Have a great trip Steve! Thanks for the video: I was wondering (and am still wondering) which system wins out. I did notice a sparkle in your eye when you took out the Z9 ...
Steve I think stabilizing your camera could be difficult when hanging it down. What would be cool it you could come up with something like a mini monopod such as what you have on your go pro. If you could make the top attachable to your hot shoe then it could sit on the ground providing you with a base. Just an idea.
Nice video and good advice. My first 26 day trip to Kenya and Tanzania was back in 2016 and I had no idea what to take - so I took 3 bodies, a 600/4, 400/2.8, zoom lenses from 14mm-200, an 85/1.4 and a huge amount of support options (including a tripod) and monopod, cleaning and protection. Plus Laptop, multiple external hard drives. Spare cards, batteries etc.... about 90KG of luggage. The tripod was useful at a hippo pond, but other than that take empty bean bags which the camp can fill with dry beans and rice - I use an over the door and a few that can be used when the roof is open. On safari game drives I tend to ride with my long ens between my legs resting on a blow up cushion and the other gear ready to go in its bag under a dust cover -- vehicle generated dust is a huge issue. For my next African Safari trip (which I have had to delay from Feb 2022 to later in the year) I will take 2 x Nikon Z9, the new Nikon 400/2.8 TC, AND one of the 100-400 OR 600/4 (TBC), 70-200, 24-70, TC1.4 and TC 2.0 and Laptop, SDDs, chargers, spare batteries/cards etc. The one question I have to answer is whether I will take my Nikon 600/4E FL or the new 100-400/5.6-6.5 or both. Roughly 65% of my shots I used from my many previous safaris were taken with a 600/4 lens -- first the G and then the E-FL. Another 20% were with 400/2.8 and only a small number ~15% with shorter focal lengths - these were almost all Elephants reasonably close and landscapes. However, the new 400/2.8 has an internal 1.4 TC converts the 400/2.8 to 560/4.0. It also "supports" the use of external TCs. 560/4 -vs- 600/4 is not much when shooting a Z9 with its 45.7mp sensor. However, when shooting very small birds -- like the Pied Kingfishers - a 600/4+1.4TC comes in very useful. I underused in camera DX cropping -- yes I do crop in LR (a lot). I am Minded to travel without the 600mm but I am not there yet. Nikon has made no announcement about its new 600mm for the Z mount. Since 1-Jan-2021- IATA guidance re lithium batteries is: www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/lithium-batteries/ -- . Since I hit 60 -- carrying 15-20kg or more as hand luggage is not easy when you have to walk long distance in an airport terminal. I made the choice to put my camera gear in 2 camera bags housed within 2 lightweight Samsonite Hard Shell suitcases - so far I have travelled around africa without any issues. Peli cases are a visible target in Nairobi (and worse elsewhere in Africa) and on the journey to camps and they are very heavy relative to their contents. I bought and no longer used my Peli cases for travel. Beaten up well travels suitcases work fine for me. Obviously everything I travel with is insured to full replacement value - but this does not help in Nairobi where getting a replacement at short notice is not possible (not easy). Travelling from Nairobi to the Mara (and other camps in east africa) I now only fly and I use Safarilink from Wilson Airport - when I have a lot of gear I buy 2 seats. Yes first time or when going to many reserves/parks vehicle travel is an option -- but 12 hour (2/3rd of rough "roads") travel time and the descent of the rift-valley road put me off going by vehicle. The guys I stay with in the Mara (the Entim Camp) have a regular supply vehicle from Nairobi to their camps in Kenya and so excess luggage can travel overland. BIG learning point -- do not expect Masai Camp staff to wash underwear. Bring easy to self wash/clean undies, travel soap and a travel line. Everything else is easy for them to wash and repair if needed. I bring a simple cotton laundry bag and leave it in the room every morning. If you stay in the lodges (hotels) then all is easy, but lodges are often NOT within the park/reserve; whereas the camps I stay in are.
I was in Jackson earlier this week for a few days of photography. Was really surprised by how much of the park is closed. Surprisingly, we saw Moose, Foxes and Elk in the housing development off of Sagebrush Dr.
