As a photographer, I’ll be the first to admit: I’m not a professional. But, when it comes to spending on gear, I’m an expert. Over countless safaris, I’ve honed my packing skills, figuring out exactly what works for me. Here’s a rundown of what I bring along, whether you’re an amateur or looking to level up your safari photography.
Camera
You might be thinking, “Did you take that picture with your phone?!” Well, no. While I could easily answer that with, “Yeah, yours doesn’t do that?” here’s what I actually use.
I’ve been with Canon for years. My go-to is the Canon R5 Mark II, boasting a 45-megapixel sensor and just released in August 2024. Before that, I used the R5, and before that, the Canon 5D Mark IV (I could go on, but let’s keep it simple). Camera tech evolves slowly, so while I upgrade every few years, don’t expect massive breakthroughs every time. I picked the R5 Mark II for its epic auto-focus, and true to the hype, it delivers.
While I’m loyal to Canon (thanks to a well-timed recommendation a decade ago), Nikon and Sony cameras are equally capable. Don’t stress about the brand too much. If you’re new to photography, go for a mirrorless camera—it makes learning about aperture, shutter speed, and ISO much easier. But let me tell you: when I took those stunning gorilla shots in Rwanda back in 2018, I wasn’t thinking about upgrading to 2024 tech.
Lenses
Lenses are where your money should go if you’re serious about photography. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” lens; each one serves a unique purpose. Here’s my lineup:
- Most Common: 100-500mm. This is my go-to lens, versatile in 98% of situations.
- The Heavy Hitter: 400mm f/2.8. This one will make you feel like a pro, but it’s a fixed lens, so it can be limiting. If you love flexibility, it’s not ideal.
- Gorilla Trekking: 70-200mm. If a gorilla gets that close, it’s time to put the camera down and enjoy the moment.
For most safaris, I’d recommend a 100-500mm lens or 200-600mm if you’re more into birding.
Storage
Let me give you a tip: CF cards are a must. SD cards are slow compared to CF cards, and when you’re shooting at 30 frames per second with the Canon R5 Mark II, speed matters. I use a SanDisk Extreme PRO 512GB card, which has been a game-changer in terms of speed and storage.
Batteries
The BG-R20 Battery Grip for the R5 is fantastic for stability and extended shooting time. However, I only use it for wildlife photography when I’m in heavy burst mode. Be sure to bring extra batteries, and check if your safari vehicle has charging ports (many do!). Always pack a USB-C cable for backup, just in case.
Lens Cleaning
Dust is inevitable. Pack a few cloths to clean your lenses; it’s worth it to avoid ruining those once-in-a-lifetime shots.
Backpack
When flying, I always prefer to keep my gear close, so I pack everything into a Manfrotto PRO Light Backloader. While it’s not the lightest option, it holds all my gear securely. If you’re traveling light, it’s still wise to keep your camera with you instead of checking it in.
Optional Gear
Here are some extras that can come in handy:
- Rain and Dust Protection Covers (I don’t use them, but it’s a good idea if you’re going to be shooting in the rain or dusty conditions).
- Backup Device/Portable Hard Drive (I use Dropbox to sync my shots to the cloud, but it’s up to you).
- Monopod for more flexibility than a beanbag, especially if you’re tracking subjects across the vehicle.
Strap
If you’re going on a walking safari, invest in a better camera strap. I swear by the Blackrapid strap for comfort and ease during long shooting sessions.
Gloves/Mittens
It can get chilly on safari—don’t let your frozen hands ruin a shot. Invest in gloves that let you maintain full control of your camera.
This photo was taken with equipment from nearly a decade ago—and it’s still one of my favorites. The key takeaway? Great shots aren’t about having the latest gear; it’s about understanding your equipment and the moments around you.
Why Travel With Us?
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Your Journey Begins Here Let’s make your dream safari a reality. From gorilla trekking in Rwanda to classic African safaris, Crystal Tours & Travel Ltd has you covered. Contact us today at info@crystaltourskenya.com or call +254 721 994 205 to start planning your next adventure!
Happy shooting—and even happier adventuring!