rscheffler wrote:
Great to see you were happy with a relatively minimalist set of lenses. I think for such a trip I would be so tempted to bring everything, just in case! Which of course results in many other possible problems.
I have some questions, but will read your blog first to see if you cover those topics there.
I was really happy with just three lenses. If you have any questions after reading my blog just post them here (or on my blog whatever you prefer) and I will try to answer them.
Toothwalker wrote:
Did you get permission to camp at Deadvlei?
No, but I stayed at the Sossus Dune Lodge which has direct access to the Sossusvlei without going through the gates. Even for the guests of the Sossus Dune Lodge the official rule is, that you should not be within the park between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. But on our visit it was tolerated that we often returned much later to the lodge.
snowboarder wrote:
Can you write about your itinerary? That would be awesome! Also where to be at sunset/sunrise?
What are the best locations for each?
How was the weather? Very dry? Hot/cold? Where did you stay?
zhangyue wrote:
Please don't mind me to ask do you feel the need of zoom lens sometimes? as I feel some of above image might benefit of zoom lens to give a little freedom of composing.
Also I feel 21to 55 are too big hole for trip like this.
I own 135 and 55 myself now, and believe these two are really the best lens I have ever used or ever build by any brand. but what I feel many time 5% better composed images are more important than 5% of technical improvement most of time. (5% is just a example number, it is really hard to quantify ) As I feel it is really pretty good for modern zoom lens shooting at f8 or below.
Again, please don't mind my comments as I really enjoy the whole series. thanks for sharing. ...Show more →
I never felt limited by carrying just three fixed focal length lenses. And I never felt the need for a zoom lens. In most situations in Namibia zooming with my feet was possible (the seal colony was probably the only exception). In addition with high performance lenses and a 36MP camera a slight cropping afterwards is always possible.
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against zoom lenses (contrary to some other people here from neighboring countries who think using zoom lenses is a sacrilege ;-)
If for example a 16-35mm zoom lens with the optical performance of an Otus lens would exist I would buy it.
I agree that the gap between 21mm and 55mm can in some situations be a bit too big but not in Namibia, at least not for me. And in the future this gap will be closed with the soon to be released wide angle Otus lens.
zhangyue wrote:
I own 135 and 55 myself now, and believe these two are really the best lens I have ever used or ever build by any brand. but what I feel many time 5% better composed images are more important than 5% of technical improvement most of time.
One addition to my last words: I agree 100% with you that 5% better composed images are always preferable to a 5% technical improvement. But my compositions in Namibia were in no way limited by my equipment (or any other contraints like time or space). Any not ideal compositions are completely my fault.
Boris some really interesting images. Although I'm not a big fan of landscapes (I just don't understand landscape compositions) I can say that I appreciate the time and effort it took to get to those locations when the sun allowed for maximum interest in the given scenes. It really does show in quite a few of your images.
I also want to add for conversation sake, that I'm a huge fan of the rendering I'm seeing with the 135/2. What an excellent lens for landscapes. Personally I just spam everything with a 21SEM when I'm on vacation in a scenic country, no skill from me. But these images got me thinking...
Incredible stuff. My wife and I will be doing an extended trip next year that will take us through Africa and Namibia is high on our list. We're going the ultra low budget route with food and places to stay so we can afford to travel longer. The terrain is mesmerizing, thanks for sharing.
joychris wrote:
Incredible stuff. My wife and I will be doing an extended trip next year that will take us through Africa and Namibia is high on our list. We're going the ultra low budget route with food and places to stay so we can afford to travel longer. The terrain is mesmerizing, thanks for sharing.
Sounds great!
Next time I plan to stay longer in Namibia and will bring my tent to reduce the cost for accommodation and be able to visit some of the more remote areas.
Boris,
Absolutely amazing pictures! Very well done ! Compositions, processing, being there at the right time - you've ticked all the boxes !!
Thank you sharing these images as well as writing about your experiences !
