Photographic Equipment and Style

by Peter Betts
(Port Elizabeth)

I Prefer to use my tracking skills and knowledge and approach game slowly and efficiently. As a result the prime lens I use on my FX camera D700 is the 70-200 VR II f2.8 with a 1.4x convertor...Recently I have found that the 24-70 at about 60mm gives fantastic results if lion are approached correctly in your saloon car next to lions walking. I would be in a fix with a crop factor DX camera as they multiply the focal length and you start cutting off legs,horns etc so I sold my D200 for the superior image quality of an FX camera like the D700 and the D3. For far away animals the 200-400 is plenty on an FX camera. Spot lights and flashes should be banned especially for felines and nocturnal birds (Owls coursers , nightjars etc.) I am a Professional Wildlife photographer, a FGASA Big 5 Nature Guide and I have 104 trips to Kruger under the belt and 46 to Kalagadi over the last 48 Years..I am 59 now

Cheers

Peter Betts
Port Elizabeth