Camera and lens for safari

Breaktheory · Jul 27, 2018

I’m headed to Botswana and SA for two weeks of safari...I currently own no camera and have been using my iPhone to take pix for years...

I’m looking for a one lens setup and camera that will allow me to take good wide angle shots, portraits as well as zooming in on that cheetah from 100 feet away.

Id like not to exceed $1500 - I’ve had my eye on the Nikon D5600 in combo with the newer of the two Nikon 18-300 lenses

is a one lens solution practical or possible for what I’m hoping to achieve? I’d hate to spend half my safari switching lenses back and forth

one issue I’ve heard with the large zoom lenses is they don’t capture motion very well (think running zebra)

Thoughts would be much appreciated

SquarePeg · Jul 27, 2018

Photography is a series of compromises. Weight, image quality, versatility, convenience, price, ease of use... all have to be weighed against each other and prioritized. From your initial post you mention convenience and price. If those are the priorities, something like the 5600 and an 18-300 probably fit the bill. I see where you’re coming from with not wanting to switch lenses but if this is a once in a lifetime trip, maybe think about adding a fast prime or renting a higher quality zoom.

Can’t tell from your post if you’re new to photography or just haven’t used a dslr in years? Whatever you decide to do, give yourself some time to familiarize yourself with your new camera and lens before you go.

tirediron · Jul 27, 2018

Super-zooms are the Swiss Army knives of lenses. They do a LOT of stuff, but as a result, they don't do any of it terribly well. Lenses like the 18-300 are relatively slow (often a maximum aperture at the long end of f5.6 or 6.3) and moderate to severe distortion and fringing. That said however, if you're not a pixel-peeper, not enlarging for prints of 20x30, etc, then the combination could work quite well, AND there is a LOT to be said for not having to change lenses in that sort of environment.

Jeff15 · Jul 27, 2018

Change to the Micro Four Thirds system an save about two-thirds of the weight you will have to carry.............

waday · Jul 27, 2018

Whatever you choose, make sure you set aside budget for bag/insert, SD cards, spare batteries, etc.

DarkShadow · Jul 27, 2018

Ok though I am no longer a fan of super do it all lenses, some are pretty decent and if this is what you really desire, I would suggest the Tamron 18-400 especially on a safari.the more reach the better. I know of a few people shooting with this lens and are getting some decent images.

DarkShadow · Jul 27, 2018

Jeff15 said:
Change to the Micro Four Thirds system an save about two-thirds of the weight you will have to carry.............

That's a good option to and with the crop factor reach would or should suffice nicely.

Jeff15 · Jul 27, 2018

My G9 has a crop of x2 so my 100-300mm lens effectively gives me 600mm plenty for anyone....

SnappingShark · Jul 27, 2018

Don't forget dust blower and all that cleaning gear for dusty road shooting

I agree with the micro 4/3 for weight reasons!

SquarePeg · Jul 27, 2018

Jeff15 said:
My G9 has a crop of x2 so my 100-300mm lens effectively gives me 600mm plenty for anyone....

True but the 5600 is also a crop sensor. Also, while this is a plus for reach, it’s a minus for wide shots which the OP specifically mentioned wanting. I don’t see the crop factor as being a big plus or minus in either direction.

The OP did not cite weight of the gear as a concern.

Breaktheory · Jul 27, 2018

Thank you all for the quick replies...

This is my first DSLR camera - I have no experience with photography beyond a point and shoot but as you say - this is a once in a lifetime trip.

I’m fairly technically minded so I’m confident in my ability to at least figure out how to use the camera and access relevant settings...it’s the when and the why to change settings with which I’ll be at a disadvantage.

If there are cameras that are more forgiving for a beginner (the D7500?) I would expand my budget - if I’m just paying for additional functions, bells and whistles that I won’t even touch then I wouldn’t spend the extra money.

A big concern in going for the 18-300 is that I’ll be kicking myself when I get home that I didn’t just suck it up and go for two lenses.

Any thoughts on the proper camera outfitting to go for would be appreciated

Breaktheory · Jul 27, 2018

Weight is not really a big concern as we will be in vehicles most of the time with my camera bag at my feet.

The 5600 I am not married to - it had just been suggested to me as a nice camera without breaking the bank. All camera and lens suggestions would be highly appreciated.

BrentC · Jul 27, 2018

No experience in photography is a huge concern, I hope you have a lot of time before the Safari to practice and practice and practice. Maybe a good bridge camera is your best bet.

Breaktheory · Jul 27, 2018

BrentC said:
No experience in photography is a huge concern, I hope you have a lot of time before the Safari to practice and practice and practice. Maybe a good bridge camera is your best bet.

What would you suggest?

tvi · Jul 27, 2018

Why not Olympus om-d e-m5 mark ii with 40-150 pro (equivalent 80-300 in FX terms). Include maybe 1.4 TC.
It's under your budget and it is a great combo.