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Hi all, I am looking for some advice on gear selection for a trip to Southern Africa. It's mostly a tourist type camping tour, so wildlife photo opportunities will be a bit limited.

What I have available:

Nikon D70s
Nikon 18-200 VR
Nikon 18-70
Nikon 50 1.8
Nikon 300 f4
Kenko 1.4 TC
Sigma 70-200 2.8
Kenko extension tubes
SB-600
67 & 77mm circ polarizer, 67 & 77 Cokin ND grad set
Tripod & ball head (extra heavy variety)

My instincts are to pack the lot, with whatever doesn't fit in my camera pack going into the wife's backpack. My more serious plan was to take the 300 + TC, 18-70 (because I have filters to fit) and the 70-200. Leaving the tripod, 50 1.8 and ext tubes behind. I have been toing and froing between to 18-70 & 18-200 thinking that the 18-200 is more versatile, even though it is double the weight.

Has anyone done this kind of trip? What gear worked for you?

Thanks in advance

My two bob's worth. Take the 18-70 (a superb kit lens) and the 300 F4. Weight is everything. Enjoy yourself!

Ozi.

darklightphotography wrote: a trip to Southern Africa.

Is that the country, or the continent?



I'd be taking the 18-200, the 50, and the 300, plus maybe the TC.

Any chance you can acquire a CF tripod for the trip?

Countries are South Africa - Namibia - Botswana - Zimbzbwe


I have thought about a CF tripod, but they are a lot dearer than a bean bag. I spent some time over the past few weeks practicing with the 300 + TC handleld and have fairly good results. This shot - http://www.darklightphotography.com.au/ ... 68zVi-A-LB is a recent one.

My rationale for the 70-200 is that a lot of the best shooting time will be early morning or evening, and the larger aperture will be an advantage. It is heavy though. I can imagine that if I leave the 50, it will get shoved in a pocket as I leave the house. I had a 200-400 lined up to rent in Johannesburg, but they don't want their lens in Zimbabwe, which is unfortunate, but understandable.

I am thinking maybe 18-70 + 70-200 + TC that will have you covered for most stuff, and you wont lose out on low light situations. Get a bean bag for the trip (thePod Silver maybe?).

aim54x wrote:I am thinking maybe 18-70 + 70-200 + TC that will have you covered for most stuff, and you wont lose out on low light situations. Get a bean bag for the trip (thePod Silver maybe?).

Thanks for the bean bag ref. I think the 1.2kg weight is too much to carry on the flight, so I'll arrange one once I'm there. It will give me a chance to interact more with the locals.