Safari - images and thoughts
p.1 #1Safari - images and thoughts
Friends,
My wife and I just returned from a series of three safaris in southern Africa. Our first safari was at a resort in Sabi Sands, next to Kruger National Park in South Africa. The second was to a camp on the Chobi River in Botswana, and the third was to a camp in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. All were wonderful.
A few brief thoughts;
1. I carried a Sony a1ii and Sony a9iii, along with a Sony FE 300 f2.8, a 2xTC, the 70-200 f2.8, a 24-70 f2.8, and 14-24 f2.8 Sigma. I barely used the 24-70 and didn't use the 14-24. Next time (and there will be a next time) I'll leave the 14-24 at home.
2. The 300+2xTC worked great on the a1ii, as did the 70-200 on the a9iii. They complemented each other well. I sometimes removed the 2xTC and dust wasn't a problem.
3. A two camera rig is essential if you're serious about your photography. Things would often move quickly, especially when animals changed positions, and I'm glad I didn't have to switch lenses while trying to track action.
4. I wouldn't have minded more reach than 600, but I didn't suffer for the lack of reach. The a1ii had enough megapixel head room to crop if necessary, and keeping a heavier lens steady would have been a challenge. Beanbags often weren't an option b/c the animals were moving and/or I had to change positions to get a shot. Plus, in early morning/late afternoon light I went with the 300 f2.8 and really appreciated the wider aperture.
I planned this trip for a year and received much helpful advice on the FM boards - thanks to everyone.
Anyway, here are a few of the highlights (so far). c&c welcome.
Steve
Hungry Hippo!
Jousting elephants
Lioness at dawn
Malachite Kingfisher
Lion at sunset
Sunning croc
Curious Rhino
Strolling Elephants
My wife and I just returned from a series of three safaris in southern Africa. Our first safari was at a resort in Sabi Sands, next to Kruger National Park in South Africa. The second was to a camp on the Chobi River in Botswana, and the third was to a camp in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. All were wonderful.
A few brief thoughts;
1. I carried a Sony a1ii and Sony a9iii, along with a Sony FE 300 f2.8, a 2xTC, the 70-200 f2.8, a 24-70 f2.8, and 14-24 f2.8 Sigma. I barely used the 24-70 and didn't use the 14-24. Next time (and there will be a next time) I'll leave the 14-24 at home.
2. The 300+2xTC worked great on the a1ii, as did the 70-200 on the a9iii. They complemented each other well. I sometimes removed the 2xTC and dust wasn't a problem.
3. A two camera rig is essential if you're serious about your photography. Things would often move quickly, especially when animals changed positions, and I'm glad I didn't have to switch lenses while trying to track action.
4. I wouldn't have minded more reach than 600, but I didn't suffer for the lack of reach. The a1ii had enough megapixel head room to crop if necessary, and keeping a heavier lens steady would have been a challenge. Beanbags often weren't an option b/c the animals were moving and/or I had to change positions to get a shot. Plus, in early morning/late afternoon light I went with the 300 f2.8 and really appreciated the wider aperture.
I planned this trip for a year and received much helpful advice on the FM boards - thanks to everyone.
Anyway, here are a few of the highlights (so far). c&c welcome.
Steve
©stevensnyderphotography
Hungry Hippo!
ILCE-1M2 FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS lens 300mm f/2.8 1/2500s 640 ISO 0.0 EV
©stevensnyderphotography
Jousting elephants
ILCE-9M3 FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens 115mm f/2.8 1/5000s 250 ISO 0.0 EV
©stevensnyderphotography
Lioness at dawn
ILCE-9M3 FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens 200mm f/2.8 1/640s 250 ISO 0.0 EV
©stevensnyderphotography
Malachite Kingfisher
ILCE-1M2 FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS lens 300mm f/2.8 1/2500s 2000 ISO 0.0 EV
©stevensnyderphotography
Lion at sunset
ILCE-9M3 FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens 200mm f/4.0 1/1000s 250 ISO 0.0 EV
©stevensnyderphotography
Sunning croc
ILCE-1M2 FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS + 2X Teleconverter lens 600mm f/5.6 1/5000s 800 ISO +0.3 EV
©stevensnyderphotography
Curious Rhino
ILCE-9M3 FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens 24mm f/2.8 1/800s 2000 ISO 0.0 EV
©stevensnyderphotography
Strolling Elephants
ILCE-1M2 FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens 70mm f/2.8 1/800s 2500 ISO 0.0 EV
Aug 11, 2026 at 01:35 PM
p.1 #2Safari - images and thoughts
All wonderful! Looks like a great trip, where are you heading next time
Aug 11, 2026 at 01:41 PM
p.1 #3Safari - images and thoughts
Thank you, cduff. No firm plans on next location, but probably more in the Kenya/Tanzania region. Obviously, TBD.
