It’s the big question I get almost every time someone’s packing for a safari: “Should I bring the big 600mm prime or stick with my trusty 100-500mm zoom?”

And honestly, I get it. It’s not just about image quality. It’s about weight, versatility, shooting style, and what kind of photos you want to bring home. I’ve spent months in the field with both setups — from the open plains of the Serengeti to the thick brush of Botswana and Namibia — and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, several practical reasons influence my decision, which vary depending on the trip.

Let’s break it down the way I wish someone had done for me years ago.

The Power of the Zoom: Why 100–500mm Lenses Shine on Safari

If I could only bring one lens and had to leave everything else behind, which one would it be? I’d probably grab my Canon RF 100–500mm or a similar zoom, such as the Sony 200–600mm or Sigma 60–600mm. Here’s why:

Unmatched Flexibility
In a single game drive, you could photograph a lion 10 meters away, a giraffe drinking at a waterhole 70 meters out, and a bird perched on a distant tree. That range — especially from 100mm to 500mm — gives you the ability to adapt to almost any situation without needing to change lenses or cameras. On a real self-drive trip, where dust, movement, and time are constant issues, this matters more than you think.
Framing Freedom
There’s nothing worse than watching a stunning moment unfold and realising you’re too close. That happens a lot with 600mm primes. Animals might approach the vehicle, or you might park in a spot that’s perfect for light but a little too tight for composition. With a zoom, you just pull back, reframe, and keep shooting. Boom. No stress.
Weight & Portability
The 100–500mm might not be lightweight, but it’s way more manageable than lugging a 600mm f/4 prime around, especially if you’re travelling light or flying bush planes with strict weight limits. I’ve had situations in Central Kalahari or South Luangwa where every gram counted, and the zoom saved me.

When the 600mm Prime Comes into Its Own

Now, don’t get me wrong — the 600mm f/4 is an absolute beast of a lens. The reach. The bokeh. The ability to isolate subjects in busy backgrounds. It’s sublime when used right. But here’s the thing: it’s a specialist tool.

You bring a 600mm prime when:

You’re on a dedicated photo safari with predictable subject distances (like birds at a lagoon or predators at known den sites).
You have a second camera body with a zoom lens — ideally, something like a 100–300mm f/2.8 or 70–200mm f/2.8.
You don’t mind missing wider shots, or you have a third shooter (hello, assistant!) grabbing behind-the-scenes and habitat frames.

Using a 600mm lens as your only lens on safari is a bit like going on a long hike with only climbing shoes. Sure, they’re great for a specific job — but not so great for everything else.

Why a 400mm Prime Is Also Not a One-Lens Solution

Sometimes, someone asks about the 400mm f/2.8 as a compromise.

At 400mm, you do get a bit more room to breathe, and the f/2.8 aperture makes it killer for low-light or backlit moments. But… It’s still a prime. You’re stuck with one framing unless you crop or physically move — and good luck repositioning your vehicle during a high-adrenaline sighting in Kruger or Chobe.

That said, the 400mm makes a great complementary lens when paired with something more flexible. It’s what I often carry on my Canon R3, especially when I’m expecting action or challenging light. But would I bring only the 400mm? Nope.

My Real-World Setup: How I Balance It All

On most of my recent safaris, mainly in Botswana, Zambia, or Namibia, I’ve been running a two-body setup:

Canon R5 + RF 100–300mm f/2.8: Tack-sharp, fast, and versatile for medium-to-wide wildlife scenes, elephants, interactions, or close encounters.
Canon R3 + 600mm f/4 (or 400mm f/2.8): My reach rig. I use this combo for shy subjects, birds, or those distant moments when compression and subject isolation matter.

This setup allows me to work efficiently, avoid swapping lenses in dusty conditions, and cover a wide range of focal lengths, from 100mm to 600mm (plus a 1.4x extender when needed).

I know two bodies and two expensive lenses aren’t practical for everyone. But that’s why I always recommend starting with a zoom lens. You’ll get more shots, tell more stories, and make fewer mistakes — especially on your first trip.

📷 Want to see how I carry this gear on international flights?

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Lens for Your Safari

If you’re still debating what to pack, here’s what I’d tell a friend:

Start with a 100–500mm lens or a 200–600mm lens if it’s your first safari.
This range allows you to explore different styles, experiment with composition, and respond to unexpected situations without panic.
If you already have a 600mm prime, consider bringing a second body and a shorter lens as well.
Even a small lens, such as a 70–200mm or 24–105mm, will make a massive difference in your storytelling.
Don’t let gear FOMO ruin your trip.
I’ve captured some of my favourite images with a 100–400mm lens. What mattered wasn’t the reach — it was the light, the moment, and the patience.
Consider how you’ll shoot.
Are you staying in one place for hours? A 600mm could be perfect. Are you constantly on the move, dealing with fast sightings? Go with the zoom.
Think beyond the gear.
Are you willing to accept the physical strain of shooting a heavy prime all day in 40°C heat from a moving vehicle? That’s a real thing.

Conclusion: You Need to Pack for How You Shoot

Choosing between a 600mm and a 100–500mm isn’t just about optics — it’s about your style, your experience level, and your goals.

Want to build a clean portfolio of hero shots, each with creamy backgrounds and intimate detail? Then by all means, bring the 600mm — but only if you’re also bringing a second lens to handle the rest.

Want to tell fuller stories, photograph behaviours, include the environment, and make sure you never miss a moment? That zoom lens will serve you way better.

I’ve shot lions from five meters away and wished I had a 70–200 mm lens. I’ve watched leopards slink through grass at 300 meters and prayed I’d brought my extender. But in the end, what’s in your hands is only part of the puzzle.

What really matters? Being ready. Being present. And knowing that no lens will save a bad moment — but the right one can elevate a great one.