I have changed my fund raising goals to focus on one thing I really need; a new Zoom lens. There is no way I will be able to raise enough to cover all the expensive equipment I would like to have, so I am just going to juggle some things around, scratch a few items of my list and work it out!
The beauty of a lens that I would LOVE to have is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens with a 1.4x converter. For those of you who have no idea what that means (and I still need to have it explained to me, so don't feel bad) This is an awesome, weather sealed, image stabilized zoom lens that is better than some other zoom lenses in low light conditions. Plus, with a converter, it extends the range of the zoom to almost 300mm.
This would make all the difference when shooting wildlife in Tanzania, especially in the unprotected areas. In Parks and Game Reserves, the wildlife has been desensitized to humans and vehicles. When I was in Botswana, we could just pull up next to an Elephant, like he was standing on the sidewalk and take close-ups of his eyeball! But outside the high traffic areas, the animals are still scared of vehicles and humans. (as they should be!)
I have done some serious number crunching, (which is quite a task for an artist! ;) and I think I have found a way to cover some of the larger items I know I will need. Here is a list of things I plan on getting before I go, if anyone has any suggestions, connections or feels like donating used equipment, pleeaaase let me know!!
4wd vehicle to be purchased in Tz:.........................check!
Heavy Duty Canvas Wall Tent, also getting in Tz:...........check!
Canon EOS 5D Mark II, ordered TODAY!!!!:...................check!
Things I still need to get:
10x Binoculars
Large Storm Case
Solar Powered Car Battery Charger
Car Adapter to charge camera, laptop etc..
Head Lamp
Solar Powered Lantern
Heavy Duty Flashlight (rechargeable or solar)
Global GPS
Field Guides for East Africa
Kiswahili Textbook
Fancy backpack that will fit ALL of my equipment
Serious hiking boots!
I leave SEPT. 28th! That's just 11 weeks away!! I am starting to get really excited/nervous and I still have SO much to do!!
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