Advice for a photo/biology trip to Madagascar

[Astacus]

Hello all,
Our next big trip is to Madagascar towards the end of 2024.
For all of the biodiversity - plants, mammals, reptiles, birds etc..but mostly mammals and birds.

I'm starting to think about my kit

You'll recall I destroyed my 600mm f4 in Costa Rica (happily replaced through insurance). A side effect is that I have become less relaxed about carrying it around. Plus, the trails in Madagascar are going to be harder/tricker, increasing chances of accidents. So, for the first time, I'm thinking of leaving the 600 f4 at home.

Current list:

• Body: A1 (the one the hit the deck with the 600 = apparently unscathed apart from bruises)
• Body A7RV as second body/backup
• (I also take a Pocket 3 for atmospheric shots/videos etc)

Lenses:

• 16-35mm f4 for any wide angle shots
• 70-200 F2.8 II for a lot of lemur shots +/- TC1.4
• 200-600 G for longer shots and birds mostly, but unlikely to be useable with TC1.4

That is light for me!. Add to this

• IFootage Cobra monopod
• A travel tripod

Some questions.
I've never been a flash photographer, and would need to put some hours in to practice before going. Useful for night walks or as fill in.
Would I be better taking a constant LED light source (first finding one that doesn't strobe)?

What do you think re equipment, and what about night time?
Any other advice from those who have been to Madagascar.

Much appreciated
Rob

 

[iamdlewis]

My guide for Costa Rica also does a ton of Madagascar trips and he says that a macro lens is highly recommended. He also does a lot of insect/frog/lizard at night stuff and found that a headlamp works great, we did do that in Costa Rica. My 1200 lumen USB rechargeable headlamp that cost like $15 works great but not any better than the guy that had a $12 one.

 

[Astacus]

Ahh thanks.. yes, of course, I should have thought of the macro - dare is shell out for the 90mm? Any got recommendation for an excellent FF macro lens for Sony E?

Did you find the lamp strobed? I noticed this at low shutter speeds - dark bands across the subject. I wonder if there are some that do not strobe?