Safari Photography LENS GUIDE (Choosing the right lenses for your next adventure!)

[@Thespttedland]

Awesome video. I am honored to have been your guide.

[@benbattell]

Alex is that you?!!

[@jakesdewet3567]

I live here in Africa and do Safari's in SA, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya etc. Take two bodies, one as your main body ie XH2s, Z8, A1/A9ii, R6ii or R3 with a 100-400 (150-600) or a prime 400/500/600 and second body with a Fuji 16-80 or Full frame 24-120 and try and avoid changing lenses due to dust. Keep it simple and as light as possible especially the primes, if you go on an exclusive trip or with other keep in mind that not all people are photographers and we often see how other on the game viewer have to duck and move so the big lens does not hit them in the head, or most irritating is the constant high-speed clutter of DSLR camera's. Other have the right to enjoy the sounds of nature while we photographers spend time looking through the viewfinder and clutter away. So try and take mirrorless cameras that are less noisy or can shoot in silent mode.

[@benbattell]

Thanks Jake, these are some great tips! You are right not everyone likes the DSLR snap! It's definitely worth looking for yourself not always through a lens and just listening and taking it all in too!

[@murilohenriquebedore84]

Hi, friend. I have an X-T5 camera and a 150-600mm 5.6 8, and 16-55 2.8 Fuji lens. Do you think it's enough?

[@jakesdewet3567]

@@murilohenriquebedore84 That is great but I would recommend that you try and rent a 50-140 f2.8. It is a great lens and when animals are close and the light drop early morning or late afternoon the F2.8 is a winner. My Fuji kit consisted of 2 XT4's and the 16-80 f4 that I almost never used on Safari and the 50-140 f2.8 and the 100-400.

[@stanobert3475]

@jakesdewet3567 The Fuji 50-140mm 2.8 lens can also be used with the 1.4x teleconverter.

[@georgesmiley3740]

This is why spending extra for private vehicle pays off.

[@timcanary5881]

Ben, Thanks a ton. This is so very helpful. If you don't mind a few questions (I'm all Fuji X series BTW) 1. I have a 70-300 Zoom. Do you think that is enough? The 100-400 is so heavy and the 150-600 is quite large BUT would offer a ton of options. 2. Did you bring a second camera body in addition to the XT-3, if so what did you bring? 3. How many batteries did you find you needed and were you able to charge them each night/how did you charge? 4. Did you bring a small point and shoot camera too? if so which one? 5. How did you shoot? Raw + JPEG? 6. How many memory cards did you bring/did you empty each day or just keep 'em full and empty at home? for what I have (w/o buying the 150-600) I'm planning on: 70-300, 18-55, 28 Pancake OR trusty old Nikon 50mm 1.4 w/ adapter, extra Body in addition to XT-2 and maybe a waterproof point/shoot camera since we're going to island after) Thanks in advance Ben.

[@johnkilmerstone]

I think safaris are where m4/3 systems shine!

[@benbattell]

Have to agree, that extra reach is really useful!!

[@SebastianUlrich85]

Don't have a Micro Four Third Camera, but it feels like your comment is just so right.

[@nichellebarbara3434]

Thank you for making this video. It was so helpful.

[@stanobert3475]

It sounds like my Nikon Z mount 24-120 mm f/4 and 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 mm with a 1.4x TC with two camera bodies would be all that I would need for an African wildlife safari. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@benbattell]

Sounds like you will be full covered with that set up!!

[@BrandonTalbot]

These are wonderful tips. Thank you. I'm headed to SA in 3 weeks and will be three weeks and wrapping my head around gear choices is driving me batty.

[@benbattell]

Amazing!! How was your trip??!

