Essential Photgraphic Gear
Oct 6th, 2009, 08:08 AM
#21
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Tom, I think I mentioned to you recently that I had aquired the Canon 5D MarkII. Using it for short video clips was a great success last June but I though I could do better on the audio. As you once commented to me the built in mic is less than stellar. I just took delivery on a Rode Stereo Video Mic that fits onto the hotshoe. It's small and hopefully will give me what I'm after. My better half says one more piece of gear and amputation of body parts will occur 
An additional complication is that with the hudge files and the video files I will be upgrading my computer this fall. Like you, I have been happy with Pro Sho for image presentation but if I do the planned switch to Apple, there is no ProSho for Apple and they tell me they will not be offereing an Apple version in the future.
Regards-Chuck
An additional complication is that with the hudge files and the video files I will be upgrading my computer this fall. Like you, I have been happy with Pro Sho for image presentation but if I do the planned switch to Apple, there is no ProSho for Apple and they tell me they will not be offereing an Apple version in the future. Regards-Chuck
Oct 6th, 2009, 03:14 PM
#22
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Chuck, I am not in any of those images. #23 would be me if I had more hair. doh!
You can use whatever you wish on the top of your monopod with the 4th Generation Designs setup. Their plate is nothing more than a plate with a hole on it that goes on the top of your monopod, leaving the original stem for you to attach a ballhead, Wimberly or watever you wish to put on it.
I am glad that I was able to beta test some of his units, because the design changed a bit over time. We orginally used aluminum rods, but those proved to be too brittle. They recently switched to a stainless steel rod, which is a little heavier but much more rigid. And yes, the Novoflex setup is atrociously expensive. It is something to be considered if you don't already have a tripod and monopod, because the legs come off and you can make the product into whatever you want.
You can use whatever you wish on the top of your monopod with the 4th Generation Designs setup. Their plate is nothing more than a plate with a hole on it that goes on the top of your monopod, leaving the original stem for you to attach a ballhead, Wimberly or watever you wish to put on it.
I am glad that I was able to beta test some of his units, because the design changed a bit over time. We orginally used aluminum rods, but those proved to be too brittle. They recently switched to a stainless steel rod, which is a little heavier but much more rigid. And yes, the Novoflex setup is atrociously expensive. It is something to be considered if you don't already have a tripod and monopod, because the legs come off and you can make the product into whatever you want.
Oct 6th, 2009, 04:17 PM
#23
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Andy,
Sorry not nearly as handsome or professional looking as you, I should have looked closer. I like the design of the 4th Generation setup. Should be perfect for South Africa and Botswna as well as any open vehicle with grab bars.
Chuck
Sorry not nearly as handsome or professional looking as you, I should have looked closer. I like the design of the 4th Generation setup. Should be perfect for South Africa and Botswna as well as any open vehicle with grab bars.
Chuck
Oct 6th, 2009, 04:25 PM
#24
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I like their setup so much, heck, maybe I should become a dealer just to advertise and sell them. What is neat is that the kit doesn't weigh too much. There is no reason to bring a huge monopod, either, because even a small one will work.
Oct 7th, 2009, 07:31 PM
#25
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While I am still a novice here, I bought by Kinesis bag, and upon coming to my first camp, I asked them to fill it. They happily would have done so, but then they told there were already bean bags in the vehicles (Wilderness camps Chitabe and then again at Savuti). So I still have my nice and new Kinesis sack.
Oh that I would have used the bean bags more often. I found that many of my shots ( it was my first safari) had "camera shake". And when I did try to use the ones in the vehicle I found it difficult. Perhaps the Kinesis works better, but until the day I can test it out... I will dream of that test!
Tom - I am continually looking for your trip report, and eagerly awaiting your photos, but nice to see you back on the "board"
amy
Oh that I would have used the bean bags more often. I found that many of my shots ( it was my first safari) had "camera shake". And when I did try to use the ones in the vehicle I found it difficult. Perhaps the Kinesis works better, but until the day I can test it out... I will dream of that test!
Tom - I am continually looking for your trip report, and eagerly awaiting your photos, but nice to see you back on the "board"
amy
Oct 8th, 2009, 10:23 AM
#26
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Great link on the beanbags, thank you! I was happy to see that the one I just purchased--the Molar TV--was highly rated. Haven't used it yet but it seems well made, and nice and small/portable. We will be in South Africa in November, both Kruger and private reserves, so a lot will be shot from the vehicle windows (Kruger). I didn't think a beanbag would be useful in an open vehicle but I can see from Andy's gallery that there may be some chances to use it in the reserves, so I'll be sure to bring it on those drives. Also, hadn't thought of bringing a monopod but thinking now maybe that could be used in an open vehicle as well. I'll be shooting with a D300s + 200-400VR and a D300+70-200VR.
