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Fuji on Safari - Questions?

TopDownDriver

By TopDownDriver
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TopDownDriver Contributor

TopDownDriver

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I shoot with an XH2S, and I love it.  However, should Fuji release a 40mpixel camera in 2025 with really good autofocus, I would probably jump for it as well. (don't want to discuss the benefits of the existing cameras available).

My question is: I am headed to Africa for a Photo Safari in the Fall of 2025.  Wondering which lens people recommend.  I will be shooting from the back of a Jeep at various times of the day.  People who have shot in this type of situation with moving animals, what lens did you use/recommend?  There are a few to choose from.

Please share your thoughts!

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jerryy Grand Master

jerryy

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You are probably going to need to add in some more information before anyone can begin to help you. Information such as 'how much budget are you using to purchase lens equipment and does that include all of the other camera related gear you will also need', 'what kind of tours are you intending to take part in -- strictly herd animals or more isolated opportunistic critter viewing', 'are you going for landscapes with animals or animal portraits', etc.

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TopDownDriver Contributor

TopDownDriver

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Thanks for the reply.

I have everything else I need, camera, computer and lens wise.  I am not a landscape photographer, so it will be mostly animals on safari.  I will be shooting people as well, but I have what I need for that.  Budget is not a concern, as most of the money is going into the trip, making the cost of an additional lens or so irrelevant.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone!

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jerryy Grand Master

jerryy

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I appreciate your excitement and enthusiasm and hope you have you have a wonderful and safe journey there and while there and then back home again.

But slow down a bit and think about it some more. A XF200 mm f2 lens (which includes a 1.4 tc)  is going for around US$ 5000. That one would be good for many settings there but … for considerably less money you can get fantastic zoom lenses giving far more photography options and put the leftover money into a big stack of memory cards, batteries and chargers, etc. and have cash leftover to tip your travel guides and enjoy the local cuisines.

Landscapes with animals include things like elephant herds among the Baobab trees, cheetahs watching antelopes on the savanna, etc.

I often use a 150-600mm for various projects. I can easily handhold it and get sharp steady shots, but after a while it goes back on the tripod to finish up. IBIS, etc. does not work well at longer focal lengths, so plan on being able to work when you are tired. That type of outdoor activity wears your lens holding arm.

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Sleeping Dog Explorer

Sleeping Dog

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You may want to consider renting the lens in the country that you'll be traveling in.

Another suggestion, there are a number of photographers that lead photo tours in Africa, it would be fruitful to visit their websites and see what they recommend. From one I looked at, the recommendation was 2 camera bodies (a spare if one is damaged), and a 300 and 600mm lenses, with a quick aperture, say F2.8. The fast lens is recommended given that you'll be shooting in the early morning and at dusk when the animals are active.

If you are taking a tour or working through a lodge, see what they recommend and also whether they might rent or otherwise provide the equipment. A friend spent 2 weeks in SA and Botswana and only needed to bring a bunch of memory cards. 

Also, don't forget a computer and two spare SSDs to backup your photos. 

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