Safari and camera bags

How much space will you have in the vehicle to have bag/bags? Will you be sharing the vehicle with other people?

I did one safari in a Land Cruiser with four rows of three seats. It was pretty cramped for space when full of people. I kept my camera gear in a Lowepro rucksack at my feet. Just getting at the bag to reach into the side opening camera section was a bit of a pain.

Someone else on that trip had a top opening Crumpler rucksack which was easier to use. After the trip I sold the Lowepro and tracked down a (now discontinued) Crumpler on eBay.

I would expect to share the vehicle with other folks including my wife. With one larger bag, my concern would be to be bending over (if not placed next to me on the seat), opening/closing the large bag, and swapping one of 3 camera combos vs leaving one camera combo on my lap or on the seat, if there is any room and worry about damaging the "loose" camera from any jolts/drops while moving about.  There is a lot of variables to consider.

What I was thinking is having each camera/telephoto lens combo in a small holster type bag (Lowepro Toploader Zoom 55 AW II for example for the EM1 with 40-150 TC) for transport in the vehicle where with one quick zip, open the back and pullout the camera ready to shoot.  I could probably carry two of these bags and my Domke F5 bag with the smaller third camera/wide angle lens combo and spare batteries.

I am still trying to work out the handling logistics giving  the possibility of cramp vehicle space, weather, vehicle types and not wanting to switch lenses in the field. My wife will most likely not be holding any equipment (does not work well from past experiences) and will be just using binoculars.

Maybe I am over thinking this, but having been on many "tours or excursions" unless you are on your own or have hired a private guide, things get complicated.

Roger Engelken wrote:

I spent two weeks in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe in May 2016. There were six safaris in that time, as well as time in Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope, Johannesburg and Pretoria.

One bag is what I took. I had two E-M1 bodies, the 300mm z.Zuiko PRO (if that lens were only for safaris, that would be sufficient for that lens...it is that good), 40-150 PRO, 12-40 PRO and 7-14 PRO and that is all I took on the safaris. We had nine seat Toyota vehicles, so with eight others that was more than sufficient camera gear. Usually I took only three of the four lenses, though always the 300).

The magnificence of the landscape and wildlife is unparalleled, Carrying multiple bags and multiple lenses just bog one down. I personally used the Black Rapid Yeti, which holds two camera setups, for walking about. A very nice setup and not hard on the neck or shoulders, for me at least.

I plan on using a similar setup next month when I head to Egypt, Israel and Jordan. The 300 and 12-40 will stay behind, replaced by the m.zuiko 12-100 and 17 f/1.2.

Most of all, enjoy your trip.

Thanks for the reply.

My problem with multiple cameras handing off my neck is my glasses both prescription and sunglasses.  Out in bright sunlight I have to wear eyeglasses as well as to read the camera menu and settings.  The glasses get in the way when wearing camera straps; a real PITA.

Stringing one camera around my neck is fine, so the question is how to safely dock/protect my other cameras and have them ready for use with minimal hindrance given the probable tight confine of a open or closed vehicle loaded with other people.

Michael Meissner wrote:

I haven't been on safari, but when you are actually out on the jeep, do you need a bag? Yes, you will need protection when you are doing other travel.

I might be tempted to use something like the Peak Designs Capture Clip. I would think one on each side. They were originally made for attaching to backpack straps. However, sitting in a jeep, you probably don't want to wear a backpack. If that is the case, perhaps something like heavy duty suspenders that would allow you to hold each camera in place, without them moving around.

Alternatively get a fishing, tactical, or photo vest with large pockets, that could store each of the cameras. In general, a fishing vest will be cheaper than an explicit photo vest, but perhaps there are features in the photo vests that warrant the extra cost.

There are dual camera straps such this one by OP/tech USA that might be useful. However, I imagine in a crowded jeep, you would want the cameras hanging straight down, and not on the sides.

No matter what solution you go for, get it early and practice, practice, practice so that it becomes second nature to switch between the 3 cameras.

I would suggest having a secondary attachment so that if you trying to click the camera while watching the game, that it keeps the camera attached to you.

That is my goal, acquire the equipment and practice, practice and practice.  Just wondering how easy to use OP/Tech system while seated.  Never being on a safari before, not sure if one could stand in a vehicle to shoot.  I figured one is usually seated.

Thanks,

I'm going to South Africa again and I'm approaching this safari different to prior ones. This safari cost more, I'm traveling to five different camps and I'm breaking it down into three segments. Each segment has a different set up and how many people in the vehicle could also play a part what I will bring per game drive/walk.

• Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
• Kruger Park
• Sabi Sands

In the past I used a Crumpler backpack to take my camera gear onto the plane. The backpack is no longer in production but it just about fit all my lenses and bodies I'm taking with me. The battery chargers and binoculars goes into my main suitcase but this will change for this safari.

In my main suitcase I have my Tenba DNA messenger bag. When I arrived in Africa, it's out of the main suitcase  and I used it for walks or game drives. I have this bag at my side inside the vehicle, lenses all sticking up, lens caps off and lens hoods mounted ready to be shot. Also the bag's lid is covering the lenses to prevent dust. In the side pockets are blower, fosters and cleaning cloths.

I will be replacing the Crumpler backpack with the Tenba shootout 24, the reason is I'm taking an additional lens for Sabi Sands and I have to take the 12-35 for both Blyde River Canyon and also Sabi Sands. This means I will be taking four lenses and three bodies. I'll probably do what in my safari bag next month and update it with my safari photos when I return

Important

Safari vehicles can carry up to ten people but realistically you want 7 the maximum. This way it stop people sitting in the middle and give photographers more freedom. This doesn't always happen because at Kruger we often saw tour companies filling up the vehicles completely and chasing after the big 5.

The other thing is try to share your vehicle with like minded people. Some people are more bias than others e.g. birders, photographers and big fivers. Join a group who you can work with because safaris are actually about team work.

Finally, read the book Don't Run Whatever You Do. It's about a former safari guide telling funny stories of his close calls or the tourist in his group having a death wish. It's funny but also a wake up call. I had a close call in Botswana with a lion and I wished I had read the book prior to my trip to Botswana because I became too relax. Where I stayed in Kenya, by the lake, a tourist in the area or could be the same facility I stayed at, last week a tourist almost got bitten in half after getting too close to a hippo while it's on land. He was trying to photograph it. We had giraffes and Zebras in our camp and we left each other alone. The only animals I got up close to were the monkeys including the big baboons but even then you keep your distance.

drmarkf wrote:

In the Kruger you’ll be in open landcruiser/Land Rover vehicles, probably without roofs. A lot of animal & bird encounters occur at short notice, and you need to be able to react very quickly it you’ll end up with a lot of ‘tourist shots’ (ie nice shots of disappearing backsides!).

I found any sort of monopod or beanbag support just got in the way, and the image stabilisation of your kit will be a real help.

Personally i don't think I could use 3 cameras properly in an open game drive vehicle without getting confused, dropping something etc. Your choice, but that’s just what I feel.

I usually have 2 E-M1iis with the 40-150 or 12-100 on one, and the 300 on the other (although it depends on the terrain and amount of undergrowth). I usually have the body with the 300 in my hands/on my lap, and the other either on the seat by my side on a BlackRapid strap or else on the floor in whichever bag I’m using. Some sort of strap feels necessary on both cameras because a drop to predator level wouldn’t do them any good and you do sometimes get bounced around a lot.

i also take some sort of small, faster standard prime for evening shots around camp (most recently the Panny 15 f1.7].

Have fun!

Agree about the monopod and bean bag, was not planning on bringing either.

Yes I have thought about that having 3 cameras could present a new problem that I have never encountered before (I usually only travel with a two camera system with the 2nd body only as backup).

I figured that I would have at hand one with the 40-150 plus TC (main camera) and the other with the 100-300.  I would keep the GX7 with the 12-40 in the bag just in case an opportunity for close encounter occurs.  I think then I would have enough time to pull it out and probably pass one of the other cameras to my wife to hold.

After seeing the video on the Peak Design Capture clip, it is possible to keep the one of the main cameras attached to a chest strap while keeping the other cameras on hand leaving the wide angle in the bag with the wife. I would rather avoid having multiple straps around my neck, especially while seated.   I just don't know how often  and how much time you have to switch from telephoto to wide angle.

In Antarctica, I carried a two body system, keeping the GX7 with the 12-40 while using as my main camera the EM1 with the 40-150 plus TC.  I only needed the 100-300 on rare instances such as whales off the ship and was easily able to swap lenses on board without fear of water, dust or snow impacting the camera (had really good weather).  Everything was fairly close and used the 40-150 almost all the time.

C Sean wrote:

I'm going to South Africa again and I'm approaching this safari different to prior ones. This safari cost more, I'm traveling to five different camps and I'm breaking it down into three segments. Each segment has a different set up and how many people in the vehicle could also play a part what I will bring per game drive/walk.

• Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
• Kruger Park
• Sabi Sands

In the past I used a Crumpler backpack to take my camera gear onto the plane. The backpack is no longer in production but it just about fit all my lenses and bodies I'm taking with me. The battery chargers and binoculars goes into my main suitcase but this will change for this safari.

In my main suitcase I have my Tenba DNA messenger bag. When I arrived in Africa, it's out of the main suitcase and I used it for walks or game drives. I have this bag at my side inside the vehicle, lenses all sticking up, lens caps off and lens hoods mounted ready to be shot. Also the bag's lid is covering the lenses to prevent dust. In the side pockets are blower, fosters and cleaning cloths.

I will be replacing the Crumpler backpack with the Tenba shootout 24, the reason is I'm taking an additional lens for Sabi Sands and I have to take the 12-35 for both Blyde River Canyon and also Sabi Sands. This means I will be taking four lenses and three bodies. I'll probably do what in my safari bag next month and update it with my safari photos when I return

Important

Safari vehicles can carry up to ten people but realistically you want 7 the maximum. This way it stop people sitting in the middle and give photographers more freedom. This doesn't always happen because at Kruger we often saw tour companies filling up the vehicles completely and chasing after the big 5.

The other thing is try to share your vehicle with like minded people. Some people are more bias than others e.g. birders, photographers and big fivers. Join a group who you can work with because safaris are actually about team work.

Finally, read the book Don't Run Whatever You Do. It's about a former safari guide telling funny stories of his close calls or the tourist in his group having a death wish. It's funny but also a wake up call. I had a close call in Botswana with a lion and I wished I had read the book prior to my trip to Botswana because I became too relax. Where I stayed in Kenya, by the lake, a tourist in the area or could be the same facility I stayed at, last week a tourist almost got bitten in half after getting too close to a hippo while it's on land. He was trying to photograph it. We had giraffes and Zebras in our camp and we left each other alone. The only animals I got up close to were the monkeys including the big baboons but even then you keep your distance.

Good advice, thanks; already have gotten the book and began reading it......

I want to add further information because late night it was getting late and I was on the verge of falling asleep.

Very often a lot of photographers you will see on safari normally have one camera body and maybe two lenses but most of the time only one lens. The typical set up you will see on safari are Canon 5d + 100-400 mark 2. There are those using the third party zooms, bridge cameras or crop sensor DSLRs. However, the typical set up you will see on safari is Canon Full Frame and the 100-400 mark 2.

Other than the one body, one lens solution, there are two other options for camera set up for safaris.

Option 1:

• 5D or crop + 100-400
• 5D + 24-70mm

Option 2 which we both are doing:

• Camera A + long telephoto
• Camera B + medium telephoto
• Camera C + wide to short telephoto

Option 3 for professionals or people who live in Africa

• Telephoto primes

Safari Vehicles

Your typical safari vehicle in Southern Africa are converted trucks. Each safari vehicle has four rows, and can hold ten passengers. It should be noted the passenger seat next to driver is normally where the driver keeps his or her camera.

You don't hear about it but less people inside the vehicle the better. There is a common occurrence which often not talked about but there are feuds inside the safari vehicles. In my experience I had:

• The selfish pensioners in Botswana, who occupy the lower rows of one of the vehicles and didn't look for animals.  It should also be noted they were wearing hats inside the vehicle and were getting up late, preventing the safari vehicles leaving early. Also on the back row of these vehicles, you couldn't see much because the roof were low. So having them at the front and people spotting at the back resulted in miss sightings. They should have been split up between the vehicles because the majority of the photographers didn't want to be in the same vehicle as them.
• In Kenya, I had chap jealous of my Panasonic 100-400 and I was able to photograph subjects he couldn't reach with his zoom.
• Kruger Park, we had four birders but luckily they stuck together to one vehicle and we have semi birders who kept joining them. The birders were nice people and overall they didn't spoil the holiday. People cooperated with each other and we ended up with a birders vehicle and a general wildlife vehicle. That said I did go into the birders vehicle twice and it wasn't my cup of tea. 

It's important to share the vehicle with like minded people to spot the animals and enjoy the safari. A successful and enjoyable safari requires team work. Sometimes people don't like their safari drivers or sometimes the safari drivers screwed up like one of my Kenya drivers did a few times. It should be noted a safari driver is like a waiter and he or she will stop the vehicle if you tell him or her to. So it's important to pick your time to stop the vehicle to avoid offending other people. Only stop the vehicle for the first encounters, important sightings or a good photo. This is why sharing a vehicle with birders is a bad idea because they want to id birds that are at a distance.

Limited space on a safari vehicle.

