What's in my Camera Bag? African Safari Edition

Рет қаралды 23,322

Күн бұрын

This week, I discuss all of the gear that I decided to take with me on an extended safari trip in South Africa. I also talk through what I would NOT bring again. Here is the gear I mention:
ORDER MY PRINTS
4fb0de-55.myshopify.com/
CAMERA GEAR
Nikon Z9 - amzn.to/44OC2x6
Nikon Z8 - amzn.to/3ObxjhH
Nikon Z6ii - amzn.to/3Keu6gd
Nikon 500mm PF - amzn.to/3Oaz7aH
Nikon 300mm PF - amzn.to/3Dzd6xv
Nikon Z 24-120 - amzn.to/450Kngx
Nikon Z 14-30 - amzn.to/3Y8q9PI
Nikon Z 40 - amzn.to/3DCG67j
ACCESSORIES
VSGO - Full Frame Camera Cleaning Kit - amzn.to/3DtYaRa
MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths - amzn.to/3KhrNJn
FocusFoto PRO Rocket Air Blower - amzn.to/478EqjO
Anker PowerCore+ 26800mAh Portable Charger - amzn.to/474r4F4
Anker 10000mAh Portable Charger - amzn.to/3Y83Vxi
Nikon EN-EL18d Battery (Compatible with Z9) - amzn.to/3rGcwuZ
Nikon EN-EL15c Battery (Compatible with Z8, Z7, Z6) - amzn.to/3Ybs4D7
Rolling Square inCharge X Portable Keychain Charger Cable - amzn.to/44Jnsqj
SanDisk 128GB Extreme Pro CF Express Type B Card - amzn.to/3Y7mGkE
(I'll only endorse things that I've personally used or that come highly recommended to me by trusted peers. If you pick up anything I mention with the referral links above, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.)
LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA
My Website: www.alanyoung.photography
Follow me on Instagram: @alanyoung.wildlife
#photography #birding #nikon #nikonz9 #nikonz8

Пікірлер: 67

@alanyoungphoto 11 ай бұрын

Hey everyone! Since publishing this video, PetaPixel has dropped support for the SanDisk drives that I mention in the video due to widespread reports of data loss and drive failure on those drives. I highly recommend looking into an alternate drive for now while this gets sorted out!

@mfd-germnl6059 9 ай бұрын

yup... lost my whole 2021 and 2022 of photography, cause both my SanDisk-backupdrives failed... (started in 2021 so I basically lost all of my photography "origins") learned my lesson tho... 2 tb of cloud storage now and 3 separate Backup-Drives from different brands (and I am planing on getting a raid-solution)

@merweerasmus73 11 ай бұрын

As a South African we are privileged to visit the National Parks regularly. If we fly internaly I take two camera bodies, a 100-500, 24-105 and a 14 mm lens. If we drive from home in our own vehicle I add an extra 600 mm f/4 and a third body as a backup. Batteries : I have about 12 and I take a little adaptor to charge the batteries in any vehicle while we drive during the day.

@danielhirsh7809 Ай бұрын

What kind of adapter do you need for the safari vehicle?

@tdivyak 29 күн бұрын

Great information and bringing a sensor cleaner kit is a must have. Most people are afraid to clean their sensors but it’s easy just don’t be too liberal on the cleaning solution. I love attaching a GoPro to safari vehicles with a suction mount. Great to create Timelapse’s while driving and when stationary you can catch large animals like elephants walking in front of vehicles. Also, bring some C clamps and attach a GoPro to them on the tents and have an external battery pack connected to capture the Milky Way Timelapse. The external battery allows it to run all night. I’m with you on not bringing a tripod, though I do throw in a gorilla pod with a ball head, but seldom does it get used unless I’m holding it or doing some talking head video.

@jzsanchez 15 күн бұрын

Thanks for your advice.

@craigpiferphotography 11 ай бұрын

I can only dream of going on a safari, but I do appreciate all the consideration you've put into the gear for this. You should already be over 1000, so hopefully it won't be long now. Your content is great.

@alanyoungphoto 11 ай бұрын

Thanks, Craig! Too kind! The hardest part is getting over there. If you can manage the flight, the tent camp was $80/night and that included two safaris and 3 meals a day!

