by on July 20, 2007 in Photography

On Safari with Nathan Myhrvold. Or will work for used 600mm VR.

Nathan Myhrvold (yes that Nathan) is apparently a prize winning photographer and image occasionally writer. He has recently written an excellent article Digital Safari Equipment Tips. Unfortunately Nathan has lost touch with the world the rest of us inhabit. He recommends we have nearly $30,000 worth of equipment saying its a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity both to experience incredible scenery and wildlife and to make some amazing photographs”. Sure it is Nathan.

I’ve built a table to put it all in perspective:

Quantity Equipment Price ($US) per item Notes
2 Nikon D2x 4,245.95
2 Extra Batteries 109.95 the bodies come with one each
1 600mm VR 8,000-9,000 I can’t find a VR on the B&H site. Prices are for other Nikon 600′s. I don’t think there is one
1 200-400mm VR 4,995.95
1 70-200mm VR 1,549.95 Its almost cheap
1 TC-14e (1.4x Teleconverter) 339.95
2 SB-800 309.95
4 16 GB cards 299.95 Nathan didn’t mention a brand I choose Sandisk.

Where possible I got my prices from B&H.

Total price ~$26,000 and we haven’t factored in the impressive list of tripods, leveling base and other fun stuff. Finally Nathan suggests we hire a private guide and car since you don’t want one who will be distracted by the needs of tourists.

Nathan – for most of us $30,000 (and that doesn’t include the guide, car or getting there) is a fair chunk of our annual income (not to mention my adsense income). If you need an assistant next time you go on safari and are prepared to pay with cast off Nikon gear – give me a shout. I would’ve been far more impressed with an article doing a safari on a budget.

In the meantime I’ll struggle on safari in Ottawa with my D70 and grab bag of lens that I’ve accumulated over the years (not even one VR in the bag).

Desperately trying to afford Nathan’s recommendations in Ottawa. Buy me a Nikon 200 – 400mm VR and I will be forever grateful (I’ll even buy you a beer).

What do you think of Nathan’s recommendations?

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  • http://alexharvey.wordpress.com Alex

    I totally agree with you. I always wonder who can afford to go on all the uber-expensive photo tours that are advertised and let alone be able to afford all the expensive gear. You also left out the expense of a high-end 17″ laptop, Photoshop license, printer, etc.

  • http://www.barranco.co.uk Tony Barranco

    I am an amateur photographer retired from work. I use Canon 20D and 30D cameras with a few lenses including a Canon 100-400mm zoom. I have been on two safaris to Kenya and one to Botswana and have been able to capture many photographs with my limited equipment. I have posted some on my web. Many have been printed to A3+ with good results.Do not let anyone think you can only get photos with megabucks of equipment.
    Tony

  • http://mahleu.deviantart.com Matthew Middleton

    You can get by on a shoestring. Many game parks let you drive your own vehicle which lets you spend as long as you want at a sighting, move where and when you want, and not pay a guide.

  • http://www.terragalleria.com Tuan

    This sounds to me a perfectly reasonable list of professional-grade equipment for a safari. If you use the equipment only once, you can always rent it . But if you are serious about photography, I assume you won’t use it only once ?

  • http://www.notesfromatooluser.com Mark Levison

    Tuan, I’m serious about photography. But I don’t make my living at it – so I can’t just write off equipment for my business. In my case its equipment vs. kids vs. living expenses. Clearly if you’re a pro the equation is quite different.

    Cheers
    Mark