{"id":503305,"date":"2026-02-27T15:34:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T15:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/503305\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T15:34:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T15:34:18","slug":"dslr-camera-shot-of-chameleon-navigating-a-sandstorm-in-earths-most-extreme-environment-wins-top-photo-honor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/503305\/","title":{"rendered":"DSLR camera shot of chameleon navigating a sandstorm in Earth’s most extreme environment wins top photo honor"},"content":{"rendered":"

Photographer Dewald Tromp faced extreme conditions while capturing the Namaqua chameleon in the Namib Desert in South Africa. Battling intense heat, temperatures, and blowing sand, Tromp relied on DSLR <\/a>gear built to perform in some of the harshest wildlife photography environments on earth.<\/p>\n

The resulting image, Stoicism in a sandstorm, was previously a runner-up in the Africa Geographic 2023 competition and has now won Gold in the Behaviour – Amphibians and Reptiles category at the prestigious World Nature Photography Awards.<\/p>\n

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Tromp<\/a> has been a nature and wildlife photographer for nearly 30 years, shooting with Nikon gear<\/a> while actively supporting conservation efforts. His work has previously earned international recognition, including the People’s Choice Award in the Nature Photographer of the Year competition in 2024.<\/p>\n

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‘Stoicism in a sandstorm’<\/p>\n

Tromp explains, “The Namib desert is one of the most extreme environments on earth, with a complete lack of surface water and temperatures exceeding 45C in the daytime.<\/p>\n

“Despite this, life is abundant of you know where to look. Sandstorms are frequent, with wind blowing down from inland mountains that stir up fine sediment and particles.<\/p>\n

“A Namaqua chameleon has to endure the sting of pebbles blowing against its skin while we were lucky enough to escape to the relative comfort of our 4×4.”<\/p>\n

Gear that survives the elements<\/p>\n

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The D850 is designed for tough, professional use, with a full set of dust and moisture seal (Image credit: Nikon)<\/p>\n

To capture this extraordinary shot, Tromp relied on a Nikon D850<\/a> DSLR paired with a 300mm f\/4 prime lens.<\/p>\n

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The D850 is popular among professional wildlife photographers for its durability and performance in extreme conditions. Its weather-sealed body resists dust, sand, and high heat, while its 45.7MP sensor delivers stunning detail even in harsh light.<\/p>\n

Complementing it, the 300mm f\/4 lens \u2013 likely the Nikon<\/a> AF-S 300mm f\/4E PF ED VR \u2013 delivers superb image quality with fast, precise AF (autofocus).<\/p>\n

Thanks to its Phase Fresnel (FS) technology, the telephoto prime is remarkably compact and lightweight, making it especially suited for travel and wildlife photography.<\/p>\n

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To keep the chameleon sharp amidst swirling sand, Tromp shot at 1\/250sec, f\/8, and ISO 400.<\/p>\n

To see more winning images of the awards, visit the World Nature Photographer of the Year website. <\/a><\/p>\n

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Discover the best cameras for wildlife photography<\/a>, the best lenses for bird photography and wildlife, <\/a>and the best lenses for the Nikon D850. <\/a><\/p>\n

Looking for competitions to enter? Here are 10 global photo contests now open for entries from February to July.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Browse the best lens’ deals for the Nikon D850<\/p>\n