Unveiling the Soul of
Southern Africa

I am a wildlife photographer and tour leader from Botswana. 

Raised in Botswana, my parents would take me on remote camping trips across the country; a truly incredible upbringing. Without it, I believe that my fundamental connection with the African bush would never have formed in the way it did. The dust, the smell, the heat on my skin, and most importantly, the wildlife!

Although I only bought my first camera when I was 20, I have always been intrigued by the beauty of the natural world. Photography instantly became my way of creating art from my surroundings. As my hobby blossomed into a purpose, I began to turn my focus to storytelling.

When using the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary, I deliberately chose three main locations to explore the lenses versatility. These locations were the Chobe National Park in Botswana, Boulders Beach in the Western Cape of South Africa, and Bo-Kaap in the heart of Cape Town. This trifecta, as well as a few other locations in between, offer a diverse and captivating selection of subjects to put the lens through its paces.

Chobe National Park, teeming with iconic African wildlife, presents an ideal setting to test the lens’ telephoto capabilities, from majestic elephants, to a plethora of birdlife in their natural habitats. Boulders Beach is home to an adorable colony of African Penguins, and provides an excellent opportunity to explore the lens’ wide-angle possibilities while capturing the charming interactions of these endangered creatures against the picturesque coastal backdrop. Finally, Bo-Kaap’s vibrant colours and bustling streets serve as an ideal testing ground for the lens’ flexibility in capturing candid street scenes, architectural details, and captivating portraits of the local community. Together, these three distinct locations offer a comprehensive range of photography scenarios to truly experience the lens performance across a wide spectrum of subjects and shooting styles.

My first subjects with this lens were the colony of African Penguins at Boulders Beach. Straight out of the camera bag, these endangered birds proved to be an excellent test for the lens’ wider angle possibilities, as well as its zoom capabilities. Whether shooting at the full 400mm range for close ups, or going wide to capture the iconic boulders of which the location takes its name, the lens really showed its versatility. The Dual Action Zoomallowed for smooth and quick adjustments, making it effortless to frame the perfect shot, even in fast-paced shooting situations as these birds popped up unexpectedly between the rocks.

As a wildlife photographer, the optical performance of a lens is paramount, and the SIGMA 100-400mm did not disappoint. The lens’ tried and tested optical stabiliser (OS) system that is used in other SIGMA lenses allowed me to capture stable and clear shots even in challenging early morning lighting conditions. The image quality was consistently impressive, the lens delivered sharp and detailed images throughout its focal length.

The autofocus (AF) of this lens is another standout feature. The stepping motor system proved to be fast, accurate, and quiet, ensuring that I could focus on capturing the moment without disturbing my subjects. Throughout shooting, whether it was a fleeting glimpse of a bird or a candid portrait while walking through Bo-Kaap, the AF performed admirably, allowing me to freeze moments in time effortlessly.

As I explored the lenses travel capabilities I was really stuck with the lightweight benefits of this lens. Walking around the bustling streets of Cape Town, you really want a light, compact, yet hardy setup. That is exactly what the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary provides. The compact nature of the lens combined with its long zoom aided in capturing some intimate portraits without catching the attention of the subjects and ruining the moment.

This highlights the one aspect that truly impressed me, the lens’ build quality. While the lens is light and compact, SIGMA has clearly put thought into designing a robust and durable lens. This build quality instilled confidence in me, knowing that the lens could withstand the rigours of my travels and photography adventures.

As I made the long journey back to Botswana, the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary lens is a wildlife photographer’s dream companion for capturing the diverse selection of wildlife along the Chobe River. Its impressive telephoto range of 100-400mm allows for unparalleled close-ups of animals, as well as the option to capture the environment when zoomed out. The lens’ optical stabiliser (OS) system ensures steady shots even in challenging lighting conditions, making it ideal for capturing the fast-paced movements of birds in flight. Its lightweight and compact design provide the flexibility needed to manoeuvre and track wildlife effortlessly, essential for capturing those fleeting moments in the wild. The swift and precise autofocus (AF) was invaluable, enabling me to capture the split-second interactions of animals and the nuances of their behaviour, from the smallest bird to the grandest elephant.

Something I have truly loved about the lens is how SIGMA have deliberately created a lens that aligns with the native Fujifilm lens design, making for a seamless user experience. The switch panel design is carefully tailored for Fujifilm users, ensuring a user-friendly experience and making it feel like a natural extension.

As someone who sees photography as a medium for storytelling, the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary lens is a great tool to help capture my artistic vision. From the vibrant cultures of Cape Town to the breathtaking wildlife of Botswana.

A camera and lens is a tool to realise your vision into a final form. As technology improves it makes the availability to capture our own creativity easier. As someone who is more creatively driven vs technically, this is such an exciting time for all creatives as this art form is not only becoming more easily accessible, but more user friendly!

The SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS | Contemporary lens is a testament to SIGMA’s commitment to excellence in optical performance and design. For wildlife, birdlife, and travel photography enthusiasts, this lens is a game-changer. Its versatility, lightweight build, and impressive image quality make it a must-have in any Fujifilm photographers kit.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, this lens will surely inspire you to explore the world’s beauty, tell captivating stories, and ultimately, ignite your passion for photography.

I have been lucky enough to travel to some incredible places through work and pleasure. While many people know my wildlife photography, I have a deep passion to explore and experience the world’s diverse cultures. Living in Southern Africa, so many amazing travel moments show themselves. 

My camera has taken me to some amazing places, enabled me to see breathtaking sights, and helped me meet incredible people along the way. I am fortunate enough to call photography my career, but first and foremost it is my passion. I hope that this inspires you to get out there and create your own amazing art!