The first summer rains have just started to fall - so everything looks and smells fresh.
There's still a lot of cloud cover overhead from last night's deluge...but there's a gap for the sun to rise into on the Eastern horizon.
As I drive out of the gate of the Okaukuejo camp with my wife and kids in the back of the SUV (kids still dozing), I head East towards the nearest waterhole, which is called Nebrownii.
As the sun starts peeping over the horizon and through the break in the clouds, I find my first willing subjects - a small group of Plains Zebra.
Stop the car.
Fiddle to grab the nearest camera. Lens too long (500mm).
Switch to the other camera - this one has a better focal length (70-200mm).
Start snapping.
Check exposure.
Make adjustments.
Snap again.
Check exposure.
More adjustments.
Framing a rising sun and plenty of sky with wildlife at the bottom makes for a tricky exposure. This is where using your exposure lock function helps, as well as back-button focus to be able to focus and reframe.
Finally satisfied with my exposure on the D800 and 70-200mm combo, I contemplate swopping the 500mm on the D3s for a shorter lens, but realise the sun will rise behind the clouds in a few moments. So I grab my instamatic wide angle that is always with me (that would be the Apple iPhone 5, folks), switch on the HDR function, and snap a few images that way.
Here's the DSLR photo...
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| Nikon D800 | Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 VR-II @ 70mm | f4.0 | 1/250 SS | ISO-800 |
And here is the photo taken with my iPhone...
Which do you prefer?
Sure, the iPhone version doesn't have the same high resolution quality, and it came out a bit over-the-top when it comes to the HDR effect, but it does make it look quite surreal. The perspective is definitely better for me at this wider focal length. Perhaps I should have switched lenses right away when I got there...but I will have to take that lesson into my next safari.
What's the old adage? The best camera is the one you have with you...
Morkel Erasmus
Clouds are compelling w/ iPhone with the subject (zebras) almost incidental. I prefer DSLR, but would lighten it up a bit. By the way, how do you like the D800? I just bought one and seem to require a tripod for almost everything.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, I might play with the DSLR shot some more. I love my D800 but it is a very fickle sensor and I normally shoot at higher shutter speeds than I normally would for each focal length to get sharp images handheld.
DeleteHey Morkel. Personally I hate some of the HDR work out there. Love the Iphone version of this one though, maybe its just the wider angle
ReplyDeleteCheers Wayne. I am still kicking myself for not rolling with the 24-70mm on the D800 at this sighting. The light was fleeting, though...and I made choices on the fly.
DeleteNebrownii is one of my favourite places! And I agree about the best camera being the one you have with you - I've got some great memory shots from my phone that I wouldn't have at all otherwise.
ReplyDeleteRight on Roxanne. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteMorkel was that taken with the iphone 5s?
ReplyDeleteHi Andre. I hope you are well. It was with the iPhone 5.
DeleteI'm almost hesitant to admit it Morkel but I like the iPhone version more because of the beautiful sky and lighter stones! This makes me wonder why I leave my (reasonably potent) compactflash at home during safari's as it can be quite useful for wide angles and macro's!
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping in, Tobie! I agree, I like the iPhone version somewhat more and wish I had slapped on the 24-70mm on my other camera body for this scene. Alas, the phone image will have to suffice. I do think it might be worth it investing in a small camera that can shoot basic RAW files at relative wide angles for quick snaps and general travel use.
DeleteYou might take a look at the new Nikon DL's for just this reason(they will be out in USA in January.) I am eagerly awaiting the 24-85 version. There's an 18-50mm model too. Both with 1.8 lenses. Right now I carry one of the Nikon 1 mirrorless cameras to supplement the DSLRs, but it has some issues. http://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/premium-compact-cameras/premium-compact-cameras.page
DeleteI love the IPhone version you captured, great shot!
DeleteI fully agree on your comment about a nifty pocket camera that could shoot RAW!