On a safari to Africa

[Peter_Kavonius]

I`m going on a safari to Tansania in October and I`m wondering if anybody could give some tips
for shooting there.
What`s the lens recommendations?
I`m planning on bying a Sigma 70-200/2.8 EX APO HSM + 2x Extender.I`m shooting with a EOS 10D so
I think that should do it on the long lens side, considering the 1.6 multiplier. Also a 17-35 Sigma wide-angle and 28-105 Sigma plus a Speedlite 550EX flash are coming along.
What about a tripod or monopod, I have them both?

I´ve read on diffrent forums about the dust problem, what`s the best thing to protect the gear
with? I`m thinking about plastic bags.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Peter

[DanSroka]

Long lenses are great -- the longer the better since you will more often be farther away from an animal than too close (no macro shots of a lion's mouth, please!). But you have to balance it with ease of doing handheld shots. Most of the best shots seem to happen right when the Land Rover hits a pot hole, so if the lens is too long, you can't keep anything in focus. It's a balancing act (literally).

The flash, you may not use often, except for indoor or people shots. When on a night safari drive, the rangers shouldn't let you use a flash since it would startle the animals. And a startled animal is a bad thing. I brought a video camera with a UV light for night photography.

Trippod or monopod: if most of your shots are taking place from a moving vehicle, you won't get the chance to use them much. I never missed mine. However, a monopod would be easier than a tripod, since it is easier to carry, and when you stop, you won't have time to mess with a tripod. Most of the time, I just used the hood of the Land Rover to brace the camera.

Plastic bags are good, especially if it rains. October will be, what, spring? Check to see how soggy things will be.

Dan