What’s In My Camera Bag - African Photo Safari Edition

[@froknowsphoto]

Quick comment. I have been educated and informed and corrected about saying I am going to Africa. I am in Kenya, which is in Africa. As it was explained, it’s like saying you went to the United States…. Thanks for the correction everyone.

[@philshaw439]

A couple of tips - take a power strip rather than lots of individual plug in units. Your room may not have more than a couple of outlets - sometime none. Take a paint brush (2inch) to brush the dust off your gear at the end of the day. Most dust contamination issues come from accunulated dust on the bag, rather than dust in the air - unless you are very cavalier about changing lenses.

[@kyonru]

The airline watching this video: I CAN’T WAIT TO LOSE HIS BAGS!

[@flightscapeaviationphoto]

😂

[@jackparkervisuals]

Jared, I hope you have the best time on this trip! It’s great to see how enthusiastic and excited you are about it!

[@garethcooper3544]

Remember to take a 1.4x and 2x TC for the big 400mm f2.8 L...it's the only lens that you can shoot wide open with either tele converters and not take an IQ hit. I makes the 400L a lot more versatile. Everyone loves a 600/f4 or a 800/5.6, while only taking the single (and smaller 400mm lens)

[@Grr8jon]

I would hate to travel with that much gear! Hope you enjoy!

[@floatinsun]

I suggest Samsung s23 😂

[@jmp622]

Outfit looks clownish

[@wwkropp]

It’s to much gear, would take a few bungee cords to keep your equipment from flying all over. Also lens extenders are very important at this time of year. You’re gonna need all the reach you can get.

[@stefanusrheeder4162]

i normaly take my R5, 100-500 and 800f11 on safari. thats it. our animals in Africa gets spooked for nothing, depending on where the safari is..If it is in our national parks, for birdlife, 800 is the way to go most of the time. Jared will enjoy the safari for sure....we also use r6, but not always as seccessfull as the r5@@wwkropp

[@meme4one]

​​@@jmp622on him it does. I had one of those shirts ( looks like a columbia pfg) for years in the middle east and it worked very well. Can't argue that the hat and hair combo looks hilarious though.

[@carlz3955]

Jared really prepare his gears like going for World War III, I mean isn't it too much gear for wildlife

[@fardadpostwalatravels]

Safe travels, have an amazing trip to Africa ❤

[@riparianlife97701]

I shot a soccer game in Mexico a few nights ago. My first game shoot. The team was thrilled with my work. Sony A7iv, 70-200GM2.

[@nokturnalivory]

So excited for your upcoming trip! Wishing you the best and I can’t wait to see your footage once you put it together to share your time away. Have a fantastic journey ❤

[@nazukeoya]

Your safari clothing is pretty funny and looks like a lot of fun. I think you overdid it on the gear though. I've been on 2 safaris and I did very well doing street photography and safari shooting with a Sony A1 and 100-400mm GM. But then again, it doesn't hurt to be prepared either. Have fun!

[@boatingdave1883]

I know this is a really long advertisement, but I really love watching this stuff.

[@6gwilliams]

Canon is loving you, and will remain the big financial sponsor of your ;projects with this trip shot on Canon gear. Enjoy your safari, I am sure you will get some great shots. Have a safe and fun trip. Cheers, and I also use the T9 4TB Samsung SSDs.

[@jonwhitehair246]

How do you intend to get around the carry on weight restrictions. I'm assuming you're not even thinking about checking it. Maybe ship it over? Let us know.

[@zilo090]

Just some interesting thing about those SSDs (both Samsung and SanDisk) you're using is that they need USB 3.2 2x2 to get full speed out of them. It's not very popular standard. Even the newest MacBook Pros don't support it so you're getting at most 1000 MB/s, not 2000 MB/s. It's the same speed as the previous generation but you're paying extra.

[@kpopfanphotos]

Yep. This is why I still use the previous version. When I read up on limitations I realized it was just pointless. Although it's nice for futureproofing. Maybe the Mac Studios in the office support it that they have. I'm honestly not too sure.

[@auwdioslave]

I'm so happy I decided to only bring my RX100 VI on my South Africa trip this year. Although I wished for a bit more range a few times, I managed to get all the shots I really wanted with my trusty little RX, without having to lug around a large camera bag all trip. If I ever go back, I'll probably pick up an RX10 IV to get more range, but since this trip and last year's trip to Peru, I must say that I've grown to love the single camera/lens experience for longer holidays.