Enjoy the trip, I went to Kenya and Botswana in 2019 for 4 weeks and enjoyed it very much. There were days when we saw nothing much so its always good to spend more time there than you think you may need. At that time it was the Nikon D850, would love to take my Z9 now but to be honest its more about the animals than the gear.One challenge we have in Europe is you cant "Lock" your checked in case, so its a bit of an issue for safety as the insurance companies wont cover you if they are not secure! I hope you have a fruitful trip and do lots of video as well.
I do not have the gumption of checking in the kind of equipment you are checking in!! Hope you have tons of insurance to cover it man! have a great trip! subscribed and will wait for the pics!
Hi Steve,looking forward to seeing photos and videos of safari trip and I find your lens baby very intriguing . And one more thing , about that rubber hood of yours I have found something similar or maybe not . [PRO]MASTER black silicon rubber 49 up to 77 mm sizes and seems to collapse on it self anyway. Have nice trip and take care Steve .
Good timing! I’ll be in Tanzania July, and I’m working on this very problem (packing), I just gpt the Z9, and was planning to bring the D500 as back up. Does the A1 give you different functions?
Anxious to see Z9 images of wildlife! I’d be worried to death about checking it as baggage even with good insurance! I’d drop in an Apple air tag and check on it regularly…if phones work!
Great video Steve and thanks for explaining and showing us before your trip to Africa. Just one other thing I don’t call mine a man bag I call it a murse a man purse made easier. Have a great time on the trip and of course be safe.
Techart Sony E to Z adapter usefull? .. If the Sony A1 drops in a lake.. drops on concrete , bad luck , what ever... maybe you can use the 400mm f2.8 + tc's on the z9...?? this adapter is very small.. Will the AF preform good enough, or is it only usefull for emergencies ? save some space in memory on less important animals/chances , using the z9 on the sony lens (RAW lossless 100Mb vs 32 Mb He*) Maybe a stupid thought , but interseting in tems of beiing double save ?
Type in/copy-paste on youtube( links are not allowed anymore, they will be cancelled from the comments often ) : Nikon Z - 100-400mm and 200-600mm - For Wildlife - Birds - MEGADAP ETZ11 (-> camera ville) 200-600 sony on a z6 -> the z9 if far better + the 400 prime could be at a other level then the 200-600 in terms of "communication" , maybe it works great and the z9 is the A1's backup or in some situations a storage saver due to the He* option.. maybe someting to try Have a nice trip !!!
having the sony A1 etc in the bag is awesome my choice also is the rx10iv in great light its amazing as a back up or just for mixture of video and stills with its extreme 24-600 f4 range its a very handy thing thing to have in the bag
Good selection. I look forward to your images and video. Glad you are taking the Z9 and gear. I don’t blame you for taking A1 and 400. I wish you could the new Nikon before. Post some photos on social media if can while you there. Looking forward to the post trip though. Stay safe and have fun.
Hi Steve, my wife and I went to Tanzania last fall. I have probably, about 400 amazing photos from there using my Nikon z7 with the sigma 100-400. We saw everything but leopards. Was able to watch a pride of lions hunting. What an incredible trip.
Enjoy the trip! That's one of my dream wildlife trips (alongside Costa Rica)! -- Since you're a dual shooter (Nikon × Sony), have you ever tried the ETZ adapter? The reason I ask is bc Sony E Mount has 2 of my "dream lenses" that are currently not on Nikon's radar: 12-24mm/2.8 & the (Tamron) 35-150/2-2.8 ^^those 2 alongside my Z 100-400mm (delivered today 🙌🏾) on my Z9 (still waiting) would be my go-to gear set-up. I just haven't seen anybody talk about the adapter or give feedback on it.
Have a safe and great trip to Kenya and Tanzania, which parks will you visit? I am very curious which camera is the best for this traveling to Africa for wildlife, especially for the cats (animal eye af), the Sony A1 or the Nikon Z9. Please let me know when your back!!!
