African Safari: Which Camera Body?

Jordan asked:

Hi Kathy,

I hope all is well. I was hoping you could help me select a camera body for my African safari in Dec. I’m deciding between the Canon R6ii and R7. Do you think R7 crop factor is preferred to get more reach on the lenses. I will bring the 100-500rf lens. Any thoughts on a good 2nd lens? Will also bring my 7Dii as a second body. Thanks so much for your thoughts on this!

Jordan

My reply:

Thanks for asking, Jordan.  You’re going to find that the R6ii is a more robust camera.  I’d recommend the R6ii over the R7 in this situation.  (Nikon Z8 and/or Sony A7rV for others)

You already own the 100-500 RF lens so that with the R6ii will be perfect. 

I will suggest that you get the 1.4x extender for the 100-500 RF lens.  I use that on my lens all the time.

My current set-up is R6ii, 100-500mm RF lens with a 1.4x extender.  I used that all the time I was in Costa Rica and I’ll use it on my safari to Africa in May of this year. 

Keep a 24-105mm or other medium wide lens on your 7Dii.  The landscapes are amazing.  Photos of the animals in the landscape are always a treasure, too. 

African Elephant
African Elephant;
Augur Buzzard
Baobab tree
Bare-faced go-away-bird
Beautiful sunbird;
cheetah

Here’s a link to my photo safari in May 2025 with Strabo Photo Tour Collection

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Author: kathyadamsclark

Professional photographer leading workshops and tours. I use Canon cameras but I'm familiar with all the other brands. Love photography birds and nature. Love talking about photography and gear.

6 thoughts on “African Safari: Which Camera Body?”

  1. Dear Ms. Clark,

    My wife and I will be going to Kruger and Zulu Nyala this coming September. While I own a Nikon DSLR 5300, I have never mastered it, and take most of my photos in automatic setting. On top of that, it’s cumbersome and heavy, with two different lenses and a zoom that I’ve read won’t be sufficient on safari.

    Do you have ant thoughts or recommendations re “bridge” cameras. I am attracted to some of the descriptions on line (lighter than DSLR, more compact, no lens changing, etc.) and I don’t feel as if I’m giving up on quality since I don’t even know how to use my Nikon effectively.

    Your thoughts? Many thanks!

    David K.

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    1. My apologies for the delay in replying. I was working at a nature festival. I like the “bridge” cameras. There are so very nice cameras out there. You might consider staying with Nikon since you already know the features and terms. My suggestion is to visit a local camera store where you can touch and feel the cameras. You might need to visit several stores to see the variety. But the camera that fits your hands and the one where the controls make sense to your brain. Best wishes!

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