[@TLTPhotography]

Reassuring that I pack nearly the same gear (1/4th the cost though). Did Kili and safari in 2015 - you’re gonna love it!

[@mitchellloper1367]

Have a great trip! Looks like you're going to be ready to rock 'n roll for any occasion!

[@tommydaynjer5334]

Looks like a TON of gear! I tend to want to bring everything I have too lol You should make a follow up video revealing all the stuff you actually wound up using and what you found you used the most, what shocked you about not using or using, etc it would be a great travel gear learning experience

[@ronanderson5736]

Sounds like an amazing trip! Have a great safe trip!

[@xxcaseyxxc]

I hope you're having a great time in Africa Jared!!

[@josecavazos1194]

I hope that you are using your 1.4x and 2.0x converters often because in my limited experience, I mostly used lenses beyond 300mm. I was in Masai Mara for 4 days in Dec. 2022 with my R5. Out of 15,468 photos, >10.3 K (67%) were with my 600mm. The next focal distance mode was at 200 mm with >2.1K (14%). I wish I had the RF100-500 with converters or a RF800 mm, both of which I hope to take back there next year.

[@froknowsphoto]

No converters. And too tight isn’t what I want.

[@MichaelRoachWV]

There's nothing like offering experience-based advice and it being shrugged off lol. My #1 advice for photography / any profession / life is to *remain teachable* in your mindset.

[@livejames9374]

@@MichaelRoachWVlmao not at all surprised by JP’s response

[@TRobBrownPhotography]

Would it really be "too tight" when your safari jeep is half a mile away from the wildlife? I highly doubt you're getting that close to the wildlife. Shooting tight brings detail and shows the sharpness of the image. I would take a 1.4x and 2x to be sure. I bring them and use them as needed on my travel trips to South America and I'm not even shooting tons of wildlife, only light wildlife shooting. When I shoot football, soccer, and baseball, the 400 is only the right lens part of the time. Sometimes I need a 600 or 800 for the shot and TCs help.

[@MichaelRoachWV]

@@TRobBrownPhotography I shoot wildlife photos on a West Virginia mountain. Deer, birds, squirrels, etc. My general focal length is 600mm 😂 If deer aren’t semi-domesticated, “getting closer” is never an option. They hear, they see, and they smell! Definitely a challenge.

[@woodworm001]

Wow - when I visited Zambia in 2008 the entire weight limit per person was 12kg! I shot Pentax :)

[@ConstanzeTrn]

For a long time, as Chanel prices have risen, I no longer thought I could afford it. I think I would be happy to have a kislux as a travel bag that I don't have to take care of. By the way, I'm sure no one would have a hard time telling the difference. Thanks for the comparison.

[@jeffreyklaum13]

I travel constantly with gear (3 setups + extra lenses, flash x3, action x2, drone, all the support gear, etc...). After a few mishaps with airlines I would never again travel, especially all the way to Africa, without a Pelican 1510 or like product. I always pack a extra backpack and/or bag in my checked luggage and transfer once I get to my destination. Airlines are evil. And all my checked luggage is hardshell. It has to be. Good luck and have fun. Can't wait to see the shots.

[@stefanusrheeder4162]

glad you made up your mind as to what bodies you will be using. where is your safari going to be? Botswana, south Africa? zimbabwe? ngorogoro transfrontier? enjoy it Jared.

[@rlpring78]

Sony 600 f/4 + 1.4 extender will be sweet in Africa with the A9III.

[@MounGritsch]

I really love your taste and style always so chic. My faves would be the kislux leather backpack and the Swarovski pave diamond ring so gorg. Thank you for your recommendations.

[@97nelsn]

We need more of Safari Jared. Also, the T9’s really do double as a lint roller.

[@JohnScarrott]

Have a fun trip! I'm looking forward to the updates!

[@solarplexus4003]

Can't wait to see the images he comes back with.

[@graceskyephoto]

So cool!! An African safari is one of the places on my bucket list!