@@SteveMattheis I am now using the Nikon D500 and the Nikon Z6II. Would like to replace my D500, as I only use my equipment on safari in Africa. I was thinking about the Z9 with the 500mm PF (which I already have) or the Sony A9 with the 200-600. In a few years I would like to buy the 400mm 2.8 from Sony or Nikon. What draws me to the Sony is the custems buttons for AF settings, especially how Mark Smith has set it up. I am very curious to see how the Nikon Z9 compares to the Sony A1 on safari. Love your work!!
Curious to know what’s your opinion both, and if you have a preference in their lens system, I’ve been thinking of switching but have heard the shallow depth of field of some Nikon lenses can look very busy and distracting, wondering your take on this
If the angle doesn't work for the monopod trick, you could try linking your phone to the camera via wifi with snapbridge. It's a little laggy, but you can get live view on your device. Have a great trip.
Take both, A1 can go into unrecoverable frozen body frustration. I sold my A1. Z9 is awesome with that muscular battery. Great insightful video; where does all the diapers go?
@@SteveMattheis I loved my A1 but my friends and I have problems in S.E USA, In very warm climates the sensor does get very very hot and and if there is any moisture in the air the heat generated from the body (because Sony will push the thermal barrier far further than say Canon's conservative timed heat warnings )will transfer some of that heat and possible condensation to the cavity of the lens - this is a serious issue for clarity and rendering of the glass. Sony's body may not shut down in hot climates any faster than say a Canon or Nikon (R3 and Z9 should have no issues) but my A1 did not fair so well. So i say take both bodies, they really are the apex of current technology but I truly believe the Z9 will be rock solid. My A1 failed in a middle of a very important job and I was not blessed to have a Z9 to back me up.... so I say take both to your title's question; i see you packed both.
I have my A1's since End of February 2021, took to to Namibia, Kenya, Botswana and Southafrica in the meantime, NO problems at all = NOTHING. Guess you just had a very bad copy of it.
Steve, regarding your trip to Kenya and Tanzania (not Africa) - my advice is to pack a spare outfit (ie pants (I mean underpants), t shirt, shorts) and toothbrush, toothpaste and deoderant in your carry on. I have experienced two occasions when checked in luggage turned up a couple of days late and on one occasion in Zimbabwe I met a couple who had spent a week wearing the same clothes 😱. I look forward to your videos when you return.
I am pretty curious with the outcomes of Z9 in the wildlife experience. Will be looking forward to. All the best and good luck Steve. Take a great care to yourself.
I am just curious why not stick with one system? Both Sony and Nikon have awesome cameras, but it would allow you more flexibility/redundancy with lenses and bodies. What do you absolutely get from the Sony that you do not from the Nikon (or visa versa)
Great review of trip equipment planning, Steve! Africa is awesome for capturing wildlife in their natural habitat! Do you backup images on external HDD (I don't recall seeing you carry them), or keep on mem cards until you return home?
@@SteveMattheis Great! Looking forward to seeing your photo's, Steve. I was fortunate to receive my Z9 10 days ago (non NPS). Still working on figuting out key bird photography configuration compared with my D850 I have been ven using until now.
What I wouldn't give or do to have half that gear and decision making problems 🤣 Curious if shooting both systems side by side, especially on an african safari where action can happen quickly and at different ranges so going back n forth will be happening... Do you have muscle memory issues in the heat of the moment going back n forth? Shoot I had issues at first shooting the Z6ii and D500 side by side.. So I can't imagine two different makers. I remember a year or so ago, you were going back n forth between the tamron/sigma 100-400 and chose one over the other mainly because of the zoom/focus throw being opposite direction of Nikons lenses and you mentioned muscle memory was messing with you on that at times where you had to react quickly. So just curious how it is operating different brand bodies with drastically different button/function layouts. Out of curiosity for shitz n giggles, if the Z9 and 400 2.8 tc are at par, will you be coming back 100% or still hang on to the sony? You are building back up the Nikon kit with all Z glass 😁
Really like your kit - although I’m a Nikon shooter. Wish you had that Nikon 400 2.8 to compare to the Sony. I’m going to order some of those wraps. Steve, have a great time, stay safe, and please report back with your adventure. Hope you remembered to pack some clothes ….. and a toothbrush.
