Archive 2014 · Body/Lens combo advice wanted

nrferguson
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Body/Lens combo advice wanted

I am off to Yellowstone in 10 days time and am trying to decide what lenses to take. I will be taking two bodies (5D3 & 7D) and my 24-70 but for wildlife I need reach. Should I take my 70-200 2.8IS II or my 100-400mmL

The possible combinations are:
5D3 + x2TC + 70-200mm = 400mm @ F5.6
5D3 + 100-400mm = 400mm @ F5.6
5D3 + x1.4TC +100-400mm = 560mm @F8 (should autofocus as 5D3 has firmware upgrade)
7D + x2TC + 70-200mm = 640mm @ F5.6
7D + x1.4 + 70-200mm = 450mm @ F4
7D+100-400 = 640mm @ F5.6

At the moment it looks like the 70-200 plus converters wins! It's a stellar lens without the converters, and gives me flexibility of length without them. I used to use it with a x2 on my 5D3 before I got my 300 2.8, and was pleased, I'm just not sure what it will perform like on the 7D with a x2. My intention is to drive round Yellowstone with two cameras available -one for wildlife and the other for scenery. At the moment I would intend to use the 5D3+24-70mm for scenery and either the 7D + x2TC + 70-200mm = 640mm @ F5.6 or the 7D + x1.4 + 70-200mm = 450mm @ F4 for wildlife.
Opinions welcomed
Niall

Aug 26, 2014 at 09:01 AM

jcolwell
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Body/Lens combo advice wanted

I travel with my 70-200/2.8L IS II and Extenders when I know that I'll want the f/2.8 (e.g. for events), plus I might have a chance to take some wildlife photos.

I guess it depends on your primary reason for visiting Yellowstone. If it's a vacation with family, and the photography is a secondary objective, then the 24-70 + 100-400L would be a nice combination. I'd prefer to take the 24-105/4L IS, 100-400L IS and something wider than 24mm, too. If the primary purpose for the trip is photography, I'd take the 24-70, 70-200/2.8L IS II, and 300/2.8L, plus Extenders, plus something wider.

When I do a trip like this that's primarily for photography (which usually means that I'm on my own or with other photogs), I'd take my 16-35/4 L IS, 24-70/2.8 L II, 70-200/2.8 L IS II, 300/2.8 L IS USM, and Extenders EF 1.4x III and EF 2x III, plus either two 1D-series cameras (if wildlife is on the menu) or two 6D cameras. The whole shooting match, including the two carry-on bags I'd use, weighs about 12.5kg, which is fine for air travel between the UK and North America, and within North America. If I was traveling by car, I'd take my 500/4L IS, too.

Aug 26, 2014 at 09:22 AM

nrferguson
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Body/Lens combo advice wanted

Thanks - I wish I had room for the 300 2.8

Aug 26, 2014 at 09:35 AM

drobertfranz
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Body/Lens combo advice wanted

I've been leading photo tours in Yellowstone for 25 years so I may have a bit of insight for you. I've looked at your profile and according to your gear list I would take the 24-70mm the 70-200mm F4 and your 300mm with converters if you have them. Getting to 600mm with the 300mm + 2x which is WAY better than the 100-400 + 1.4x would be vital for wildlife in the park. There is a 100 meter distance restriction for wolves and bears in the park so FL is important. 7D + 300 + 2X would be killer for the bears and wolves. I'm not sure what the weight issue is but I get clients from the UK all the time and they carry 600mm F4's over

Aug 26, 2014 at 09:49 AM

nrferguson
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Body/Lens combo advice wanted

drobertfranz Yes I do have a carry-on wheely so may have to see if I can fit it all into that - it's not so much the weight as the wife/security as we travel around etc I can carry the stuff without the 300 without too much trouble if we stop for lunch etc but with it's a bit too much Thanks for the experienced advice.
Niall

Aug 26, 2014 at 10:28 AM

drobertfranz
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Body/Lens combo advice wanted

nrferguson wrote:
drobertfranz Yes I do have a carry-on wheely so may have to see if I can fit it all into that - it's not so much the weight as the wife/security as we travel around etc I can carry the stuff without the 300 without too much trouble if we stop for lunch etc but with it's a bit too much Thanks for the experienced advice.
Niall

I would consider leaving the 70-200mm home in favor of the 300mm F28 if wildlife is important to you. With a 1.6x and full frame camera you can mix and match to obtain good FL coverage even with this 2 lens option......

Aug 26, 2014 at 10:34 AM


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