Best Camera for a Safari (2025): Canon R6ii, R8 & R10 Tested in the African Wild
- Nick Wigmore
- May 4
- 11 min read
Updated: 12 minutes ago
Field Notes From Africa: Best Budget Cameras for Safari, without breaking the bank.
When you're preparing for your first African safari, one of the biggest questions is always: “What gear should I bring?”
We hear this all the time. You're dreaming of elephants crossing the Chobe River, lions basking in golden light in the Masai Mara, or cheetahs sprinting across the Serengeti - but you're not looking to remortgage your home to get the shot. And the good news? You don’t need flagship gear to capture magic on safari.
At Photo Safari Company, we’ve guided guests using everything from entry-level mirrorless bodies to high-end pro setups, and here’s what we’ve seen time and again: Intentional photography always wins over expensive gear. You just need a reliable camera that keeps up with the action, and the knowledge to use it well.
That’s where this article comes in.
We've field-tested a range of affordable Canon mirrorless cameras, including the Canon R6 Mark II, Canon R8, and Canon R10 - alongside a range of non-professional lenses from Canon’s STM line-up, as well as Sigma and Tamron options, that still deliver outstanding image quality.
Whether you’re a first-timer on safari or simply working with a tighter gear budget, this guide will show you what’s possible.
And no, we’re not sponsored by Canon, Tamron, Sigma, or anyone else. Every camera and lens we test has been paid for out of pocket and used in the same wild, unpredictable conditions our guests face every day. From the dusty roads of Hwange to the lush floodplains of the Okavango, this is real-world gear advice based on real safari experience.
Whether you're a beginner planning your first safari holiday, or a traveler looking for the best small camera for safari photography, this guide is designed to help you get the most out of your budget.
Our Core Safari Kit (Budget Edition):
What We Recommend for Entry-Level Safari Shooters
Just because you’re working with a tighter budget doesn’t mean you need to compromise on getting the shot. Whether you’re photographing a leopard lounging in a sausage tree in Botswana or tracking a herd of elephants at golden hour in Amboseli, the right combination of affordable camera bodies and lenses can deliver stunning results, with room to grow.
Here’s the core kit we’ve tested, trusted, and now recommend to guests looking for high performance without the premium price tag:
Canon R6 Mark II
The best camera for African safari photography in the mid-range category
24.2MP full-frame sensor with excellent low-light performance
Fast burst shooting (up to 40fps electronic shutter)
Weather-sealed, rugged, and lightweight
Works brilliantly with Canon STM or adapted EF lenses
Canon R8
One of the best compact cameras for safari for travelers who want full-frame quality without the bulk
Ultra-light and portable - ideal for walking safaris or travel between camps
24.2MP sensor, same autofocus system as the R6ii
Lacks in-body stabilization, but compensates with sharp sensors and lens-based IS
Canon R10
Great starter camera for safari photography
24.2MP APS-C sensor (1.6x crop gives extra reach with telephoto lenses)
Extremely compact and easy to use
Best paired with lightweight zoom lenses for mobility
Affordable Lenses That Punch Above Their Weight:
Best Safari Lens Options for Canon
When it comes to wildlife photography, the lens you use is just as important, if not more so, than the camera body. Fortunately, there are now great options that won’t blow your budget, especially when paired with Canon’s RF mount system or adapted EF lenses.
Here are our top picks for anyone searching for the best lens for safari, especially those using Canon’s budget-friendly mirrorless bodies.
Canon RF STM Lenses (Native Mount)
Canon RF 100–400mm f/5.6–8 IS USM
Sharp, stabilised, and one of the most affordable wildlife lenses for Canon R series
Lightweight enough for handheld shooting, great for safari game drives
Perfect for animals at distance — elephants, lions, giraffes
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Compact and lightweight — a favorite for low-light or creative storytelling
Great for portraits, environmental shots, or elephants at golden hour
Canon RF 55–210mm f/5–7.1 IS STM
A budget zoom perfect for Canon R10 users
Good reach, solid stabilization, and ultra-lightweight
Adapted EF Lenses (Budget-Friendly + Widely Available)
Using Canon’s EF to RF adapter opens up a whole world of high-value glass:
Canon EF 70–300mm f/4–5.6 IS II USM – A reliable long zoom for wildlife
Sigma 100–400mm f/5–6.3 DG OS HSM – A sharp, affordable alternative to RF telephotos
Tamron 18–400mm f/3.5–6.3 – Superzoom convenience for those who want one lens for everything
These lenses make it possible to assemble a camera for safari kit that competes with more expensive setups, at a fraction of the cost.
Canon R6 Mark II - The Affordable Powerhouse for Photographic Safaris
If you’re looking for the best camera for African photo safaris that offers pro-level performance at a mid-range price, the Canon R6 Mark II is it.
This camera has earned its place as one of our most recommended tools for guests who want high-speed wildlife tracking, excellent low-light performance, and reliable autofocus - without jumping into flagship territory. We’ve tested it in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, on foot in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, and even in the open plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara, and it consistently delivers.