Vios con Dios my friend. Insurance on the equipment? Much less has been lost in baggage handling at the airports. We are anxiously waiting for your videos when you return home!
My question ,you said spare sd cards , did I miss your main back up? Three weeks is going to be a lot of MP,s. I hope you have a blast. My cousin is a pro photographer and she hides a gps tracker in her gear in case of theft not sure what but it sounds like a good purchase. I saw the review for that new lens and everybody 's like who could even justify a lens like that you know who I thought it would be perfect for👉🏻 dis guy right here.
I bet you have been before and if you're a published Tog .. and experience in the Bush ,, you will know that you'lll need more than one camera .. as you don't have time to faff about changing lenses . As the subject will be a different distances from you're 4WD .. And there is a fantastic video by a known Tog that passed away before the Documentry was finished ...did the same as i've said above .
Just curious, you made a comment about pros getting access or being lent lenses.... Do you not consider yourself a pro? I.e. Are you not making a living with it?
Z9 ... a no brainer
Both, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
There are two types of baggage,Carry on and lost.
Have a great trip,look forward to your adventure and be safe.
Ha!
Safe travels … can’t wait to see all the photos !! (Especially from The Z9)!
Thanks for sharing this. It is always great to see how others mobilize their gear.
Safe travels and have fun!
Hoping you are having safe travels.
Nice I'm planning on going to Africa this year sometime, I am waiting for the 100-400 as I'm getting rid of my Nikkor 200-500. Enjoy your trip;)
Hey Steve! Great video. Does that Nikon 600 fit in a 45L backpack? Thanks in advance
Thanks for that…..have yourself a great time!!!! Can’t wait to see the images.
I'm from Kenya🇰🇪, welcome to our country and safe journey.
Thanks for showing us this. It's really helpful to see and hear your thoughts on packing. This is how we all learn and grow.
Thank you as I've wondered on how to pack for such a trip. Not that I have that much gear. Just the one carry on would suffice for now if I had too.
Enjoy your trip look forward to seeing the photos I use a cannon r6 mirrorless to take my wildlife photos with a 150-600 lens
Best of luck on your safari and bring home some cool stuff.
If you’re still looking for a mamiya m77 lens hood I bought one here in uk on eBay today ( 2nd hand) but noticed others on US EBay.
Can't wait to see some of the images that you make. Have a great trip!
Have a great trip Steve! Thanks for the video: I was wondering (and am still wondering) which system wins out. I did notice a sparkle in your eye when you took out the Z9 ...
Nikon will prevail, once the new 400 2.8 arrives…
Steve I think stabilizing your camera could be difficult when hanging it down. What would be cool it you could come up with something like a mini monopod such as what you have on your go pro. If you could make the top attachable to your hot shoe then it could sit on the ground providing you with a base. Just an idea.
Nice video and good advice.
My first 26 day trip to Kenya and Tanzania was back in 2016 and I had no idea what to take - so I took 3 bodies, a 600/4, 400/2.8, zoom lenses from 14mm-200, an 85/1.4 and a huge amount of support options (including a tripod) and monopod, cleaning and protection. Plus Laptop, multiple external hard drives. Spare cards, batteries etc.... about 90KG of luggage. The tripod was useful at a hippo pond, but other than that take empty bean bags which the camp can fill with dry beans and rice - I use an over the door and a few that can be used when the roof is open. On safari game drives I tend to ride with my long ens between my legs resting on a blow up cushion and the other gear ready to go in its bag under a dust cover -- vehicle generated dust is a huge issue.
For my next African Safari trip (which I have had to delay from Feb 2022 to later in the year) I will take 2 x Nikon Z9, the new Nikon 400/2.8 TC, AND one of the 100-400 OR 600/4 (TBC), 70-200, 24-70, TC1.4 and TC 2.0 and Laptop, SDDs, chargers, spare batteries/cards etc.
The one question I have to answer is whether I will take my Nikon 600/4E FL or the new 100-400/5.6-6.5 or both. Roughly 65% of my shots I used from my many previous safaris were taken with a 600/4 lens -- first the G and then the E-FL. Another 20% were with 400/2.8 and only a small number ~15% with shorter focal lengths - these were almost all Elephants reasonably close and landscapes.
