1973. Lugging that relatively light Mamiya Sekor and its hefty, real glass Vivitar 70-210 macro-zoom (one of the first in the world, and a pretty good one) became too much of a burden on vacations. Now I carry a Canon “pro-sumer” G-5x with a 1″ CMOS sensor. But it does not allow for changing lenses, and tops out at 100mm. I guess I need to make a big step, but am resisting a dSLR because of bulk, weight and (re)learning curve. Here is my basic question: Is a long-reach, 20-60x semi-compact or compact Canon PowerShot a tolerable supplement to my very satisfactory G5 X? This is more than a money-saving hope (although it would be 1/2 to 1/5 the price of an EOS setup? The learning curve could be unworkable if controls are much different from Canon PowerShots (as would be Nikons, Sonys, etc.). I’m looking at the G3x with 1″ sensor, or the slim SX620 HS.
Hi Bob, I understand exactly what you mean with bulky cameras and changing lenses, etc. In fact, just at about the same time you wrote this comment, someone else asked a similar question. You can see my suggestions for alternative cameras if you just check the comments below yours or click here to jump straight to it.
Hope this helps.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi Jurga,
We will be going to Southern Africa next summer and are already reading up on cameras and lenses. Your article really helps, thanks! We fit into your mold of “we don’t know much about photography and just want good pictures without too much effort.”
In your article, you said we should consider the cheapest DSLR cameras available and, for Canon, it would be the Canon EOS Rebel series. When I looked at your link on Amazon, there are many, many models of this series. We’re not as worried about budget as we are about the quality of the pictures.
For lenses, you recommend the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM. I’ve read about lenses that are more versatile (16-200mm) and you can just use the one lens, but I don’t want the picture quality to suffer.
Soooo, my questions specifically for our African safari are:
What would be your choice of the Canon EOS Rebel series for us to purchase considering picture quality, ease of use and weight?
Should we purchase an additional “all-in-one” lens (16-18 to 200) or the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Lynn, from what I read, you’re basically looking for a good point-and-shoot camera with a powerful lens that doesn’t require you to change lenses nor change too many settings.
I think that in that case, you’re better off with a very powerful point and shoot camera with a very good zoom instead of a DSLR. In fact, I was just researching cameras like that for myself (as changing lenses and carrying two bags of camera gear is not always what I want to do on vacation). There are so many really good cameras on the market right now that can give you same picture quality as cheaper DSLR’s but don’t require separate lenses. Here are the cameras that I myself consider at the moment (haven’t decided yet though):
Hope I didn’t confuse you even more, but from what I read in your comment, I think that these cameras fit your description the best.
Good luck with the choice and have a great trip!
Hello,
I am traveling to Kenya next month. I have EOS 77D and have one wide lens of EFS 18-135mm. I want to get another lens. Can you please guide and suggest?
Hi Mohita, you can find a lot of suggestions in the article already. It’s really about your budget and your needs. If you are just taking pictures as a hobby and don’t feel like spending a fortune, then you could go with a lens like this – Canon EF 75-300 f4-5,6. If you want better quality at a reasonable price, then try something like this: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is II USM Lens.
If you are willing to spend a bit more, then I think that L lenses are a really good investment. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM is one of the nicest quality lenses in the somewhat more affordable price range.
Hope this helps.
Thank you ever so much for this invaluable information!
From everything I read, point and shoots can’t do the job of even a cheaper DSLR, but as you well know, technology changes at a very rapid pace.
Since we are not traveling until next summer and we aren’t in a hurry, is it at all possible for you to let me know which one you end up buying and why?
Thanks a million Jurga!
The two more expensive cameras I linked to can definitely do the job of the cheapest Canon DSLR – no doubt about that. The problem in my case, is that I’m comparing it with the full frame camera and very good lenses that I already have, and then there is indeed a big difference. But once again, probably not significant enough for semi-professional use like my blog or personal albums…
For now, I decided not to buy any of those cameras with big zoom, as we have no wildlife trips in the planning at the moment. I just got another camera instead – Fujifilm X100F – it’s meant to help me take nice city/landscape pictures without having to carry my bulky DSLR. It’s not a full frame camera and has a fixed lens that doesn’t even zoom, so it has its limitations, but the picture quality is amazing. I’m taking it on all our summer trips this year in hopes of traveling lighter. It’s all about the choices and for certain trips, I’ll also still take my DSLR, but I’m really hoping that this camera will become my main travel camera from now on.
I know this is not helping you with your safari camera choice, though. It’s such a personal thing. I think for safari good zoom is a must, but versatility (no need to change lenses) is also a very important factor.
Good luck with your choice!
Hello, I am so pleased to have found your blog. I am heading to Kenya this month and have a Canon m50, I have already purchased a mount adaptor and now looking for a lens.
Do you have any recommendations in terms of 70-200mm Canon or 18-400mm Tamron? Any help would be much appreciated.
Hi Nikki, it’s really a personal choice. A lens like Tamron 18-400mm is much more versatile, so you can just take one lens and it will cover all your needs. Whereas any lens of 70-200 will have its limitations and you’ll definitely want to take another wider lens for landscape photography. Also, there are at least 3 different lenses from Canon with that reach – the cheapest Canon 70-200 f4 lens costs about as much as Tamron, but has a much better light and image quality that will be incomparable to that of Tamron. But you’re sacrificing on reach. So if you just want to pack one lens, then 18-400mm lens might be a better option for you.
