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| | | "Rhino SIghting In North Luangwa by John Coppinger"
29 August 2010 00:00 | | | read more... |
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 | Photographic Tips | |
Photographic Tips for Your Safari: By Bryan Jackson
Photographic Equipment You Might Need:
- Camera
- Lenses
- Bag
- Batteries
- Cleaning
- Tripod
- Filters
- Check in
- Cameras.
With so many different Models and Brands to choose from, buying a camera to go on Safari can be harder than choosing which camp to stay at - (except Tafika of course!)
There are two main choices:
(a) Single Lens Reflex (SLR) or
(b) Point & Shoot
The main advantage with SLR is the ability to change lenses from wide angle to telephoto. If all you want is an easy to use camera that offers a zoom lens, then a Point and Shoot is the best option.
TIP: - Do not spend too much money on the camera; rather spend more money on a GOOD lens.
- Lenses.
Lenses are the eyes of your camera. You change the way your camera sees by changing the lens. Matching the right lens to the right subject is the ultimate key to you taking great photos.
Close up: - Macro or Extension tubes. You should use a tripod with these lenses.
Wide Angle: - 18mm 50mm
There are many lenses within this range. This is the best lens to use when flying in the microlight unless you are a professional with a fancy anti shake telephoto lenses.
Telephoto: - 80mm 300mm.
300mm is the highest you should go without using a tripod, even then you will get some camera shake. Using any lens bigger than 300mm requires a tripod or bean bags for support. We have bean bags in all the game viewing cars at Remote Africa Safaris, but if you wish to bring your own bean bags bring them empty, we can supply you with rice, beans or another filling.
- Camera Bags
Travel is tough on photo equipment. The size and style of case for protecting your camera equipment will depend on how much equipment you have. If you have an SLR camera, a couple of lenses and a few bits and pieces, a shoulder bag or small back pack should do. (If you have more than that, you will not get on the small planes!) Buy a bag that is comfortable fully loaded and has easy access to the equipment inside.
- Batteries.
Batteries are impossible to find in the bush so travel with spares. If you use rechargeable batteries, bring an extra two sets as some camps do not have charging facilities.
- Cleaning.
Keeping a camera clean in a dusty environment is impossible, so bring a good:
(a) Blower
(b) Brush
(c) Cloth
The best way to keep dust off the sensor of digital cameras is not to take the lens off, which means you will need an extra camera(s) for the other lenses!
- Tripods.
Unless you are feeling strong and happy to pay over weight charges, a good tripod (as I have mentioned several times) can become a bit of a burden. We do have Bean bags in cars and I have a tripod or two floating around my house which can be used at Tafika when needed.
- Filters.
Polarizing filters can be one of the most useful accessories you can own. They can increase colour contrast saturation, remove reflection and darken blue skies.
The down side is they absorb light by about 1 1/3 stops.
Check which type your camera uses before you buy a polarizing filter:
- manual focus cameras use a Linear polarizer
- most auto focus cameras use a Circular polarizer
- Check In.
Checking in camera equipment with your luggage is asking for trouble - if the luggage handler does not drop it, some nice person will take it home! Its your carry on luggage which will help to limit the amount of equipment you can bring!
Final Tips to Remember:
- Not once has a lens gone out and taken a photo.
- Slow down, stay a little longer, just wait and watch.
- Buy a good Tripod.
- If you are serious about your photography, pay the extra for a private vehicle and guide to enable you to wait for the perfect photographic opportunities to arise.
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