On the Road in Botswana
Binoculars
Photo Tips
Photography Gear Providers
We have used the following merchants, who have provided prompt and reliable service:
Here are a few suggestions to help get good results. We assume digital photography.
- You'll get best results using an SLR. Canon and
Nikon make several excellent models. We suggest bringing a second body, if available, just in case one stops working; alternatively,
bring along a good point-and-shoot as a backup.
- Bring the longest and best lens you can afford; at a minimum consider a telephoto
lens ranging to 300 mm.
- Pack extra memory cards and batteries!!
- In safari vehicles tripods won't do. However, long lenses rested on
a bean bag, which can be placed on a window frame or on the vehicle hand rails, provide excellent results.
- Don't wait for animals
to strike a pose; shoot at a rapid pace and then delete the shots you don't want.
- Consider setting your camera to RAW on night drives,
when animals are spotted with incandescent light. You'll then be able to easily remove the yellow cast by adjusting white balance
on your computer during image editing.
- Go for the details. If close enough, try zooming in to capture the animals' eyes, paws, pads,
spots or stripes---you'll get some amazing shots.
- To help locate animals, bring along a good pair of binoculars (8 x 42 suggested).
The following are recommend for an African safari:
- Nikon 8x42 Monarch ATB
- Minox BV 8x42 BR
- Bushnell 8x42 Legend Waterproof/Fogproof