Hi Jurga! Great article!
I am heading to South Africa in June and am a pretty new photographer. I bought the Canon SL2 and have the kit lens that came with it (18-55) as well as a nifty fifty and a 55-250. I’m looking at renting a lens or two for the trip. What would you recommend? I’m thinking the Canon 300mm f/4L IS?
Any recommendations are very welcome!
Kris
Hi Kris, Canon 300mm f/4L IS is a really nice lens, but my personal preference wouldn’t be a prime lens, rather one where you can zoom in and out. Animals just don’t sit still and it’s usually not possible for you to go closer or a bit further to get the perfect shot, so being able to zoom can be very useful.
I think any lens that goes to at least 200mm is fine. If you can handle the size and the weight, Canon 100-400mm is a really good choice as well. You can find my other suggestions in the article.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi. Thanks for this.
I am going on my first safari and have a 7d Mark ii which I plan to use with the 70-300L to get the extra reach and a second hand 5D Mark iii with a 24-105 F4 L. Wondering whether there’s anything to be gained by also renting a longer lens? Feeling I should be ok with what I have (and should minimise having to change lenses, good weight etc) but would really value your opinion.
Many thanks.
Hi Anne, this combination of cameras and lenses sounds more than enough for hobby wildlife photography. If I’m not mistaken, the 7d has a 1.6x crop sensor, so your reach is actually 112-480, that should be more than sufficient.
Taking yet another lens and having to change it is really not ideal and I think it’s so much easier to keep the same lens on the camera all the time.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi I am headed to South Africa at the end of the year. I have a Canon 5DMIV. I also have good lenses 16-35 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8. I have read your blog and have found it helpful. I have also read other blogs that recommend the 100-400 for safari. I don’t own the 100-400 but thinking of renting it to see how I handle it. My concern is the lack of quality I have read about using the extender with the 70-200m lens.
Hi Sharon, it’s really a personal choice. I never used an extender, but I know people who do and they are quite happy with it (original Canon converters like this one x2
or this one x1,4
– not something from another brand – those seem to have bigger issues).
I found 100-400mm too heavy and too big for me, so I sent mine back after testing it for a few days. I prefer to travel somewhat light if possible, but that also means that I don’t always have the perfect equipment for every shot and I’m fine with that. If photography is your main focus of this trip, then indeed you may want to rent a bigger lens to see if it’s something for you.
I tomorrow morning leaving to Safari and just read your article . I am the person who always go for quality so I don’t care about the weight for 5 month trip around Africa pack everything…. But for safari I selected 5mkIII with 16-35 and 7dmkII with 100-400 so I can have both extra wide and zoom up to 640mm with 10fps . Because of safari prices I don’t go to it every month or year so I think it’s important to get as many as possible good shots . Btw 7dmkII I bought 3 years ago specially for safari and 100-400 2 years ago for safari as well . I would say it’s a good combination for sport and wildlife .
You are absolutely right, George. When going on a once-in-a-lifetime trip you probably want to take the best camera equipment that you have. I do the same.
Thank you for sharing your experience and enjoy your trip!
Hi Jurga,
i have the option of hiring lenses at the Safari, rather than bringing my own. Although i will bring my Canon 24-70, 70-200 and 2x Extender .. i am looking to hire either the 400mm f2.8, 500mm f4, or 600mm f4 .. do you have any suggestions regarding any of these lenses ?
I am opting for the 400mm f2.8 which is a fast lens and i can attach the Extender, thanks.
Hi Joe, no, I don’t really have experience with these lenses. Keep in mind how and where you’ll use them. If you are on the jeep and can’t set up a tripod/monopod then the heavier the lens, the more difficult it will be to get decent shots.
I think 400mm with a 2x extender should be more than enough for nice close-ups.
Jurga,
Your article was excellent. Thank you so much for all the information and your insight. I am going on a safari June 2019. I have a Canon 80D and for my last vacation I bought the Tamron 16-300 3.5-6.3. It seems to be a good “all in one” camera. Do you think this is good enough or do you think I really should look at something that has a greater zoom (like 400)? Also, from your experiences, do recommend a starting point for settings (ISO/Aperture/Shutter). Obviously it depends on time of day….but if I didnt do manual everything, do you think Aperture priority or Shutter priority would be best? Faster shutter speed to get action?
Thanks again.
Ken
Hi Ken, it’s really about the budget and what you use the camera/lenses for. If I’m not mistaken, Canon EOS 80d is a crop sensor camera? That means that your 300mm lens actually gives you 480mm reach – more than sufficient. I usually use the 70-200mm lens on my full frame camera and it’s ok for most situations.
Of course, there will be situations when you’ll want bigger reach, but are these worth a couple of thousands of dollars for you…
As for the settings – it really depends on what and where and how :). I tend to shoot in Aperture mode, the lowest f number my lens allows. For the action, I find that shooting at High Continuous Speed is usually your best bet if animals are moving fast. Just shoot and then afterwards keep the best picture of all that you took. ISO – depends so much on the time of the day. Animal viewing is often best at sunrise and at sunset, so you’ll need to set your ISO accordingly.
Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!