However, the new 400/2.8 has an internal 1.4 TC converts the 400/2.8 to 560/4.0. It also "supports" the use of external TCs. 560/4 -vs- 600/4 is not much when shooting a Z9 with its 45.7mp sensor. However, when shooting very small birds -- like the Pied Kingfishers - a 600/4+1.4TC comes in very useful. I underused in camera DX cropping -- yes I do crop in LR (a lot). I am Minded to travel without the 600mm but I am not there yet. Nikon has made no announcement about its new 600mm for the Z mount.
Since 1-Jan-2021- IATA guidance re lithium batteries is: www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/lithium-batteries/ -- .
Since I hit 60 -- carrying 15-20kg or more as hand luggage is not easy when you have to walk long distance in an airport terminal. I made the choice to put my camera gear in 2 camera bags housed within 2 lightweight Samsonite Hard Shell suitcases - so far I have travelled around africa without any issues.
Peli cases are a visible target in Nairobi (and worse elsewhere in Africa) and on the journey to camps and they are very heavy relative to their contents. I bought and no longer used my Peli cases for travel.
Beaten up well travels suitcases work fine for me. Obviously everything I travel with is insured to full replacement value - but this does not help in Nairobi where getting a replacement at short notice is not possible (not easy).
Travelling from Nairobi to the Mara (and other camps in east africa) I now only fly and I use Safarilink from Wilson Airport - when I have a lot of gear I buy 2 seats. Yes first time or when going to many reserves/parks vehicle travel is an option -- but 12 hour (2/3rd of rough "roads") travel time and the descent of the rift-valley road put me off going by vehicle. The guys I stay with in the Mara (the Entim Camp) have a regular supply vehicle from Nairobi to their camps in Kenya and so excess luggage can travel overland.
BIG learning point -- do not expect Masai Camp staff to wash underwear. Bring easy to self wash/clean undies, travel soap and a travel line. Everything else is easy for them to wash and repair if needed. I bring a simple cotton laundry bag and leave it in the room every morning. If you stay in the lodges (hotels) then all is easy, but lodges are often NOT within the park/reserve; whereas the camps I stay in are.
I was in Jackson earlier this week for a few days of photography. Was really surprised by how much of the park is closed. Surprisingly, we saw Moose, Foxes and Elk in the housing development off of Sagebrush Dr.
Have a GREAT Time! Looking forward to when you get back and share with us!
Enjoy the trip, I went to Kenya and Botswana in 2019 for 4 weeks and enjoyed it very much. There were days when we saw nothing much so its always good to spend more time there than you think you may need. At that time it was the Nikon D850, would love to take my Z9 now but to be honest its more about the animals than the gear.One challenge we have in Europe is you cant "Lock" your checked in case, so its a bit of an issue for safety as the insurance companies wont cover you if they are not secure! I hope you have a fruitful trip and do lots of video as well.
If you go back to Bots I would HIGHLY recommend the Pangolin Chobe hotel. By photographers, for photographers!
Take both. Looking forward to the results. Safe travels. Great video!
Steve, Did you ever use the monopod with the camera upside down to take wide angle shots? If so how did it work? Any tips are appreciated.
Very thorough! Look forward to the results!
Have a great trip and successful shots, especially with the Sony 400mm F2.8. Be safe.
Good luck and enjoy the trip. Looking forward to seeing the pictures
I do not have the gumption of checking in the kind of equipment you are checking in!! Hope you have tons of insurance to cover it man! have a great trip! subscribed and will wait for the pics!
Awesome! Enjoy and be safe. Looking forward to the results.
The bag that goes into the Pelican, what bag/insert is that? Is it made for that particular Pelican case?
I’m wondering the same. I see the link, but there are multiple sizes, not sure what size fits in that hard case.
Hi Steve,looking forward to seeing photos and videos of safari trip and I find your lens baby very intriguing . And one more thing , about that rubber hood of yours I have found something similar or maybe not . [PRO]MASTER black silicon rubber
49 up to 77 mm sizes and seems to collapse on it self anyway. Have nice trip and take care Steve .
