Leopards on granite are lovely subjects, but they are often distant and move fast. The right kit and a few settings improve your odds.
The lens
A 100–400mm or 200–500mm telephoto covers most subjects, while a 70–200mm helps for close sightings and landscapes. On a crop-sensor camera, a 300mm already gives good reach.
Starting settings
- Shutter speed 1/1000 s or faster for moving animals, 1/500 s for resting ones.
- Aperture f/5.6 to f/8 for sharper subjects.
- Auto ISO with a limit that suits your camera.
- Continuous autofocus with burst mode.
- Shoot RAW for flexibility.
Support and care
A bean bag on the jeep’s frame is steadier than a tripod. Carry spare batteries and cards, a blower and a cloth for dust, and keep gear covered between drives. See Jawai photography tips.
Want to plan your own drives? See our safaris, then send a request and we will suggest the best slots.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a very expensive lens?
No. A mid-range telephoto and good technique beat expensive kit used poorly.
Can I use a tripod in the jeep?
Usually a bean bag works better. Ask your driver about space.
What should I do about dust?
Change lenses sparingly, keep the camera in a bag when driving and clean gently afterwards.