Jurga…thank you so much for your response. I will do some testing out here with my Tamron and see how it works (simulating a safari). As for the settings….thank you for that … agreed its all about the time of day, light, etc. But lowest Aperture makes sense…maybe auto ISO to start and then I can play around with it.
Hi, I will be traveling to Namibia next year. I Have a Nikon D7500 a 40mm macro and and the chipest 70-300 (last version). I thing I need something wider, so I was evaluating the 18-400 from Tamron in order to avoid changing lens. Did you tested it?
Thank you
Mario
Hi Mario, no, I don’t have first-hand experience with this lens. As all lenses that cover such a big range, it will probably have its limitations, but its’ definitely easy not to have to change lenses. I see that the reviews for this Tamron 18-400 lens are really good too.
It’s really a personal choice. But if this fits your needs and budget, then it looks like a good choice to me.
Thank you Jurga. Trip is in June, so I have some time, maybe I will move to a full frame. there some big zoom lens around 1000 (Sigma – Contemporary 100-400mm / Sigma 150-600mm, etc ). If you have some experience with some of these let me know.
Regards
Hi Mario, unfortunately I have no experience with these Sigma lenses. I once bought Canon 100-400mm. While I was really impressed with the quality of the pictures, I just couldn’t handle the weight and the size of that lens. So I sent it back… But for the quality and the reach it has, it’s a great lens. Maybe Sigma is similar – no idea… I’m sure there are plenty reviews online, maybe they’ll help you decide.
Good luck!
Hi Jurga:
I am planning a trip to Kenya, and India to take pictures of big cats. I am returning to photography after a prolonged absence (back when there was only film), my career didn’t afford me much time. I am glad to be back.
Read your blog, and took your advise about spending money on better glass. I have an 80D, with 100-400 L II, and 24-70 L. I did notice a difference between the “L” and the kit lens. Been working with this combo for about 11 months now, at the zoo (to try different settings and see results quickly), plus the local wildlife/greenspace preserves. I have gotten lots great images. I have been handholding all shots.
Now I am ready to add a second camera to my bag before I go, and have both lenses mounted on the bodies so they are ready to go. It will also eliminate the need to open the camera in the field. Reading the internet is making my head hurt. I am trying to decide between putting a 6D Mark II to get the advantages of full-frame performance at high ISOs and low light (I have looked at the 5D-M4, but being this just a hobby, the price is a lot), and the 7D2 or waiting until the rumoured 7D Mark III comes out. I do not print pictures or make videos, I just share them with friends and display them on my 4K TV.. The crop factor gives me extra range plus there is a better autofocus and more AF points win the 7D, vs. the 6D the bigger sensor better low light conditions and better wide angle. I am not sure which is better, being I have never been outside North America.
Any thoughts would help? Thanks for your blog and e-mailed newsletter.
Hi Robert, so your question is basically which camera to choose – Canon6D vs 7D? I think it’s really your personal preference, how often you’ll use the camera and for what purposes, and how do you feel about the budget.
Obviously, full frame camera will give you better pictures, but will they be that much better that it would be noticeable on your TV screen – not sure. So much will depend on the lenses that you use and from what I see you already have excellent lenses.
As you say, the crop factor of 7D will give you more reach. 6D will be heavier than 7D – another factor to consider. On the other hand, you already have heavy lenses, so maybe a bit of additional weight won’t be an issue.
All this being said, we’re back to where we started – it’s your personal preference. I have had several models of Canon 5D cameras through the years and yes it’s heavy and it’s expensive, but I love the pictures I can take with my camera and to me it’s worth it. I also don’t change my camera every year, same with the lenses, so I rather get quality that will keep me happy for years.
Not sure if this is of any help 🙂
Thanks this did really help. The weight, the 7D is actually heavier than 5DMarkIV, ok it is only 20g so really nothing. Your last comment on quality and length of ownership is absolutely correct. I expect to get many years out of the camera. Sticker price is what you see first….fortunately Canon has the 5D Mark IV on sale for $800CDN off. Plus travelling I want to bring back the best pictures possible.
They are also throwing in the battery grip. 1) do you have one, is it useful?. My thoughts are not, as 900 shots is approx. a 32 GB SD card, so for simplicity change battery/change SD card, no real thinking involved. Also large cards means potential for loss of a lot of pictures should it go bad.
Hi Robert, no, I don’t have a battery grip and I never really missed it. However, I always carry an extra battery (original from Canon after some bad experience with the cheap replacements), but it’s very rarely that I need it. Some lenses (mostly the ones with image stabilisation) drain the battery faster, so in that case you may need a second battery during the day, but I never had two batteries run empty in one day. Not even on safari where I easily take hundreds of shots in a day.
As for cards, I mostly use 16GB now, never had a problem. Also here I usually buy good ones from SanDisk and never had one fail.
Your post on best camera equipment is very helpful. Would appreciate knowing the best camera bag to purchase for an African Safari. I would like the camera bag to also double up for other miscellaneous items.
Thank you!!
Hi Anupam, I find that a bag is such a personal choice – it depends so much on how you expect to use it.
I personally gave up on camera bags when we started traveling with 3 kids and often use this lightweight day backpack from Jack Wolfskin or this a bit bigger backpack from Thule. These may not be ideal for a camera, but they are so versatile and can fit everything I need during the day.