Having spare seats on the safari vehicle is great because you can put the camera bag on spare seat instead of the floor also less obstruction and fights. However you not only taking cameras with you. You need a pair of binoculars but the good news, seats in front has pockets stitch to the back of them and you can put them there. You will need a hat, so it can't be hard and need a string to hang around the back of your neck or stuff it in the seat pocket with the binoculars. Then you need a pair of sunglasses. Then of course you have camera or camera bag filled with cameras, lenses and lens cleaning gear.

My safari bag is the Tenba DNA 13 messenger bag. Big enough to hold GH5 + 100-400, GH4 + 35-100 and the GX80 + 12-35 but it's a bit tight. There isn't enough room to hold three GH cameras.

My holiday

I'm going back to South Africa, and what should be a sell out safari, there are still several spaces per holiday. My safari there currently at least seven spare seats and that's great news for me. However, with a few weeks to go, there might be a few last minute bookers. There is a possibility the safari vehicles will become over crowded.

So here is my plan.

Blyde River Canyon, possible walking safari

• Gh5 + 100-400 - Birds and other wildlife
• GH4 + 35-100 - Landscape
• GX80 + 12-35 - Landscape

Kruger Park - Game drive

• GH5 + 100-400 - Wildlife
• GH4 + 35-100 - big game, environment shots and close up shots

Sabi Sands - Game drive and walking

• GH5 + 50-200 - Wildlife
• GX80 + 12-35 - Close up shots of wildlife or environment shot

If there's plenty of spare seats I will bring the GX80 +12-35 on the Kruger game drives and the GH4 + 100-400 on the Sabi sands game drives.

Final note it's worth setting up your cameras with custom settings for good light, poor light and shutter speed. This save time playing with settings to get exposure right, making mistakes and give you more time getting the shot.

Messier Object wrote:

With 2 of us traveling we had 3 camera bodies, 1 lens for video/landscape, and 3 long lenses for wildlife.

After the first game drive I was able to decide which long lenses to use for the rest of the game drives, leaving the 3rd lens back at the lodge each day and relegated to ‘spare’ status.

We used 3 holster bags.

The small one carried the E-M1 II + 12-60mm. This was the primary video camera

The 2nd holster had the 5D3 + 70-200mm F2.8. This was the camera for close and large animals and low light.

The 3rd holster had the 7D2 + 100-400mm. This was mainly for bird’s, long shots and animal portraits.

I chose the ThinkTank 50 V2 specifically to accommodate the cameras with the lens hood in the ready-to-shoot position (lens caps removed).

The first thing we did after climbing into the vehicle was to wrap the holster bag straps around the bar in front of us so that the holsters dangled at a convenient height. This took no more than 30 sec. We each had one of the long combos in front of us and the video camera was in the middle.

This setup worked extremely well for 16 game drives. The cameras were always readily accessible, and well protected when we put them away rather than on the vehicle floor or on the seat, so I never worried about anything getting broken.

When flying and transiting airports etc we always carried the camera gear in backpacks, never in the holster bags. The holsters were always in the checked luggage, stuffed with sox and underwear.

So +1 on your holster bag decision, and I suggest a size allowing the lens hoods to be in the shooting position. But think about whether you really want to be going through airports with multiple holster bags dangling off you

Peter

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the advice and great information.  I figured that I could easily carry two holster bags and the Domke F-5XB in a rolling carry-on luggage bag for getting around an airport and to/from major points of travel (not excursions).

Did not consider buying a larger holster to accommodate an extended hood.  I figured with the retractable hood on the 40-150 and a quick flip of the hood on the Pany 100-30, I should be ready to fire any of the cameras.

I am also considering using a combination of holster and the Peak Design Capture clip for the wide angle lens camera, being smaller and lighter, I should be able to carry it in that fashion.  Only way to be sure is to buy/try/test,  This would only be of issue if the vehicle is packed.  I rather plan for the worst scenario and hope I have empty seats.

Jan Krux wrote:

averacpa wrote:

Not to beat a repeated subject to death, but I am interested in those who have been on safari, on how they carried/used their cameras/lens in both an open and closed vehicles: single or multiple camera bags, type of bag, etc..

My upcoming safari is in January 2019 and is an extension of a two week cruise along southern Africa (Namibia, South Africa, Maputo-Mozambique) and with four nights post excursion at Kruger. The cruise will also offer a few day safaris as well at the countries listed above. Perhaps a total of 5 day/morning excursions from the ship and 9 excursions from the land portion.

