Has any one any experience of astrophotography on safari? we are off to Botswana Monday and I found Steves recent video very helpful. I am debating taking my peak design tripod and trying some milky way shots while in the camps. Any info would be of help from those who have done a safari.
Astro photography an safari
- Thread starter Ian
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BertieB
Well-known member
I cannot see why not, but will be challenging in a group of non-likeminded people.
Botswana has some spectacular opportunities, search You tube for Kubu Island - Hunters of light
It might be out of your itinerary, but if still time it is worth making a plan to get there ......!
Botswana has some spectacular opportunities, search You tube for Kubu Island - Hunters of light
It might be out of your itinerary, but if still time it is worth making a plan to get there ......!
I did just for fun with my GR iii last summer on safari in South Africa. I didn't have room with other packed photo gear to bring my usual milky way lens and camera (Irix 15, Pentax K1), but I enjoyed taking these less than serious shots of the night sky with the GR iii. You are limited to "safe" grounds while on safari so your ideal photo opportunity may not be possible.
TurtleCat
Well-known member
I can’t speak to Africa but I suggest checking where the Milky Way will be at the time of year you will be there. It changes position and orientation through the year as we move in space.
Much as I expected. I have a small lens suitable for similar shots, 24mm f1.8. Did you get much light spill from the camp?
Yes checked on Photopills and its near perfect when we are there, That was a big driver for me to consider taking an astro lens and portable tripod, seemed like a good opportunity.
TurtleCat
Well-known member
I did this in 2019 - took a small table top tripod (something like this) and took my 14-24/2.8 along with a FF camera. The tripod obviously didn't take up much room or weight, but the lens was really only used for one night of Milkyway photos. We were in a small camp in Mana Pools and the staff were nice enough to turn off almost all the lights in camp for me. (Kitchen crew was still cleaning dishes so not all were turned off but that turned out to be OK since they lit up some trees for some foreground interest). My photo session was cut short due to two elephants coming into camp right where I was set up. However, it was still worth it since the sky was so dark. I definitely hadn't done anywhere near enough research to get an optimal photo, but it is a great memory.
If I were to do it again, I'd plan to do this at a camp which allows night drives and then convince a guide to go out after dinner (or the appropriate time) and be my body guard while I take photos at a particularly picturesque place.
If I were to do it again, I'd plan to do this at a camp which allows night drives and then convince a guide to go out after dinner (or the appropriate time) and be my body guard while I take photos at a particularly picturesque place.
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I waited until the dining lodge lights were out for the evening, but there were small trail lamps that remained illuminated. I believe I did try to light paint with my headlight on the trees. I think I took about five images and then stacked them with Sequator.
Unrelated, but one of the strangest things on safari compared to every prior wildlife photography experience was realizing that I couldn't freely move around to get my desired angle, background or composition. I kept wishing it were safe to jump out of the vehicle to position for a better shot as I was really at the mercy of where the driver positioned the vehicle. It's a completely different photography ballgame than say Costa Rica or South Georgia Island where you're free to move around. This was much easier when on a boat or on my favorite excursion of the trip, a walking safari.
Unlikely…the camps require (at least those in the Serengeti but I imagine it’s everywhere) an escort to be outside at night…and after a day of wildlife drives or boat rides you’ll barely have enough time to charge batteries me download images. We were busy from 0430 or so until 2000 every day.
I'd suggest you check with your travel company and see if it is even possible. Where I have been they really do not want you outside after dark without an escort. I expect this varies with location. The trip I was on I barely had enough energy left to download photos and charge batteries before falling into bed.