This is part three of a six part blog photography series.

When photographing predators, your camera needs to be fast, reliable, and capable of handling tough conditions. Here’s what to look for:

Fast Autofocus & Tracking – Predators rarely stay still. A camera with high-speed autofocus and excellent subject tracking is crucial.
High Frames Per Second (FPS) – The more frames per second, the more chances you have to capture the perfect moment. At least 10 FPS is ideal.
Great Low-Light Performance – Many predators are most active at dawn, dusk, or in the shadows. A camera with a high ISO range and minimal noise at high ISO is essential.
Weather Sealing – Whether you're in freezing temperatures, humid jungles, or dusty savannahs, your gear needs to survive the elements.

Top Camera Choices for Predator Photography

Canon EOS R5 / R3 – Excellent autofocus, 20+ FPS, and superb animal tracking.
Nikon Z9 – Fastest mirrorless AF, 20+ FPS, and built like a tank.
Sony A1 / A9 II – Unmatched tracking speed with high FPS.
Fujifilm X-H2S – Budget-friendly, fast AF, and great for travel photographers.

DSLRs still hold their ground too—Canon 1DX Mark III, Nikon D6, and Sony A99 II are great for wildlife… but mirrorless is the future due to its silent shooting, better tracking, and lightweight build.

The Best Lenses for Predator Photography
Zoom vs. Prime

Predators won’t let you get close… even though you want too, you really should not. A good telephoto lens keeps you at a safe distance while still filling the frame with incredible detail.

Zoom Lenses (Most Versatile and travel friendly Choice)

Zoom lenses give you flexibility—which is crucial when photographing unpredictable wildlife.

🔹 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 – Great balance between reach and portability. Perfect for handheld shots.
🔹 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 – Excellent for open landscapes, safaris, and birds of prey.
🔹 150-600mm f/5-6.3 – Affordable, great reach, and works well for handheld shooting.

Best for: Safaris, hiking with gear, general predator photography.

Prime Lenses (Best Image Quality & Low-Light Performance)

Prime lenses deliver the sharpest images, but they require commitment to a fixed focal length.

🔹 400mm f/2.8 – The gold standard for wildlife. Incredible sharpness, amazing bokeh, but heavy.
🔹 500mm f/4 / 600mm f/4 – Best for open spaces and birds of prey, but too large for handheld use.

Best for: Professional wildlife photographers, low-light shooting, and working from a fixed position (like a safari truck or hide).

What’s the Best Lens?

If you only take one: A 100-400mm or 200-600mm gives you versatility and reach.
For working professionals: A 400mm f/2.8 + a 600mm f/4 covers everything.

Tripods vs. Handheld: Which is Best for Predator Photography?

Handheld Shooting – Best for bears, wolves, and fast-moving predators. Requires good technique and image stabilization.
Tripods / Monopods – Essential for longer prime lenses (600mm+) or when shooting in a stationary position (safaris, hides, blinds).

For safaris, a bean bag for camera stabilization is more useful than a tripod since vehicles move constantly. Gimbal heads are also great for smooth panning shots.

Must-Have Accessories for Predator Photography

Great gear doesn’t stop at cameras and lenses. These tools enhance your shooting experience and keep you prepared.

Teleconverters (1.4x or 2x) – Extend your zoom range without carrying extra lenses.
Extra Batteries & Memory Cards – Cold weather, long days—you’ll need them.
Rain Covers & Lens Coats – Protection from dust, rain, and scratches.
Polarizing & ND Filters – Control reflections on water or bright snow.
Remote Shutter Releases & Camera Traps – Essential for setting up remote shots of elusive predators. Camera trap photography will be part of a future blog series.

Shooting in the Wild: Preparing for the Conditions

Bears in the Wilderness

You may be hiking for miles with gear—lightweight equipment is crucial.
You’ll shoot handheld most of the time—a 100-400mm or 200-600mm is ideal.
Low light can be a challenge—a fast prime lens is useful for dawn and dusk.

Lions & Big Cats on Safari

You’ll be in a vehicle—a monopod or bean bag for stability is a game-changer.
You’ll want zoom flexibility—100-400mm or 200-600mm is best.
Expect harsh light—ND filters help in bright African sun.

But in the end, the best gear is the one that lets you capture the shot when the moment happens.

Because when a bear locks eyes with you, or a lion stares down your lens, you don’t have time to adjust.

You just have to be ready.