@withvinayak 11 ай бұрын

Good tips ahead of my kenya trip, thanks!

@larrybrown8738 9 ай бұрын

Planning a trip to Kenya next year. Thanks for the most valuable information. Many have suggested taking two camera bodies. I think the Z6ii will be a great second for my Z8. Thanks

@jeremyfreedman6482 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for great advice.

@lilskiiergirl 11 ай бұрын

Great video!!

@user-jz5bn1tf3y 10 ай бұрын

I enjoyed your video and I am happy you enjoyed the Kruger National Park. I am South African and it is my third favourite Park.

@t.k.1448 9 ай бұрын

Best, most real world discussion on this topic I've seen to date. Maybe I'm a bit biased because the Z8, Z6ii, 24-120, and Tamron 150-600/Z100-400 form the core of my kit (great minds think alike?). The advice about the 14-30 and skipping on the tripod was very inciteful. I might add a little collapsible table top tripod, but that's about it.

@ekki782 11 ай бұрын

... thak You. Very helpful. Tirol, Austria

@asokag-m8112 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for that thoughtful opinion-piece, Alan. Well put! Went on wildlife safaris in Sri Lanka recently. Tripod & Monopod - never used. Binocs - family used them sometimes. I second your sentiments on having two bodies mounting two primary lenses. Dust is the Devil! I carried a Sigma 150-600 Sport on a Z-50 crop-sensor (for the extra reach) and a Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 on a Z6ii for nearby subjects and landscapes. And yes, the Nikkor 180-600 was not available yet and the Z8 was out of my reach. Although a Z50 is not super responsive, it controlled that beast of a Sigma (via an FTZ) admirably. Two external SSD USB-C 3.1 drives, card readers, cables, batteries & chargers, one circular polarizer for the 24-70 (never used). The lenses both had UV filters as protection. I, too, used a backpack to transit my stuff. A MindShift 18L Gear-Light fit it all except the mono&tripods. What I love about the case is it’s waist-strap which can be tightened to transfer all the weight to the hips instead of the poor back. Also, the improved posture gives the impression that the bag doesn’t weigh that much - very useful at check-in counters. Oh, and I had a flat-fold Pocket-Tripod in my wallet for and iPhone shots if family! 😂

@Jonathantuba 3 ай бұрын

I regularly go on safari and my usual camera kit is 70-200 and a 400. Wide angle I rarely use, often bring back without ever getting out. I agree no tripod, but a monopod is very useful to drop camera low out of vehicle to get ground level shots. Binoculars varies according to trip - sometime use, but would not worry about not taking if short of space or weight allowance.

@omerkhan6802 9 ай бұрын

Your eyes man. It looks like they may shine in the dark. Such bright green

@nnyl3013 10 ай бұрын

For the bush flights, have you tried slipping smaller lenses or accessories in your jacket pockets. I did that on a bush plane to Churchill, Canada. Had a fleece with zippered pockets. Put my 50mm in one and my card wallet in one and an ultra wide lens in the other.

@EricSnydereasphotography 3 ай бұрын

Im flying to Kenya last today and Im bringing my Nikon Z9 with the Z180-600 and a Z8 with my 24-120

@markshipston4838 7 ай бұрын

Just came back from 4 weeks in the Kruger. Took my z9 and my 500 pf which I used 95% of the time. Also took the 70-180 which was great but hardly used it. I adore my 500 pf but don’t like that I have to use the adapter. Yes looking at the 180-600 but previously dumped the 200-500 because of the weight. I’m 63 so weight is an issue especially holding it up to my eye for really lengthy periods. Agree also that you don’t need a tripod. A really lightweight monopod to use in the car maybe the answer.

@rachelg7371 9 ай бұрын

I’ve had good luck with G drives, the small but mighty ones.

@scottbarlow5044 Ай бұрын

Great video Alan. Heading to Africa and have been wrestling with the same issues, so thank you. Agree with thoughts on tripod, but I did wonder if a monopod might be needed for super telephoto .... ?