If you rather have a special bag where you can nicely sort your camera gear, I’d recommend a camera backpack for African safari as it indeed also allows you to easier take some other items with you. Better than a shoulder bag in any case. Here are some good options that I found:
Hope this helps.
@Jurga, dont forget the 15 kg baggage limit to some of the private camp grounds. I have on next week in Kenya and noted the flights allow only 15 kg in small bags in the chartered flights from Nairobi to Masai Mara
Hi Zorro, yes, there’s a bagage weight limit on the smaller planes. I think they normally only really weigh/look at your suitcase, but yes, it’s not the best idea to carry 10kg of camera gear if you are flying on small local planes.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi Jurga, thanks for writing up this post which is exactly what I need at the moment. I bought a canon 70d few years ago with a EF-S 18-135mm lens. Figured that it won’t be enough for my upcoming trip to the safari and have been looking for a better lens. I found a place where I can rent the lens for the trip but am stuck in which one I should pick. What would you advice?
-EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
-EF-S18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
-EF70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM (double the cost of renting the above EF-S lens)
-EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM (this is the most expensive one)
There is also a big difference in the cost of renting the EF-S and EF lenses, I would really appreciate if you could give me any thoughts. Thanks in advance!
Hi Angie, as I tell everyone, the choice really depends on you. What kind of pictures do you expect to make? Do you want to switch the lenses or not? Of course, an expensive lens like 70-200 f2,8 will cost multiple times more, it’s also much better quality, but also very heavy…
If you want the most versatile lens and don’t want to change it, then 18-200 is probably a good option for both landscapes and animals.
If you want to take really good pictures of the animals, then any of the 70-200 or 70-300 lenses is of course better in quality. I personally didn’t like the 70-300 too much and most of the time use my 70-200 f4, which is half the price and half the weight of 70-200 f2,8.
Hope this helps
Hi Jurga, thanks for getting back to me! I have also told that Tamron lens might be an option. Have you try them before? I have done a bit of research online and shortlisted the below lenses. Any idea if they are good?
– Tamron 16-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD (APS-C lens)
– Tamron 18-400mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (APS-C lens) [this seems to be provide more coverage?]
– Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di VC USD (full-frame lens)
Hi Angie, I don’t have any experience with Tamron lenses. Some people love them, some – hate them and go for the original Canon or Nikon.
The choice of the lens for safari is all about the range and the aperture (f number), and it’s mostly about your preference and what you expect that lens to do for you. They all have advantages and limitations.
Thanks a lot, Jurga. I really appreciate your time and am so sorry for bugging you with all these choices. I think I am leaning towards the EF-S18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, like you said earlier it is probably good on both landscapes and animals. Just wanna double check that I didn’t misunderstood the range here. I understand that the range I will have with the lens on my canon 70D would be 1.5x, meaning that it will have a 28-300mm range?
Hi Angie, no worries 🙂 I’m not sure of 70D has a 1,5 or 1,6 crop sensor (I think the latter), so yes, 18-200 would in fact be 28-320 range.
Hi Jurga,
Thank you for writing the post. I’m going to South Africa in a couple weeks and I think I need a new lens and would like your opinion please. I currently have an older model Canon T3i. I have a Canon Lens EF 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 IS USM. I’m thinking about purchasing a used Canon 70-200 mm 2.8 L IS II USM, which honestly is still a lot of money for me. But the reason I like this one is that I think it will be good for taking pictures of my sons hockey games. I really enjoy photography but I’m just a beginner. Do you think it is worth the expense ? What would be your rough guess of how good the pictures would be with what I have vs getting the new lens ? Do I have to get a new camera as well? because I really don’t want to spend that kind of money right now. Thank you for your help
Hi Wendy, it’s a difficult choice only you can make. My honest opinion is that Canon 70-200 f,8 lens is much too heavy and too expensive for your camera. It’s an amazing lens and of course pictures will be much better, incomparable to the lens that you have now, but you also have to know how to get the most of it. Which is probably not ideal with the camera that you have.
I think that if you already consider a new lens, better go for Canon 70-200 f4 IS II USM – it’s about half the price, but also half the weight, and gets amazing images too. Also, this is the newest generation of Canon lenses, so it’s an investment that you’ll use for years. I have the older version of this lens, used it on three different cameras through the years, and I still think that it’s more than enough for those occasional close-up shots like going on safari or similar. It’s still my main lens for close-up photography. You can see one of my recent images taken with this lens (over 13 years old now) here.
If you invest in the quality lenses, they will outlast any camera that you have now. If you later decide to upgrade the camera, those lenses will still do the job perfectly. So if the choice is between a new camera or a new lens, go for the lens. But consider the cost/weight/size of the lens and what you’ll use it for.
Hope this helps a bit. Enjoy South Africa – it’s my favourite country in the world!
Hi Jurga,
Thank you very much for the information.
Wendy
Hi Jurga, I’m heading to Africa in a few weeks. I currently have a D5600 and decided to go for a Tamron 18-400mm. was very close to buying a tamron 150-600mm but decided against it just for the reason that i don’t have to change lenses all the time. I am just wondering should i keep a cheaper digital camera too record some of the action or not? what do you think?
Hi Sharjeel, I think 18-400 is a good choice if you don’t like changing lenses. As for having two cameras, I really don’t know what to say. I guess it depends on what you use them for and on your personal preference. I know for myself that I often feel overwhelmed when I have to take pictures and also videos at the same time. Remember that traveling is mostly about the experience, so don’t miss it while watching all the action through the lens.
