Have you ever photographed wildlife or nature from a boat before? If so, please tell us about your experience below. What else could improve our current photo boat set-up to make your experience more memorable? We would love to hear from you.
Nice ideas. Will share with the team in The Chobe. The bag storage overhead though wont work as thats where the life jackets are but the pouch ideas I like. Thanks for your feedback. All the best.
What a fantastic looking set up. I think the only thing that would make it better would be electric motor to decrease the vibration without having to kill the engine. Still, the best set up I’ve ever seen.
Having recently returned from Botswana and Kenya I can tell you that the boats, camera mounts, guides and all the special amenities were beyond our expectations. We were total novice photographers and have definitely gained a new perspective about capturing the amazing wildlife of the Chobe. Thank you Pangolin
Interesting, this Seat and Camera bracket was conceptualized in July 2009 during my first Chobe river safari with my friend Lou Coetzer from CNP Safaris. We were there for 10days and started off with a standard tourist river boat with the 'Bus configuration' of seats in rows behind each other and a roof (fixed canopy with pillares) on the boat to protect against the sun. After two days of bumping long lenses against the pillars of the canopy on the boat we asked the Lodge (Chobe Marina Lodge, if I remember correctly) to remove the roof which they did after charging us. On our 4th day I suggested to Lou Coetzer that one should consider designing a rotating seat and camera bracket based on my military days experience with a 7mm Antiaircraft canon which worked by using your feet to rotate the seat and bracket 360 degrees and free elevation. The idea was to place the seats in the centre of the boat and make the 'seat and bracket' rotate 360 degrees and allow for elevation shots too. To make a long story short, Lou Coetzer had the seat and bracket designed and built by Velvit ODI (Not sure of the name) in Port Elizabeth South Aftrica where I live. I assisted Lou with the final designs and execution and he subsequently built another boat with the seats and brackets mounted, both boats are still based at Chobe safari Lodge in Botswana's Chobe. Lou and CNP Safaris then modified the seats and Brackets to fit into safari land vehicles (Check out CNP Safaris website). CNP took an example of the 'Photographic Seat and Bracket' to a Photographic trade show in Cape Town I think and someone from Pangolin apparently informed Henri Coetzer (Lou's son) that they must consider their design copied. Dou Pienaar
WE had the pleasure of being on your boats in 2018, its time we were back to use them again and enjoy the Wildlife. Janines ability to help us with our photography skills was second to none. Great video thankyou Sabine.
Great presentation, I thought this would’ve been South Africa but I’ve been to Chobe and it’s border of Zambia/Botswana IIRC. The engineering and investment required in one of those boats is pretty substantial so well done to Pangolin for doing this.
Hi Sabine we have been there last weekend with some friends and had a wonder full time .We even took part in the Pangolin run/walk .Taking photos on these boats is really something special and a must do in your life ." Money well spent" . Very Big Thanks to the Pangolin team .
This looks great and I'm almost ready to go on my 1st safari, Question I am advanced as a photographer but I am willing to learn as much as I can, With this package we will see all wildlife animals?
Well, as with wildlife we can't predict what we will see I wouldn't promise that you see "everything". But Chobe is one of the wildlife areas with the most dense population of wildlife you find in Southern Africa. There are plenty of animals and birds and we usually don't have to look more than 5min for a next subject to photograph ;) -Sabine
I've been lucky enough to visit the Chobe on a couple of occasions, although the last time was 2002 and I was shooting film and wouldn't have had a clue what a gimbal was. I have also canoed on the Zambezi, and I loved the intimate experience but a bit unstable for photography, none of my trips have been photo specific, but an amazing experience. I would love the chance to come back again some time in the future with my digital camera and lenses. I've been enjoying watching your videos for hints and tips on photography, and seeing such wonderful locations, makes them just that bit more enjoyable. It helps bring back some memories and leaves me with a smile on my face as well as more informed when it comes to photography.
Yes...the hippos. Luckily they are generally quite relaxed in The Chobe and the boat has a pretty big engine should we need to get out of the way in a hurry!
I photographed wildlife from a boat a few times (e.g. in the Daintree river/rainforest in AUS, whales off Monterey, and crocs in the Everglades) but your system seems revolutionary. I was limited to shorter focal lengths (e.g. 100-400+1.4x) cause it had to be hand-held-able but with this system one could mount a longer/heavier lens. I see a few such lenses in this video. However, I wonder if they are necessary e.g. a 600 f/4 or if the animals are close enough to be able to get away with a 400mm and only occasionally use a 1.4x converter. The issue for international travellers is of course the weight/dimensions of a 600 f/4. Do you also do such rentals and is such long glass really necessary?