[@roninrtist560]

Nice set up. My only suggestion is your international power adapter blocks may be an issue. They may be too large for the outlet plugs over there. All of the outlet plugs have an on/off switch on them; and if your adapter is too large, it will not plug into the socket securely. I found out the hard way in Tanzania, luckily my travel companions had a corded adapter that I was able to use. My plug was similar to the one you have too; the cube looking one in the back. Other thing is, 400mm is short for safari trips on truck tours if that is going to be your main lens. I had a 600mm and even than needed TC in many instances. Some animals you can get close to, but a there are plenty that need reach. Too bad you can't try out the RF 200-800. The zoom is what you need since your moving around a lot on the transports and stuff is coming at you in all different angles. The prime is great, but you end up missing a lot of shots too. Your limited by where the vehicles can go and room in your seat. Bring a towel, jacket or cushion to rest your lens on too. A lot of shooting out the window and canopy on the vehicles. A neck gaiter is essential for the dusty roads; and i mean dusty!!!

[@m11kan]

Sometimes on safari, it's so hot that the long telephoto lenses are affected by heat distortion, degrading the image quality. I would say 600mm is enough for most cases. 800mm with and with TC might be too much.

[@mikeogoli]

Jared, enjoy your trip to my beautiful country. Safari njema na burudika na Tusker baridi (safe travels and enjoy a cold Tusker)!

[@arnolttbromanskie9733]

I rather choose the 600mm over the 400mm, but I want to see the real world review of the canon rf 24-105 2.8. my preorder seems to be stuck in the factory 😉

[@MichaelNatrin]

Great video. Excited to see what you photographed.

[@BARAKABLESSING]

Which country in Africa are you going to? nevermind I saw niorobi it's spelled Nairobi, Kenya.

[@alexmartins4013]

Is the Sony a9 iii is at firmware 0.9? The version I was able to test in november was 0.8. I guess 1.0 is coming soon 😁

[@froknowsphoto]

Correct, it was 0.8 when we first tested it, but this one is slightly more updated to 0.9

[@tomegan4060]

Have fun. If on a budget what's is minimum gear to take on trip

[@btscott1]

Not seeing an Astrophotography lens. Amazing Milky Way shots in Africa. Sigma 14mm f/1.4?

[@froknowsphoto]

What do you think of Safari Jared???

[@alexmartins4013]

Love the outfit. Enjoying the pictures. Thanks for sharing.

[@Gylfaginning16]

Safari, so good *pun intended*

[@nazukeoya]

Your safari clothing is pretty funny and looks like a lot of fun. I think you overdid it on the gear though. I've been on 2 safaris and I did very well doing street photography and safari shooting with a Sony A1 and 100-400mm GM. But then again, it doesn't hurt to be over prepared either.

[@chrisstreet1994]

When is that shirt dropping on the website?I need it!

[@TylerSchwartzDance]

love the hat!

[@sjenkin88]

I normally dislike the 'whats in my camera bag' video, but I really enjoyed - as someone who always packs too much kit - seeing what you've taken, and in someway left behind. Hope you have fun on your trip, good luck, safe journeys and happy snapping!

[@SkiP_LA]

Looking forward for that froknowsphoto fleshlight partnership, maybe even a preset in fropack 5 named that 😂

[@1989Goodspeed]

Really cool setup, the one thing I was expecting to see with the lenses but didn’t was a teleconverter. Yes I know you lose one f-stop but still a potential 800mm f/4… But that’s just me. Still safari… something to add to the bucket list!

[@julius4858]

It would be 800 f/5.6. You have to multiply focal length and aperture by 1.4 or 2 respectively.

[@JohnSwen-p6b]

How do you get around the weight restrictions when traveling in Africa especially when you do not want to have to check your gear? On many internal domestic flights (e.g. Airlink) the weight limit for carry ons is only 8 kgs or 17.6 lbs. Moreover, most bush flights have a weight limit of 45 lbs, but one can often buy a second seat at additional cost. With that said, I agree with you on the gear. For my travels I will be using two R3s, but my lens choices will be the RF 24-105 f4 (although I would love to take the 24-105 f2.8) and the Canon RF 100-300 mm f2.8 with 1.4x TC. With this setup I can have a 24-420 mm reach with constant f4 aperture while still keeping weight at a minimum.

[@Jordiephotography]

thank you for comfirming that the think thank can go in a plane.. I was a bit worried... but dang that gear 👌👌👌

[@franktherabbit42]

I can't wait to see this video when it comes out. Have a great time!

