Lens choice, Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Serengeti Safari.

Slalom
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Lens choice, Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Serengeti Safari.

In 4 weeks I climb Kilimanjaro and then do a photo safari, I have followed a few threads on Safaris, But not seen one on the climb or a combination, This is a rough guide of the route:

I would love to hear from you about experience including the ascent, my main lens for the Serengeti is 100-400GM on a sturdy Monopod with 1.4X for longer work. I think secondary lenses need to cover the two purposes.

I am a bit restricted on weight, as I need two sets of kit, hiking and sitting on a seven seater to view the animals vehicle.

where we go.

Edited on Feb 15, 2023 at 03:58 AM · View previous versions

Feb 07, 2023 at 07:32 AM

Jim Dockery
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Lens choice, Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Serengeti Safari.

Depends on your fitness and adaptation to altitude. Fitness helps at altitude, but is no guarantee of performance. I've seen a number of very fit people bonk up high because they think they should be able to zoom up, but then the lack of oxygen leads to head aches or worse. Much better to take it easy, listen to your body, and force yourself to breathe deep and not get winded. Carrying a big complicated camera is a bit much for most people, esp. if they aren't used to this type of thing.

In my own climbing I mostly go with a small P&S (Sony RX100V now) that I carry in a padded hip pocket of my day pack. It is very easy to get in and out, and simple to use, even when tired. A top of the line modern phone could also work, but I find it harder to work with gloves on. Having a larger camera hanging off you is a hassle climbing, leaving it in the pack you won't take many pictures. I often hike with my Sony A7rII + 24-105mm in a Lowe bag slung around my shoulder, but leave it home when on a tougher climb, or when backcountry skiing.

Good luck on the climb. Looking forward to some pictures.

Feb 07, 2023 at 06:45 PM

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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Lens choice, Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Serengeti Safari.

Thanks Yes, I understand that, just been skiing up to 3900M so I know i won't struggle much on the first day, beyond that who knows.

Feb 07, 2023 at 07:13 PM

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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Lens choice, Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Serengeti Safari.

Feb 07, 2023 at 08:14 PM

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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Lens choice, Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Serengeti Safari.

Thanks, Altitude Sickness is always a risk. Just back from skiing 3900M max walking with skis then, trying to get out of the wind.

Feb 08, 2023 at 04:26 AM

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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Lens choice, Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Serengeti Safari.

Wondering if two tamron zooms, with the 100-400GM +- X1.4 for Serengeti, the 28-200 for anything and the 17-28 for when it is not wide enough.

The big zoom on the A9 and the others on A7IV,

Feb 13, 2023 at 03:59 AM

GregS
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Lens choice, Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Serengeti Safari.

I did this trip 3 years ago. 8 day climb up Kili, then 7 days on safari in the various parks. Fun trip.

I took an a7r4 and an a7r3. Took three lenses: the 200-600, the 24-105 and the Batis 18mm. The Batis was mostly for astro shots while on the mountain. The 200-600 and the r3 stayed locked up at our hotel in Arusha while I was climbing. While hiking I had the 24-105 on the r4 and used a Peak Design capture clip on my backpack strap so it was always at the ready. The Batis 18 was in my porter bag which I could access in the evenings. I was very happy with just the 24-105 and 18 on the mountain.

For the safari, the 200-600 had the right reach. I also had the 24-105 with me in the safari vehicle.

Don't take a monopod. You're not permitted to get out of the vehicles in the parks. Just rest your camera on the edge of the pop top. Works great.

As for the climb -- its not difficult. Altitude is the problem. Drink lots of water - helps you acclimate. Use a pee bottle in your tent - trust me. Whether you summit or not is mostly dependent on the route (ability to take advantage of the climb high/sleep low rule) and time on the mountain (the longer the climb, the better you acclimate to the altitude). I went with a group of 8 and we all summitted, including my girlfriend who had never been above 9000 feet. Other than a loss of appetite one night around 15,000 feet, I felt good. A few people in my group were taking half a diamox each day. Not sure it helped but couldn't hurt. Just don't take it with anti-malarials. You won't need the anti-malarial pills on the mountain anyway -- there are no mosquitos up there.

If you have good guides, go a good route and don't rush it, you'll top out. When I hear about people who fail to summit, its usually because they took a short route.

Enjoy your trip -- its one of my favorites.

Feb 17, 2023 at 01:09 PM

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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Lens choice, Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Serengeti Safari.

Thanks Greg. I think the 100-400GM and 1.4 TC matches the 200-600G, that will be stashed in Moshi during the climb.
The 17-28-200 tamron pair will cover the Batis and 25-105. Mite decide on the Monopod when I know I can fit it in or not.

I know the guides are going to encourage us to go slowly.

Feb 17, 2023 at 06:08 PM

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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Lens choice, Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route & Serengeti Safari.

Just back Kilimanjaro was disappointing due to tiredness and an accident which broke the Tamron 28-200 due to a tumble at the third hut system, I feel due to tiredness and with a peak designs hand clutch the A7IV and that side of me was ok but the Tamron Broke at the focusing ring not sure it is salvageable.

I picked up grazes over my left eye on my Xhn below that eye and my left palm.

Mar 18, 2023 at 03:49 PM


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