[@robmeads3207]

Ben, excellent video. I am planning a safari trip next year. Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls are on the list of stops. You mentioned weight limit but didn't mention what the limit was.. My plan is to bring 2 bodies (Nikon mirrorless Z8, Z7ii) the Trinity lenses, 200-500mm and a 105 prime macro. Of course, my concern in weight as we'll be gone for two weeks with stops in Dubai and Capetown. I haven't totaled the weight of the two bodies and 5 lenses but hopefully it will still allow for clothes. As a photographer, do any of the park reserves exempt weight limits? Thanks for your video and help! Rob

[@dalmazmalcom8202]

Very important tips Ben! I’m always looking forward to your come back soon!

[@benbattell]

Thanks Dalmas! We can't wait for our next trip out! Are you still coming to the UK?

[@Jonathantuba]

For my last safari to Kenya I took 400mm, 70-200, and 40mm lenses. The 400 and 70-200 are perfect combination 95% of the time. In retrospect a wide zoom such as 24-70 would be best for third lens. Where I was photographing, off-roading was permitted - if going somewhere where keeping to road is required then I would probably substitute the 400 for a 600 to give more reach. If you want to travel light with just one lens and one camera, the 100-400 would be best in my opinion - could always use your smartphone for wide angle shots.

[@maeve49]

This is the info I was looking for! I have a 70-300 and am nervous I was going to struggle with that as my biggest.

[@tomsmediahouse]

Nice video mate - I just got the tamron 18-300 as my do it all lense. We are planning to go to Krueger National Park next year and I'm already pretty hyped

[@benbattell]

Ah fantastic that will be a great all round choice! I hope you have a most epic trip!

[@phh7637]

Going to the Serengeti in June and found this guidance of great value. Thanks a lot….

[@benbattell]

Fantastic I hope you have the best time!!!

[@jake_lawrenson]

Cheers Ben! Some amazing shots in there as well

[@benbattell]

Thanks Jake! We were very lucky with what we saw!! Hope to catch up soon dude!

[@mattfoerschler3440]

Great video! Thanks. Heading out in 1mo to Botswana for 10days. Really appreciated your guidance on beanbags/monopods. I've been going back and forth over what to take there and I'm thinking it will be nothing. I'm taking one body Canon 5Dsr with a Sigma 60-600mm, a Sony RX10 24-600mm bridge camera (mostly for slow mo video capability) and a DJI Pocket Osmo III. The DJI was hit or miss in the Galapagos due to humidity. There were times it just simply would not turn on and I narrowed it down to a humidity issue. Pocket Osmo III does not like high humidity AT ALL. Really looking forward to it but I need to keep reminding myself to EXPERIENCE it while I'm there, not just photograph it.

[@PeggyAsseo]

This was the single most useful video I have found on this topic. Thanks!

[@benbattell]

Ahh thanks Peggy, thrilled to hear that!!

[@frodoOG]

hey ben, I'm going to masai mara, I have 300mm f2.8 and 35-150 f2-2.8 and 24 f1.8, with two camera body, do you think 300 would be enough with 1.4x teleconverter?

[@benbattell]

Hope you had or are excited for your trip! with an APSC body you should be fine, full frame you may find you dont get quite as close as you would like with the 300!

[@gildongkokiri]

Thanks for tips! I'm looking forward to going to Safari next month. I should bring two kinds of lenses (absolutely i will use zoom lens as a main lense)

[@benbattell]

Hope you had an amazing trip!!!

[@carwashgaming3727]

hi ben, recently i purchased a canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 L lens for my EOS 450D (old camera but will have to do for now) to drastically improve picture quality for the moment, 112-480mm because camera is aps-c. Do you think it it will be sufficient?

[@stanley_freire]

Extremely helpful mate! Thanks!

[@benbattell]

Ahh glad to help! Thanks Stanley!!

[@tonyesposito9602]

Hi Ben some very good tips, I have done three safaris and you were lucky you didn't have you're gear weighed, other tips you can book a child seat on the plane but use the weight for camera gear, also like me if you're travel partner is not into photography you can tell them to combine the weight I took all my friends allowance. Also if you are over the limit you can pay the extra and is very inexpensive. My last safari I took 2 pro bodies a 500mm F4 prime, 100-400 and a 24-105, I also took an extender as I like to photograph all the beautiful small birds so as you can see a lot of weight. I have now switched to mirrorless but own a 600mm F4 prime, as you said the zooms are brilliant to keep wight down, but the variable aperture can be a pain especially as most game drives are early morning and evening.

