The Maasai Mara is a stunning landscape, from the second you enter, it is an assault on your senses. The breath-taking scenery, the fresh air and of course the amazing array of flora and fauna. The SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary lens is the perfect companion on such a trip. Having the ability to cover a huge focal range without changing lenses is invaluable – it allows me to never miss the unfolding action because I’m rummaging in a camera bag for a different lens!
The way I have been reducing the impact of lockdown and our current situation is to reminisce about past photographic adventures and spend some time revisiting images created during more enjoyable times. Accompanying me to Kenya, as always, was my SIGMA 150-600mm | Contemporary lens which the following images were taken with. One of the things I love about photography is the creation of memories and the inspiration they give for future adventures (once things return to some form of normality)
I am a strong believer that animals should be given space and photography should be minimally intrusive, I am an animal lover first, photographer second! Having 600mm at my disposal allows me to bring the subject to me without getting too close. The cheetah photographed below continued with their midday snooze undisturbed by my presence.
Sometimes, even with every good intention, keeping a distance between yourself and the wildlife simply can’t be helped! Whilst having a rest stop, near the river Mara one morning, a tiny Vervet monkey decided to sit and watch me eat my snack. He was very well behaved and produced a snack of his own whilst keeping his focus firmly in my direction. Having the SIGMA 150-600mm | Contemporary lens allowed me to handhold at 600mm and pick my framing very quickly and produce a really nice portrait.
The flexibility combined with such a portable package really does make this an ideal travel lens. I have taken it all over the world and hiked many miles with it on my shoulder. Having the reach is critical to wildlife photography and allows me to do this with minimal impact on the animals themselves. As much as I can’t wait for adventures to resume, I am enjoying seeing the world take a breather and it will be interesting to see how the natural world changes during these unprecedented times.
Visit Adam’s website to see more images and read his travel articles using the following link:
https://adamnsmithphotography.zenfolio.com/about.html