Photographing Namibia
The Basics
what to expect
Namibia is an incredible location for any photographer. Whether you’re focused on the landscapes or wildlife you’ll have an endless number of amazing opportunities. The diversity found in the country will test even the best photographer. You’ll need to know your equipment well. I made use of various focusing modes and a full range of lenses. Many of the opportunies to photograph animals will happen quickly; have your lens cap off, camera on and settings correct. Put the focus limiter to use. Be prepared to manual focus both for night photography or if your camera insist on focusing on brush the cheetah is nestled in. Not only that but you’ll also need to be careful when exposing your equipment to these sandy conditions. Do your best not to change lenses in the wind. Make sure to travel with cleaning equipment in case something goes wrong.
Safari Tips
all about the animals
In order to get the safari pictures you’re dreaming of, you’ll require a lot of reach. I was using a full-frame Nikon D600 and paired it with a Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 lens. I shot at the long end of that range the majority of the time. While 600mm would have been usefull at times, I didn’t feel it was necessary. If you don’t have a lens of this caliber, you can always rent one like I did. Make sure to fine tune the focusing beforehand if you plan to shoot wide open much.
I found a beanbag to be indespensible. I purchased mine on Ebay for less than $15. I’d recommend one that is a U shape for placing over a car window (like these.) It will come unfilled. I filled it with a bag of rice on arrival. Each camp in Etosha has a waterhole that can be viewed on foot. I found it ideal to place on top of the barriers there as well. Handholding such a large lens is tiresome and image sharpness could suffer.
Preparation is important but ultimately, this isn’t a zoo and animals sightings aren’t guaranteed. There are a few ways to increase your chances. Visit during the dry season (June-October) when animals stay close to the waterholes. Staying inside the park will allow you to watch for animals from sunrise to sunset. The camps waterholes are even lit at night. Last, be patient. The animals are out there; turn off your car, relaxing and give them a chance.
Locations
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Sesriem Gate
This is one of the best photography locations I’ve ever visited. The beautiful wildlife, towering sand dunes and famous Deadvlei provide an endless variety of subjects. If you want to shoot during sunrise/sunset, make sure to stay within the park gates. Even still, you won’t have access to the park for night photography.
Spitzkoppe
The features at Spitzkoppe are confined to a relatively small area around the base of the mountain. To enter the gates, you must pay a small fee or, better yet, set up camp. You’ll be treated to an incredible night of photography.
Etosha National Park
There are few places in the world that offer a better wildlife photography experience than Etosha. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. For landscape shots, the terrain is vast and lends to a minimalistic style of image.
Gear
Ultra-Wide Angle
Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8
I primarily used this lens for the desert landscapes. In Namib-Naukluft, Spitzkoppe and the Skeleton Coast, an ultra-wide angle displays the vastness of the landscapes. Having a fast aperture was perfect for astrophotography.
Normal Telephoto
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8
This lens was perfect for more intimate portaits of the scenery. It was ideal for capturing the wildlife but still keeping the context of its natural setting. At the wide end, I used it as an alternative to a normal lens.
Super-Telephoto
Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6
This lens rarely left my camera in Etosha. I found the zoom range to be essential for isolating the wildlife. I believe a zoom is best and would advise against it over a faster prime. Even with the slower zoom, I rarely needed to go beyond 400 ISO.
Other Lenses
Nikon 28mm f/1.8, Nikon 50mm f/1.4, Tokina 90mm f/2.8 Macro
These lenses got very little use. The 28mm was brought to use with a 10-stop ND filter (my super-wide lens doesn’t accept filters.) With the lack of any real clouds for the entire trip, it was not needed. Instead of exposing my sensor to sandy conditions, I found 70mm on the telephoto to be sufficient instead of using the 50mm lens. I didn’t see any small insect or reptiles to shoot with the macro lens. Still, I would hesitate to leave it at home, as you may have more luck.
Ultra-Wide Angle
Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8
I primarily used this lens for the desert landscapes. In Namib-Naukluft, Spitzkoppe and the Skeleton Coast, an ultra-wide angle displays the vastness of the landscapes. Having a fast aperture was perfect for astrophotography.
Normal Telephoto
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8
This lens was perfect for more intimate portaits of the scenery. It was ideal for capturing the wildlife but still keeping the context of its natural setting. At the wide end, I used it as an alternative to a normal lens.
Super-Telephoto
Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6
This lens rarely left my camera in Etosha. I found the zoom range to be essential for isolating the wildlife. I believe a zoom is best and would advise against it over a faster prime. Even with the slower zoom, I rarely needed to go beyond 400 ISO.
Other Lenses
Nikon 28mm f/1.8, Nikon 50mm f/1.4, Tokina 90mm f/2.8 Macro
These lenses got very little use. The 28mm was brought to use with a 10-stop ND filter (my super-wide lens doesn’t accept filters.) With the lack of any real clouds for the entire trip, it was not needed. Instead of exposing my sensor to sandy conditions, I found 70mm on the telephoto to be sufficient instead of using the 50mm lens. I didn’t see any small insect or reptiles to shoot with the macro lens. Still, I would hesitate to leave it at home, as you may have more luck.
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