Camera Gear Suggestions for O3C Photographer Guests
Photography is about your vision of a given landscape or subject, and bringing that vision to life. Your photo gear is the collection of tools to help you achieve that vision. On our tours you want to make sure you have enough of the right camera gear, but not to be weighed down. Here are a few suggestions of things to consider when packing for your trip. We will advise you for each specific tour, as your gear for a safari can be much different than your gear for a landscape or urban tour.
When travelling by air
When travelling with air segments you always have to be aware of the weight restrictions set by airlines. We will advise you for each specific tour, as trips requiring internal air segments may have different weight requirements to international flights.
Lenses
On tours involving wildlife and bird photography you will want to make sure you can get close enough to the scene with your lenses. We suggest a minimum focal length of 70-200mm, while a zoom range at the top end of 300- 400mm would be much better. Wildlife and landscape opportunities go hand in hand, so a wide angle or wide angle zoom lens should also be in your kit. If you enjoy macro, there can be opportunities for close-up photography too. We will advise you for specific tours so you don't arrive unprepared.
Consider a second camera body
We sometimes travel to locations were there can be dust or high winds. If you have a second camera body it is a good idea to bring it along as it can save you the need to change lenses when out photographing.
Additional support gear
Additional equipment suggestions include a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter, a polarizing filter and neutral density filters. Split neutral density filters really help balance the exposure range for sea and sky. In certain situations a flash unit could also be handy. On some treks a flash will have limited use due to park regulations prohibiting flash photography. Do not forget your tripod - it will be useful for nighttime photographic opportunities and for daytime images with waterfalls.
Bring spare batteries for your camera, extra memory cards, a small compact digital camera and an underwater camera or housing. Pack a plastic bag to use for protection on rainy or snowy days. Plastic bags will help to keep your equipment from fogging up when moving from the outside warmth into air conditioning, or from the outside cold to warmer inside temperatures. A lens cleaning cloth and a camel hair brush will assist with water spot and sand removal.
Camera Bag
Travel with a flight approved camera bag that is well padded and will fit in the overhead compartments or under the aircraft seats. Never check any of your camera gear, and do not pack your camera equipment in your checked luggage.
Power Adapters
Some countries we visit require a plug adapter. We will advise you on power adapters specific to the country your tour is visiting. Please note your computer and camera battery chargers are 120/220 compatible. You only require the power adapters. A power converter is not required.
Computer and backup hard drive
A laptop computer is a good idea for image review as we travel. Bring a portable hard drive to use as a backup as you can never be too safe when it comes to preserving your images.
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