Africa & the Middle East Forums

Start a new topic Change Forum

Advanced search

Tanzania photography advice

Posted by: fletch99 on Jan 23, 13 at 08:29 PM Posted in: Africa & the Middle East Tagged:

Hello, I'm travelling to Tanzania in July and was hoping to get some advice on camera gear. We'll be on safari for 8 nights in Serengeti, Ngoro Ngoro and Tarangire National Park.

Currently I have a Canon 60D with a 17-85mm lens. My plan is to purchase a 100-400 lens and probably hire a 500m f/4 if it's not too expensive. I want to bring a second body and what I'm trying to decide is whether to purchase a used 60D/7D body and resell after the trip. I'm a keen amateur photographer, but want to make the most of this trip and get the best pictures possible. Would anyone recommend upgrading my gear to 5D and 60D combo, or even hiring two 5D bodies? I could probably only afford 5D Mk1. I've heard I should spend more on lenses than bodes, but what do people think?

I'm touring in a pop-top landcruiser so, from what I've read, the best method of stabilisation is to use sandbags. Can anyone recommend what size/brand and how many? Is it best to buy empty bags and fill them in Arusha?

I was planning on using UV filters on all lenses. What do people think about using ND filters for sunrise/sunsets and polarisers for bright conditions. Oh, and which flash is recommended? I've been looking at a 580EXII, but if a cheaper model would suffice, I would consider that.

Finally (for now), the tripod debate...I like sunrise/sunset photos, but not that keen to carry a tripod. Thoughts?

Thanks all :)

No Replies |Back to top

| Add a Reply

Sign in to comment.

Recent Activity

View all Africa & the Middle East activity »
  1. 1 Driving Aswan to Luxor by AlwaysOnTheRoad | 4 responses; most recent on May 23, 13 at 10:34 PM Tagged:
  2. 2 Is now a good time to visit Yemen by Worldnomad | 10 responses; most recent on May 23, 13 at 10:32 PM
  3. 3 Currency Exchange in Morocco by catspajamas | 5 responses; most recent on May 23, 13 at 06:38 PM Tagged:
  4. 4 RSA: Tswalu vs Mashatu vs Phinda by ekscrunchy | 4 responses; most recent on May 23, 13 at 05:46 PM Tagged:
  5. 5 2 weeks in South Africa with teens by BarryJE | 8 responses; most recent on May 23, 13 at 05:14 PM Tagged:
  6. 6 Advice on Porinin camps? by amyb | 3 responses; most recent on May 23, 13 at 04:30 PM Tagged:
  7. 7 phone service by olive1209 | 4 responses; most recent on May 23, 13 at 03:19 PM
  8. 8 Tanzania in 2014 by karenmorris | 7 responses; most recent on May 23, 13 at 03:16 PM
  9. 9 Difference between Air Botswana and South African Air by TC | 4 responses; most recent on May 23, 13 at 11:38 AM Tagged:
  10. 10 Trip Report Morocco . . . Rough Around the Edges by Ian | 29 responses; most recent on May 23, 13 at 10:40 AM Tagged:
  11. 11 How to choose tour group for Egypt by gardngrl | 6 responses; most recent on May 23, 13 at 09:29 AM Tagged:
  12. 12 Trip Report 16 Days in Uganda - mountain gorillas and so much more! by Leslie_S | 36 responses; most recent on May 23, 13 at 08:56 AM Tagged:
  13. 13 How to find if safari company is legit ? by itrvlr | 17 responses; most recent on May 23, 13 at 12:34 AM Tagged: ,
  14. 14 Mosquito repellants whicwork best !! by jaydh42 | 17 responses; most recent on May 22, 13 at 11:38 PM Tagged:
  15. 15 Best Budget Tour Operator by Neuman605 | Be the first to reply; posted on May 22, 13 at 09:19 PM Tagged:
  16. 16 Living in Morocco. by Noname202 | Be the first to reply; posted on May 22, 13 at 05:55 PM Tagged:
  17. 17 Trip Report Our best trip ever - in Morocco by Barbara_and_Bob | 9 responses; most recent on May 22, 13 at 03:53 PM Tagged:
  18. 18 Trip Report Mozambique 1 - 13 June 2013. by Duvies | 2 responses; most recent on May 22, 13 at 01:43 PM Tagged:
  19. 19 Yellow Fevor innoculation revisited by jaydh42 | 13 responses; most recent on May 22, 13 at 11:29 AM Tagged:
  20. 20 Questions re Gorillas in Rwanda and money in both Rwanda and Tanzania by KayeN | 69 responses; most recent on May 22, 13 at 08:06 AM Tagged: ,
  21. 21 6 nights in Morocco - how long to spend in marrakech and fes each? by sussysawit | 6 responses; most recent on May 21, 13 at 06:19 PM Tagged:
  22. 22 Help! First trip to Africa and overwhelmed!! by mywayhighway | 20 responses; most recent on May 21, 13 at 04:24 PM Tagged:
  23. 23 Trip Report TRIP REPORT: Northern Tanzania with a Birding Twist 2/13 by jczinn | 24 responses; most recent on May 21, 13 at 04:16 PM Tagged:
  24. 24 Cross Egypt Challenge and 4 extra days by Canuck_at_Canada_eh | 5 responses; most recent on May 21, 13 at 03:08 PM Tagged:
  25. 25 Makoa-Farm Tanzania by MakoaFarm | 4 responses; most recent on May 21, 13 at 02:45 PM Tagged:
View next 25 » Back to the top