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Photography equipment
Your Madagascar trip is coming up, but you don’t really know yet what to take with you in terms of photo equipment? You are not alone! We are often asked what kind of equipment you need for photography in Madagascar. Therefore our master of photography Thorsten shows us today what he takes with him in his photo backpack. Basically: The preferences of the photographer decide about the equipment. Therefore, the following list is only an orientation guide to what can be useful for professional photography in Madagascar.
The camera: Taking two camera bodies for different purposes is not only a good idea in the rare case that one breaks down. Here the Nikon D7500 APS-C (Dx format) is used for telephoto shots, the Nikon D750 (full format) is available for landscapes, portraits, and macro photography. This means that the lens does not have to be changed for every photo.
Lenses: As an all-rounder, the Nikkor 24-70 mm F/2.8 is a must-have for Madagascar – it is equally suitable for snapshots, portraits, landscapes, and moving images. For macro photography of colorful chameleons, tiny frogs or the portrait of a particularly pretty snake, the Nikkor 105 mm F/2.8 is in the backpack. The large Sigma 150-600 mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM is ideal for birds, lemurs, and all subjects that cannot be photographed at arm’s length. In addition and for special purposes such as wide-angle macro photography of small animals, star photography, or abstract architecture a Sigma 15 mm F/2.8 Fisheye is part of the equipment.
Flashes: An original Nikon SB-910 is supplemented here with two Yongnuo YN-560 Mark III. With three external flashes, you are well equipped on Madagascar to capture the most different light situations.
Light shaper: Simple, unprotected flashlight often appears glaring and unnatural on photos. Therefore, Madagascar equipment includes various light shapers. The LumiQuest Softbox III LQ-119 (20,5 x 23 cm) and the LumiQuest Softbox LTP LQ-124 (25,5 x 36 cm) provide soft light. In order to illuminate particularly small objects or to set light accents, a LumiQuest ProMax Snoot LQ-891D is also included in the backpack stuff.
Filters: For Madagascar, the NiSi M75 filter holder set has proved to be a good choice, in which you can insert various filters.
Tripod: Since you are on foot a lot in Madagascar, a light carbon travel tripod is the right choice. The Gitzo GT1545T weighs only 1.45 kg and the 180° folding legs make it easy to pack up very small. A Gitzo GH1382TQD ball head is required.
Of course, especially the accessories are not branded. With a Canon or other cameras, you can reach the same goal, but you need different lenses. In the end, every photographer has to try out for himself what he/she can best handle.
