Camera Recommendations

We are often asked for recommendations for camera equipment to take on safari. We each have different equipment, different styles and different 'eyes'. We thought it best to ask one of our clients who is a professional photographer. Thanks to Mark Zable, we can recommend the following. In addition to what you see here, you can check out his Africa Gallery on his website to see more beautiful shots.

According to Mark, the number one thing to remember when going on a photographic safari is that 'bigger is better' when it comes to lenses! Mark came up with three different recommendations that take budget into consideration.

Recommendation 1 - If you are on a tight budget but have always wished that you could get National Geographic quality pictures on your safari, you should consider renting some camera equipment. Probably the best and most widely respected rental shops among professional photographers is Borrowlenses.com.

Here are two different suggestions on what camera equipment to rent. These packages will allow you to borrow anywhere from $5,000 to tens of thousands of dollars worth of photographic equipment for a very reasonable price. Don't forget to put them on your homeowner's insurance policy for the duration of your use or to take the optional insurance offered by Borrowlenses. Prices are current as of November, 2010. All prices listed are for a week rental.

Great Rental Package

Nikon D300s Camera
$189.00

Nikon EN-EL3 Extra Battery (2)
$20.00

Nikon 17-55 f2.8 zoom lens
$65.00

Nikon 70-200m f2.8 VRII
$99.00

Sandisk 32GB CF memory cards (2 – if planning on shooting HD video get 3)
$90.00 each

GRAND TOTAL
$463.00

Ultimate Rental Package

Nikon D3s Camera
$359.00

Nikon 14-24m f2.8
$76.00

Nikon 24-70 f2.8
$73.00

Nikon 300mm f2.8 VRII
$242.00

Nikon EnEl4a Batteries (2)
36.00

Sandisk 32GB CF memory cards (3 – if planning on shooting HD video get 4)
$90.00 each

Grand Total
$976.00

NOTE: If you rent the Ultimate Package, you need to verify your luggage and weight restrictions. It may be necessary to purchase an extra seat on interior Tanzania flights to accommodate your camera equipment.

Recommendation 2 – This is a very good setup for a novice-intermediate photographer.

Nikon D3100 Camera Package including 18-55mm zoom lens.
$699.00

Lens #2 - AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
$399.00

Grand Total
$1098.00

Recommendation 3 – This is a fantastic camera setup and is for someone who is passionate about photography. You will be amazed at the clear beautiful pictures you create with this camera.

Nikon D300S - Extraordinary still and HD video imaging performance converge in the fast and agile 12.3-megapixel, DX-format.
$1699.00

Lens #1 - AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

$1899.95

Lens#2 - AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

$2399.00

Total Retail Price
$5997.00

Many thanks to Mark Zable for lending his expertise and these beautiful images. To see more of his photos, see his online galleries. Happy shopping!