[@benbattell]

Thanks Tony! Great few tips there too! Lucky you have friends who pack light!!!

[@wilfordphotography394]

Fellow Fujifilm user and going on a photography safari to Kenya in June. I use the X-H2S & X-T3 cameras, then I’ve got the 150-600mm, 10-24mm wide angle and thinking of taking the 35mm f1.4 just for some candid shots of my travels. I was also considering the 16mm f1.4 for video and selfies. Decided not to take the 90mm based on your review. Thanks for this advice

[@benbattell]

No worries!! Its all about keeping your bag as light as you can really!! I hope you have an amazing trip!

[@diondrajones2222]

Thank you, heading to SA/botswana in November, this was really helpful! I went 11 years ago with nothing but a point and shoot so anything is an improvement from that, but am hoping to bring a 100-400 this time with my Canon

[@humexgorge]

Absolutely brilliant vid, thanks. I'm going to Botswana in December, will rent the 60-600 sigma and bring along my other sigma 18-55. Will be more than enough with my D3500. Can't wait.

[@benbattell]

No worries! Glad it helped! I hope you had a fantastic trip!!

[@humexgorge]

@@benbattell super happy of the pictures I took, this lens is def the go to option for such trips. Thx again

[@benbattell]

@@humexgorge Fantastic!!

[@murilohenriquebedore84]

Hi, Ben. I have an X-T5 camera and a 150-600mm 5.6 8, and 16-55 2.8 Fuji lens. Do you think it's enough?

[@benbattell]

Absolutely, you will be all set with that set up!!

[@becccahall]

Just watched this and feel even more excited about our next trip now! Could you do a video on sunset photography settings? Your shots are beaut!

[@benbattell]

Fantastic to hear! Thats a great idea, I will add it to my list! 🙌

[@stuartdavis798]

Thanks. Greta video! Going to Botswana and SOuth Africa next year and debating between my Tamron 100-400 or Sony 200-600 for my telephoto. The Tamron is much smaller and lighter but I think the Sony is a better lens. Will have a second body for the wider shots. What do you think?

[@benbattell]

If you haven't already gone, I would recommend the Sony 200-600!!!!

[@stuartdavis798]

@@benbattell going in three months. Thanks!

[@upperviewproductions2508]

Thanks so much for that video ! What would you get if you had the choice ? A 100-400 or 200-600 ? Thanks :)

[@redauwg911]

200-600

[@benbattell]

Agreed now i would likely go 200-600 as it would get some really amazing animal portraits! Although I loved the 100-400!!!

[@timnightingale4325]

Thanks Ben. Also use Fuji, so this was really useful, even if I don't have a safari booked - but it's on the bucket list. I have the 100-400, but also the 150-600, so probably better to take the latter and then possibly 18 - 120 rather than my 16-55.

[@benbattell]

Pleasure! Sounds like a great idea to me!!

[@jeroenvdw]

Great tips, I went to Kenya once in 2019, was the first time I stepped into photography... Had a Sony A7 + 28-70 kit lens. The focal range was nice for some shots, but for the most part it was lacking reach. Now I have a Sony A7RV and A7III with multiple lenses, next time I go I'll take both bodies together with my Sigma 24-70, a long prime and macro lens because at some resorts I saw the most amazing bugs that deserve a good photo as well :P

[@benbattell]

Bugs do deserve photos too!!!

[@ailo4x4]

Hello Ben, I was pleasantly surprised when I heard you say the Helios II! I had almost forgotten I have one for my Sony APSC. You are right, it would be well worth taking. My wife and I are shipping our Defender to Capetown in 2026 to spend a year exploring SA, Namibia, Bots, Zim, Zam, Malawi, and Lesotho. It's my truck so I can take what I want and stop when I want but paring it down is always a good idea. I shoot mostly video so that is an important aspect as well. Thanks for recommendations!

