My Photography Gear for an African Safari in Kenya

[@ciureamihai]

"I shoot jpeg better than you shoot raw" 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Jared will cry...🤣🤣

[@dallasbraham4377]

PLEASE PLEASE make that tshirt!!!!! love Jared, but this will be awesome!

[@dipanka]

Here's my strategy for maximum enjoyment: no changing lenses, no fiddling with extenders when you're having so much fun! The density of wildlife is incredible, every moment is an opportunity. One moment there will be an elephant right in front of you and you'll need a body with a wide lens stuck on it. Prefer the RF 24-70 f2.8 over the 28-40 f2 because of weight. Next moment there will be the tiniest, most colorful bird in the distance and the 300 will be too short. The RF 100-500 is a great compromise.

[@petervives7033]

Capture the moments that become lifetime memories!! Take care and stay safe!!

[@paulr8613]

Love your Jared teasing , can't wait to watch your safari videos and watch Jared's to see what you get up to.

[@captandy34449]

Very nice Vanessa, Thank you!

[@VanessaJoy]

Glad you like it!

[@AdamCasada]

I love you. You need to organize a whole roast of Jared Polin. This was hilarious 😂

[@VanessaJoy]

Hahaha 😂

[@camerasutra247]

Good luck on your trip I have all the same gear that you and you are making some wise choices. You will do great. Safe travels.

[@pathatatra260]

I want the T-shirt 😂. Good luck on the safari ! Hello from France 🥂🥂🥂.

[@OldguyinBelize]

sounds like a fun trip! (jealous),,, plus i enjoy the back and forth with jared!

[@DelonYeoh]

with Jared Polin..... be careful of his wind tunnel test.....hahaha... I wanna have that shirt too...

[@FamousPixs]

Congratulations!!! You survived a Safari with Jared Polin!!!

[@VanessaJoy]

😂 we all deserve a cookie

[@vieuxsviewsphotography]

That period comment was HILARIOUS! I love that you keep it real. 💯

[@VanessaJoy]

😂 always

[@dmjohn65]

Nice Vid. I would defo take a monopod for the trip. Useful for not only photography with heavy lenses but can also be used as a hiking stick . Enjoy the trip and look forward to seeing what you capture.😄📷

[@tanishaw8628]

Thank you! I'm so happy to see a female doing photography reviews. I'm not a professional photographer. I just enjoy taking pictures. However, I will be going to Africa in May and will be there for 20 days...A week of that will in various parts of Kenya on safari and if my calendar is correct...I will probably be on my period during the safari...so I was wondering how I was going to handle that....I appreciate that tip more than the camera gear tips!

[@StarLightDotPhotos]

This trip looks so cool. I am glad you got to experience this. Who was cooler to hang out with; Chelsea or Jared?

[@jeffrey3205]

Vanessa, you mentioned portraits and I know if you're anything like me you will find a way to do a portrait shoot. May I suggest two Godox 200s they are small, light and 200watts. Also they are some really small lightstands but the best are the human type😅 You mentioned bts, but unless you have someone filming for you , you'll need a tripod also. Have a great trip!!!

[@PaulGibbings01]

I hate to disappoint you, if you spot any tigers on safari in Africa, they are very lost. It's a very long time since I've been to Africa, but 100-300 with 1.4 extender should do for mammals. It might be a bit short for birds, but then again as you say with the R5ii you have a good ability to crop. Have fun, I'm very jealous.

[@guylawyer705]

It's not nice to spot tigers. They prefer stripes.

[@jakecook716]

I too noticed that straight away. But there is a well established private game reserve in South Africa called Tiger Canyon. Many photographers go there for a chance to shoot Tigers living in a wild environment. Which I imagine easier spotting than in the jungles of India

[@paulsamuelswildlifephotogr6260]

I'm just at that point mentioning Tigers, and Jarred is taking a 600mm 2.8 ...why are you taking a EF 1.4 for the 100-300 !...just saying 🤔

[@kimwedgbury8518]

@@jakecook716 Yeah, just like going to Las Vegas to see the Eiffel Tower or the Pyramids...

[@robertjames-life4768]

Did one last year in South Africa, no vaccines required there! Took my 24-70 and 60-600 Sigma. Almost never used my 70. Enjoy and be safe

[@seasmoke5151]

Please do a review on how the lenses worked out for you, especially the 100-300 f2.8. with the 1.4 extender, as I am torn between that and the 100-500. Have fun.

[@VanessaJoy]

Will do!

[@syborn1]

can't wait to see the BTS on your trip.. sounds like a blast Vanessa, have fun and stay safe!

