A Trip To Kenya...

Jay925

I'm off to Kenya on an expedition in 2011 for a month to climb Mt. Kenya, go trekking as well as help out in the local community building schools, renovating classrooms etc. (It's long way off I know, but I have to raise £3000- around $5000) which means lots of fund-raising events and finding sponsors (which should be fun itself), and seeing as this is a once in a life-time opportunity (something which I seriously ever doubt I'll get the chance to experience again) I'd like to take my gear with me and document my trip.

So with this in mind, can anyone suggest which lenses I'd be best off bringing (preferably only 2 or 3) and any recommendations on a bag that's rugged and will withstand the elements?

Would something like this do?

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/6715/show.html

Regards,

Jay

schmoo

Hi Jay,

Sorry I'm a little late to the game but I'm moving your thread to Cameras forum where I see people are more used to discussing the best equipment to use in a certain situation. Good luck and hope this helps!

tzipple

Travel light
having hike Mt. Kenya and Kilimanjaro, I suggest traveling as light as possible. Kenya is over 16,000 feet. It is a long walk and the air is thin. Carrying less is a good thing. I climbed with a Canon SLR, a 28-135 lens, a 20mm prime, and a small flash. It was a great kit for most situations but it felt heavy at times. In addition, Kenya is a poor country and theft is a problem. The less that you carry and the less that you have to keep track of, the better off you are.

If I was to do it again, I might consider a Canon G11 for the climb and leave my SLR at base under lock and key with a responsible party. At base and for other activities, n SLR with 2 zoom lenses covering 16-20 to 105-150and a small flash is a fine set up. If you are going out to look at big game and can add a 100-400 zoom and a carbon tripod, it is worth it... assuming that you have a secure place to leave it when you do not need it.

Jay925 wrote:

I'm off to Kenya on an expedition in 2011 for a month to climb Mt. Kenya, go trekking as well as help out in the local community building schools, renovating classrooms etc. (It's long way off I know, but I have to raise £3000- around $5000) which means lots of fund-raising events and finding sponsors (which should be fun itself), and seeing as this is a once in a life-time opportunity (something which I seriously ever doubt I'll get the chance to experience again) I'd like to take my gear with me and document my trip.

So with this in mind, can anyone suggest which lenses I'd be best off bringing (preferably only 2 or 3) and any recommendations on a bag that's rugged and will withstand the elements?

Would something like this do?

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/6715/show.html

Regards,

Jay

Mav

For sheer versatility - the Nikon 18-200mm lens could be a great carry everywhere lens. It's what I have on my D90 most of the time. This would give you good wide angle for the panoramics and the zoom for the game.

The other lens I have bought is a fast prime for low light shots - I went with the 50mm F1.8 which has been a revelation for indoor/night time shots and is a bargain at around 100 pounds.

As for bags... have you considered the slingshot? Sits well on your back but you can still get the camera out without having to take it off your back:



There are different sizes available - but even the smallest will still take a D90 with the 18-200mm fitted with plenty of space:

http://products.lowepro.com/catalog/Sling-Bags,4.htm

rainbow

Regarding the bag, do you have to carry anything else besides the photo gear? Lunch? Jacket? Water bottles? That will certainly influence your purchasing decision.

I used a Lowepro Rover AW II as my daypack in Costa Rica for two weeks (just short day hikes and bus/boat trips). the bottom held a DSLR and two or three lenses and the top held my personal items, including a jacket, book, poncho, etc.