Adding... Adding item to the basket...
Failed to add item to basket, please try again or contact support

Camera Gear for Safari - A Guide

21 August 2025

 

General News
Alex Parker

 

Here's the idea - Hire the gear.

Embarking on a safari is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness and photograph wildlife, but the specific gear required for stunning shots can be prohibitively expensive to buy. This is where hiring camera equipment becomes an ideal solution. The most crucial piece of gear to rent is a high-quality, long telephoto zoom lens. While your own camera body might be sufficient, a safari's success hinges on your ability to get "close" from a distance.

Lenses in the 100-400mm, 150-600mm, or even a super-telephoto prime lens (like a 400mm or 600mm) are highly recommended. A telephoto zoom lens provides the flexibility to frame a full animal shot when it's close to the vehicle and then zoom in for a tight portrait when it's farther away. A good lens will also have a wide maximum aperture and effective image stabilization, which are vital for low-light conditions at dawn and dusk.

Beyond the telephoto lens, it's wise to consider renting a second, more general-purpose lens. A 24-70mm or 16-35mm wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the vast landscapes of the African savannah, as well as for photographing the camp, lodge, and sunsets.

To support your heavy telephoto lens, a beanbag is an essential and easily portable accessory that can be rested on the side of the safari vehicle. While a tripod is useful for landscapes, it's often impractical for a moving vehicle. Renting a second camera body, even a mid-range mirrorless or DSLR, is also a game-changer; it allows you to mount both your telephoto and wide-angle lenses at all times, so you never miss a shot by fumbling to change lenses in the dusty, bumpy environment!

The Sony FX2 is now in stock, so follow the link to be the first to try this camera!