Troubleshooting
Field Fixes
Open any problem to see the fix. Most answers point to a deeper lesson if you want the reasoning behind it.
My images are soft even at 1/1000 s. Why?
Heat haze over long distances is the most common cause. Shoot earlier in the day, check stabilisation settings, and avoid resting the lens on a vibrating frame with the engine running. See Exposure in the Wild.
Should I use a 1.4x teleconverter?
A 1.4x converter adds reach and costs one stop of light and some autofocus speed. Use it in good light with slower subjects. See Reach Without Crowding.
How do I avoid blowing out white feathers or stripes?
Enable highlight warnings and apply negative exposure compensation until whites keep texture, then lift shadows when processing raw files.
How do I keep dust off my sensor on game drives?
Avoid lens changes in the vehicle, carry two bodies if possible, cover the camera with a cloth when driving, and use a blower rather than wiping.
Which autofocus mode works best for wildlife?
Continuous autofocus with animal eye detection and a zone or wide-area tracking pattern suits most moving subjects; single-point suits subjects in cluttered vegetation.
How many batteries and memory cards should I bring?
Plan on at least three batteries per body and enough cards for two full days, because charging in camps may be limited to certain hours.
Is it acceptable to ask the guide to move closer?
You may ask about a better angle, but accept the guide's decision and never request off-road driving where it is prohibited or any approach that changes the animal's behaviour.
Can I use flash on a night drive?
No. Flash can dazzle nocturnal animals and affect hunts. Follow the guide's spotlight rules and use high ISO instead.
Should I share the location of a den or nest online?
Be cautious. Sharing exact locations of dens, nests or rare species can attract crowds and poachers. Remove location data when in doubt.