Dimitris Tsagdis Hi Dimitris. Thanks for your interest! A 100-400mm + 1.4x will be sufficient for most of the shooting. We do get quite close to the animals as they are very relaxed and used to the boats but of course give the animals a respectful space. Sometimes they walk right up to us being curious though. Chobe has a great variety of birds so sometimes a longer lens can be useful but for sure isn’t a must. Sure you’d have a great time here with your setup and will walk away with some great images.
Sabine - Pangolin Photo Host Tnx for the reply I wish we all stay safe and healthy these difficult times and that I will be able to join at least one of your trips.
I'd love to go on one of your photo safaris at some point in my life! I'm curious about the tripod you use in your boats. Is the height adjustable to accommodate guest of different heights? Who makes them and are they available for sale? Thanks. I'm saving my pennies!
Always a plesure to watching the movies on your channel, hope to get there someday and enjoy natur, is there some place were i can buy these mounts that you use on the boat
Excelente descripción de lo equipado que está el mismo para viajes de fotografía. Felicitaciones y espero algun dia tener el placer de usar el mismo. Saludos desde Venezuela.
I'm coming on one of your trips in January and I have two Nikon cameras. My D7200 DSLR and my new Z611. I don't think I have collars for these ? Can you advise? I'm carrying on to the Delta and Kalahari. Shall I bring my travel tripod . It's not a weight problem. Regards Sallie
I have a couple of quick questions. This video shows what looks like a phenomenal system for mounting the cameras, however, are there tripods available? I am guessing that the night sky must be so dark and astrophotography must be (pardon the pun) out of this world. Do your tours offer the possibility of doing some astrophotography (Milky Way photography)? Thank you.
Thank you so much Steve. You can view our Safari Packages here - www.pangolinphoto.com/safari-packages. We look forward to welcoming you in the Chobe soon :)
Hi we planning an trip end August 2021 self drive for 2 people to Botswana /Namibia via Kasane We would like to join you in Kasane on an Chobe photo boat excursion How many days must we plane and what are the costs I am looking forward to hear from you Rgds Edwin Bauer
Hi Edwin. Please email us on info@pangolinphoto.com with your propose dates and we can look at availability for you. Please come and stay at the hotel for some wildlife photography, a comfortable bed and a nice hot shower!
K Bhutia Hi K. We are located in Kasane, Botswana adjacent to Chobe National Park. A great location for photographing wildlife from the comfort of the boat.
Hello Sabine I want to buy the gimbal head but I am so confused. Some gimbals you can lock it on the top wheel adjuster to prevent the lens from moving up/down and the price is higher than those that can only lock the bottom wheel adjuster that prevent the lens to rotate from side to side. Do you really need the gimbal that locks both wheels?
Hi there, your best option is flying from India to Johannesburg in South Africa and from there to Kasane in Botswana. The hotel is just 10min drive from the airport in Kasane. See you soon ;) -Sabine
Have you ever photographed wildlife or nature from a boat before?
If so, please tell us about your experience below. What else could improve our current photo boat set-up to make your experience more memorable? We would love to hear from you.
Nice ideas. Will share with the team in The Chobe. The bag storage overhead though wont work as thats where the life jackets are but the pouch ideas I like. Thanks for your feedback. All the best.
What a fantastic looking set up. I think the only thing that would make it better would be electric motor to decrease the vibration without having to kill the engine. Still, the best set up I’ve ever seen.
I have not seen or used your boats but it seems to work well, so just keep on sharing this excellent facility with nature photographers!
not before July 2009.
yes in Kabini near Karnataka but the boat was no where close to what you have?
Having recently returned from Botswana and Kenya I can tell you that the boats, camera mounts, guides and all the special amenities were beyond our expectations. We were total novice photographers and have definitely gained a new perspective about capturing the amazing wildlife of the Chobe. Thank you Pangolin
Interesting, this Seat and Camera bracket was conceptualized in July 2009 during my first Chobe river safari with my friend Lou Coetzer from CNP Safaris. We were there for 10days and started off with a standard tourist river boat with the 'Bus configuration' of seats in rows behind each other and a roof (fixed canopy with pillares) on the boat to protect against the sun. After two days of bumping long lenses against the pillars of the canopy on the boat we asked the Lodge (Chobe Marina Lodge, if I remember correctly) to remove the roof which they did after charging us. On our 4th day I suggested to Lou Coetzer that one should consider designing a rotating seat and camera bracket based on my military days experience with a 7mm Antiaircraft canon which worked by using your feet to rotate the seat and bracket 360 degrees and free elevation. The idea was to place the seats in the centre of the boat and make the 'seat and bracket' rotate 360 degrees and allow for elevation shots too. To make a long story short, Lou Coetzer had the seat and bracket designed and built by Velvit ODI (Not sure of the name) in Port Elizabeth South Aftrica where I live. I assisted Lou with the final designs and execution and he subsequently built another boat with the seats and brackets mounted, both boats are still based at Chobe safari Lodge in Botswana's Chobe. Lou and CNP Safaris then modified the seats and Brackets to fit into safari land vehicles (Check out CNP Safaris website). CNP took an example of the 'Photographic Seat and Bracket' to a Photographic trade show in Cape Town I think and someone from Pangolin apparently informed Henri Coetzer (Lou's son) that they must consider their design copied. Dou Pienaar
Sabine is SUPER !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow! What a fantastic setup. There has been some intelligent thought gone into this design. Very impressed indeed!