[@davidolmstead188]

I used a R5, RF24-70 2.8, 135 1.8 & 100-500L which is what I used the most. With today's noise reduction tools, ISO up to 12,800 is no problem. For large animals, you'll probably use 200-400 mainly. You will get close. I got many lovely portraits of big cats with the 135 in low light. If you're not interested in birds, the 100-300 should work really well. The 85 might be a bit short for animals. I don't use a monopod either for the reasons you mentioned. Make a movie of you and Polin----it could be a comedy hit!

[@alisonandguywildlifephotograph]

Hi there Vanessa…I would take a 70-200 2.8…and leave the 85 at home…it’s wet season so you’re going to get dark skys and poor light .id use r1 in low light and r5 with good light … I doubt it will be too dusty to change lenses… 100-300 with 1.4.. will be your main lens … great set up .. but keep your gear under a blanket or jumper while u are travelling in between sightings… a GoPro on a gimbal is a nice lightweight addition for bumpy b-roll jeep footage… hope you have a great time 😎….if you see a tiger 🐯 I’ll be amazed 😂

[@joewise1400]

I hope you have a great trip and capture fantastic images. Your thinking on lens choice is excellent. Using a zoom, I believe that the extender or the internal crop offer you plenty of range, and the aperture choices between 2.8 with internal 1.6x crop or the 4,0 using the extender is not that different at the longer end you are looking for anyway. Weight is definitely a convern traveling and especylaly locally in Kenya on the local flights. So looking forward to hear all about your trip when we get together in Bali 😂

[@VanessaJoy]

Bali is going to be amazing! Can’t wait!

[@miltonspivack4534]

“Jared is not angry, he’s from Philly” If u understand that, he makes perfect sense. Take a backup to Anker charger. Mine just stopped working when I was in Belize.

[@Roberto_79]

Aaaargh she speaking about women's issues… My ears are burning I'm melting… I'm melting!!! I had the joy of going to South Africa in 1998 with my then girlfriend for a month. It was absolutely amazing with a three day Safari in the middle just outside Durban. Shooting film on my AE-one with a 300 mm zoom lens before I knew anything about photography. for that reason the images weren't fantastic but the memory is permanent. A giraffe in the zoo is a lot less intimidating than one standing next to its infant leaning over your small car! and I did feel the need to run away from a rhino even though it was probably still half a mile away.

[@ryansublermedia]

I would 100% put the 100-300 on the R5ii!!! Full speed f2.8, I imagine there will be lots of fast paced action and the file sizes may be actually better in crop mode. I have an R5 and an R7, and I find myself using crop mode religiously as it lets me shoot wider (back and forth) on the R5 easier. Especially with the 24-105 2.8. Omg.

[@MrGirbes]

In my experience safari's are dusty also you'll be moving and shaking a lot. Changing lenzes is not something which is easy to do all the time. Especially with the mirrorless camera's where the sensor is not protected and far forward. Furthermore it is hard to predict or change what you're about to see. So that is why my Sigma 120-400 f4.5-5.6 (I know an old lens) is almost continuously on my camera (has a cropped sensor). I use a 28-70 f2.8 for landscape and some nice environmental shots I would put that on a second body. And that is about it (maybe sneak in a small macro lens for some insect or lizzards which are easy to photograph around the lodge you're staying at). I would also advise to bring a good lens cleaning set. Have fun, because safari's are awesome and addictive.

[@clearviewmarine]

I’ll watch that cute puppy while your gone 😊

[@Richard1861]

Two weeks with Jared? I’d dump the RF 100-300 and pack and extra large bottle of Xanax lol. :)

[@ghlocal1]

I want a 600mm f/2.8!! Oh and tigers in Africa. That’d be awesome 😊

[@paulhenton557]

Maybe in a zoo

[@VanessaJoy]

Tigers in Africa would be something else 😂

[@KungPowEnterFist]

I still don't think Vanessa realizes that she named a lens that does not exist. 🤣🤣

[@davidroberts5535]

@@KungPowEnterFistshe also mentioned using the EF 1.4 extender on the RF 100-300.

[@KungPowEnterFist]

@@davidroberts5535 Why use the EF 1.4 extender on an RF lens, when you can use the Anymount 10.0x Extender Deluxe with Speedboost.

