chambeshi
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 p.4 #2 · Nikon 70-200 f2.8S images thread. | |
Somewhat off topic... A camera system for the African outdoors can take one (or more) of several setups of at least 2 cameras and 3+ lenses. Most trips only work in savannas. 2 cameras with complementary reach in attached lenses make a useful pair. Pack 2 cameras for redundancy in reach / contexts and equally in case of strike by electric/mechanical gremlin, or dropped rig etc. Pack a CPL for each lens eg 77mm + 82mm. If travelling on water especially makoro in the Okavango Delta, consider a pelican case for the gear of the day, or a tested dry bag.
It is also wise to have redundancy in reach for the same reasons eg medium tele zoom or 2, and a 300 or 400 prime (or longer). With access to either of its paired TCs, the 70-200 f2.8S should perform very well indeed in many African situations (subject to demands in action scenes). Like them or not, I have learnt a TC14 and the other TCs are essential.
The key factors include:
> Prevailing Light , and how often one shoots in lowlight. In savannas one often gets away for 1/1000, f5.6 or higher f-stop with ISO ell under 800-1000. In the gloaming, shadows etc ISO climbs swiftly especially shooting with f5.6 (or slower with a TC).
> Subject Distances. From hide and/or vehicle (including boat) a 70-200/70-300/80-400 is very useful. the 200-500 f5.6E is a firm favourite of several wildlife photographers based in the region, and this is understandable; so is a Tamron or Sigma zoom. Equally a 300 f4 PF with TC14, and 300 f2.8 does very well too, including with TC14 or when needed TC2 III. This applies particularly in savannas. You will very very likely need more reach for smaller mammals, and details of the largest species. I often need a 800 or more. In rain forests, riparian reach is often more important, and there will always be shadows even on the hottest sunniest day. For many subjects a recent Nikon DSLR will work well, and/or a Z. A D850 is most flexible with cropping where needed, and I also shoot mine in 1:1 format.
> Action. One never can predict how far or near, nor When! Be prepared. And so above all else know your gear, and try and predict settings for a pending opportunity [I also rely on switching Photobanks by scrolling + Red-record button on a D850] A lighter rig eg D500 with 500 PF, or 80-400 G is ideal. Equally with 70-200 f2.8E+TC14 III, but then the scene can move rapidly away into 600mm range and more.. I use the 400 f2.8E with any of the 3 TCs, and/or a 300 PF. Equally 500 PF and have TC14 close to hand. Nikon's top tier DSLRs will deliver and in uncluttered habitats a Z6 or Z7, but there's a much higher chance the AF will discombobulate itself on clutter/background. Personal experience D850 and D500 are superb. A D5 or D6 will be even better.
> Macro if it rains in savannas especially semi-arid then there will be a wealth of opportunities in arthropods and herps. So pack a 60mm or other Micro-Nikkor which can double up for landscapes. I also pack a Hahnel Modus 600RT N. I find the chargeable batteries last weeks with occasional use. I I also have a Phottix collapsing whitebox; its elasticized hood clamps on to the flash. Or use a LED ring light.
> General & Landscapes , including dramatic clouds, sunrises/sunsets etc. Highly personal choice depending on style ie 24-70, 14-30 f4S etc I always take a 18-35 G because it's so light and takes 77mm filters. If there's a possibility of more serious landscape opportunities then the Zeiss 15 f2.8AIP and/or 21 f2.8AIP. The Nisi grad filter system works well.
suteetat wrote:
True, when I was in Kenya, the majority of time, even my lowly Z7 with horrible AF (according to some people  ) would do just fine. At that time A7r iii with 100-400 certainly produced beautiful image and was more than capable most of the time. I even got some decent shots with GFX 50s (really wish Fuji released 250mm before that trip).
If Covid did not happened, I could see myself being very excited with D850 + 500/4e FL, GFX100 + 250/4, A7r IV + 100-400GM back in June. By next year if we can travel normally, may be D6, Z7s (or if Nikon get itself into shape, Z9) and GFX100 will excite me just fine Certainly 70-200/2.8s +/-TC could be an option as I have no idea if Nikon will release 100-400 in time.
I have nothing against A7r IV, excellent camera but it would be nice to be able to switch between 2 different bodies with more similar layout. Switching between Nikon and Fuji is tricky enough without throwing in Sony into the middle of it.
Now we are in a middle of a storm system with lots of rain, not much chance to play with 70-200/2.8  ...Show more →
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