Do you sell the chairs?
WE had the pleasure of being on your boats in 2018, its time we were back to use them again and enjoy the Wildlife. Janines ability to help us with our photography skills was second to none. Great video thankyou Sabine.
I had the privilege to be in one of those boats. It was a lovely experience
Hope to join you in 2023. Looks amazing.
Those camera mounts are awesome. Can you tell me who makes the swivel mount that raises and lowers? Not the gimbal head but the rest of it.
Wow! Great design. Well done 😃
Do you sell those chairs/mounts? Who makes them? They are amazing!
Wow. That is the coolest set up I’ve ever seen !!
Great presentation, I thought this would’ve been South Africa but I’ve been to Chobe and it’s border of Zambia/Botswana IIRC. The engineering and investment required in one of those boats is pretty substantial so well done to Pangolin for doing this.
Those seats & camera mounts are great! Really hoping to be able to join you guys in 2021 or 2022!
Hi Sabine we have been there last weekend with some friends and had a wonder full time .We even took part in the Pangolin run/walk .Taking photos on these boats is really something special and a must do in your life ." Money well spent" . Very Big Thanks to the Pangolin team .
This looks great and I'm almost ready to go on my 1st safari, Question I am advanced as a photographer but I am willing to learn as much as I can, With this package we will see all wildlife animals?
Well, as with wildlife we can't predict what we will see I wouldn't promise that you see "everything". But Chobe is one of the wildlife areas with the most dense population of wildlife you find in Southern Africa. There are plenty of animals and birds and we usually don't have to look more than 5min for a next subject to photograph ;) -Sabine
@@PangolinWildlife Fantastic thank you; )
I've been lucky enough to visit the Chobe on a couple of occasions, although the last time was 2002 and I was shooting film and wouldn't have had a clue what a gimbal was. I have also canoed on the Zambezi, and I loved the intimate experience but a bit unstable for photography, none of my trips have been photo specific, but an amazing experience. I would love the chance to come back again some time in the future with my digital camera and lenses.
I've been enjoying watching your videos for hints and tips on photography, and seeing such wonderful locations, makes them just that bit more enjoyable. It helps bring back some memories and leaves me with a smile on my face as well as more informed when it comes to photography.
Hi Paul. We are glad to help put a smile on your face and bring back nice memories. Maybe we see you soon here in Chobe ;) -Sabine
This looks like a truly fantastic and brilliantly designed platform. Well done! The only worry I would have are the hippos!
Yes...the hippos. Luckily they are generally quite relaxed in The Chobe and the boat has a pretty big engine should we need to get out of the way in a hurry!
I didn't know anything like this existed. Very cool!
Wow! Thank You!
Your boats are very thoughtfully designed for wildlife photography.
Thanks. You should come and try them out one day!
This looks great, maybe join use next year, if things settle down with COVID-19. Great videos
This is fantastic! 👍🏻👍🏻
cup holders? Water in one and Gin and tonic in the other :-)
Nice overview of the custom boat. Well designed and photographer friendly
Thank you so much for the feedback Christopher. Gin and tonic...of course!! :)
Großartig! So müsste ich bei allen meinen Ausflügen immer ausgerüstet sein. :)
Intro song name?
Really comfortable well designed boats, can't wait to make a return to Pangolin and the Chobe
We will be there in September and I can’t wait!
We look forward to welcoming you. Enjoy and keep watching our channel for more tips and advice.
Where can I get this chair
Sabine, first thanks for sharing, but do y’all sell the mounting system (tripod) that used on the boat. I would like it put it on a ATV. Thanks Ron
nice and informative 💖
Thank you!
I photographed wildlife from a boat a few times (e.g. in the Daintree river/rainforest in AUS, whales off Monterey, and crocs in the Everglades) but your system seems revolutionary. I was limited to shorter focal lengths (e.g. 100-400+1.4x) cause it had to be hand-held-able but with this system one could mount a longer/heavier lens. I see a few such lenses in this video. However, I wonder if they are necessary e.g. a 600 f/4 or if the animals are close enough to be able to get away with a 400mm and only occasionally use a 1.4x converter. The issue for international travellers is of course the weight/dimensions of a 600 f/4. Do you also do such rentals and is such long glass really necessary?