[@mirkoputignano7734]

Hi, I also use Fujifilm...would 150-600 be good for safari?

[@benbattell]

Absolutely would be a cracking lens I think!!

[@HoanVuLa]

Thanks for this. Very valuable and helpful.

[@benbattell]

You're very welcome!

[@cameraman763]

Cheers Ben. I love to see someone who also uses Fuji. Question. Would you take the newer 150-600 instead of the 100-400 if you had a choice? I hope to on a safari in the near future and was planning to take 2 bodies, 150-600, 50-140 f2.8, and then maybe the 18-55. Thoughts?

[@benbattell]

Hey! Thats a great question, I didn't feel anything was lacking with the 100-400 and would highly recommend it so if you have it I would just take that one its a beautiful lens! I am sure the 150-600 would be really fun to use, a couple of thoughts ate that it is that bit larger in your bag if you are tight for space anyway, and it's a fair bit slower at f8 vs f5.6 and if you are shooting at sunset or sunrise you will really notice how much darker the lens is, and there is a lot of wildlife around at these times of day!! Realistically I don't think you would use the 50-150 that much, thats the lens I would leave behind if you need to!!

[@bringbackcloughie]

I have the 150-600 and am taking it to Botswana. When zoomed to 400m it’s presumably a similar aperture.

[@elkano7765]

I recently came from my trip to Namibia and Botswana and I totally agree with you. I would add an ultra wide lens for astro photography. I’m a m43 shooter and I took with me my Zuiko 12-40 and 75-300, Laowa 7’5 and Lumix 20mm. Obiously it would be better to carry a better super telephoto like the Pana-Leica or Zuiko 100-400, but I’m pretty happy with the results of my modest 75-300. I had to choose between traveling or invest money in better equipment and for me was an easy decision 😄

[@maeve49]

This was the info I was looking for! I have a 70-300 as my biggest and was starting to get nervous I was going to have to shell out a ton more.

[@juergeng4216]

We had 2 camera bodies and 3 lenses with us. Most of the time, the 600/f4 was the best choice. With lower light, the advantage of 400/2.8 was higher rated than the length of the lens. We only made few pictures with the 70-200/2.8. But all depends on where you are.

[@adriantischler5164]

Interesting. I assume that was on full frame bodies? So many people tell you to take shorter lenses but that's some big lenses you took. I have a 300 f/2.8 I was planning to take along on a full frame body with a 70-200 (on a crop body). With adapters and the ability to swap between bodies I feel i have good coverage. Most of my time will be self drive in Kruger so i won't be driving right up to the animals. Does that sound like a good approach or should I take a 500m f/4 instead of the 300 f/2.8?

[@juergeng4216]

@@adriantischler5164 Yes, we had 2 full frame bodies, Sony A7iii and Sony A1. We also drove by ourselves to the Kruger Park. If I must fixe to only one lens, I would take the 300/2.8 and a converter. We had also converter 1.4 and 2.0 sometimes on the lenses. Our Safari-tour was In August -winter in South Africa. Not so many lighthouses as now in the African summer. Enjoy your Tripp

[@Just_because998]

Excellent advice, thank you. What was the weight limit for you on the smaller aircraft?

[@benbattell]

The weight limit they told us was 15kg for both bags but as I said this seemed to be really just for hold bags and they didn't weigh our rucksacks! But I guess they may sometimes?? A little extra info here the planes are small and so having a giant rucksack full of gear is not advisable as the doorways are small, as are the stowage areas, you leave all your rucksacks in a net at the back of the plane!

[@Just_because998]

@@benbattell Thanks.

[@MrPetebuster1]

Was in Kenya last year had the panny s5 and sigma 100=400 sometimes 400 wasn't enough so next year going to botswana, ill be taking the sigma150-600 on a sony a7iv which will be better for moving subjects and somethiing wider with a nikon body though not completely decided on that one

[@benbattell]

Sounds like a great shout, the sigma is a beast!!!

[@michellekennedy784]

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