Who invented the camera lens?

What is the best lens and camera for an African safari (Nikon)?

• In February I am going to look at the animals in Tanzania, and spend a few days in Zanzibar. I have: D70 with kit lens (18-70 mm VR.) I also have a cheapish 55-2000 mm VR. The longer lens is just not as sharp as I would like. I also have a D7000 with a kit lens 18-200 mm VR. However, this camera and lens bit the dust. Literally. I was photographing a dust storm in the Gobi, Mongolia. The camera started to behave oddly. First of all, when I turned the zoom ring, it felt griity. Not good. Then the camera started to go funny. It would not autofocus if the camera was aimed above the horizon. Then I lost green-- whatever registers green in the sensor died. I am going to send the D7000 and its gritty lens to Nikon repair, but I expect the estimated cost of fixing will probably indicate buying a new camera. So. I Iove pixels and want lots of them, so I would prefer a camera that can capture at least the 3264 x 4928 pixels that the D7000 can. I have been told that 400 mm is a must for this situation. But I like to shoot wide as well. I have been travelling with two cameras--the D70 and the D7000 so I can use two lenses without changing them in the field. I'm OK to keep the D70 and it's kit lens for general shooting. But what about the telephoto and a camera to go with it? Also, has anyone had any experience with the adapters that double the zoom range of a lens? I would like to stay with Nikon, and VR is a must. And what about a good point 'n shoot for my non-telephoto stuff? (Weight advantage.)

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