Oct 8th, 2009, 10:55 AM
#27
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Andy,
When did you visit Tubu tree? I have several times been visiting the Jao concession but I have never known it as a game rich area?
In all honesty, places in the Sabi Sands like Mala Mala offer in general better leopard viewing than Mombo or Tubu Tree on a day to day basis.
Funny, I always thought that Chitabe has the better leopard viewing at the moment.
Judging a place, based on one or two short stays, doesn't give you a good idea about the consistency of their sightings. You can have been lucky or unlucky ...
Mombo has good game on offer (no discussion about it) but if you take current prices into account, it's overrated compared to some other places in the delta. It's one of those safari myths, heavily supported by the industry... that nowadays Mombo is the place to be or it is the predator capital of Africa. Also in theory, you are not allowed to go off road, which is a disadvantage for photographing predators in action. But one thing is for sure, it's definitely the cash cow of the company.
I would say that 4 people in a vehicle is too much if photographing wildlife is your number one priority while on safari. A few reasons: too much movement, positioning the vehicle is more difficult to please everyone and the more people, the more noise.
Regards,
Johan
When did you visit Tubu tree? I have several times been visiting the Jao concession but I have never known it as a game rich area?
In all honesty, places in the Sabi Sands like Mala Mala offer in general better leopard viewing than Mombo or Tubu Tree on a day to day basis.
Funny, I always thought that Chitabe has the better leopard viewing at the moment.
Judging a place, based on one or two short stays, doesn't give you a good idea about the consistency of their sightings. You can have been lucky or unlucky ...
Mombo has good game on offer (no discussion about it) but if you take current prices into account, it's overrated compared to some other places in the delta. It's one of those safari myths, heavily supported by the industry... that nowadays Mombo is the place to be or it is the predator capital of Africa. Also in theory, you are not allowed to go off road, which is a disadvantage for photographing predators in action. But one thing is for sure, it's definitely the cash cow of the company.
I would say that 4 people in a vehicle is too much if photographing wildlife is your number one priority while on safari. A few reasons: too much movement, positioning the vehicle is more difficult to please everyone and the more people, the more noise.
Regards,
Johan
Oct 8th, 2009, 12:01 PM
#28
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This is a wonderful thread to bookmark. Hope it dosen't turn into one of those "this camp is better than that camp" type of discussions. I enjoyed seeing all of the different bean bag configurations, thanks Chuck and Andy.
Jon
Jon
Oct 8th, 2009, 07:27 PM
#29
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Johan, I only did a game drive on Hunda island for one afternoon. We were staying at Kwetsani, and had some excellent sightings in the area. We had two excellent leopard sightings, as well as a large male lion out on the floodplains. It was simply amazing.
Oct 9th, 2009, 03:51 AM
#30
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Johan, We stayed at Tubu Tree for 4 days at the end of May 2009. We decided on Tubu Tree because of the leopard and we were not disappointed. We had 11 quality sightings over those four days including one leoprad/porcupine interaction and 2 cubs. We had other good sightings as well but since our focus was to photograph leopard leopard behavior and interaction, we devoted our efforts to that end. Our stays at Chitabe (Lediba) have always yielded great big cat sightings but on our last stay at Chitabe (September 2008) we had in addition to some fabulous leopard encounters, the most amazing encounter with a cheetah family (a mom and 3 sub adult cubs) as they encountered and fought off a stalking leopard which I did manage to capture. While at Mombo (June 2009) we followed and stayed with Pula (daugher of Legadema) while she stalked and killed a Civet, also spent lots of time with Legadema. All of these camps provide the opportunity for wonderful viewing and phtography. We have better luck when we know the guides and they are aware of our keen interest and photography ambitions. In an ideal world, a private vehicle is the best way to safari if your interest is in the biology and photography of Africa. Unfortunately, that is not why many people go to Africa. For many, the safari is just an item on their "Bucket List" and they actually enjoy being together (6 or more) and socializing in a single vehicle. I just go nuts when they pull up next to me at a sighting and begin to chatter. For what it's worth, my worst experiences with that sort of behavior have been in Tanzania and Kenya, the private concessions in Botswana and South Africa reduce the chances of bad behavior. I would have no troube dealing with a vehicle full of keen photographers but I would not be happy if my vehicle mates were a chattering bunch of golfers .