[@ppoletto]

By the footage at 11:25, I suppose you’re going to Tanzania and/or Kenya. Do you think 400mm might be too short at times in Serengeti or Maasai Mara? Did you consider a teleconverter? Or a 600mm? I think for Kruger in South Africa, 400mm is perhaps enough. But the wide landscapes of East Africa might need more reach in some occasions

[@davidspina297]

In other words, gear for the budget photographer on Safari. Was just on Safari in South Africa and did quite well with “only” a Sigma 50-500 (the older version) and a 16-50 2.8 on an APSC-C body. Why not save weight and space and bring a 60-600 for the A9 III or with an A6700? Looking forward to seeing your shots and which combination you used the most.

[@collectGenX]

Going to need a safari preset in your next Fropack.....Also like the shirt, need a bigger hat with that FRO BRO! Safe travels.....

[@lynsmith1096]

Some very nice gear there with you Jared. Hope you have a great trip and look forward to seeing your footage.

[@richarddenise3886]

I'm impressed. ... including the fact that you can carry on such a relatively large backpack. I would panic that it wouldn't be allowed on board! Then what? I hope you make a photobook for sale!

[@rafayeledama]

When have you scheduled to visit Kenya? Let me know please...I wonna meet you! You have inspired me and I have learnt a lot from you. I just wonna say thank you!

[@SchemberBrandsrud]

Love your attitude about this bag and not caring about what people will say. kislux You are right keep your head up and no your priorities.

[@AnthonyGugliotta]

I just want to see what Simba looks like edited with Skittles.

[@TrueLweek]

Man, this is such a choice. :D You're very good photographer I have no doubt but You obviously have little experience with wildlife photography. You're thinking about to cover all focal lengths but you forget the most important things. First, you will have little space and time to switching your gear while being in the wild. Second, if your gear is light you can step out from the car or use monopod to get lens closer to ground (use remote controller). You don't need to cover all focal lengths. I would personally go with SONY. 300/2.8, 200-600 or 600/4, 70-200/2.8 GM II, 16-35/2.8 GM II and of course 2x A1 (70-200, 200-600 or 600), 1x A9III (300), 1x A7RV (16-35). Of course without battery grips. They only add to weight and those lenses are light. All this combos are easily handholdable and you can hang them on monopod. If I would have only one lens to safari it would be 200-600. Trust me, I know many professionals who switched 600/4 for 200-600 it is so much useful lens. I know you would say 100-300 can do the same with TC ... well you don't because it is heavy lens. You'll see. So if I can give you one tip (if you will see it in time or ever). Wake up in dark before dawn and be in wild before dawn. Also stay in the wild after sunset. Pink or blue hours are the best. Golden hours are good as well but a bit contrasty. Most of the commercial safari will drive you in wild after or during dawn and so you'll loose chance for best pictures. Also don't hesitate to ask your driver to move car if light is in bad angle. My experience is that they usually have no idea where to put car and they stop car immediately. Also ask them to turn the engine orf after you position yourself to right spot. If you will give them some extra tip money they would gladly do it for you. Have fun!

[@oupavideo]

Wow! This must be your first photo safari! Good luck.............................

[@alankefauver6187]

You must be buying extra seats on the internal flights. I have been to Africa on Safari 4 times. Limited to 52lbs total all in on the Bush flights. Took an OM-1 with the 150-400 f/4.5 + 1.25TC, R5 with 70-200, 24-70, and the 16mm STM and a R7 body. Covered everything I needed. Backup to iPad with 1 TB running LR (not classic) and photos then went to the cloud and downloaded automatically to LrC on my desktop at home. Also took two 1TB CFe cards to which I backed up the iPad using the card reader. (no laptop due to weight issues). Practice changing lenses under a cover to keep the dust out. Once you have been to Africa and seen the the critters in the wild, It will change you forever and you will want to go back as often as possible. Have fun.

[@ZE3kr]

Is it a limitation for business class or economy? He did mention he is going for a business class in the video and should have a much higher limit than the economy.