Of course, everyone travels differently and for me too, photography is an essential part of travel experience. Just do whatever feels right for you and don’t forget to put all the cameras away once in a while and simply enjoy being there.
Hi Jurga, I’m so glad I commented here. For me a safari has always been about the experience but just got drawn into the whole Instagram mindset which is all about good and nice photographs that make you go wow! I’m just going to go with the camera I have and try living the whole experience to fullest!
Happy to hear that, Sharjeel. I think we all sometimes forget to just be present in the moment rather than document everything to then be able to impress our friends on social media. Travel has become too much about Instagrammable places, rather than experiences…
Enjoy the safari!
Jurga, I really enjoyed reading your article. Leaving for Botswana in March of 2019. I’m really trying to figure camera equipment to take. I’m always afraid of leaving some equipment behind but on these I know I have too. Will be doing some puddle jumping so I know I have to be somewhat light with my gear. I’m taking my Canon 7D and y 5D MK4. I have a multitude of different lenses but would like to narrow it down so I can use a smaller backpack to carry everything. I have the 100-400, 16-35, 24-105, 17-40, 70-200, and the Tamaron 150-600 G2, I’m leaning towards the 100-400, 24-105, and/or the Tamaron as well as the other necessary equipment. In Tanzania I felt I needed at times the longer reach than the 100-400 gave me. I have no extenders but not opposed to buying one to get the reach. Of what I have shown you as far as lenses, which would you use or maybe something different. Totally open to suggestions. Thanks
Hi Tom, it’s always a tough choice with the camera equipment and you will have at least one situation where you wished you had another lens, but I’d say try to travel light(-ish) and pack what you think you’ll need 80% of the time. You can’t pack for all situations and you won’t be switching lenses all the time either…
If you are taking two bodies, then maybe put the 24-105 or even one of the wider lenses (16-35 or 17-40) on your 7D (for the landscapes) and then 100-400 on the 5D. So just take two bodies with one lens each.
Does your 5DMK4 have a crop function? I have EOS 5Ds and it gives me an option to crop a shot by 1,3 or 1,6 in any mode but automatic. So if you put your 100-400 lens on that camera, you could get to 160-640 range if need be, even without any converters. I think this should be more than enough for hand-held casual safari shots, don’t you think?
Hope this helps. Oh, and I’m so jealous. Botswana is said to be amazing for wildlife photography. Enjoy it!
Dear Jurga,
I really enjoyed reading this article, the pictures, and learning more about camera and lenses. We are leaving at the end of the month to Botswana. I have a Nikon D3200, and planning on taking my 18-300 Lens. Do you think it will be good to capture wildlife? I don’t want to have to switch lenses due to the dusty conditions, but don’t want to invest on a second body either. Please let me know your thoughts.
Thank you ?
Dear Aura, there are certainly advantages in having just one lens, especially with such a wide range. It’s actually ideal because you can photograph wide landscapes and close-ups of animals without having to change lenses. I am not familiar with this particular lens, but in general the only disadvantage is that these lenses usually aren’t as good quality-wise, but for simple vacation photography I wouldn’t worry about it too much and indeed go for the easy solution.
Enjoy it! I hear that Botswana is incredible for wildlife viewing.
Hi Jurga,
Great Article and amazing insight. My wife and I are going to South Africa Safari and we are interested in a beginner lens. As you mentioned in your article, I am going more for the experience but would like some decent shots for the memories. I have a Nikon D3100 with the standard lens it comes with. What do you recommend?
Hi Keyur, I’m not very familiar with Nikon lenses since I’m a real Canon girl ;), but here are some that I found that are the best equivalents of what I’d suggest for Canon.
Nikon 70-200 f4 is pretty much what I use from Canon. So this would be my personal #1 choice.
Nikon 70-200 f2,8 is a more expensive version, which will of course give better results, but you have to see if the extra price and weight are worth it for you.
If both of these are above the budget, but you still want a very good lens for somewhat less money, try lenses from Sigma (Sigma 70-200 f2,8) or Tamron (e.g. Tamron 70-200 f2,8). They are often quite good as well, but are usually priced better than the lenses of the brands like Nikon or Canon themselves. This would probably be my second best option because you get a really good lens for a good price here.
If your budget is really limited and you are really interested in the beginner type of lens, then look into these type of lenses, e.g. Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 or alternatively Sigma 70-300 f4-5,6.
Hope this helps.
Enjoy your trip – South Africa is amazing!
Dear Jurga
Thanks for a great articles on Namibia. They have really inspired my family and we are going to Namibia in a few weeks.
I am thinking of replacing an old micro 4/3 with a new Canon for landscape and travelling – frequently climbing / hiking. I note you have a 5dsr, but was wondering if that or a 5d Mark IV would be best suited?
Plan to get canon 100-400 L II and the 70-105 L II to go with one of the 5s.
Thanks
Ian
Hi Ian, good to hear that our blog inspired you to visit Namibia. You’ll love it – it’s a beautiful country.
for the best deals – there’s so much price difference in electronics.
As for the cameras, I think I’d go with 5D Mark IV now: it’s a bit newer model, from what I see it’s also cheaper (well, at least on Amazon US it is – Canon EOS 5d Mark IV vs. Canon EOS 5ds), and has better video capabilities. Less megapixels, but way more than you need for regular vacation pictures anyway. Both are great cameras, so I think you can’t really go wrong with either.
