Who has taken Fuji on safari?

[TonyB]

Off to Kruger NP on May/June of this year & wondering how Fuji gear -XT2 + 100-400 has performed for Fuji users compared with Canon fit long teles.

My dilemma is whether to buy the 100-400 for a Fuji only kit or go with 150-600 Sigma & 5DIII + XT2 + 18-55. I have read in many places that the 100-400 is not quite as good as the Canon set up which is why I have not taken the plunge on the Fuji lens before now.

Flying South African Airways so don't know how strict they are with carry on weights. In previous birding travels to Asia & Europe going over carry on weights has never been a problem. There is also an internal flight from Jo'berg to Nelspruit.

Edited February 1, 2018 by TonyB

[ullmandds]

I was just in SA in dec/Jan...went to krueger...as well as a few days at private game reserves.  I brought my xt2 and the 100-400 w/1.4 tele.  I also had another fuji body with my 18-135.  While I can't comment on canon...the fuji system worked out well for me on safari.  I used the 100-400 most of the time but there were also numerous occasions I needed a shorter lens to capture closer action.

[ullmandds]

Just saw you are flying SA airlines...IM SORRY!  These were some of the worst flights in my life from a standpoint of comfort and amnities...pretty bad!!!!  I packed my 100-400 in my checked bad but carried on most of my other camera gear.

[plsegal@gmail.com]

Just returned from two weeks spent in Africa:  Uganda to view the gorillas for two days and Serengetti and the crater for four more, an additional day in the parks outside the crater also.  

 

I brought the 18-55 but used the 100-400 85% of the time and marveled at the OIS function.  Used bean bag on the Land Cruiser, when needed more throw.  This lens is special and with proper use of ISO can be used in low light situations nicely.  Made big mistake of being on Manual focus ( unrealized)  for a day and missed half the shots until I corrected.  

 

Used the big battery grip which I think is essential for long days shooting and multiple shots on CH.  Bring plenty of batteries (7) and recharge at night.  I brought a battery power pack in case I was away from electricity for a night.  Shot JPEG and RAW in #1,#2.  

 

Highlight was a treed leopard that posed nicely for twenty minutes, but saw all the animals as the weather in January was superb.  Hope this helps.

Paul

[TonyB]

Thanks for the replies. Will bear in mind  your airline comments especially as I always book extra leg room. 6'6" does not easily fit into normal seating. Fortunately I'm an "athletic" build so width is not so much a problem. However I find seats give no head support being so low at the back-relatively speaking of course.

I have booked a 100-400 for the day for this coming Monday so will find a quiet reserve with plenty of birds and do a comparison.

If I had all Fuji gear I would take 2x XT2,100-400 & 18-55/55-200, Along for the ride 10-24 & 35 f1.4.

[JNT]

Was in the Serengeti and the crater in dec. the lens did very well. my only recommendation is that you limit it to 380 mm - the only unsharp pics i have are between 380mm and 400 mm.

 

From what i understand, kruger has open vehicles so bean bags may not be much help. Ask your safari provider/camps for pictures of the vehicles, and you should get an idea of what you'll need.

 

Dust is a definite problem, so try and take 2 bodies - one with a shorter lens. I had a lioness walk right up to the vehicle and the 100-400 was just too long.

[ullmandds]

While at krueger...I did NOT use my beanbag once...I did not have any room as the "jeep" was pretty full.  Additionally dust was not an issue for me as i had 2 bodies with different lenses and when I wasn't shooting I had my lens facing down at the seat.  I did not have the grip...and doing mostly bursts I had no issues with running out of battery.  I brought like 8 batteries on the trip but honestly could easily have gotten away with 4.

Edited February 3, 2018 by ullmandds

[TonyB]

Have tried the 100-400 & am still undecided as to whether I purchase or not. As luggage weight is not a problem I may well take  Canon 5DIII & Sigma 150-600 & hire a  Fuji 100-400 for 2 weeks.. Cost will be about $220 & I will have all bases covered + back ups. Weight is still far far less than taking a 5D111, 1DIII,500 f4 & 100-400,16-35 & 24-70.