Good timing! I’ll be in Tanzania July, and I’m working on this very problem (packing), I just gpt the Z9, and was planning to bring the D500 as back up. Does the A1 give you different functions?
Really looking forward to your videos, and photographs from Africa.
Whoa… all that gear in checked luggage. How do you lock it? Seems everyone has TSA keys these days.
Anxious to see Z9 images of wildlife! I’d be worried to death about checking it as baggage even with good insurance! I’d drop in an Apple air tag and check on it regularly…if phones work!
Great video Steve and thanks for explaining and showing us before your trip to Africa. Just one other thing I don’t call mine a man bag I call it a murse a man purse made easier. Have a great time on the trip and of course be safe.
Techart Sony E to Z adapter usefull? .. If the Sony A1 drops in a lake.. drops on concrete , bad luck , what ever... maybe you can use the 400mm f2.8 + tc's on the z9...?? this adapter is very small..
Will the AF preform good enough, or is it only usefull for emergencies ? save some space in memory on less important animals/chances , using the z9 on the sony lens (RAW lossless 100Mb vs 32 Mb He*) Maybe a stupid thought , but interseting in tems of beiing double save ?
Type in/copy-paste on youtube( links are not allowed anymore, they will be cancelled from the comments often ) :
Nikon Z - 100-400mm and 200-600mm - For Wildlife - Birds - MEGADAP ETZ11
(-> camera ville) 200-600 sony on a z6 -> the z9 if far better + the 400 prime could be at a other level then the 200-600 in terms of "communication" , maybe it works great and the z9 is the A1's backup or in some situations a storage saver due to the He* option.. maybe someting to try
Have a nice trip !!!
having the sony A1 etc in the bag is awesome my choice also is the rx10iv in great light its amazing as a back up or just for mixture of video and stills with its extreme 24-600 f4 range its a very handy thing thing to have in the bag
Enjoy your trip, safe travel and be safe Steve!!!
Great video..:) Have a safe trip Steve..
Very informative as always! What was that little sack you used for your batteries? Looks like a useful item...
Good selection. I look forward to your images and video. Glad you are taking the Z9 and gear. I don’t blame you for taking A1 and 400. I wish you could the new Nikon before. Post some photos on social media if can while you there. Looking forward to the post trip though. Stay safe and have fun.
Hey Steve, What Great Grey Owl book is that over your right shoulder?
It’s by Harry Fuller
@@SteveMattheis thank you!!!
@@SteveMattheis safe travels to Africa!!
Have a great trip!
Hi Steve, my wife and I went to Tanzania last fall. I have probably, about 400 amazing photos from there using my Nikon z7 with the sigma 100-400. We saw everything but leopards. Was able to watch a pride of lions hunting. What an incredible trip.
Have a great trip Steve 👏👍😀
Make sure that you check for firmware for all the equipment that you take.
have a safe trip Steve. can't wait for your Africa video.
Hi, Steve Could you please write me name of Nikon 100-400mm Lens hood , and where I can order it from? Thank you so much !
nice camera gear 👍
That’s a lot of very expensive kit!! Have a great time in Africa!
Can't wait to see your video from Africa let us know how the Z9 did.
it^s good to have money it seems, nice gear 👍
Steve: Who is the manufacturer of the collapsible lens hood? Thanks in Advance
Found it once I figured out the spelling.. Obsolyte.
Sounds like a great trip. I am jealous.
Hey Steve, are you prefer nikon + PF 500 over sony paired with G 400? What is your tough about R5 with RF 400?
Have a great trip.
Color me jealous, Steve! Have a great trip!
3 full weeks doing photography everyday. How exciting! Can't wait to see what you snag!
Enjoy the trip! That's one of my dream wildlife trips (alongside Costa Rica)! -- Since you're a dual shooter (Nikon × Sony), have you ever tried the ETZ adapter?
The reason I ask is bc Sony E Mount has 2 of my "dream lenses" that are currently not on Nikon's radar: 12-24mm/2.8 & the (Tamron) 35-150/2-2.8
^^those 2 alongside my Z 100-400mm (delivered today 🙌🏾) on my Z9 (still waiting) would be my go-to gear set-up.