As for the lenses, 100-400L and 24-105L (I guess you meant 24 and not 70) looks like a good combo. Just one thing – 100-400 is really heavy and very long when in use. It has a great reach though, so if you can handle the size, should be great for safari photography.
Depending where you’re from check also Amazon UK
All the best
Hello, Heading to Botswana soon. Ok, so I have a Nikon D 70 with a few lenses but its HEAVY. I don’t really want to invest in a whole bunch of new equipment for one trip. As an ex-professional photographer I realize there is no perfect camera. But… Looking for a smaller, more portable option. I did think about a new lens for my old Nikon but as it’s older (DX) technology I decided that is not a great idea.
It’s getting the 300+ fast zoom with stabilization and fast auto focus that seems to be the challenge.
Perhaps I am asking too much?
Hi Susan, I really don’t know what to say. It’s indeed always a challenge with good camera equipment – it’s bulky, it’s heavy, and you have to change the lenses in non-optimal conditions on safari too. I don’t know Nikon gear as well as I do with Canon, but I found this 28-300mm lens that could do if you want to travel light. It covers pretty much all the range you need on a regular safari vacation and it saves you from carrying too much gear. I see that there are cheaper alternatives from Tamron as well, so maybe something to consider?
I recently got a Canon 80D with a Tamron 16-300, f/3.5-6.3 lens. It is the only lens I have. I am new to photography. We leave in a couple weeks for 3 weeks in Africa. Am I going to regret not having a second lens? Is this lens too slow for morning and evening safaris? I have recently retired and will be traveling a lot the next few years, soo if I need to invest in another lens I would like to do it now, even though I am trying to keep things to pack to a minimum.
Hi Cheryl, the lens you have seems very versatile and it’s easy to take pictures in most situation without having to switch lenses. Will it be ok for non-optimal light conditions? Probably not really, but then a lot depends a on the camera you have too, and also on what you expect from your pictures. If you want really sharp close up shots of animals from a jeep in the dark, then it’s practically impossible anyway. But of course a good telephoto lens of 200 or 300mm f2.8 will do a much better job in most situations than the lens you have now. It’s really up to you to decide whether you need it, how comfortable are you carrying extra lenses, changing them on the road, etc. If you want to keep it simple, then you are set. If you want better pictures and don’t mind the extra cost weight etc. then yes, there are definitely better lenses for safari photography. Sorry if this isn’t of much help, but it’s so different for everyone.
Hi Jurga,
Thank you for this post. I am buying my first serious camera, in preparation for a safari in a few weeks. There are several Canon Rebel T6 starter packs that I’ve been looking at. The cheaper one has the 18-55mm lens with image stabilization. The more expensive kit includes that same lens plus a 75-300mm lens without image stabilization. So the choice is between buying the cheaper one and then also buying a separate 75-300mm with image stabilization or buying the more expensive kit that doesn’t have IS on the telephoto lens. I’m not sure I can justify buying the telephoto lens with IS at this point, given the cost. However, my thought is that I could try to compensate for lack of IS by using a faster shutter speed and also by using flash in low-light settings; my understanding is that IS is mainly useful in low-light with slower shutter speed, so changing those two variables should obviate the need for IS. What are your thoughts? I’m on a student budget, which is the limiting factor here.
It’s always a tough choice, Laura. The lens I use the most doesn’t have IS, but it has a great aperture f2,8. My telephoto has IS and it’s sometimes useful.
18-55 is not the range you will use a lot for animal photography, and for landscapes IS doesn’t matter that much. 75-300 – there IS would be more useful. You won’t use much flash for safari photography – it’s useless on big distances and from close by you shouldn’t even attempt – no idea how animals would react to it. 🙂 Your best bet is to use high ISO in low light and hope that the camera can still produce nice results.
I think you know best what you can justify in terms of your needs and budget. It’s really difficult for me to tell you what to do. Try to think in which situations you will be using which lens most often and then decide based on that.
Hope this helps.
Dear Jurga,
I really enjoyed your article and the shots. My wife and I are planning a safari to Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya for our 25th Anniversary. I am thinking of using this trip as an opportunity to upgrade from my Cannon 60D that is about 5-6 years old. Additionally, I may rent another body so as to have 2 cameras with me so I don’t have to change lenses while out on drives. I was thinking about a Full Frame body with a 24-70 lens for landscapes and the closer shots and then a cropped body with a 100-400 lens for the other wildlife shots. Both lenses would be rented and “L” series equipment. Is this a reasonable approach in your opinion?
Thanks so much for sharing your opinion!
Hi Ken, yes, this sounds like a very reasonable approach. 24-70 2,8 lens is my most used lens for years. 100-400mm is really big, but it’s a great lens as well. I have a Canon 5Ds camera (full frame) and it also has a possibility to choose crop factor of either x1,6 or x1,3, so if need be you could even increase your 400mm reach to 640mm with such a camera. It’s not a cheap kit, but it’s something you can use for many years.
