Camera Gear for your Serengeti Safari
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- čas přidán 24. 01. 2023
- Welcome to one of the most important decisions you will make as a wildlife photographer - what gear should you take on an epic safari to the Serengeti.
Each destination is a little different and required camera gear, in particular the lenses, that will allow you to take the best photographs possible.
In this video, I talk about the gear I take up to the iconic Ndutu region of the Serengeti, as well as the Ngorongoro Crater. Both offer fantastic wildlife photography opportunities and will leave you with images to last a lifetime - if you are prepared well enough.
So, what do I take?
I am a Sony Alpha ambassador so all of my gear is Sony.
Sony 400 f2.8 GM (including the 1x4 and 2x teleconverters)
Sony 70 - 200 f2.8 GM
Sony 16 - 35 f2.8 GM
Sony A1 (2 of these camera bodies)
Sony A7R5
I take extra goodies like a Sony microphone, flash, gopro, drone and more.
Let me know what you take up to the Serengeti in the comments below.
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Took the 400mm f/2.8 to Mala Mala and will be taking it to the Mara in October. What I love about it is the size. I was able to hold it outside the vehicle and shoot using the touch screen. Definitely a game changer!
Fully agree, it is the most versatile lens setup for me on safari. The resolution is so good that if you need to crop, you are still able to do so! Great choice, happy shooting!
a 2nd body is a must when in a remote location, even if it's your old camera bring it.
2nd body with a 24-70mm lens, you cannot go wrong
Excellent !!
Very comprehensive, while being very informative as well.
Those A1 bodies are just something awesome. Loved the video Marlon.
Great video! I am off to Kenya (Mara and Amboseli) in 3 weeks and I had already decided to take my 400, 70-200 and 24-70, each on a body (to avoid changing lenses in a dirty environment) so pleased to have confirmation I have made the right choice from someone more experienced on safari. Look forward to seeing your future video - I have just subscribed
That’s a great selection, well done! Important to take the right gear & you are on point. Remember teleconverters, in the very least the 1.4x teleconverter. I find that with today’s software you can clean your images up nicely, and enlarge them should you find you’ve cropped too much. Thank you for subscribing!
Just got back from the Mara and Serengeti and while i don't quite have the set up you have i used the Sony A7RV, A74, 200-600, 70-200 and 24-70 and a Leica Q2 for some shots of the beautiful Masai people. I love the shots i was able to get with this. the A1 and 400 is the dream.
Nice one man. I can't imagine getting to the stage of having 2 or 3 camera bodies. The dream. For now the 400 2.8 is on the wish list.
Great advice, thanks. I am about to go to Botswana for a once in a lifetime holiday so been mulling over what to take with me. I am a Nikon user with a Z9 and a Z8 so planning to take my 100-400 and my 24-70 f/2.8 plus my 1.4xTC. Depending on whether or not i can get it in with the weight limit (imposed for local flights) I might also bring my 70-200 f/2.8 - certainly a nice to have. Really looking forward to the trip.
Very informative video, it's great hearing about gear choices from someone who's been to the destination several times. I also liked how you were clear on only flying the drone where it's allowed.
Thank you very much for taking the time to comment, appreciate that. Drone-flying, I just love the views from above, so beautiful! But yeah, gotta be careful with laws & most importantly, wildlife & not disturbing them.
Ndutu was such a great location,
What a place Mitch! Always something of action waiting for you! We had a unique trip, that’s forsure! Had the Crater all to ourselves, unreal!
Nice breakdown for the reasons why you need the lenses you described! One of these days, I'll get there! lol. Great shots in your video too.
thank you so much, appreciate that very much!
Awesome video as always Marlon. Great advice on focal lengths and practical tips.
Thank you very much, appreciate that! Now we gotta do that Pantanal trip together to go shoot some Jaguars!
thank you, much more coming this year!
Such an informative and enjoyable video, thank you! I'm hoping to come for a safari someday. Do you ever use the 1.4 X teleconverter with the 70-200mm?
Thanks for the great video. For Mesai Mara: 70-200 + 300 + 1.4 tele, or better use the 600mm ? for close what is better: 24mm or 55mm ? I plan to take a1/a7R3.
Ndutu is great, the guides are able to off-road anywhere (same as Southern Serengeti) - you can get away with shorter telephotos (update to 400m) for good images. However, for Central Serengeti and the Crater, you must stay on the roads - this is where a long telephoto or carrying a teleconverter will help getting better shots (portraits). Great video, thank you.
thanks for the comment and agree with everything you mention above. Ndutu, the 400 is great not only for the smaller distance between you & subject, but also for the better low-light capability. So often you bump into a predator at last light on the way back to camp, and this is exactly when the f2.8 on the 400 helps alot! Thanks for the input again!
yes absolutely fully agree with your comments and sentiments!
For me, as an amateur wildlife photographer, I would take my Nikon Z9, Z8, a 400 4.5, 24-120 f/4, and my 70-200 2.8, and my two teleconverters.
I think you nailed it, but for the brand you use ;) ... No, that's ok with Sony, but as Nikon fanboy I will not admit it in public.
The gear I have available have shifted during the last years.
Today I would bring my two Nikon Z6ii, my Nikkor Z 400 F4.5 + TC 1,4, Nikkor Z 24-200. I do not yet have the 70-200 or the 70-180 for Nikon Z ... but I might instead of those choose to get the soon to be released Tamron 35-150 F2-2,8 ... And of course I would get my 28 2.8 and my 40 2.0 (They are so light weight that they don't take up much space ...) ... I tend to pack a lot that I do not use and had really to convince Safari Link to be able to take onboard my gear when flying from Nairobi to Masai Mara in 2018 ... (At that time it was with DSLR's) ... I hope I can travel lighter next time. Also GoPro is a good idea, and if I could find one good again a small pocket camera (nice to have when walking on the streets of Arusha (Tanzania) or in Nairobi (Kenya) ...