Steve
Steve
Aug 11, 2026 at 01:52 PM
p.1 #4Safari - images and thoughts
Such a beautiful set !!! Looks like an amazing place and a wonderful trip.
Birdie
Birdie
Aug 11, 2026 at 05:00 PM
p.1 #5Safari - images and thoughts
Thank you, Birdie. I was surprised at how much time we spent bird watching. I'll post some samples soon but the birding was spectacular.
Steve
Steve
Aug 11, 2026 at 05:01 PM
p.1 #6Safari - images and thoughts
You're getting me excited as I head for the Chobe in October. I don't think I'd want to be that close to a rhino, though.
Aug 11, 2026 at 10:45 PM
p.1 #7Safari - images and thoughts
Hah! I was more upset at being close to mosquitoes, although they weren't bad.
If you can, try to get a boat game ride on the Chobe - it's a unique way to see the area.
Steve
If you can, try to get a boat game ride on the Chobe - it's a unique way to see the area.
Steve
Aug 12, 2026 at 10:18 AM
p.1 #8Safari - images and thoughts
Fantastic photos Steve! I was wondering if you knew whether the horns in your close-up of the rhino were removed by poachers or by the reserve to prevent poachers from doing that. Thanks, Wing.
Aug 12, 2026 at 11:42 AM
p.1 #9Safari - images and thoughts
Oh my Steve!! Mind blowing photography here!!!!
I envy you that opportunity to explore!!!!
This photography is stunning in ALL respects photography!
I love elephants and wild cats.......!
Dan
I envy you that opportunity to explore!!!!
This photography is stunning in ALL respects photography!
I love elephants and wild cats.......!
Dan
Aug 12, 2026 at 12:04 PM
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p.1 #10Safari - images and thoughts
And you are "my lower County neighbor"? Suzanne's youngest daughter lives in Bethesda...My parents were married at the Natl Naval Medical Center, now part of the Walter Reed Medical system, in the mid 1940's....
Need to wander over to your website..Looking for pics to adorn a "newly painted" bathroom...
Dan
Edited on Aug 12, 2026 at 12:16 PM · View previous versions
Need to wander over to your website..Looking for pics to adorn a "newly painted" bathroom...
Dan
Edited on Aug 12, 2026 at 12:16 PM · View previous versions
Aug 12, 2026 at 12:07 PM
p.1 #11Safari - images and thoughts
Can you point me to any safari specific, elephant or wild cat photos.on your website?
Thanks!
Dan
Thanks!
Dan
Aug 12, 2026 at 12:12 PM
p.1 #13Safari - images and thoughts
Terrific set! Congrats on taking and enjoying the safaris. Love the lioness photo and the last elephant bw.
Aug 12, 2026 at 05:09 PM
p.1 #14Safari - images and thoughts
Hi Dan,
I haven't updated my website yet but here's a link to my flickr page containing the early returns of the safari images.
Steve
https://www.flickr.com/photos/203197420@N04/albums/72177720335092122/
I haven't updated my website yet but here's a link to my flickr page containing the early returns of the safari images.
Steve
https://www.flickr.com/photos/203197420@N04/albums/72177720335092122/
Aug 12, 2026 at 06:52 PM
p.1 #16Safari - images and thoughts
Blueridger wrote:
Hi Dan,
I haven't updated my website yet but here's a link to my flickr page containing the early returns of the safari images.
Steve
https://www.flickr.com/photos/203197420@N04/albums/72177720335092122/
WOW!!! Double wow on the birds!!!!!!
When I think of Africa, color is not among one of my "look fors". The birds are fantastic!
Lovin mom and baby elephant!
Had to be a real "rush" out among these wild creatures!
Fantastic images all Steve!
Dan
Hi Dan,
I haven't updated my website yet but here's a link to my flickr page containing the early returns of the safari images.
Steve
https://www.flickr.com/photos/203197420@N04/albums/72177720335092122/
WOW!!! Double wow on the birds!!!!!!
When I think of Africa, color is not among one of my "look fors". The birds are fantastic!
Lovin mom and baby elephant!
Had to be a real "rush" out among these wild creatures!
Fantastic images all Steve!
Dan
Aug 14, 2026 at 07:48 AM
p.1 #17Safari - images and thoughts
Odyssey1812 wrote:
Fantastic photos Steve! I was wondering if you knew whether the horns in your close-up of the rhino were removed by poachers or by the reserve to prevent poachers from doing that. Thanks, Wing.
Thank you, Odyssey.
The horns were shaved to discourage poachers. Reportedly, the rhinos don't seem to care.
Steve
Fantastic photos Steve! I was wondering if you knew whether the horns in your close-up of the rhino were removed by poachers or by the reserve to prevent poachers from doing that. Thanks, Wing.
Thank you, Odyssey.
The horns were shaved to discourage poachers. Reportedly, the rhinos don't seem to care.
Steve
Aug 14, 2026 at 09:50 PM