@alanyoungphoto Ай бұрын

The 500pf I used was too light for me to need one, but I could see where one might be useful for something like a 600 f/4

@adriandawson1495 12 күн бұрын

A useful video, thank you. I'm planning a safari and needing to decide what to take with a weight limit of 15kg (including clothes and toothbrush). I have a Z6 and Z6ii, 180-600mm, 100-400mm, 24-74mm f2.8, 24-200mm, iPad, camera bag. I would like to take all of these, but I know that won't be possible. Lens weight is a consideration as a weak back is an issue. What do you suggest?

@SwanSycorax 11 ай бұрын

Thanks. A very helpful video and well thought through. My wife and i are flying from the UK to Botswana in a few months time and i have been mulling over exactly what to bring. Your video has helped enormously. I had already reached very much the same conclusions but it is great to have confirmation from someone who has recently had the experience. We fly from Heathrow to Jo'burg and then an internal flight up to Maun when I know we will have a strict weight limit. I will be bringing a Z9 + a Z 100-400 with the 1.4xTC as my main system. I hadn't intended to bring a second body but after watching your video I think i will also bring my Z8. I didn't really want to have to carry two different sets of batteries, but it looks sensible to do so. My other lens will probably be the Z 24-70 f/2.8 to accommodate low-light situations although I could bring a Z 24-70 f/4 which would, of course, be lighter. I was intending to bring the Z 14-30 f/4 but will probably now leave that at home and rely on the 24mm widest angle. Thanks again.

@jakesdewet3567 11 ай бұрын

I live in South Africa, and we often go to Botswana, we just returned last week from a trip to the delta and spend a few days doing a boat safari on the Delta. I have extensive experience of what equipment to take ant travel light. I use the Z9 on a Nikon 400 f4.5 and when light is good will add the TC1.4 Especially for birds and I am not talking small birds but your fish eagles, Herons, Cranes etc. I have used the 100-400 with TC on a trip but with the TC 1.4 was not happy with the IQ. For second body I use the Z6ii with 24-200. It is very versatile for not having to change lenses and pictures when you get close to animals, around camp or general pictures about your trip. a 24-70 id to short. Walking around with a Z9 and 100-400 taking pictures of the environment is clumsy. Another friend that went with us used a Z8 with a 100-400 and Z6ii with 24-120 and she got amazing images. Another person used a Nikon Z8 with a 400 f4.5 and Fuji Xh4 with a 70-300 for flexibility. In my view a Combination of a Prime like the 500 pf or 400f4.5 plus a zoom such as the 24-200 or 24-120 on a DX body is ideal. We also did a helicopter flight over the delta from Maun, and I shot all images with my Z6ii and the 24-200 and got stunning images. Best is travel light, trust the gear you take and be creative, we had another person on the trip with so much gear that he wanted to change lenses and bodies for every situation and after day 3 settled for his Z8 and Sigma 60-600 and walked away with great images, much more relaxed and the realisation that you need to use what will give you the most flexibility and fun to use. Enjoy your trip

@asamendigorin1512 11 ай бұрын

Super useful video, just subscribed. I booked my first safari for next year and going through the same process of determing gear!

@asamendigorin1512 11 ай бұрын

Hey Alan, I'm curious about how much storage you went through using the Z9 for stills and video. Also your backup strategy while travelling. I'm trying to calculate how many TB of storage I need for still and video (8K60 + 4K120).

@alanyoungphoto 11 ай бұрын

I used about 230 GB in lossless compress RAW files just for photos. I wish that I had focused more on video at time, and I think that had I, I would have needed 2-4TB. One additional note I'd like to mention is that since I've published this video, PetaPixel has come out against the SanDisk drives that I mentioned. Evidently there are reports of frequent failures with them. So, I would consider an alternative. I think my general principle could still apply though - each night I backed up my cards to multiple drives for parity and stored the drives in separate locations while traveling.

@asamendigorin1512 11 ай бұрын

@alanyoungphoto thanks mate. Yeah I picked up some Samsung T7 SSDs. I think I'll need a few more since both my wife and I will be doing both stills and video.