Regards-Chuck
.Regards-Chuck
Oct 10th, 2009, 02:54 PM
#32
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Chuck,
Nice to hear you had some really great sightings during your safari in May 2009.
I am pretty sure that the Jao concession doesn't offer consistently good predator sightings compared to other places marketed in the WS portofolio. But that doesn't say, you can't be lucky there.
As you are familiar with WS camps, I can't see any reason to pay so much more money to go to Mombo if your main interest is watching predators.
As in dry season, nowadays I would always prefer places like Chitabe and Savuti ... In green season, it's even more ridiculous as the price difference is so huge ... It's true that during summer gameviewing is more consistent there compared to most other places in the delta but there are others I would go to(at a fraction of the price you pay to go to Mombo) and probably have sightings of similar quality.
The fact that you were able to follow Legadema or Pula is great but they are just leopards ... I admire Dereck Joubert's work ... but at the same time his movies are also a great marketing tool for some of the WS properties. I had similar experiences like the ones you mention in other camps and in some of the national parks on a mobile safari ...
So here's another safari myth: the more you pay, the better sightings you are having.
It's great that people all have different preferences and choose accordingly. But what upsets me is the way some people push certain companies in Botswana here for their own financial gain as none of the areas/companies has a monopoly on superb sightings.
Greetz,
Johan
Nice to hear you had some really great sightings during your safari in May 2009.
I am pretty sure that the Jao concession doesn't offer consistently good predator sightings compared to other places marketed in the WS portofolio. But that doesn't say, you can't be lucky there.
As you are familiar with WS camps, I can't see any reason to pay so much more money to go to Mombo if your main interest is watching predators.
As in dry season, nowadays I would always prefer places like Chitabe and Savuti ... In green season, it's even more ridiculous as the price difference is so huge ... It's true that during summer gameviewing is more consistent there compared to most other places in the delta but there are others I would go to(at a fraction of the price you pay to go to Mombo) and probably have sightings of similar quality.
The fact that you were able to follow Legadema or Pula is great but they are just leopards ... I admire Dereck Joubert's work ... but at the same time his movies are also a great marketing tool for some of the WS properties. I had similar experiences like the ones you mention in other camps and in some of the national parks on a mobile safari ...
So here's another safari myth: the more you pay, the better sightings you are having.
It's great that people all have different preferences and choose accordingly. But what upsets me is the way some people push certain companies in Botswana here for their own financial gain as none of the areas/companies has a monopoly on superb sightings.
Greetz,
Johan
Oct 10th, 2009, 03:35 PM
#33
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Johan,
I think one thing we can agree upon is that there are safaris for every budget and taste in Africa in general and in Botswana in particular. As far as Legadema and her offspring (Pula and Meru) just being leopards of course but too many they give provided the first insight and served as the compelling attraction for their first safari. I'm sure you know many people who have returned from safari disappointed only to have seen a leopard tail sticking out of distant tree. Spending a lot of money dosen't guarantee good sightings. What improves the possiblity of a good sighting is a) the presence of the game you are seeking and b) the ability of your guide to find it.
I think it should be up to each individual to decide what they can afford and I don't like to or wish to make value judgements based on cost and what someone else should pay. Suffice it to say that given the right season and a good guide, everything else is gravy. I for one like having the travel agents participate and provide the insight into the camps they represent. I haven't noticed that they "badmouth" the competition but perhaps I haven't spent enough time on this forum recently. Tolerance is needed here as well as a good sense of humor. Have a good safari, perhaps we can share a beer in Botswana someday.
Regards-Chuck
I think one thing we can agree upon is that there are safaris for every budget and taste in Africa in general and in Botswana in particular. As far as Legadema and her offspring (Pula and Meru) just being leopards of course but too many they give provided the first insight and served as the compelling attraction for their first safari. I'm sure you know many people who have returned from safari disappointed only to have seen a leopard tail sticking out of distant tree. Spending a lot of money dosen't guarantee good sightings. What improves the possiblity of a good sighting is a) the presence of the game you are seeking and b) the ability of your guide to find it.