I just haven't seen anybody talk about the adapter or give feedback on it.
No mention of battery chargers in the carry on pack!
Don’t need it, the batteries can charge in the camera.
Interesting episode. Bon voyage.😎🐯🦁🐵🐗🦍🦓🐆🦒🐘🐘🦒🦘🦧
Have you been able to tinker the latest 1.31 firmware update for the z7ii that came out last week??
All the Best
Have a safe and great trip to Kenya and Tanzania, which parks will you visit? I am very curious which camera is the best for this traveling to Africa for wildlife, especially for the cats (animal eye af), the Sony A1 or the Nikon Z9. Please let me know when your back!!!
They will both perform amazingly well, I’m certain.
@@SteveMattheis I am now using the Nikon D500 and the Nikon Z6II. Would like to replace my D500, as I only use my equipment on safari in Africa. I was thinking about the Z9 with the 500mm PF (which I already have) or the Sony A9 with the 200-600. In a few years I would like to buy the 400mm 2.8 from Sony or Nikon. What draws me to the Sony is the custems buttons for AF settings, especially how Mark Smith has set it up. I am very curious to see how the Nikon Z9 compares to the Sony A1 on safari. Love your work!!
Curious to know what’s your opinion both, and if you have a preference in their lens system, I’ve been thinking of switching but have heard the shallow depth of field of some Nikon lenses can look very busy and distracting, wondering your take on this
If the angle doesn't work for the monopod trick, you could try linking your phone to the camera via wifi with snapbridge. It's a little laggy, but you can get live view on your device. Have a great trip.
Take both, A1 can go into unrecoverable frozen body frustration. I sold my A1. Z9 is awesome with that muscular battery. Great insightful video; where does all the diapers go?
My A1 has been rock solid for almost a year.
Steve Perry took his A1 all over the world with no issues… it’s a proven body.
@@SteveMattheis I loved my A1 but my friends and I have problems in S.E USA, In very warm climates the sensor does get very very hot and and if there is any moisture in the air the heat generated from the body (because Sony will push the thermal barrier far further than say Canon's conservative timed heat warnings )will transfer some of that heat and possible condensation to the cavity of the lens - this is a serious issue for clarity and rendering of the glass. Sony's body may not shut down in hot climates any faster than say a Canon or Nikon (R3 and Z9 should have no issues) but my A1 did not fair so well. So i say take both bodies, they really are the apex of current technology but I truly believe the Z9 will be rock solid. My A1 failed in a middle of a very important job and I was not blessed to have a Z9 to back me up.... so I say take both to your title's question; i see you packed both.
I just had my A1 in Duluth MN. Filming and photographing owls. With temps at -20. Zero issues
I have my A1's since End of February 2021, took to to Namibia, Kenya, Botswana and Southafrica in the meantime, NO problems at all = NOTHING. Guess you just had a very bad copy of it.
Steve, regarding your trip to Kenya and Tanzania (not Africa) - my advice is to pack a spare outfit (ie pants (I mean underpants), t shirt, shorts) and toothbrush, toothpaste and deoderant in your carry on. I have experienced two occasions when checked in luggage turned up a couple of days late and on one occasion in Zimbabwe I met a couple who had spent a week wearing the same clothes 😱. I look forward to your videos when you return.
I am pretty curious with the outcomes of Z9 in the wildlife experience. Will be looking forward to. All the best and good luck Steve. Take a great care to yourself.
The Z9 is excellent for wildlife 👍
I am just curious why not stick with one system? Both Sony and Nikon have awesome cameras, but it would allow you more flexibility/redundancy with lenses and bodies. What do you absolutely get from the Sony that you do not from the Nikon (or visa versa)
Watch this:
Chaos in my camera bag! Nikon? Sony? Fuji? Wtf is going on?
ua-cam.com/video/UU6Ntdi_G-Q/v-deo.html
@@SteveMattheis Okay, so I se you were working on making a decision in 6 months, but still rocking the two systems for an international trip?