@BoogalyTheGreat Ай бұрын

My plan in to bring my Fuji xt-5 (40 mp) with a 100-400 zoom (150-600 FFE). And then the z8 with a 28-70 f2.8 or 24-130 f4, for landscapes/portraits/REALLY close animals… i haven’t purchased either of the short zooms yet. Do you think the 28-70 f2.8 would be enough reach for the “short” lens based on your experienced there? I’d prefer that one because its faster. But it will leave a larger gap in my focal length range than the 130 will (big zoom starts at 150mm). On the other hand, maybe you found no need for 70-130mm range? Thanks!

@woodymallory9058 11 ай бұрын

Wow...alot to think about if you make that trip...not for me though,I vowed to give up flying when I retired 10 years ago and so far sticking to it

@Original_Old_Farmer 11 ай бұрын

One thing I learned doing broadcast remotes is that adapter cords should only be used as backup. In your case I would bring two of your backup cords. What I would do instead is buy cords that have the configuration for your appliance on one end to a USB A or a universal format. Then I would use USB A to A to connect between the different equipment. It is easy to damage the small connectors and being out in the hinter land, you are out of business if you loose a connector to a key piece of equipment. This will make the more durable USB A connector the ones that take most of the abuse. In your case I would have three cords that fit the equipment and three USB A cables. If you can, get military grade cords. Then you can pack a couple of your adapter cords as backup. All too often a space shot failed over a part costing only a few dollars. If you are in civilization your system will work fine, except be cognoscente of the fact that small connectors are more frail than larger connectors.

@alanyoungphoto 11 ай бұрын

Really good info! Thank you!

@VeronicaDeBruin-hq5yb 3 ай бұрын

what size Lowe pro fast pack BP250 did you use? 27.6 L or 31

@59jll Ай бұрын

Intersting, I will be in South Africa this summer. One question, why no 70-200 to second the 180-600? Is the 24-120 sufficient? Thanks

@nnyl3013 5 ай бұрын

I have a dual battery USB charger that charges in my car. Might be an option for keeping batteries charged on your next safari. I had a few of those SanDisk SSD drives from a few years ago, but the New Q filehub doesn't like them. I picked up a couple Samsung T7s, which do work. The File Hub lets me copy the SD cards to the portable drives without a laptop.

@robcavenphotography5231 9 ай бұрын

Loved that Alan, new subscriber! Not your normal "in my bag" video, you provide real context for your choices which is genuinely informative, and thanks for the link to the little usb connector, that's going to be gold for me! Would love to return the favour and suggest something for your bag, a lens cleaning product - "Hoodmans Lens Cleanse", I get mine shipped to NZ by B&H and I find the wipes incredible to use, the best out there. Cheers!

@douglascarrphotography 3 ай бұрын

Hi thx for your video, but just a correction the Z6ii does have the dust shutter cover but Nikon haven't added its use when changing lenses to activate it you have to turn of the camera, and take the battery out then it closes the shutter, pretty annoying I'd say to have it but don't have the software to use it and Nikon can fix it so easily with a firmware update but hey they want you to buy the Z8

@juliusdavies2005 6 ай бұрын

I just had 28 days in Namibia, and am going back Jun 24 for 35 days self drive. Fantastic safe wilderness country. I previously took a single body (D780), 20mm F1.8 for Astro + light carbon fibre travel tripod, 24-120mm F/4 for landscape/everyday stuff and a Tamron 100-400mm for wildlife. 400mm on full frame was too short. I wish I had taken my sigma 150-600 Sports, but the weight of that lens put me off. For the forthcoming trip, I have a Z8 with a workhorse 24-120mm Z Lens, the 180-600mm Z lens, and I'm mulling over a wider prime for astro, maybe the Sigma 14mm F1.4 (E Mount) or more likely the Sony 14mm F1.8, using an adaptec E mount to Z adapter. 2nd Body is great advice, but I just don't have the muller for it yet. If I did go for 2nd body, I'd wait for Z6iii.

@RogerJones-mountfield 4 ай бұрын

Binoculars- I have a fairly expensive pair that travel around in my car every time I go out 🙄 the only time they are used is looking for Iberian Lynx in Spain, otherwise they just come along for the ride 🤷🏼‍♂️

@ericerickson6537 10 ай бұрын

I am going to Kruger in 3 weeks and plan on taking my z8 and z7.2 along with the 100-400 s and the 24-200 or the 24-120 plus the 14-30 assuming everything fits in my 18l think tank bag.