Why We Love It for Safari
Speed: Up to 40fps electronic shutter makes it ideal for capturing fast action - think lions yawning, wild dogs mid-sprint, or elephants flaring their ears at golden hour.
Autofocus Intelligence: Canon’s Dual Pixel AF II is excellent at detecting and tracking animals, even when partially hidden in grass or shaded by trees.
Low-Light Champion: With a full-frame sensor and in-body image stabilization (IBIS), this is one of the best cameras for safari when shooting during dawn and dusk — the best times for dramatic lighting.
Durability: Weather-sealed and tough enough to handle dust, heat, and the occasional splash from a river crossing.
Best Lens Pairings
Canon RF 100–400mm STM – A perfect match: light, affordable, sharp.
Canon EF 70–300mm IS II (with adapter) – Great reach and stabilization for less money.
Sigma 100–400mm – A real contender in sharpness for wildlife enthusiasts.
Whether you’re shooting handheld in a game vehicle or tracking elephants on foot, the R6 Mark II’s fast response and forgiving dynamic range give you a huge creative advantage. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a camera that balances cost, performance, and reliability in the field.
Canon R8 - Lightweight, Full-Frame, and Safari-Ready
If you're looking for the best compact camera for safari with full-frame performance, the Canon R8 hits a sweet spot that’s hard to beat. It's one of the lightest full-frame cameras Canon has ever made, making it perfect for travel, hand-carrying on bush flights, and shooting from vehicles where agility counts.
We’ve taken the R8 to the sandy pans of Namibia, the floodplains of the Okavango Delta, and the dense bush in Hwange National Park, and it’s proven that you don’t need a bulky or expensive setup to capture powerful wildlife moments.
Why We Recommend It for Safari Photography
Full-Frame Sensor in a Small Body: Same 24.2MP sensor as the R6ii, giving you incredible image quality with beautiful depth and detail.
Fast Autofocus: Tracks animals easily, even in unpredictable situations — think baboons darting through tree lines or hyenas moving at dusk.
Travel-Friendly: Weighs just 461g (body only). That’s less than most mid-range lenses. Ideal for walking safaris or photographers trying to keep their pack light.
Great for Storytelling: Its video features (4K up to 60p) make it perfect for capturing guest moments, camp lifestyle, or wildlife B-roll to share online or compile into trip highlights.
What to Know
No in-body stabilization (IBIS), so pair it with a stabilised lens - like the RF 100–400mm IS or any IS-equipped EF lens via adapter.
Smaller battery than the R6ii, so bring extras for long days in the bush.
Best Lenses for the R8
Canon RF 100–400mm STM – Lightweight telephoto reach for wildlife at a distance.
Canon RF 24–105mm STM – Great for landscapes, vehicle interiors, and close wildlife encounters.
EF 70–300mm IS II (via adapter) – Affordable and versatile.
If you’re after the best small camera for safari that doesn’t skimp on image quality, the Canon R8 delivers in spades. It’s an excellent choice for first-time safari-goers, hybrid shooters, or travelers who want top-tier photos without the physical (or financial) weight.
Canon R10 - The Best Entry-Level Safari Camera for Travelers and Beginners
If you're just getting into wildlife photography, or looking for an ultra-lightweight backup camera, the Canon R10 is hands-down one of the best small cameras for safari on a budget. It’s compact, capable, and surprisingly powerful for its price point, and we’ve seen guests produce incredible images with it across South Africa, Kenya, and Zambia.
As an APS-C mirrorless camera, the R10 gives you more reach with your lenses, a huge plus when you're photographing from a distance in wide-open savannahs or trying to frame distant leopards in trees.
Why It’s Great for Safari Holidays
1.6x Crop Factor: Turns a 400mm lens into a 640mm equivalent, giving you more pull on wildlife without needing giant glass.
Lightweight & Travel-Ready: Perfect for walking safaris or guests who are packing light for small planes.
Excellent Autofocus: Shares the same Dual Pixel AF system as its pricier siblings, which means it still tracks animals with confidence.
Beginner Friendly: Easy menu system, intuitive controls, and great JPEGs straight out of camera.
What to Consider
Smaller sensor than R8/R6ii, so slightly less dynamic range and low-light ability — but still very capable when paired with the right lens.
No in-body stabilisation, so choose lenses with IS when possible.
Ideal Lens Pairings for the R10
Canon RF 55–210mm STM – Budget zoom that’s lightweight and covers most safari needs
Canon RF 100–400mm STM – With the crop factor, this becomes a 160–640mm wildlife-ready lens
EF 70–300mm IS II – Inexpensive and easy to find second-hand; great with the adapter
The Canon R10 is proof that you don’t need to spend thousands to get close to the action. It’s a fantastic choice for those building their first camera for safari kit, or for seasoned shooters who want a compact backup without compromise.
