Which camera should I take to RSA and what to do with it during the hunt?

[Tango]

I really enjoy the photography side of my trips and like to have a proper camera with me. I use a Fuji XT2 (XT5 is the current version) which is a compact interchangeable lens mirrorless camera. The XT cameras and X series WR lenses that are weather-resistant and built for hard use (not waterproof). Not too big with a 16-80mm lens. I carry it in a small Camelback pack made for mountain biking.

 

[Justbryan]

I take a cannon with a 75-300mm lens. I keep it in a backpack in its case and most of the game and scenery pictures are taken from the truck and grip and grins are taken with a cell phone. That’s in South Africa but when in Mozambique where we would park the truck and hunt all day on foot the 2nd tracker would carry my backpack with anything else I may need during the day.

I carry only a 17mm-400mm lens and a Nikon D850 which will cover anything. I leave it on the vehicle and shoot from the vehicle but don't carry when I am on foot. I use my phone to take pictures when on foot. Great shooting! I have 1000 of pictures from hunts/safaris/site seeing in Africa. I sometimes take astrophotography equipment and shoot at night.

 

[Kalthoff]

Of course carrying the camera set plus binos plus rifle would be quite uncomfortable.

Consider something like this to carry binocular and camera. It will allow you to have both hands and one shoulder free to shoot your rifle:

Capture Camera Clip | Peak Design Official Site

Capture is a clip for rigidly carrying any camera on any belt, strap, or bag.

eu.peakdesign.com

I would recommend carrying one lens only and avoid lens changes in the field, in order not to get dust on the sensor or inside the lens. I would choose a zoom lens with a focallength range from moderate wideangle to modest telephoto, because you can crop a lot and still retain 4K resolution, but you can never add what was not included in the picture int he first place. Such a lens will also be relatively small and lightweight.

 

[ajamils]

I would always encourage those who have good equipment to bring it. It will likely stay on the truck.
For most of us the new iPhones are so good we have stopped bringing any other cameras

Yes, phones are great for regular photography but fail miserably at telephoto or low light and that's why despite being less convenient, there is still a market for proper camera gear.

 

[Philip Glass]

Yes, phones are great for regular photography but fail miserably at telephoto or low light and that's why despite being less convenient, there is still a market for proper camera gear.

Very true. However the iPhone 15 is pretty good now in low light. I agree Nothing will replace really good cameras.

 

[Safari Dave]

I always take a phone camera, a DSLR, and a couple of lenses.

My wife uses the DSLR.

Make sure you declare your Z50 and the lenses on the 4457. I've been told of situations where photographers were taxed heavily on expensive photographic equipment, when they failed to put it on the 4457.


Having a good camera and lens, can make a world of difference.

My wife made some great picture of small birds and wildflowers.

 

[spotnspook]

I carry only a 17mm-400mm lens and a Nikon D850 which will cover anything. I leave it on the vehicle and shoot from the vehicle but don't carry when I am on foot. I use my phone to take pictures when on foot. Great shooting! I have 1000 of pictures from hunts/safaris/site seeing in Africa. I sometimes take astrophotography equipment and shoot at night.

I'm having the same dilemma, the southern hemisphere being new to me I want to do a bit of astro stuff. Never seen the southern cross or the carina nebula and being at a nice dark site I'm going to take some gear but don't know how useful it will be hunting.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

My post is about the picture not the camera.

The other day there was a old black and white. It depicted a old time hunter with a very big brown/grizzly bear. What really made me smile was his then fairly new .303 Enfield.
Camera probably a Kodak Brownie.

Lon

 

[TERMINATOR]

Hi

I am leaving for RSA on Monday and I would like to ask all of you experienced hunters how you manage the whole camera thing during the hunt itself.

I would like to bring my Nikkon Z50 including a 16-50 and 50-250 lens. I love the camera and the pictures are great.

Of course carrying the camera set plus binos plus rifle would be quite uncomfortable.

How did you solve this kind of situation during your hunts?

Thank you in advance

iphone 15
Compact and have it with me anyway
Takes amazing pictures

 

[Tintin]

I took the DSLR (Nikon D610) and 70-300 lens last time. A bit of an extra hassle, but i enjoyed the fruits of the long lens. Like others, I didn't carry it when on foot.