My wife and I are traveling to Tanzania next month, and we’ll both be using Nikon Z8s with 100-400mm lenses. I already own a 1.4x teleconverter, but she doesn’t have either the 1.4x or 2.0x TC. Would you recommend buying or renting another 1.4x TC or would it be better to get the 2.0x TC?
I’m also considering renting the 180-600mm lens. Which option would you recommend for a trip like this? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Hi - we have been to different parts of Africa a number of times.
Take the longest lens you can acquire! My Sony A1 wih the 200-600 was not enough in many instances, and if the light permitted, I added the TC 1.4. In the bright , harsh light of day, you can get away with a TC 2.0 .
You would not regret having the 180-600 if it is highly rated and sharp.
This is an expensive trip of a lifetime, so I’d urge you to not skimp on equipment.
Have fun!
Great, thanks you for the information!
Can’t speak for the Nikon Z converters but F mount I have found the 2.0 to be all but worthless with long zooms… autofocus is horrid. I’d put my money into the 180-600 before TCs, although maybe the 1.4 is good for Z mount? At the very least, purchase (or rent) soon and do some extensive testing in the field before you make the trip. I’d much rather crop extensively than come away with unusable, out-of-focus images or entirely missed opportunities.
@timbata You could rent a TC from Lens Pro to Go if that would be an option. That way you don’t have to purchase. Maybe even rent a lens as well. Renting the lens would likely be cheaper than purchasing and then if you like it and it worked well, you got your money’s worth. Have a great trip!
I have no experience of teleconverters Tim but may I offer a general comment on travelling in African safari countries with photo gear. Bear in mind that you may end up on a final flight in a small plane to get to the wildlife areas. Think about possible hand luggage restrictions and pack the gear safely because it may end up in the baggage compartment of Cessna!
This happened to me in Zambia a while back.
Other than that have great trip, Tanzania is a wonderful country for wildlife photography, it’s as good as it gets.
If you have never taken game drives before, my top-tip is to aways have your camera set and ready before you leave the grounds of the lodge/hotel… the good stuff could happen at any moment.
Thanks everybody for the helpful suggestions and tips! I decided to rent the 180-600. I’ll let you know how it works out.
Thanks again -
A good choice, imo. Don’t forget lots of memory cards and a portable hard drive to download and store images every night. Shoot on more than single frame - the 10-20 frames per second setting will get the best wing or leg positions. It will likely be VERY cold in the mornings, and VERY bumpy in the open-air safari vehicle.
Have a great trip!