While on safari I like to keep my equipment streamlined and light. Over many years photographing in South Africa, my Canon 70 – 200mm f2.8 has taken the bulk of my wildlife images.
The 70 – 200 is one of the most poplar lenses on the market. It offers great quality at a good price. In South Africa the wildlife tends to be closer and many of the subjects will be in range of this lens. I also add a +1.4x or +2.0x teleconverter. My 2nd camera body is rigged with a 300mm lens to get those large herds and distance shots in Kruger National Park. Birding would be the only reason I would consider packing a longer lens. In fact, if I had to choose just one lens for a safari, it would be my 70 – 200.
I also love working with this lens because of its reasonable weight (1.7 lbs) which together with my medium weight 5D MK3 allows me to hand hold if I need to. In safari vehicles I a monopod as support.
I have combed through my collection of safari photos and pulled out this range of photos all taken with my beloved Canon 70 – 200mm
When is the Best Time to go on Safari in South Africa