@JordiVandenBroeck 19 күн бұрын

was 400mm enough or did you want 600?

@rachelg7371 9 ай бұрын

I agree wholeheartedly on leaving the binoculars. I spent a small fortune on a pair and tried them once on safari. Like you said, it was just as easy to use my long lens. The binoculars added more weight to my camera bag (which was already heavy for this 5’-1” gal), and they were a tight, awkward fit in my bag. I will keep them for use at and around home instead. What did you use for power plug adapters? If there is a next time for me, I would also leave the laptop home. I need to invest in a iPad or just bring a ton of extra memory cards.

@pennycarlson1943 Ай бұрын

Try getting a nice pair of pocket binoculars.

@johnwinter6061 5 ай бұрын

Like the idea of TWO bodies. For a lightweight setup from $USD3,500 / $AUD5,000, have a look at this: Canon R series FF body (allow 550g) + Canon RF 24-240 zoom (745g) and a Canon R series APS(C) (allow 450g) + Canon RF 100-400 zoom. (635g). Effective FF range / reach 24mm to 640mm. Overlap 160mm - 240mm range. Can use either lens (both FF) on either body too! 2.3kg all up! IQ is VERY competitive. You can also have your own debate about FF (cropped?) v APS(-C). Technology (including editing software) is changing traditional beliefs. I'm sure other brands will eventually match these. The fact that these two particular IS FF lenses compete in price and quality with APS only lenses (any decent brand) is the clincher. Maybe lose an f-stop in max size but on a mirrorless viewfinder is that an issue? Still a decent range for depth of field choices by zooming. With bag and bits maybe around 4kg or 9 pounds. Easy for airplane carry on limit 7kg. Oh by the way, I know many US airlines will allow anyone to carry on just about anything weighing whatever. Seen it. Pay a priority boarding fee instead of a checked baggage fee and away you go! Not so elsewhere, as you found out. 7kg limit on carry on is very common and usually strictly enforced in UK, Europe, Australia, NZ and Asia. Exception is medical equipment and maybe something that can slide under a seat.

@badshamaitra7513 Ай бұрын

Can u plz share some photos of ur tent camp ?

@indrajitadvani3742 9 ай бұрын

Thank you Alan for this helpful video. I'll be visiting Botswana and Zimbabwe in early November. I'll have my Z9. Unfortunately I don't have a second body. I have the new 400mm Z lens and for shorter distances, as you advise, I'll probably take my 70-200 although that'll obviously mean switching lenses. I recently sold my Laowa 15mm prime manual lens - I just didn't love it - great build but not great results. Can you recommend another good wide lens - not manual. Appreciate.

@alanyoungphoto 9 ай бұрын

Personally, I like the 24-120 for its versatility. If you want really wide without adding a lot of weight, I really like the 14-30 f4

@indrajitadvani3742 9 ай бұрын

@@alanyoungphoto Thanks I'll take a closer look at the Nikon 14-30 although I would have preferred a prime, some of the third party lenses are improving rapidly now, although I was disappointed with the Laowa

@Dbgolfnski 2 ай бұрын

What was the weight of the two bodies, two lenses, and the other gear that you carried on? Close to the 15 pounds?

@Dbgolfnski 2 ай бұрын

BTW, great video.

@Pardarus 11 ай бұрын

The point with binoculars is so true. I always just use my Camera! Somtimes i even shoot a little photo and crop in to see, for example, a leopard lying in tall grass. Much easier than binoculars 😅

@dicekolev5360 11 ай бұрын

Buying binoculars was one of my best and first purchases when I got into bird photography. It's just irreplaceable tool 🤠🤌🏻

@Pardarus 11 ай бұрын

@@dicekolev5360 I can completely understand why someone would like binoculars. I personally just always have my camera ready in hand. Even if the 400 or the 800 gets heavy after a long day. So I just never reached for binoculars...

@pennycarlson1943 Ай бұрын

I have a pair of Zeiss Victory Pocket 8x25 binoculars. They have excellent optics and don't weigh much or take up much space. Even more importantly, they are easy manipulate when I also have camera gear. I would never go to Africa without binoculars, but then I'm an avid birder.