[@arvidjohansson3120]

Never been on a Safari, although I heard stories from people who rented brought big glass for safaris. They found it hard to handle the ling lens in a cramped car. Hence they only brought a bridge camera for the second safari trip. The atmospheric conditions usually limit any sharpness difference between professional gear and bridge cameras. Shutter speed should not be an issue in daylight. I can’t fact check these statements, but it all seems reasonable to me

[@ClipCaptain]

I shot around 500mm at the tightest on safari so a 1.4 converter on a 300mm *should* work well. I got a little zoom crazy, wish I’d shot a little wider. Ideally you’d be able to shoot at that 300mm max so make friends with the driver to get as close as possible

[@BillAshtonNelo]

This series sounds great

[@whiterock1865]

Yeah the rule I generally follow is the zooms have the 24mp and the wides have the higher mp body…. I always figured wanted more detail in the wide shots than the tight shots.

[@AdamCasada]

Hey! I noticed that most of your chapter markers are a few seconds too late. I was trying to jump around and make a list of lenses to assimilate what the 3 of you all took with you and I kept having to jump back a bit when I jumped to the chapter markers :)

[@VanessaJoy]

Sorry about that! They’re KZbin automatic chapters ☺️

[@AdamCasada]

@@VanessaJoy Ah, ok! No worries. P.S. Can't wait to see some content recapping your safari trip!!

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

Best tip I give ppl new/interested in Wildlife photography is not necessarily to think of it as "nat geo documentary", but more in line w/ "Animal PORTRAITS". I genuinely think this mindset is why it was so "easy" for me to transition from wildlife photography to Weddings/Events/Portraits...you're effectively looking to capture the same-ish things, just happens to be an animal as your subject vs a person.

[@jefferyrobbins3468]

I love my Tenba packs!

[@VanessaJoy]

Yessss!

[@andrewprice9975]

I think there is an error in your graphics. You indicate the 100-300mm is RF glass, but the graphic for your extender says EF.

[@VanessaJoy]

Thanks for pointing that out! I’ll make sure to fix that for next time.

[@3-piece129]

The real question is, what did y’all test out there? R6iii, R3ii, RF 200-500, etc.

[@VanessaJoy]

I tested the R1, R5 mark ii and RF 100-300 f2.8. Videos coming soon!

[@Princeton_James]

I live my M43 for wildlife. A safari is my dream vacation. I've always thought id bring an m43.

[@danielkaranja7978]

Same here. I will be taking two M4/3 bodies on a safari in a few months.

[@k.t.momoktm7863]

This is nice. I am living in Kenya. Last week I was in a park and saw someone like Jered. I nearly shouted. Welcome to Kenya/ Karibu Kenya

[@VanessaJoy]

lol it was probably him - we’ve been here almost a week

[@k.t.momoktm7863]

@ I missed this. I wanted a picture with him. I his fun. I live in Nairobi

[@nickwilliams7867]

Jared's Pod cast with you was one of the most enjoyable to listen to. Not just because you take the P*ss out of him but it does help :)

[@wilfredo-teyrosalesfotos]

Can't wait, have fun, and be safe! Also enjoy the ugali !

[@JpegJakeup]

Awesome video! I hope I have the opportunity to have a go on safari. Hope you take some great photos!

[@VanessaJoy]

It's such a cool experience!

[@9Mtikcus]

300mm may not be long enough (you'll probably be shooting from a jeep)and sometimes those animals are far awa, I'd put the lens on the R5 and crop Africa is dusty, decide in the morning if you want to use the TC or not, or you'll be cleaning your sensor, same with pick your lenses at the start of the day. Enjoy your trip

[@viperkahar8406]

Welcome to Kenya. It's rainy so no dust. I see you are prepared for fast bursts. Great. You can tag me along. I live in Kenya. #kenya😀😀

[@lordperilous]

Good luck! I went to Africa for 6 months for work about 10 years ago, and brought my gear to shoot when I had free time (lenses: 12-24mm, 24-105mm, and 100-400mm), filters (CP, ND), tons of batteries, lots of memory cards, and multiple camera battery chargers. If you go to the baby elephant sanctuary, bring the wide-angle. If you are on a bus on a long ride out of town during the day, rack the telephoto, CP, shutter above 1/2500 and enjoy some urban shots from a distance. I shot so much, captured an adult male lion from 50 feet away (in the wild! Crazy!), and I also had the pleasure of seeing the tail end of the great migration (amazing). I bagged the big 5, and I hope you get that and more! Dust is a real thing (swap those lenses carefully), and the sun is a lot stronger than in the states (more UV!), always pack a half-roll of TP (trust me), and keep a close eye on any monkeys (they are aggressive, fearless of humans, and thieves). The majority of the people are just the best... I met the most gracious and friendly people while in Africa (well, except in DRC- yikes). Eat all the food, drink the local drinks, but beware of anything raw or with skin that is not cooked (washed with local water) and say no to buffets. When they say don't drink the water, that includes brushing your teeth and don't open you mouth in the shower (I brought a sterilizing pen and a reusable bottle and never got sick). And as in most countries, NEVER put anything down or lose sight of it in public or it will vanish in an instant! Your phone, camera and backpack of gear is someone else's lifetime of income (a quick lookup shows minimum wage in Kenya is about $30/week (do the math what your gear equates to)! Be safe, be prepared, be excited, and you will have such a great time! Make sure to look up and admire your surroundings, I was in 7 countries and each was uniquely breathtaking! You will never forget this trip. I look forward to your pictures!

