Long lens for N. India/Nepal?
To those who have done the N. India/Nepal trip...would you please comment on the need for a zoom camera lens/ I have a 210 mm, but it is heavy and a packing challenge.
Thanks!
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To those who have done the N. India/Nepal trip...would you please comment on the need for a zoom camera lens/ I have a 210 mm, but it is heavy and a packing challenge.
Thanks!
Comments
I am two weeks back from that trip. First, I do want to note that mobile phones are no longer permitted in Bandhavgarh Nat'l Park, so a real camera comes in handy, but the question is what is adequate. I had a high end SONY point and shoot, plus a Go Pro. But note as well that some venues did not permit tripods, and I had my SONY on a mini handle with zoom and a trigger, and that handle was not permitted since it had pop out tripod ability. I assume you want the 210mm for safari photos. I don't think it is worth the trouble. A lens like that needs you to anchor for sharpness, and you may note your subject while the vehicle is moving, or people are shifting quickly when the vehicle stops (can't stand while in motion) as, say a tiger, is spotted. Both won't allow the stability you need - the sharp photo you want may be elusive. Many of the animals were also viewable up close, including the Bengal tiger (more likely up close than far since they are great at camouflage), arguing against the zoom lens. You would not want to swap lenses while on a drive - too much dust. I think with a lens like you are considering, you may also spend too much time concentrating on the photo at the expense of appreciating the moment.
My husband is a great photographer and used only an iPhone Pro Max. We went March 2025. No need for long lens. And we were able to use our iPhones in both parks. Enjoy - spectacular trip.
The mobile phone rule in Bandhavgarh Natl Park went into effect in the second half of December '25, so it applies to prospective travelers. Prior guests mostly did not experience this. Chitwan does not have this requirement.
If you are looking for wildlife, like I mostly was these were taken with a 180 -600mm zoom. Human ones on the shorter end but all animals at the 600mm end. Most of the other stuff you can get with your iphone. But animals and birds warrent a long lens in my opinion. Others may have different views. It depends on your interests and desire to lug equipment around. PM me if you need more details on what I took etc.
Great pictures. I agree. If you want good, sharp pictures of animals at any distance, you need a DSLR and a long lens. The stabilization built into modern cameras allows you to shoot a 600mm lens hand-held.
You can reduce the weight of your kit by going with an APS-C camera instead of a full-frame camera. You lose a bit because of the smaller sensor but you save a lot of weight and size.
Spectacular photos.
Rwislo15, what was your camera and lenses pairing. Great photos.
@Ben I took two bodies (Nikon Z9 and D850) and three Nikon lenses (24-70mm, 70-200mm and 180-600mm)
Thanks
rwilson15 - great pictures.