[@alankefauver6187]

Limitation is the bush plains. MackAir, FedAir. No classes on these planes, just grab an available seat.@@ZE3kr

[@mcroman-superfeat]

Good Luck: What do you have to declare at Kenya Customs? The following items should be declared before departing Kenya: • Cameras and accessories for filming outside the country which you intend to bring back, • Items exported for repair or alterations, • Tool boxes you require for repair work abroad and you intend to bring back, • Jewellery, • Sporting equipment, • Musical ...

[@Nic_Borkum]

where's the sigma 60-600mm for the sony ? extremely popular and versatile lens. By the way I am south African and spend way to much time in the bush every year for context. love my wildlife photography. enjoy your trip.

[@r.wilson8095]

Hey Jared, great post, glad you’re leaving that hat at home😊. I’m guessing canon is a sponsor for your upcoming trip. Can’t wait to see the end results. Have a fun trip!

[@totalwargamer183]

Love the excitement! Have a blast, I went on safari in 2022 and I loaded up my bags with as much gear as I could, ended up only using probably 1/3rd of it. 😂😂 But, I would have kicked myself if I needed it and didn’t bring it and if you don’t have to worry about weight limits and you have the guns to lug it all, then pack away!

[@gwenncoath8941]

I agree. All that equipment can get pretty heavy pretty quickly. But with those biceps, maybe he won’t have a problem. 😉 Great point about the weight limit. I was in Costa Rica. The ticket agent told me to put my bag on the scale. I did that. Then he said “you step on the scale”. Good thing I had lost a few pounds hiking! 😉

[@Joe-gl8sr]

Maybe you could stack the white lens collars to condense a bit more... they do take up positive space.

[@faceoff7875]

Here is the list of things whch Jared missed to mention_ The private jets ready to carry all these and comandos for the security of the gear worth more than $60k. Enjoy your trip!!!

[@flowyscreations]

Hey Jared, am not sure for how many days your Safari will be, how many drives you will be taking and how many persons will be in your team or you will be shooting alone. I went to the Masai Mara and Serengeti in 2021 and while I don’t have as much gear as you do, what I brought was just too much while out. The animals are either very close (24-105mm) or very far (beyond 500mm) for that leopard in a distant tree. Also, who goes on an African safari in November after all the migration has ended? Maybe you are going to South Africa? Anyways, while on a game drive, it’s hard to use more than two bodies, but one at a time, unless you have an assistant. On my next safari, whenever that is, I will take an action camera or two, with small rig arms to lock it on the jeep to capture video, 28-75, 100-300, 200-500 and ofc a x1.5 or x2 TC. Will be interesting to see how you carry around so much gear and how they are deployed in the field.

[@dogflirt]

Hell yeah homie!! Hope you have fun 🙌🙌✊✊ I’m still binging Fro podcast 2023 - ✌️

[@muthengimbuvi]

hoping you spend a few days in Nairobi, Kenya. Lots of places to visit but i recomend the Nairobi National Park or the Mara. you will have a blast there

[@froknowsphoto]

That’s where I’ve been. Kenya

[@muthengimbuvi]

@@froknowsphoto I missed out to be your tour guide. Next time I will be happy to chauffeur you around.

[@andreleonpienaar]

Hi Jared any chance you will be coming to Cape Town South Africa?

[@garykuiken6191]

Really!! Is this a photo trip or a very expensive gear review. You'll have to hire a porter to carry all that stuff man. However do have a good trip, I realize that of course your already there. Looking forward to the follow up.

[@belindabell7713]

enjoyed this very much!!

[@charliejones2884]

Happy travels Jared! Don’t try to pet any of the kitties. I hope you get your hands on the 200-800 and can give it a review for us.

[@elizabethkrill4880]

Nice Pants. Enjoy your trip & be careful around the wild animals. Please give us a report on going through customs & how you checked your camera gear or if you took it all with you onto the plane.

[@gordonnorman8259]

As a wildlife photographer who travels internationally annually, I want to share an idea for your future backup that is working beautifully for me now - it'll only add another 10% to your current $50K kit value! Like you, I struggled with those 4 TB SSDs for years but no more - now I use a 32TB OWC Thunderblade that connects to my Dell XPS via Thunderbolt. Thanks to my Sony A1's 30fps & target rich locations, I often shoot 8-10,000 images per day and this thing downloads at 4 files per second using Breeze's Downloader Pro, and will daisy chain another TB drive so you can have redundant backups. Once home, I do my culling and post-processing with the original images still on the Thunderblade for greater speed and so I only have to save my final keepers on my HDD DAS for long-term storage, after which I erase the Thunderblade files for the next trip. This has saved me tons of time while traveling & afterward, but the only downside is that it requires AC power, so don't forget to take the appropriate wall adapter & power brick. Enjoy Africa, and looking forward to seeing some of those images!.