Based on prior recommendations and based on my budget and current equipment, I plan on bringing four lenses: Oly f2.8 12-40, 40-150 plus the TC, Pany 100-300 ver 1 and Pany 15 f1.7 (for any night or evening shots) plus 3 bodies: EM1 mkI, GX7 and either EM5 MKII or G85 (leaning towards the EM5 since it shares a the battery with the EM1).

Normally I would travel with all my equipment in the Think Tank Urban Approach 15, but am contemplating a separate holster bag for each camera/lens combo: EM1 with the 40-150 plus TC, GX7 with the 12-40 and EM5 MKII with the 100-300. All would go into a small overhead carry-on rolling luggage bag.

My thoughts is to have three camera setups using separate bags for protection and quick access vs using one bag and constantly having to open and extract a camera or end up leaving all three system loose outside (fear of vehicle damage from banging around).

On occasion, while traveling, I carry two camera/lens combo strapped around my neck and I do that only for a short period of time as it is quite uncomfortable (even when the second camera is a GX7 with the Oly 9-18 or a small prime) and a pain to access as they often get tangled. Trying to avoid that and not planning on bringing a tripod, everything to be handheld.

So what is your thoughts and experiences?

Thanks,

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

your question is welcome.

I am living in South Africa for about 20 years now and we are travelling quite often 4x4 into the "bush".

For me it turned out to be best when everything is in one bag - for me a Lowe Pro Stealth, where the top lid flaps around the bag and keeps the equipment dry and or dust free. I think with more bags you wil be too busy with the bags and cannot concentrate on the shooting.

In this bag I store my E-M1 with 2.8/12-40mmPro attached and the 2.8/40-150mmPro plus TC on the E-M1MkII. Also I have the 2.8/7-14mmPro in my bag for landscapes or what ever I feel the need to.

The 40-150mmPro is very versatile. You can do Birds and Ellie's too. I found a 300mm would be only needed for birds further away. On a Safari you must be aware that wildlife might be very close to the vehicle and in particular Ellie's might "crash" your field of view very quickly when using a tele of 300mm. Also you might want to do a group shot at the waterhole. Therefor the midrange zoom is fine.

Yes, you might have your camera with the 40-150mm plus TC on your lap. When your wife is with you, she could hold the body with the 12-40mm in her hands (and may be taking some "reportage" photos) while you are busy with the wild...

When you take 3 bodies, you can attach the UWA to that, but you might only use it here and there. So there would be also time to change lenses with the midrange zoom. At least I do it that way. The longer tele stays attached with one body as you might need to be quick for birds or specific animal situations.

The high speed lenses you can pack away untill you are back in the camp at the fire or dinnertable, or maybe when watching at the waterhole after sun set.

For excursions in a bigger city I would suggest you to pack as limited as you can. Don't wear a big photobag. It might attract too many unwanted hands ... ;-)) :-(((

Tripod you can leave in the camp as well.

if you want, yu can have a look on my Albums on flickr and get some ideas from there:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jan-krux/sets/72157658825515674

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jan-krux/sets/72157682950235735

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jan-krux/sets/72157691731366254

I hope this helps a bit.

enjoy your trip and bring back many beautiful remembrances ..

cheers,

Jan

Hi Jan,

Thanks for the advice.  I have been back and forth with this issue.  My wife keeps bringing me back to a single bag and to hang two cameras on my neck while she holds the 3rd camera with the W/A.   I am going to practice that over the weekend and get a feel for how that would work while sitting.  In tight quarters that might be my only option.

If I need W/A, I'll get it from her as I suspect (may be wrong) that I'll have a bit more time to get the camera and compose a wide angle shot as compared to a quick spot and shoot of a moving object involving the mid/long telephotos lenses.

Got to get out and practice some of the suggestions mentioned.

Thanks to all who have taken the time to help me out.........

Bob657 wrote:

Andrew, if you want to enjoy your vacation pack as small and light as you can! I’ve been on well over 100 game drives using two bodies, one with a telephoto zoom (currently the 100-400) and one with a shorter zoom (12-60 Leica). All of this goes in one bag, meaning I have a much easier time carrying and keeping track of luggage. If you want to bring other lenses keep them in your carry on luggage.

Hi Bob,

The 100-400 plus the 12-40 is the ideal two camera combo, but not in my present budget as I was going to only get the EM5 MkII.

Been thinking of using only a two camera setup, but in that case, assuming my prime lens is the 40-150 plus TC, should the second camera/lens be the Pany 100-300 or the Oly 12-40? The remaining lens would be kept on the bag, but would require a switch in vehicle.

I could skip the 12-40 and instead use the GX7 with the Oly 9-18 or the Pany 15. That is a small and compact combo easily carried in large vest pocket but not weather sealed.