When I was in Malawi last year (2022) I had my two Z6II, a 300mm PF with TC1.4 the 24-200 and 24-70 F4 ... But the purpose of that trip was not a Safari. One day off we went to Majete.
I do agree with you about Ngorongoro. It is a must if going to Serengeti!
Thanks for the great video. Quick question- will a 200-600 on Sony FF (A7IV possibly) give enough reach in the Mara? Or will a APS-C (Canon R7) with a RF100-500 be the better choice? Trying to decide if I should trade in FF for reach. Thanks. BTW - nice Panerai 👌🏻
I use Nikon Z8 or 9 (Still have to upgrade my Z7) and 70-200 Z and getting the new 180-600 >> The Z mount kicks butt in my life. I only can afford ONE camera >> rather have the TUFF Z9 instead of 2x Z7 II's ) Never had a Nikon Break on me since 1972 when I got my first f2 AS >> I also use the 20mm f1.8 S for Milky Way
Hi Marlon, great video.. and very helpful.. I am going for the first time next year and will bring a Canon R5 and R6.. For lenses I have the RF 100-500 IS USM F4, RF 14-35 F4 IS USM and the RF 24-105mm F4 IS USM along with a 1.4 teleconverter.. Do you think I am in good shape or should I consider replacing the 14-35 or 24-105 with a different lens? I am considering selling the 14-35 for the 15-35 f2.8.. or invest in the 24-70 or 70-200 F2.8 .. Thank you so much for your input!
Nice video. I was in the Masai Mara about 5 weeks ago. I took >15 K photos over 4 days (R5). I took 80% with RF 600 f/11, 15% w RF 70-200 f/4 L, and a few w RF 24-105 f/4 L and a couple dozen w RF 16 f/2.8. Extra batteries are a must. I didn't use teleconverters even once. In general, I was using the 70-200 in low light situations, when too close, or in the balloon ride and the 600 during the majority of the day.
Hi Jose, thanks for that intel! The Ndutu region of the Serengeti is rather different to the rest of the Serengeti & even the Mara. You tend to leave camp a little earlier and be back a little later in Ndutu, more flexibility, so you might find the f11 would struggle at times. The 70-200 is great to fill the gaps, but trust me, once you've used the 400 f2,8 in low light, you'll find it hard to shoot with anything else. It's an incredible lens, been using it since 2012, never looked back. Great to see you use a variety of lenses! Hope you got some good shots nailed down!
yeah that's a good setup and sounds like it all worked out very well for you! Well done!
Really great and helpful video. I am confused over to buy a 600 f4 or a 400mm 2.8 with 1.4x teleconverters. I love to shoot wide frames as well as need extra reach while birding. What do you suggest ?
sorry for my late reply. It's always a tough one. I think if you do 30% bird photography, then opt for the 400 and make use of teleconverters, as well as the great advancements in software to sharpen, reduce noise and enlarge any bird photos that you may have cropped. But, if you shoot birds the majority of the time then yes, the 600mm is the way to go!
@@marlondutoitphoto Thanks a lot for the help 😊
That’s not an easy decision to make. A lot of people end up regretting not getting the 600mm
Did you use ND filters and what do you recommend? Like 1-5 stop variable or 6-9?
Does the 1.4 work well in the 200-600 g lens and a9ii?
Are you able to use your teleconverters with your 70-200mm?
I've heard that teleconverters work better on primes like your 400 than on zoom lenses. And that it's better to crop vs. teleconvert a zoom lens.
I'm asking because I'm heading to a southern Africa safari trip, and will only have a 70-200.
Sounds like we'll be on-trail only, and I'm worried about reach.
I'm wondering if i should rent a teleconverter for the trip.
get yourself a 1.4 teleconverter. You'll be happy with the results in good light. Make sure you have a steady hand, shoot at slower shutter speed/lower ISO values. Once the light starts to fade you can take the converter off and simply shoot on the lens as is.
Thanks for not triggering me with putting front elements on your bare leg this time
lol
Ha ha ha ha, I'll try not do that again, ha ha! But even in the past video, I promise no form of skin touched my glass, ha ha, I'd never do that! So you are in the clear :)
ha ha ha, any time bro!
what month is best to go there ?
24-105 / 100-400 / 1,4TC / 2 x bodies. That's all I need.
Which park would you recommend? The Serengeti or Ruaha? Thank you for whatever insights you can provide.
Tough one, both are rather different. If you've never been, 100% the Serengeti, Go in Jan - March to see the great migratory herds give birth, and go in July - October to see them crossing the Mara River. Also great action for wildlife photographers! Ruaha is a wilder experience, and tough to get to. I don't think there are daily flights either. You can do Ruaha with Katavi or Selous, too. Still great, especially if you've been to the Serengeti a number of times and looking for something different.
@@marlondutoitphoto , thank you for that advice.
@@marlondutoitphoto , thank you for that insight.
if you've never done a safari before, absolutely the Serengeti! So much to see and experience! If you've done a number of safaris, then the wilder parks like Ruaha are well worth a visit!
I am a beginner and want to start wildlife photography. Should I get A9i or A7riii or please give me a recommendation?
The camera is secondary. Get a good lens first.
*promo sm*
lol do you take a separate vehicle to take all this gear. What do you use for video ?