Can anyone identify this badge ?

[natal01]

I recently bought a Victorian military group photo mainly because one of the soldiers was posed side-on so that one has a very clear view of the badge on his slouch hat. While some people like doing crossword puzzles, I like adding to my store of badge knowledge by analysing this sort of picture. Thus far I am defeated so I hope that someone out there can help.
What I know :-
1) the picture came from a group of similar pictures showing Natal Carbineer groups , some involved in the 1897 Jubilee celebrations.
2) A few of the soldiers have the SAGS ( Zulu War ) medal ribbon. This makes it post 1880.
3) A few have Martini Swinburne carbines. Pre Boer War ?
Suggestions have been made that it might be the Natal Staff Corps - Owen 505 is a similar badge , but not the same.
Good luck !

[Unknownsoldier]

Natal Mounted Rifles Corps?

Tom

[Alex Rice]

Hi Mike
The pic isn't too clear but it looks to me that the lettering might be something like: N, A(?), F or J, A (A) and C
Possibly something along the lines of Natal (?) Field Artillery Corps, maybe a fore-runner of the NFA?
Cheers,
Alex

[Traist]

Hi Alex, I think that it is "NATAL" with a Victorian Crown above. Regards Andrew

[Alex Rice]

Hi Andrew
Oops, I missed the obvious one. I still don't think the last letter looks anything like an 'L' though, no matter how I try...
Cheers,
Alex