I think it should be up to each individual to decide what they can afford and I don't like to or wish to make value judgements based on cost and what someone else should pay. Suffice it to say that given the right season and a good guide, everything else is gravy. I for one like having the travel agents participate and provide the insight into the camps they represent. I haven't noticed that they "badmouth" the competition but perhaps I haven't spent enough time on this forum recently. Tolerance is needed here as well as a good sense of humor. Have a good safari, perhaps we can share a beer in Botswana someday.
Regards-Chuck
Oct 11th, 2009, 03:27 AM
#34
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Hi Chuck,
I am definitely in for a Windhoek lager.
If travel agents post info here on Botswana, it's often one-sided. So it's not's necessarily "badmouthing the competition".
As I got some knowledge on this particular subject, I also found out that some of the TA's don't know that much (besides what you can read on the different websites). Also sharing certain info, can hurt their own commercial interests.
I find it strange that until now I haven't heard much from TA's concerning the following issues:
- climate change and its impact on the delta;
- bush fires in dry season;
- changing dynamics in the different areas;
- ...
Also if your read trip reports from the pro's, you hear them often only talking about the highlights (mostly predators) ... Well I can read such stuff on the different websites from the ground operators ...
So I am anxiously waiting for the day TA's will share some valuable insights here to prove their status they can make a real difference.
Regards,
Johan
I am definitely in for a Windhoek lager.
If travel agents post info here on Botswana, it's often one-sided. So it's not's necessarily "badmouthing the competition".
As I got some knowledge on this particular subject, I also found out that some of the TA's don't know that much (besides what you can read on the different websites). Also sharing certain info, can hurt their own commercial interests.
I find it strange that until now I haven't heard much from TA's concerning the following issues:
- climate change and its impact on the delta;
- bush fires in dry season;
- changing dynamics in the different areas;
- ...
Also if your read trip reports from the pro's, you hear them often only talking about the highlights (mostly predators) ... Well I can read such stuff on the different websites from the ground operators ...
So I am anxiously waiting for the day TA's will share some valuable insights here to prove their status they can make a real difference.
Regards,
Johan
Oct 11th, 2009, 05:40 AM
#35
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Hi Chuck, Andy and all other photographer's:
My husband has been trying to get his hands on a Kinesis Safari sack for our family's Christmas Tanzania trip but it has turned out to be quite a quest here in Hong Kong. I am heading to Toronto, Canada in a couple of weeks - can it be bought retail in Canada? What about the U.S.? A short shopping trip down to Buffalo New York is not out of the question...
Thanks!
My husband has been trying to get his hands on a Kinesis Safari sack for our family's Christmas Tanzania trip but it has turned out to be quite a quest here in Hong Kong. I am heading to Toronto, Canada in a couple of weeks - can it be bought retail in Canada? What about the U.S.? A short shopping trip down to Buffalo New York is not out of the question...
Thanks!
Oct 11th, 2009, 05:51 AM
#36
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Don't know if you're aware of this, but pulled this off the Kinesis website( http://www.kgear.com/dealers/ ):
iphotohk.com
Hong Kong
Online and brick & mortar camera store. Stocking various Kinesis products.
Phone: +852 3741 0657
Fax line: +852 3741 0667
Web site: www.iphotohk.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Store: Rm1505, Prosper Commercial Bldg.
No.9 Yin Chong Street, Mongkok
Hong Kong
Also, why not directly contact Kinesis to find out how best to get the bag if not available in HK?
Best, Steve
iphotohk.com
Hong Kong
Online and brick & mortar camera store. Stocking various Kinesis products.
Phone: +852 3741 0657
Fax line: +852 3741 0667
Web site: www.iphotohk.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Store: Rm1505, Prosper Commercial Bldg.
No.9 Yin Chong Street, Mongkok
Hong Kong
Also, why not directly contact Kinesis to find out how best to get the bag if not available in HK?
Best, Steve
Oct 11th, 2009, 01:19 PM
#37
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Hi Steve
That was the first place he tried - let's just say it wasn't in stock and they weren't in a hurry to restock!
Kinesis seems to have a pretty complicated overseas shipping policy as well, although I am now looking at some of the other U S dealers, Like L.L. Rue, who seem willing and able to ship overseas. Still it would be easiest to walk in a camera shop somewhere and just get it!
That was the first place he tried - let's just say it wasn't in stock and they weren't in a hurry to restock!
Kinesis seems to have a pretty complicated overseas shipping policy as well, although I am now looking at some of the other U S dealers, Like L.L. Rue, who seem willing and able to ship overseas. Still it would be easiest to walk in a camera shop somewhere and just get it!
