There are a few reasons why you might want to think about taking something to support your camera gear on safari, both for use in the vehicle when using telescopic lenses and out of a vehicle for photographing landscapes, night skies, macro, groups shots etc. There are many options available and below I will share my thoughts about the different options I have tried and what the pros and cons are and what works or doesn't work for me.
If you are taking a large and heavy lens on safari some kind of support for your camera/lens can be very helpful. Holding a heavy lens for long periods waiting for an animal or bird to move can be exhausting and you may start to droop after a while (resulting in images that were not framed as you wanted or that missed the subject entirely....I speak from personal experience!). Alternatively you may get so tired that you put the lens down for a rest and of course that is when the thing you were waiting for invariably happens (again something that has happened to me!)! In addition, in low light conditions getting the balance right between shutter speed and ISO in order to get sharp images may be very difficult and having a well supported and stable lens (better than you can do hand held) will help with this challenge.
It is always difficult to find a combination that works in the vehicle and every individual probably has difference preferences and things that work for them. I have tried every single one of the combinations below! I am leaning towards the monopod and gimbal combination as my favourite but each combination is a good solution for specific situations.
Options for Camera/Lens Support in a safari vehicle
- A monopod and gimbal - this gives you a a lot of flexibility and does not take up too much space although there are some potentially issues to think about and overcome. For example, you do need to work out how to transport it when you are moving in the vehicle, and work out how long it will take to get into position to start photographing once you stop. You also need to think about how safe your gear will be when using each system, especially when driving.
Options for managing this setup when you are in a moving vehicle include:
- Beanbags* to rest your lens on can work well, if your vehicle has something to put them on that is in a convenient location. Bean bags can be taken empty and filled when you get to your destination. Most camps will allow you to use some rice or beans from the kitchen. You will usually need to put the bean bag and gear back into the vehicle on the seat or floor when the vehicle is moving.
- Tripod and gimbal - I find this is too bulky for a vehicle.
- Various clips* that work with a gimbal are available if your vehicle has something to clip them on that is in a convenient location e.g. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/349147-REG/Manfrotto_175F_1_175F_Justin_Spring_Clamp.html
You may need to disassemble and put the gear back into the vehicle on the seat or floor when the vehicle is moving. If you do not you will need to cover the gear with a bag and lens cap before moving to protect the gear.
- A puffin pad* or other similar lightweight support option that you can put over a vehicle bar, door or window if your vehicle has something that works and is in a convenient location e.g. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=puffin+pad&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=
You will usually need to put the puffin pad and gear back into the vehicle on the seat or floor when the vehicle is moving.
* These options can be great but rely on the vehicle you re in having something to rest the beanbag or puffin pad on or fasten the clip to that is in a position that works for you to photograph from (i.e. at eye height, good visibility and flexibility with movement to get the angle you want). This has been the main reason why I have found the usefulness of these systems to be limited for me.
A bit of trial and error is needed to decide what works best for you and in each situation.
Out of a vehicle
A tripod is really useful for landscape shots, sunsets/sunrise and if you want to try your hand at star trails, There is really no better place to try photographing star trails than in the bush as there is no light pollution! (be careful of nocturnal predators though and always ask your guide if it is OK to set up your gear outside at night as some animals may damage or steal gear or you!). If you want to try this though take a remote shutter release cable. A tripod is heavy though so it is worth considering carefully if you do want to take one. If you do decide to take a tripod try to get the lightest and smallest one possible that will support your heavy gear (there are some great carbon fibre travel tripods that will take a heavy DSLR and lens these days).
Above: This me me with my long lens set up by the pool in Botswana's Linyanti region photographing the Forest Kingfisher shown below.
I don't have many photographs of how I set up my gear or me photographing as I am almost always the one taking the photos! Will have to work on that next time and see if I can get someone to take some photos for me!
Please leave me a comment to share your favourite system that works well for you!