[@johnjuby6184]

Enjoy!

[@VanessaJoy]

Thanks!

[@mvp_kryptonite]

Does this mean the 200-500 is in the wild and ready to be announced? Enjoy the trip, should be fun

[@oliveringram3056]

I guarantee you will take less gear on your second trip, and you will definately want to do a second one. Assuming you will be travelling in a vehicle, definately no tripod/ monopod. I only have one camera body, so only take Zooms, saves constantly changing lenses. So much light out there, 2.8 is minimum. 100/500 canon... 15/35 2.8 .. 70/200 2.8 used on R6 Mk2 Enjoy your trip, you will love it

[@wendystumbaugh695]

Hilarious! [PERIOD]

[@VanessaJoy]

😂

[@ericsss24]

Please please please wear that SHIRT 🤩

[@jeffrey3205]

@@ericsss24 wear the shirt

[@VanessaJoy]

Bahaha

[@FamousPixs]

Did I miss the ad for Canon?

[@idol031808]

Eager to hear embarrassing Fro stories. Also, there are literally thousands of bird species in Africa, many not seen in North America. You will see some great opportunities for BIF. I got good results with Sony (!) 200-600 sometimes with 1.4X. And 24-105 particularly good for hot air balloon. Fast apertures rarely used in African daylight. I recommend you get an inexpensive bean bag. The guide will have it filled with either beans or rice and keep the food items when you finish. Very useful for resting the long lens on the suv roof without scratching either the roof or the lens.

[@FamousPixs]

Is the name of your dog Jared Polin?

[@sbai4319]

Heavier load out than I would use!

[@RobertLouw1]

Hi Vanessa, as a South African I would say that I have a fair bit of experience in safaris. The 100-300 is fine with the 2 teleconverters. I suggest you leave the other lenses you planned and rather take the 24-105 2.8 for general and wider shots and the 100-500 for greater versatility. Enjoy the safari and make great memories. Consider🇿🇦 for future safaris. We have it all and the rate of exchange is very favourable for anyone bringing US Dollars.

[@VanessaJoy]

Thanks for the tip! I’ll keep that in mind for next time.

[@RobertLouw1]

❤

[@FamousPixs]

Did I miss the ad for Squarespace?

[@VanessaJoy]

It's on 7:48 ☺️

[@jaegerschtulmann]

With Jared and Manny right? I wonder who’s sponsoring the trip?

[@VanessaJoy]

Yup and no one really sponsored it. Just a group of photogs

[@edwardslizewski3296]

Hello Vanessa. I know that you will enjoy Africa. I hope to see you at Unique Photo in Fairfield, New Jersey on December 13 for “ Portrait, Live, and Shoot”.

[@VanessaJoy]

I’ll be there!!

[@corykphotography]

PPE - personal protection equipment

[@corykphotography]

I work as a carpenter at an Oil Refinery so PPE is a part of our daily terms lol

[@corykphotography]

P s. Have a fun and safe safari! #ISHOOTJPEG 🍎

[@TigaWould]

oh snap! leaving the husband and kids behind for the Safari to shoot... Tigers? 😂

[@jameslong1540]

i would take the R7 instead of the extender.

[@nordic5490]

The R7 AF performance is nowhere near the R5ii or the R1. If you don't nail focus you don't have a shot.

[@jameslong1540]

@@nordic5490 Then Canon should send her a Canon R7 mark 2. I like the 1.6 crop factor without loosing any light or F stop.

[@Mr09260]

I live in Africa and Self Drive in places like Kruger National Park.. Tip travel light. I take 1 camera >> the light and Reliable Nikon Z8 and 3 lenses . Nikon 20mm f1.8 for Astro . 24-120 F4 , Nikon Z 180-600 >> Best for African Conditions and Brighter than say the Canon 100-500 . I take 15 CF Express Cards and 5 Batteries , 1 a Godox V1 Flash .. You dont need F2.8 in African Wild Life .. the 100-300 f2.8 is way too short >> Leave it at home

[@spokesdog9958]

15 cards? Holy smokes. I also shoot with Nikon and am going back to Africa in a couple of weeks... Took about a dozen cards the first trip to Kenya but have bigger cards (more gb) for this trip so I can take less of them. The 180-600 is a great lens but is heavy. With weight restrictions on planes these days may be challenging unless one ponys up for additional weight. I agree with your lens suggestions. For newbies the safari drivers are allowed off road in Kenya and animals can come close enough to touch the vehicle and babies go underneath for shade. Wide angle is a must, agree. I took two bodies with me to Kenya so I didn't have to switch lenses due to the dust in Sept and switched back and forth frequently. Vanessa, you're going to love it, its a magical place.