Dimitris Tsagdis Hi Dimitris. Thanks for your interest! A 100-400mm + 1.4x will be sufficient for most of the shooting. We do get quite close to the animals as they are very relaxed and used to the boats but of course give the animals a respectful space. Sometimes they walk right up to us being curious though. Chobe has a great variety of birds so sometimes a longer lens can be useful but for sure isn’t a must. Sure you’d have a great time here with your setup and will walk away with some great images.
Sabine - Pangolin Photo Host Tnx for the reply I wish we all stay safe and healthy these difficult times and that I will be able to join at least one of your trips.
I'd love to go on one of your photo safaris at some point in my life! I'm curious about the tripod you use in your boats. Is the height adjustable to accommodate guest of different heights? Who makes them and are they available for sale? Thanks. I'm saving my pennies!
Always a plesure to watching the movies on your channel, hope to get there someday and enjoy natur, is there some place were i can buy these mounts that you use on the boat
Hi Pascal. Glad you are enjoying our videos. The company of these gimbals is called Gimpro and they are in South Africa ;) -Sabine
Excelente descripción de lo equipado que está el mismo para viajes de fotografía. Felicitaciones y espero algun dia tener el placer de usar el mismo. Saludos desde Venezuela.
Edgar Huggins Muchas gracias!
I'm coming on one of your trips in January and I have two Nikon cameras. My D7200 DSLR and my new Z611. I don't think I have collars for these ? Can you advise? I'm carrying on to the Delta and Kalahari. Shall I bring my travel tripod . It's not a weight problem. Regards
Sallie
B&H Photo Video.
The mounts are on the larger lenses.
I have a couple of quick questions. This video shows what looks like a phenomenal system for mounting the cameras, however, are there tripods available? I am guessing that the night sky must be so dark and astrophotography must be (pardon the pun) out of this world. Do your tours offer the possibility of doing some astrophotography (Milky Way photography)?
Thank you.
The system can be tightened down. The boat will always be moving however.
Really nice, your boats are very well planned out! Now, I just need to book one of your photography safari trips. :-)
Thank you so much Steve. You can view our Safari Packages here - www.pangolinphoto.com/safari-packages. We look forward to welcoming you in the Chobe soon :)
I look forward to Friday's for Pangolin comments. Enjoy everyone.
Is this gimbal available for sale ...
Hi we planning an trip end August 2021 self drive for 2 people to Botswana /Namibia via Kasane
We would like to join you in Kasane on an Chobe photo boat excursion
How many days must we plane and what are the costs
I am looking forward to hear from you Rgds Edwin Bauer
Hi Edwin. Please email us on info@pangolinphoto.com with your propose dates and we can look at availability for you. Please come and stay at the hotel for some wildlife photography, a comfortable bed and a nice hot shower!
Innovative awsome boat. Which place is this...
K Bhutia Hi K. We are located in Kasane, Botswana adjacent to Chobe National Park. A great location for photographing wildlife from the comfort of the boat.
Hello Sabine I want to buy the gimbal head but I am so confused. Some gimbals you can lock it on the top wheel adjuster to prevent the lens from moving up/down and the price is higher than those that can only lock the bottom wheel adjuster that prevent the lens to rotate from side to side. Do you really need the gimbal that locks both wheels?
Ideally yes.
Thanks
Wow!
WHOW, it is possible to book a day with this boat with 2 people September 2021.
Yes of course. Come and stay with us too. Www.pangolinphoto.com
How to reach this destination and photo boat am from India ?
Hi there, your best option is flying from India to Johannesburg in South Africa and from there to Kasane in Botswana. The hotel is just 10min drive from the airport in Kasane. See you soon ;) -Sabine
Where we can get such boats ?? I want to buy it
Hi Rahul. We built a designed it ourselves with the help of a couple of companies in Africa.
no thats them kind of photography I like beer and water :) I like coffee in the morning. :)
How much food u spend building this thing ???
No argument. It looks like the best solution!
schweet!!
I wish I had found out about this 5 years ago!!!
Never too late ;) -Sabine
Nice but it needs a sammich holder.
No time for food!!!
I could watch Sabina talk about how to open a water bottle
Great idea for a new vid...will let her know!
What about us old men who constantly have to use the restroom? 😲
We are always happy to stop at the shore...and believe me it isn't only men having the issue ;) - Sabine
@@PangolinWildlife 😂
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
FlexShooter Pro is better)
Your boats still run with engine's.
It appears these are made my "gimpro" since there has been no real answer to whom makes these gimbals and seats.
Hi Scott. Sorry for that and yes they are made by Gimpro South Africa ;)
@@PangolinWildlife, No need to apologize !!! Wish I could make it and take a trip with you all!
💑
Thank you.
Lol, does it have a bathroom?