[@zero2espect]

The Nigerian customs agent is thrilled to be able to tick off all these items off his Xmas shopping list!

[@sgpork]

Went to Afrcia myself last year.. I brough along 14GM, 35GM, 70-200 and 100-400GM.. Next year I am going again and ill drop the 100-400 and bring the 300GM instead.. I cant wait...

[@flightscapeaviationphoto]

The safari dude has manufacturers tossing 💵💵💵 AND 📷 at him to go shoot with new toys 📷📷📷 I need this life 😅😅😅😅. 🤙😉. Safe travels man.

[@jameswhitehead6758]

I've had the Mindshift 36L bag for a number of years (7:55). Wonderful piece of gear. It's been to Hawaii multiple times, New Zealand, and across the United States. Supremely comfortable and fits under airline seats (would not recommend because it murders leg room)

[@chriscollins3786]

Where is your circular polarizers for the harsh bright sun and extreme amount of dust?

[@lawrencekeeney4317]

Have a great trip. I look forward to seeing the images you capture.

[@WildAlberta]

I know if you leave gear at home thinking you won't need it, that is when you will need it. I am wondering what gear you used the most, which gear you didn't use and wish you left at home to conserve space and wieght.

[@paullefko]

Have fun on safari; you don’t need that much stuff, you’re not going to use it. 100-400 yes; 24-105 ish yes. Small pocket camera for the everything else with a 28 or 35 (x100v / Leica q/ Ricoh gr ). This is overkill and burdensome

[@dr_squirrel]

This whole excercise is about Canon promotion, that‘s why he‘s taking such a lot of junk to Africa. Not that I would mind that junk 😅

[@nigelwest3430]

Is 400 going to be long enough on Safari ?

[@alfredogalindo2659]

Take care and good luck!

[@thommysides4616]

I'm an American living in South Africa. What country are you visiting here? Keep some mace on you. Be safe, and don't fully trust the help. Lock up everything. We want you to survive your journey....lol. God bless!!!

[@ChanoCYBER9Avila]

Like the billy goat from Hoodwinked said " I WAS PREPARED!!"

[@lyqso]

did you have any problems with the customs at the JKIA?

[@nickwilliams7867]

I bought the sandisk drive after watching one of your videos but I am now very nervous of using it.

[@arunakalu]

Let's see the photographs you make when you come back, that's all I'm interested, not the gear you take. I think this is overkill, but hey you are you and you got the gear. 🙂

[@frankstark3036]

You’re going to spend more time changing lenses and cameras than taking photos

[@TRobBrownPhotography]

That's all fine... but what do you do when they force you to check the carry-on bags on smaller flights? They always ask me to remove the batteries from it. I HATE checking expensive gear because they damage stuff.

[@EEE-kh3tn]

If right now you could choose between a Sony a93 with a 24-70 f/2.8 lens or a Canon R6 mark 2 with a 24-105 f/2.8 and price wasn’t an issue which would you choose?

[@AS-oz6ep]

Sounds awesome! A bucket list item, for sure.. Enjoy!

[@ItsPinecone_911]

Have a safe trip bro and looking forward to the videos. And yes bring the hat. Suits you well.

[@drthompson65]

All this equipment to take a picture of a Zebras dong. :)

[@mstrathmore]

The hat rocks but you may be charged by an Elephant; totally worth it. Also, please take a 2xTC, you’ll need it.

[@Albertoabrian]

Can’t waiit

[@januszciechowskiphotograph7297]

Hi Jared do you think it is possible canon can come up with 300-500mm f2.8 lens that would be awesome instead taking 400mm don’t you think ?

[@randerus]

If you had to do only one, the 100-500 or the 200-800 for safari?

[@szegedgabor]

Never seen such a long sponsor blog :))) I.agine all that prep leaving your passport at home :)))

[@ngandumweetwa8648]

Jared which part of Africa are you going to??If by any chance you're coming to Zambia please give us a shout because it would be an honour to meet you up in person!!!