Hi - I'm travelling to South Africa in two weeks time and will be staying at the coast near Knysna and also spending a week at the Kruger National Park. The time in between will be in the the interior of the country.
My camera is a Nikon D300 and my lens kit consists of the following:
Nikkor 50 f/1.8D
Nikkor 12~24 f/4
Nikkor 105VR f/2.8
Nikkor 18~200VR f/3.5~5.6
Nikkor 70~200VR f/2.8 (plus optional TC14 & 17 providing max focal range 280/340mm)
Sigma 50~500 HSM f/4~6.3
As I cannot take every thing along, I need to narrow the choice down to maximum 3 lenses. Would appreciate your thoughts as to which to grant priority in respect of the above trip.
Thank you for your possible feedback.
You'll definitely need the 12-24 and the 70-200 lens (and I say just use whichever TC you're more comfortable with... Since it's a zoom lens there's lots of focal overlap so the 1.7 can do pretty much everything the 1.4 can do)
The 50 1.8 doesn't take up much space so if you think you'll need that fast of a lens (are you shooting indoors a lot) then bring it. I'd say the 18-200 lens is a good walk around lens so if you don't need the speed (ie: it's broad daylight) then bring it... however I think the 70-200mm and 12-24 lens really covers the 18-200 and their images are better so personally I would leave the 18-200 at home... your choice.
You bought the 50-500 lens for a reason so if you think the image quality is good enough to have keepers then bring it (I personally haven't used the lens). The 105vr is probably if you shoot macro and if that's what you plan to do then you'll definitely need it... plus it never hurts to have a lens with you that can get in so close.
Whenever I go out and am not sure what to expect I bring my Tokina 11-16, 50 1.8, 80-200mm afs lens with 1.4tc, and my Tamron 90mm macro lens... it covers up pretty much everything I need. If I'm up for it I bring my 500mm afs-1 lens, but that's if I'm driving and know I'll need the range (ie: birds, animals, surfing)
Thank you for the feedback, Fusiongt.... much appreciated!
About leaving the 18-200 at home... the lens is less conspicuous than the 70-200 when taking security into account. Guess, I'll push for 4 lenses as I agree the 12~24 is also a must and besides good for the coast-line as I can imagine the risk of beach sand blowing into the protruding sections of the 18-200 lens.
Hi,
Definitely take the Sigma---you will need the length for game.I would use the 18-200 as my walkabout with the 50mm for lowlight etc.A brilliant kit for Africa enjoy the trip.
Cheers.