Great review of trip equipment planning, Steve! Africa is awesome for capturing wildlife in their natural habitat! Do you backup images on external HDD (I don't recall seeing you carry them), or keep on mem cards until you return home?
I bring SSDs
@@SteveMattheis Great! Looking forward to seeing your photo's, Steve. I was fortunate to receive my Z9 10 days ago (non NPS). Still working on figuting out key bird photography configuration compared with my D850 I have been ven using until now.
What I wouldn't give or do to have half that gear and decision making problems 🤣
Curious if shooting both systems side by side, especially on an african safari where action can happen quickly and at different ranges so going back n forth will be happening... Do you have muscle memory issues in the heat of the moment going back n forth?
Shoot I had issues at first shooting the Z6ii and D500 side by side.. So I can't imagine two different makers.
I remember a year or so ago, you were going back n forth between the tamron/sigma 100-400 and chose one over the other mainly because of the zoom/focus throw being opposite direction of Nikons lenses and you mentioned muscle memory was messing with you on that at times where you had to react quickly.
So just curious how it is operating different brand bodies with drastically different button/function layouts.
Out of curiosity for shitz n giggles, if the Z9 and 400 2.8 tc are at par, will you be coming back 100% or still hang on to the sony? You are building back up the Nikon kit with all Z glass 😁
Really like your kit - although I’m a Nikon shooter. Wish you had that Nikon 400 2.8 to compare to the Sony. I’m going to order some of those wraps. Steve, have a great time, stay safe, and please report back with your adventure.
Hope you remembered to pack some clothes ….. and a toothbrush.
Toothbrush… I knew I was forgetting something…
@@SteveMattheis toothbrush for sure! It doesn’t look like you need a blow dryer.
Ouch.
And I also don’t need a comb or shampoo. Lucky me.
Steve, so you don't mind camera gear in a padded pelican case being checked?
Apparently not. It certainly isn’t ideal but nothing is ideal about a journey half way around the world.
Grandma always told me Both and is always better than either or.
Do any of your cameras allow you to take pictures while filming video?
I wish
Hey Steve, let me first say have a safe and awesome trip. Are you going to bring a SSD for backup?
Multiple SSDs…
light 🤣 very light😁
Have a nice trip!
Ha!
why not wait on the Nikon Z mount 400 f 2.8 with the built in 1.4 teleconverter
Because these trips get planned many months in advance
Z9 and backup
.... Enjoy and stay safe .... ✊
Both and you know it, lol. Safe and happy journey to all.
Definitely both
Good luck in Africa, Steve!
Vios con Dios my friend. Insurance on the equipment? Much less has been lost in baggage handling at the airports.
We are anxiously waiting for your videos when you return home!
Yes it’s all insured 👍
@@SteveMattheis well then, have a wonderful trip to Africa!
Safe travels!
Travel safe and enjoy (as I am sure you will).
Enjoy I know You will :)
How's your insurance policy?
You need a z 200-400 2.8 with 1x converter built in 😅
A one times? :D
@@scriptosaurusrex I'm sure he knows what I mean 😃
What are you taking to download all your photos to a hard drive or computer?
MacBook Pro 👍
My question ,you said spare sd cards , did I miss your main back up? Three weeks is going to be a lot of MP,s. I hope you have a blast. My cousin is a pro photographer and she hides a gps tracker in her gear in case of theft not sure what but it sounds like a good purchase. I saw the review for that new lens and everybody 's like who could even justify a lens like that you know who I thought it would be perfect for👉🏻 dis guy right here.
Take the system your gut feeling is telling you.
Remember to take the batteries out of your binos! Have a great trip.
Those are alkaline batteries so they are ok to check
I bet you have been before and if you're a published Tog .. and experience in the Bush ,, you will know that you'lll need more than one camera .. as you don't have time to faff about changing lenses . As the subject will be a different distances from you're 4WD ..
And there is a fantastic video by a known Tog that passed away before the Documentry was finished ...did the same as i've said above .
Enjoy
Just curious, you made a comment about pros getting access or being lent lenses.... Do you not consider yourself a pro? I.e. Are you not making a living with it?
Yes I am a full time professional photographer.
Z9 ONLY !!!
have fun