artsupreme
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Mort2k wrote:
Evening All
Just returned from 2 weeks in Botswana. Chobe, Delta and Kalahari. Amazing country, people, food and animal/ bird life.
In the end took. R3 / R5 with 600/4 and 100-500 and 24-105. I was so glad I had the 600 even getting close to the big cats being able to do close detail without the need to crop was great.
I think 70% on the 600 / 28% on the 100-500 and 2% with the 24.
This thread has turned into a great resource for those going on their first Safari, thanks for your feedback. What I have learned since starting this thread and then going on my first Safari is a few key bits of information are needed to note for those looking for gear suggestions:
1. Are you going to National Parks or Private Conservancies? I saw this being asked quite a bit earlier in this thread before I went and IMO it's the most important question because ideal gear selections can differ greatly between the two experiences. For example, Mort2k said he is so glad he had his 600 to get close to the big cats without cropping in South Africa. That experience is the complete opposite of mine in East Africa, maybe because I was in the conservancies where were could drive right up to anything we wanted to. My 400 was often way too long for big cats when we parked very close to them. And when they walked toward our vehicle and rubbed against it or even pee'd on it, the 70-200 was even too long. I was originally planning on bringing a 600 but glad I didn't because it would have been too long for most everything I shot. I do not crop other than slight leveling. With my 400, I often had to shoot tight portrait style shots because the animals were too close and extending out of the frame. I believe this is the benefit of a prime as it forces you to really focus on framing and creativity. This goes for my experience with lions, cheetahs, and leopards and the rest of the big game.
2. What are you shooting, birds or the big five? This is obvious, if you want to shoot birds then 600mm + would be ideal, even in a conservancy. I shot a few birds that were very close to the vehicle but if all my attention was on birds or small critters then i would have brought my 600 instead of the 400
3. What region are you visiting? It sounds like you might need more focal length in South Africa due to having more bush/vegetation that prevents you from getting close to the animals? Someone who's been to both regions can confirm if this is correct. But I know Kenya and Tanzania are wide open in most places and you can drive anywhere off-road unless it's an NP. From what I've seen of SA it seems more like dirt roads through denser vegetation that limits your access. Maybe this is why Mort2k liked having his 600 in the South?
4. Do you crop often? I don't, but if this is your thing then you can obviously get away with shorter focal lengths
5. What is your aperture preference? If you like shooting large apertures, then bring a nice fast prime to compliment your slow 100-500 zoom. I could have probably done just as well with my 300 2.8 and 135/2 for the low light stuff considering the action was very close in the conservancies.
6. What time of the year? If it's hot and dry then heat shimmer can be a big problem even at shorter focal lengths. If wet, not much of an issue with long focal lengths other than the occasional down pour. I love the dry season look whereas others like the green wet look. This is definitely something to think about when planning your trip.
I might be missing something else, but figured I would point this out for anyone who's racking their brain on what gear to bring on their first Safari.
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. Where did you find the leopard cubs? I really miss seeing them as it’s been quite a while. 