Thanks for your advice Jurga. As it turns out, I ended up buying a 5D Mark III and a 24-105 L lens. I am also renting a 7D Mark II and a 100-400 L lens. I had originally planned to use the 7D with the 100-400 lens to get the extra reach, but ask if you think I’d be better served to use that lens on the 5D for the added image quality, and then putting the 24-105 on the 7D for landscapes. I do not have the option of choosing a crop factor on my 5D. Thanks so much!
Hi Ken, why don’t you just try one lens/camera combination and decide once you are there (and maybe even switch depending on where exactly you are planning to go which day).
Unless you really need huge prints, I wouldn’t worry too much about the image quality. I think both cameras will do the job just fine.
If you want a really wide reach for landscapes, you should still better use 24-105 on the non-crop camera I think, and the 100-400 will give you better close ups on the animals. Once again, you’ll never have the perfect combination for every shot, but I think the combo you have is really amazing and will help you get some great shots, no matter the situation.
Have a great trip!
Dear Jurga,
Thank you very much.
One more question.
Do you use a bean bag and if yes is it really helpful?
Best regards, Katharina
Hi again, Katharina. No, actually I never used a bean bag. I saw it used once or twice, but have no personal experience.
Dear Jurga,
Your Blog is great and the the Safari post caught my interest as I am going on to South Africa and also on Safari in a few weeks. I feel lmuch better prepared however in terms of camera equipment I am uncertain.
I want to do the best out of this vacation obviously 😉 I find your post very interesting but reading so much on the internet confuses me also.
I have a basic DSLR Canon 100D with the Kit lens 18-55mm. I also have the Canon 50mm.
I was thinking maybe to upgrade to the 80D and buy one new better lens such as the Tamron 16-300 or the 18-200. Would you recommend the camera change? And what do you think about the lenses with such a wide range? I mainly read sceptical opions, however I am just a hobby photographer and I am not sure where to invest best.
I would love to hear your opinion.
Many thanks.
Katharina
Hi Katharina, it’s not an easy decision indeed, as everyone has different opinions. You have to find the best balance between your photography needs and the budget you have. If you have to choose between a good lens or a good camera, from my experience, I would advise to go for the lens. A really good lens can make a huge difference, and you can use it for years. I have changed many cameras over the years, but I still use the same lenses which I bought more than 12 years ago.
On the other hand, a good camera is also important. If you have money for both, then a trip to Africa is a good moment to upgrade your gear.
If you don’t want to spend too much money and are happy with a few good shots, then just stick to the camera body that you have and buy a Tamron lens like the one you describe. Of course, a lens with such a wide reach will not give you the same quality as lenses with fixed aperture of f2,8 or f4. But a lens like that has advantages too – mainly that you don’t have to change it, and can travel light with just one lens.
Sorry if I am not more helpful. It’s really a personal decision. If money is not an issue, then go for the Canon 80d and one of the L lenses that I described in this post.
Enjoy your trip!
Hi Jurga. I’m Karen. Heading to Rwanda and Tanzania in a month. I was buying an additional battery for my Canon Rebel XT and was pretty much told that my 10 year old + body is obsolete and won’t serve me well on my trip. That gives you an indication of my photography expertise.!! I do have the Tamron 18-270mm lens. I wasn’t anticipating this new purchase. What base would you recommend that isn’t going to break the bank? And could I make do with the one Tamron lens? We’ll also have our smart phones/Ipad for some shots. Glad I came across your blog. Happy Travels, Karen
Hi Karen, if you are thinking of upgrading your camera, then a trip like that is definitely a good moment to do it! If you like your Canon Rebel and want to use the same lens, then the most obvious choice is probably the Canon EOS Rebel T6i. The lens you have has quite a decent reach, with a crop-sensor camera it gives you a good range of up to 432mm (270×1,6), so for close-ups of the animals it should be more than sufficient.
Don’t count on using your smartphone and tablet for animal photography – it’s just not fast enough unless the animals are very close by and standing still, you won’t get any decent shots. It is ok for the landscapes and such.
Hope it helps. Have a nice trip!
Hi Jurga, great read and advice – just the type of article I was looking for!
I’m considering either of the two options – relatively similar in price – on a Canon 60D, just wanted to get your thoughts? (my significant other will be on the trip too, armed with a decent point-and-shoot, so she can take some snaps too)
– Canon 70-300mm EF f/4-5.6L IS USM
– Canon 300mm EF f/4L IS USM
I was also thinking about a 1.4x teleconverter, but not sure if that will be necessary.
Other sources recommend a monopod; however, a tripod would be more versatile, right?
Hi Mitch, glad you found this info useful. Lenses is a tough choice, as fixed focal length will give you better light, but you loose flexibility. I somehow always prefer zoom lenses, especially when photographing something unpredictable like animals. You can zoom in and out as animals move. But that’s my personal opinion, of course.
As for teleconverter, I never used it. 60D is already a crop camera, no? So it already gives you 1.6x reach, meaning that 70-300mm actually becomes 112-480mm. For most situations this will be more than enough. Both these lenses look really good quality-wise.
As for tripod vs. monopod, depends where you are planning to use it. On safari vehicles you can’t set up a tripod, maybe a monopod would help. But usually you won’t have much time to set all your equipment for a perfect shot anyway – you’ll just have to quickly snap a picture and hope it turns out well. Most animals don’t wait. If you are thinking of taking pictures on the ground, at the waterholes and such, then a tripod is still much easier I think.
Sorry if I’m not more helpful. Everyone has their own preferences, so it’s really up to you to decide what works best for you.