[@caedgewo2]

Have fun. Break in the boots. Seems like I have heard that from several people.

[@fleetingmoments5355]

Sheesh Lady, hope you're not terribly disappointed - there are no Tigers in Africa - barring the odd zoo.....😂😂😂. Take care and have a good trip.

[@JamesMears76]

How long was it before you wanted to feed Jared to a lion 😂😂 Does he always shout in real life?

[@danielkaranja7978]

Karibu Kenya!!

[@Jmac-1]

I just came back from Kenya on a photo safari, you need two camera bodies, 70-200, 400m and maybe, maybe a 24-105. I carried so many gear on my trip, and all were just sitting there. tele converters are a waste, your I,ages will not be sharp. the roads are dirt roads so very dusty and bumpy rides. all the best!

[@DelonYeoh]

Stay safe always....

[@larryh8578]

By the way, there’s no Tigers in Africa…😊

[@rattanstudio4376]

What is the dog name? 😊

[@josephberkeley]

You will be great.

[@richardellishk]

don'd change lenes in the field, dust!! also no tigers in africa!. 2 bodies one with a 100-400 lens is ideal for a safari, along with a 24-120 or 24-70 on another camera body. no changing of lens. Don't really need camera straps as you will be mainly sitting in an landrover.

[@DavidPinkus2309]

Take the 100-500. You will need the extra reach. I always take a long lens to Africa whenever I go. You'll have a blast.

[@chadsexinton]

Jeez. Big money on that table.

[@VanessaJoy]

Yep

[@Darrenwheeler1]

FPS, especially on a mechanical shutter, is considered poor safari etiquette as it can disturb the animals if they are close up such as sleeping lions.

[@VanessaJoy]

We all used electronic, fully silent shutter 😉

[@NeoPlatina2009]

Please. DO. NOT. HURT. JARED. 😂 How else would we know if a lens passes the sniff and wind blow test 😂😂😂 Just kidding. Have fun over there.

[@VanessaJoy]

😂

[@FamousPixs]

Can I get the "I Shoot RAW" T-Shirt in your Merch store?

[@colinfieldgate4719]

There is no need for tripods or monopods on Safari. Shooting from boats or vehicles these just get in the way and are impractical.

[@PRASHANTChaudhary05]

FYI there r no Wild Tigers in Africa

[@isaacmijangos]

does she use Skittles in her photos?

[@jeffwilliams7669]

Hippo Repellant! Always have Hippo Repellant! My Cousin did not have Hippo Repellant...And...I miss him till this day.

[@dreadnoughtphotowerkz]

I didn't know Canon made a 600mm f/2.8

[@VanessaJoy]

It’s a beast, for sure!

[@_Doom_20]

How much for a private lesson? 😅

[@LensForgotten]

Mosquitos can bite through clothing...Especially if its tighter fitting....Had it happen.

[@VanessaJoy]

Oh man that’s no fun!

[@LukasWalter]

there are no Tigers in Africa

[@Thespttedland]

No tigers in Africa

[@jeffnewman8261]

TMI Vanessa 😂

[@VanessaJoy]

😂

[@CC-yj2ci]

you can delay your period if you don’t want to be chased by a hungry lion. Dr can prescribe you something that will do that.

[@sudhirkalapala]

Take 400mm f/2.8. And you will not regret it.

[@Jmac-1]

600 over rated, unless its for birds.

[@DunkOnDunks]

Hahahahahahaha….. omg that was crazy

[@rogriv]

No Tigers in Africa, sorry

[@AjamulIslam-l5k]

Hello mam please 🙏 support me 😮 1:19

[@tonyjay6457]

Did you really say TIGERS!!!!!!

[@VanessaJoy]

Yup! 😂

[@benstill6924]

leave all the junk at home. Take your phone and relax.

[@VanessaJoy]

😂

[@KungPowEnterFist]

I would sell all of that Canon gear.

[@rickfinnstrom6376]

there are better cameras than Cano0n better than Nikon Rule number one about Photography little girl It is never the camera it is the person using the camera. You offer a disservice to your followers. you are not a photographer