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Hi there,

I've just been invited on a 'safari' at the Werribee zoo that goes from 4pm till sunset (organised through a friend's work) and am wondering if anyone who has already been there could help me out with what gear to take.

My list to choose from is:

D70
18-70mm kit lens
100-300 f4
180 macro
500 f4
1.4x tc (for the 100-300 and 180 macro)
SB-800
Tripod


So far I'm thinking:

D70
100-300 f4
1.4x TC
SB800
18-70

Tripod (???... Will I be able to take and use this or will it just get in the way?)

500 f4 (???... same question. Also will I be able to use it or would it be too long anyway)

Thanks for any suggestions.

Paul

Hi Paul,

I've been there a while ago and it's a great spot to catch some wildlife. I think you will be fine with your 18-70 & the 100-300 for some of the long shots. As for the tripod, great for any sunset shots, but might not be useful if you're getting on the safari bus & tedious if you're in a group of people clambering to see the animals. Take the flash for the group happy snaps.

Cheers,

Pete

There are two parts to werribee zoo, there are the walks that consist of lions, meerkats, cheetahs. and an australian walk...


then there is the open range bit that you access on a bus.

I was there on the weekend see this post.

I took d70
70 - 200
2x tc
kit lens

on the bus you probably wont get much value from the flash but on the walks you probably will.

great place to go I am going back in Sept when the new Hippo Enclosure is open

NikonUser, if you are doing the offical safari, then you will be in the photograhers vehicle, heaps better then the regular buses. This is what we have used when we film for the ABC at the Zoo. I would suggest that you do take the tripod as you will be able to stand up on this vehilce once they stop to look at the animals.
AS far as what other gear to take..... take it all. You will have time to change lens as you come up near the animals as they are used to the vehicles.
Also take something warm. It gets rather windy out there.

Hopefully you are going on the photographic safari as that is much more photography friendly. If you do the normal bus trip there may be no point taking the 500mm. If you do the proper photographic safari in the back of the truck it would be worthwhile. Even if the animals get close you can get nice portraits. If you have a monopod take that as it's easier to move in the back of the truck.