Where We've Tested This Gear - From Salt Pans to Savannahs
We don’t test cameras in labs, we test them in the wild, in harsh conditions.
From Zambezi floodplains to the red dunes of Namibia, the Canon R6ii, R8, and R10 have been put through their paces across Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Whether it’s dusty game drives, sudden downpours, or intense backlight at sunrise, this gear has proven it can deliver, even when conditions don’t make it easy.
Here’s where we’ve tested this budget-friendly kit:
Botswana – Okavango Delta & Linyanti
A dream destination for wildlife photography. From hippos at water level to golden light elephant crossings, we used the R8 with the RF 100–400mm to shoot handheld in mokoros (traditional canoes), and the R6ii on fast-paced drives through Khwai and Moremi.
Zimbabwe – Mana Pools & Hwange
Mana Pools is walking safari heaven. The R10’s light weight made it a perfect companion for long treks, while the R6ii’s burst rate helped us freeze fast-moving wild dogs in shaded forest light.
Namibia – Etosha & Sossusvlei
From white salt flats to towering red dunes, Namibia challenged the cameras with high contrast and harsh sun. The R8 and a wide prime lens made for a brilliant storytelling combo — ideal for travelers looking to capture both landscapes and wildlife.
South Africa – Kruger & Sabi Sands
Leopards, lions, and more in varied terrain. The R6ii was our go-to in Kruger for tracking movement through thick bush, and the R10 paired beautifully with a 70–300mm to capture candid moments from close range.
No matter the location, these budget-friendly Canon bodies handled the elements, tracked subjects confidently, and gave us results we were proud to show guests — and proud to print.
The Best Shot Isn’t About the Camera, It’s About the Moment
Here’s the truth we always share with our guests, whether they’re shooting on a Canon R1 or a Canon R10:
Moments Make the Image. Gear Just Makes You Ready for It.
Whether you’re capturing a lion cub mid-yawn in the Masai Mara or elephants marching through golden light in Hwange, what matters most is being present, anticipating behavior, and understanding your scene. You don’t need a $15,000 lens to tell a story, you need awareness, patience, and a kit that doesn’t get in your way.
And the cameras we’ve shared here, the Canon R6ii, R8, and R10, along with affordable, accessible lenses - do exactly that. They enable creativity without overwhelming you, they’re light enough to travel with, and they hold up when nature throws a curveball (which it always does).
So whether this is your first safari or your fifth, know this: with the right mindset and a thoughtfully chosen kit, you can create world-class images on a budget.
Join Us in the Wild: Safaris Designed for Photographers
If you’re inspired to test this gear out in the wild for yourself, we’d love to have you join us on safari.
At Photo Safari Company, we design photographic safaris around learning, creativity, and connection with nature. Whether you're coming with a Canon R10 or a full-frame flagship, you'll receive tailored guidance, gear support, and real-time coaching in some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
Track lions in Botswana’s Okavango
Photograph elephants on foot in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools
Capture cheetahs on the move in the Serengeti
Or shoot the world’s tallest dunes in Namibia
We’ve built safari experiences that go beyond the vehicle. Ones that are about slowing down, chasing light, and capturing the story.
Here are a few of our favorite safaris that pair perfectly with this kind of affordable gear:
Best for: Iconic water-based scenes, golden elephant crossings, dramatic dust backdrops.
Why go: Compact gear like the Canon R8 thrives on mokoro rides and during intimate vehicle-based sightings in golden light.
Best for: Big cats, open plains, Kilimanjaro backdrops.
Why go: The R10’s crop factor is ideal for distant predator encounters, and the lightweight setup is great for covering long ground.
Best for: Walking safaris, creative wildlife portraits, riverside elephant moments.
Why go: The R6ii + RF 100–400mm combo is ideal here — versatile, sharp, and capable on foot.
Best for: Bold light, surreal landscapes, solitary subjects.
Why go: The R8 with a 50mm or wide-angle lens captures the scale and serenity of Namibia's dramatic environment.
Dive Deeper – More Safari Photography Tips & Stories
Looking for more inspiration or gear talk? Explore our blog — it’s packed with field-tested tips, guest stories, and photography breakdowns:
Final Word: Your Story Starts Here
Whether you’re carrying a flagship camera or your very first mirrorless setup, the truth is this:
It’s not about having the most expensive gear. It’s about showing up, slowing down, and seeing the wild with intention. We’ve tested the Canon R6ii, R8, and R10 not because they’re flashy, but because they’re capable. Reliable. Lightweight. And most of all, affordable.
And because they allow anyone, from first-time safari-goers to seasoned hobbyists, to create beautiful, meaningful images without breaking the bank.
So go ahead, chase that golden light, track that lion pride, and trust that your gear is enough.
What matters most is that you’re out there. Watching. Waiting. Learning. That’s where the real magic of safari photography lives.
And if you're ready to take the next step, we’d be honored to have you join us in the field.
Hope to see you out on safari soon.
Nick Wigmore
Co-founder & Photographic Guide
