topSafari Photography Gear
Camera Bags
Your camera bag for international travel MUST meet international TSA reguirements. Shown here are Think Tank brand bags, which I currently use. You can get shoulder case type, back pack type or roller bag types.
![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/med/CategoryUrban-Disguise1.jpg)
![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/med/Airport-International-V-20-Rolling-Camera-Bag-101.jpg)
![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/med/CategoryAirport-Backpacks1.jpg)
My Carry-On Bag!
My carry-on bag is packed carefully to prevent items from breakage during transit. I basically carry this bag every waking moment and do not leave it lying unattended. About the only items I leave in the tent are chargers and cords. A favorable spin-off is that I am always ready to take a picture and have all my choices of equipment at hand.
![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/med/memory card holdersIMG_7878.jpg)
Memmory card wallets
I usually take 3-5 card wallets. I number all cards and use them in sequence. As a rule take cards of 16GB or smaller which I find less risky if a card fails or is lost. It is important to securely attach the wallets to your bag as constant movement and unexpected actions are likely.
![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/med/camera-stufIMG_7879-copy.jpg)
Cards in wallet
I clear all cards at home before the trip and place them upside down in the wallet. Once used I place them right side up with the number showing.
Prime Telephoto lens
The most important lens for getting close. Over half of my best images are taken with this lens.
![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/lrg/641162142_011.jpg)
![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/med/541164968_01-11.jpg)
Zoom Telephoto lenses
The zoom telephoto is very handy and will provide quality images if used properly. A tele-extender can also be applied to boost telephoto reach. I usually take both zooms. plus the tele-extender.
![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/med/canon_9524b002_ef_100_400mm_f_4_5_5_6l_is_1447194029000_1092632.jpg)
![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/med/Canon_2751B002_EF_70_200mm_f_2_8L_IS_1468524687000_680103.jpg)
![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/thm/641162155_012.jpg)
Standard Lenses:
The standard lens is best for scenery and wider angle views. I usually take the 28-70 zoom as I have less interest in wider angle shots.
![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/med/Canon-24-70.png)
![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/med/24-105 IS.jpg)
Light weight, low cost alternative lens:
The Tamron 18-270 mm lens with Vibration Control can be used in place of more expensive lenses shown above. You will not be able to get the same close ups however.
![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/med/aaa.jpg)
Setting up at the Mara River in Kenya, site of the great migration
A Monopod works nicely, is light weight and can be quickly set up. I rarely take a tripod as it is cumbersome and takes up too much precious space.![](https://home.redframe.com/jimirwinwildlifephotography/editorAssets/800/larger-lens-at-Mara-river-(1) copy.jpg)