No worries – I was leaning more towards the zoom lens without teleconverter, so thanks for the reply!
What do you think of the bridge/superzoom cameras such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300?
Hi Arvid, I never tried this camera, so all I can say is based on the reviews that I read on different sites. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 seems to have incredible reach of 600mm (!) with fixed aperture f2,8. I have no idea about the quality of the pictures, but purely based on these numbers, it looks like a really good deal price/reach/aperture wise. So if you don’t want to invest in really expensive lenses and have to carry a bulky kit of DSLR+lenses with you, then this definitely looks like a very nice alternative. It only has 12MP though, but for regular vacation pictures this should be more than enough. If you compare with any DSLR lenses with this reach, then this camera looks like a real bargain.
My only concern with wildlife photography would be how fast the autofocus is. Animals rarely sit still to pose for a picture. That’s – to me – still the biggest advantage of DSLR cameras. But then again, if you are not a professional photographer and just want a couple of good shots to remember your vacation, then it will probably serve the purpose quite well.
Hi Jurga,
Thanks for this blog. I’d be interested in knowing what lens you used for each picture and how far approximately you were from the subject.. I had entertained the thought of buying a Tamron 600mm, but all of can think of is that I’ll have to carry whatever I take.
Thanks so much!
A
Hi. With 600mm you could photograph pretty much anything! I was contemplating taking a 100-400mm lens, but then tried it and sent it back as it was much too heavy for me to carry around. The lens I used for the safari pictures in Namibia was Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM UD. The picture of a lioness is from our trip to South Africa, it was taken with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM Lens. I also had a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM with me, but I used it mainly for landscapes and people when not on safari.
I am not good in estimating distances, but most of my safari pictures were taken at the maximum reach of the lens (200 or 300mm), so it will give you an idea. Also, I have a full frame camera so 300mm means just that; if you have a crop sensor DSLR, 300mm would give you 480mm reach (300×1,6). Some animals were far, some nearby, so I used what I had to make the best of it. The lioness was very close to us, just a few meters away, so I took a close-up just because I could.
There were moments when I wish I had more reach, but it’s all about the choices. If I were traveling alone with a sole purpose of photography, I’d definitely carry a longer lens for safari. But with three kids in tow I need something versatile and easy to use (and hold).
I can’t really say what you should do. It depends on your travel style, photography skills, budget, and the purpose of the trip. Try to find the compromise that works best for you and covers 80% of situations. You can never have the right equipment for everything. You might have 600mm lens and then run into a group of lions so close to the vehicle that all you can photograph is their eyes… Try to be creative with the equipment you have depending on the situation. And also remember that often you won’t have the time to switch the lens to a perfect one. The animals are fast, so better take a less perfect shot than be too late ;).
Hope this helps you a bit.
Hi Jurga
What is the difference between a DSLR Camera and a Mirrorless Digital Camera I was thinking of a Fuji X-T2….. What do you think
PS. I did one safari and thinking of doing more in the future with better equipment, I am a beginner
Thanks in advance
Hi Alfredo, I’m not really an expert. There are so many cameras and new additions all the time, that it’s difficult to follow :). Here is what I found in regards to mirrorless/DSLR cameras: Mirrorless cameras have the advantage of usually being lighter, more compact, faster and better for video; but that comes at the cost of access to fewer lenses and accessories. DSLRs have the advantage in lens selection and an optical viewfinder that works better in low light, but they are more complex and bulkier.
The Fuji X-T2 seems to get excellent reviews.
I see that there are quite some lenses available for this camera that would be perfect for safari, so that shouldn’t be an issue (55-200mm looks like a very affordable choice, or a high-end lens with incredible reach 100-400mm). So yes, it looks like a good choice. When it comes to cameras, there is so much choice, it’s really more about what YOU prefer and how much money you are willing to spend.
Hello Jurga, On my search for a family trip to Namibia I found your blog and I’m glad I did. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect for such a trip and you reassure on many points. As far as photography, I do own a Canon already and will certainly upgrade with some of your great recommendations. I have a question however. You mentioned that you had a lot of sand traveling to Namibia. How did you handle that with your camera equipment?
Hi Melanie, thanks for your kind words. I’m so glad you found some reassurance for your trip to Namibia. It’s a beautiful country, perfect for family trip, and I’m confident that you will love it!
As for the camera, I didn’t do anything special in regards to sand. I had a Canon 5D Mark II at that time, so it’s already pretty robust and protected against the elements. Same for the lenses. If you can afford it, better buy one L lens rather than two or three cheaper ones. They are the best! I have several and use them a lot for more than 10 years now and they are worth every cent if you are somewhat into photography. Of course, you should take some precautions: don’t change your lens outdoors if you can avoid it; put the camera safely away inside your bag if you are going to roll/run down the sand dunes. If you are still worried, you can take a big plastic ziplock bag to stow your camera in when not using it.
Hope this helps!
Hi, do you have any experience with teleconverters?
Hi Marc, no, I don’t. I also considered buying one of those, but never did because I just couldn’t decide which one was better – the 1,4x
or the 2,0x
. They are rather expensive, but of course are cheaper than most of the tele lenses and take less space. I know someone who bought one from a cheaper brand (I think it was Tamron
) and they were pretty happy with it. I guess it all depends on the camera/lenses you have.