I'm off to Kenya in February for a wildlife safari, and I'm thinking about gear.
Having never been on an Aftican safari, though, I don't really know what I'll encounter, and I don't want to miss opportunities. So, I'm hungry for advice. Is there any reason to consider moving to an A7, or even an A9, for this trip? Would auto-focus, which seems like it might be important, be a lot better? I know I'd need a bunch of new lenses, but I'd do that if there's a compelling reason. (If I don't move to FF, I'll at least get an A6500 body) Is there a particular lens I should get? Any other advice?
Thanks, in advance, for any help!
It all comes down to two factors: what you intend to shoot and the end purpose of the photographs.
FF is excellent, but becoming less necessary for quality, except to very large print sizes.
If you intend to shoot small birds, the APS-C is ideal for getting additional reach from a 400mm or 500 lens. Add a TC and you can shoot almost anything (as Glenn Bartley does).
If you intend to shoot birds on the wing, fast AF is helpful, but FF isn’t needed to achieve this.
If you’re not shooting professionally nor for stock, then go have some fun with the smallest, lightest-weight gear that will allow you to do what you enjoy.
If you’re on a tour, you *might* see a cheetah or lion chase, but you’d be lucky if you did. Fast lenses for the lower light of morning/evening and fast AF would help, but using this criteria for equipment purchases if this is a trip and not a job may be unrealistic.
I lived in Arusha, Tanzania for 4 years (the safari capital of East Africa) and self-drove dozens of safaris. I saw a lot of big glass which, if you have money, go for it, but is not really necessary. Spend the extra money on being in a smaller group size of dedicated photographers...
...and a great driver-guide from a reputable company. You don’t want people in the truck who might get bored waiting for a scene to develop. Many people on safaris are “tickers” - once they’ve seen “it” they want to move on to the next, irrespective of whether there was a photo op or even a developing photo op that may take more than a few minutes to materialize. You could have the best cameras and lenses in the world, but one impatient person in your group could ruin it for you.
Me? I’m heading back to Tanzania this summer with my Sony RX-10iii. I might just leave the D800E and lenses at home. The photos I make will be perfect for photo books and prints up 17” and I’m no longer interested in selling stock for a dime a dozen. Besides, the Sony has a sharp 600mm f/4 lens (down to 24mm f/2.4) which will cover all my needs and wants. BTW: two of my most memorable photos from when I lived there are a couple 16x20” portraits of two Maasai friends, shot with a 5mp early digital Minolta.
Hell, take the Deardorff and really make a statement!
Remember... “It’s not whatcha got...” Great gear rarely compensates for the serendipity of safaris and being in the right place at the right time, which a good guide can do for you.