Nature Photography in Kaeng Krachan and Kui Buri National Parks

[Charlie1]

Dear photographers,

In the second half of January, I will be at Kaeng Krachan and Kui Buri NP for approx. 2 weeks, trying to get pictures mainly from Gaur, Gibbons and Elephants.

Anyone of you has been there and maybe has some information on where to go, who to know, etc. to get a realistic chance to see the animals?

Any help warmly welcome.

Thanks !!

Charlie1

[angiud]

Khun Samarn at http://samarnbirdcamp.com/ has a huge knowledge of the area around KK. The lodge is nice and very close to the National Park. He and few more guide know when and (mostly) where to have a chance to see wild mammals. He is a professional birdwatcher and speak English.

Don't miss the massive butterflies mud-puddling at KK:

[Charlie1]

Thanks a lot Angiud!!

[angiud]

At Kaeng Krachan in 2013

See more Kaeng Krachan pictures here

[FracturedRabbit]

I went to Kaeng Krachan based on advice from Anguid. The resort he recommends is very conveninet, food is good, and they are very helpful. The butterflies are wonderful; but it is mainly popular for birding and I am sure you will see other things as well.

[sunshine51]

FR...the butterflies seem to really like your camera bag!

[Charlie1]

Thanks a lot friends!

A question concerning the photos you guys made: What lenses did you use, especially for the monkeys and birds?

I have only the 70-200 f2,8 and the 2x magnifier from Canon, so I get up to 400 mm. Do you think that would be enough?

Angiud, what's with your Sigma telelens, still selling it or sold already?

Thanks for your replies!!!

Charlie1

[FracturedRabbit]

I used a Panasonic 100-300mm (200-600mm effective on full frame). 600mm effective for the monkey and 500mm effective for the bird. I think you will be OK with what you have; and the alternatives will be very expensive!

[FracturedRabbit]

FR...the butterflies seem to really like your camera bag!

Lumix is so tasty!

[angiud]

Thanks a lot friends!

A question concerning the photos you guys made: What lenses did you use, especially for the monkeys and birds?

I have only the 70-200 f2,8 and the 2x magnifier from Canon, so I get up to 400 mm. Do you think that would be enough?

Angiud, what's with your Sigma telelens, still selling it or sold already?

Thanks for your replies!!!

Charlie1

I use the 150-500 for the birds and monkeys, the Sigma 150 macro for the insects.

400 mm can be enough if the animals are not so close, but not so far...

And yes, the big Sigma is still on sale ;-)

[sunshine51]

FR...the butterflies seem to really like your camera bag!

Lumix is so tasty!

Yes they are!

[sunshine51]

@ Charlie1...

Back in the early 80's when I used to shoot a lotta wildlife in Africa & India I used the following

lenses mostly....Nik's 80-200, 400 & 600 with a 2x extender (doubler)...worked great.

You should have no problems with your current kit and pack a wide angle along &

perhaps a prime or two if you have them...macro!?...why not. Along with the long lenses

make sure you have a good tripod/head for the long shots and you can use a plastic bag

to add weight/lower the center of gravity for your support gear...maybe a few plastic bags.

And when done with the bags...be sure to pack em out when you leave! I mean...hand held

at 400 on a windless day at say...1/60 th of a second.....tis best to have support. But Anguid

does remarkable macro stuff hand held! Wish I could do that. Anyway...have fun.

[Charlie1]

@ Charlie1...

Back in the early 80's when I used to shoot a lotta wildlife in Africa & India I used the following

lenses mostly....Nik's 80-200, 400 & 600 with a 2x extender (doubler)...worked great.

You should have no problems with your current kit and pack a wide angle along &

perhaps a prime or two if you have them...macro!?...why not. Along with the long lenses

make sure you have a good tripod/head for the long shots and you can use a plastic bag

to add weight/lower the center of gravity for your support gear...maybe a few plastic bags.

And when done with the bags...be sure to pack em out when you leave! I mean...hand held

at 400 on a windless day at say...1/60 th of a second.....tis best to have support. But Anguid

does remarkable macro stuff hand held! Wish I could do that. Anyway...have fun.

Hi Sunshine,

thanks for your comments! The tripod is a good issue, but I have a very stable one. Actually, I have a Manfrotto video tripod with the fluid head 503HDV. It's a little heavy, but very solid. I also have a 100 mm f2,8 Makro from Tokina and a 11-16 mm f2,8 from Tokina as well. But I will be there on assignment and I have to deliver some elephants, monkeys , gaur and deer if possible and as I have never been to the place, I don't know how close I can get to the animals there. Being the reason why I am wondering if 400 mm is enough at all. I have also been searching for a lens rental, but couldn' find any.

[sunshine51]

@Charlie 1....

Lens rental....Hmmmmm...kinda problematic that in LOS unless you

know somebody on a personal friendship thing who has the lens(s)

you require.

If you're in BKK you can try Cinerent....http://www.cinerent.co.th/index.html

They're kitted out for film & video but may have knowledge where to find

good still camera lenses for rent. Mention that "Gordo an old friend of Jeffry Ho

in Hong Kong" sent you. They'll most likely charge you triple!!...Just joking...

You can also look here...http://www.kftv.com/section/Equipment-Rental/country/Thailand

it's a good website to keep as a bookmark.

We're not in Hong Kong but if we were I'd tell you to give Rent-A-Pro a call and your

problems would be solved in a jiffy.

Here's their website for info...http://rentaprohk.com/

Hope this helps you out in some way.

Have a good shoot.

g

[Charlie1]

Hi Sunshine,

thanks for the useful hints and links !!!

Our good friend with hands like a tripod (Angiud) might have the lens I need for this purpose

But still, it's good to know where to get things.

So, thanks again for that!!

Charlie1

[angiud]

Our good friend with hands like a tripod (Angiud) might have the lens I need for this purpose

LOL