p.1 #1 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
I can no longer resist my wife's desire to do safari in Africa.
And as a wide angle landscape guy I feel ill prepared to shoot beasts...once in a lifetime.
So I seek advice. Without spending the really big bucks.
I already have a Sigma 100-300 f/4. It's OK. Not sure about how good is the AF. Not sure if I can rely on it.
Folks recommend the Canon 100-400,(and it's got IS). I'm aware of some of it's weaknesses, but have seen good results with it.
Thing is, I could MAYBE justify buying the 70-200/2.8 IS II for my landscape and travel purposes, knowing what a great lens it is, but would think I'd need a TC on it and wonder if the 100-400 is better or worse idea? Or something else
p.1 #2 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
i have both lenses, multiple copies of each. and when i travel i leave the 70-200 2.8 IS II at home.
not sure what lenses your wife has, but you may want to buy two or one of each, as me and my woman got into who would be using the 100-400 when we were in churchill photographing polar bears...hence why i have multiple copies of the 100-400.
p.1 #3 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
Take your 5D2 with the 100-300 on it for wider-angle shots, and your 40D with the 100-400. Or just take the 40D & 100-400. Try not to rely on TC's. You could miss some action shots while putting on or taking off a TC.
p.1 #4 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
I've done over a dozen safaris in Africa. The 100-400 is a minimal tele lens. I usually take a 500/4 or 600/4, two copies of the 100-400, and one each of the 70-200/4 IS, 24-105, etc. My 70-200/2.8 IS II stays at home, though I do see a fair number of 70-200/2.8s on those trips. If you can take both a 70-200/2.8 and 100-400, that will provide more options.
I would also suggest a 7D (or whatever is out when you are closer to departure) for increased reach with shorter lenses like the 100-400. I normally bring 4 camera bodies, 3 FF/FX and one APS-C, but I know that would be overkill for most people. It's just that I've seen so many hardware failures and accidents (and had a few myself)
BTW, there are numerous safari threads at FM that are for the most part still relevant. I think you'll find some other useful info.
p.1 #5 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
I just recently did an outing with my 70-200 II, and 2xIII convertor, and 5d3, and honestly, the 100-400L is simply better. focusing, esp in shade seems to be better with better tracking. its lighter, I like the pull push zoom. about the only thing the 70-200 is better at is IS. of course 70-200 bare is an incredible lens.
A Safari is a very expensive trip, and a once in a lifetime. I would buy a 7d, or rent a 1d4.
p.1 #6 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
EB-1 wrote:
I've done over a dozen safaris in Africa. The 100-400 is a minimal tele lens. I usually take a 500/4 or 600/4, two copies of the 100-400, and one each of the 70-200/4 IS, 24-105, etc. My 70-200/2.8 IS II stays at home, though I do see a fair number of 70-200/2.8s on those trips. If you can take both a 70-200/2.8 and 100-400, that will provide more options.
I would also suggest a 7D (or whatever is out when you are closer to departure) for increased reach with shorter lenses like the 100-400. I normally bring 4 camera bodies, 3 FF/FX and one APS-C, but I know that would be overkill for most people. ...Show more →
No kidding. Most people can't afford to do that, nor do they want to lug around that much gear.
p.1 #7 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
Imagemaster wrote: No kidding. Most people can't afford to do that, nor do they want to lug around that much gear.
1-2 bodies and the extra 100-400 go in the luggage. I understand that some people would not risk that. I don't bother to bring a tripod anymore, so that saves some space.
Of course most people are not compelled to return to Africa so many times. It's like a mental condition.
p.1 #10 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
Is this to be a dedicated photography tour or a typical tourist tour? If you are not among other photographers you may have problems with lots of gear. My wife and I typically travel with groups like Overseas Adventure Travel and I take two bodies one with a normal zoom and one with a tele-zoom. So I would recommend a minimum of a 24-105 for your 5D2 and a 100-400 for your 40D. Keep bulk, weight, and lens changes to a minimum. It can be crowded in the tour vans and dusty out on the roads.
I suspect that EB-1 takes different types of tours with different gear needs. Gauge your gear needs appropriately to your tour.
p.1 #12 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
Jeff Nolten wrote:
Is this to be a dedicated photography tour or a typical tourist tour? If you are not among other photographers you may have problems with lots of gear. My wife and I typically travel with groups like Overseas Adventure Travel and I take two bodies one with a normal zoom and one with a tele-zoom. So I would recommend a minimum of a 24-105 for your 5D2 and a 100-400 for your 40D. Keep bulk, weight, and lens changes to a minimum. It can be crowded in the tour vans and dusty out on the roads.
I suspect that EB-1 takes different types of tours with different gear needs. Gauge your gear needs appropriately to your tour....Show more →
Good point. On a non-photo tour one should not expect to freely use a long tele. The difference is that on a true photo tour one usually gets a full row (2-3 seats) in the vehicle so that at least one seat can accommodate gear.
p.1 #13 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
steve g wrote:
I can no longer resist my wife's desire to do safari in Africa.
And as a wide angle landscape guy I feel ill prepared to shoot beasts...once in a lifetime.
So I seek advice. Without spending the really big bucks.
I already have a Sigma 100-300 f/4. It's OK. Not sure about how good is the AF. Not sure if I can rely on it.
Folks recommend the Canon 100-400,(and it's got IS). I'm aware of some of it's weaknesses, but have seen good results with it.
Thing is, I could MAYBE justify buying the 70-200/2.8 IS II for my landscape and travel purposes, knowing what a great lens it is, but would think I'd need a TC on it and wonder if the 100-400 is better or worse idea? Or something else
Don't bother buying just rent if need be but you'll probably get along fine with the sigma. Although a 100-400 would be nice for the trip for that little extra reach.
p.1 #14 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
Jeff Nolten wrote:
Is this to be a dedicated photography tour or a typical tourist tour? If you are not among other photographers you may have problems with lots of gear. My wife and I typically travel with groups like Overseas Adventure Travel and I take two bodies one with a normal zoom and one with a tele-zoom. So I would recommend a minimum of a 24-105 for your 5D2 and a 100-400 for your 40D. Keep bulk, weight, and lens changes to a minimum. It can be crowded in the tour vans and dusty out on the roads.
I suspect that EB-1 takes different types of tours with different gear needs. Gauge your gear needs appropriately to your tour....Show more →
+1
I used the two-camera approach on safari last summer, with a 24-105 on my 5D and a 70-200 f/2.8 IS on my 7D. Desired reach depends on the national park and on your expected photo subjects. In Etosha, 200mm was sufficient for nearly everything, but I did need 400mm once or twice when photographing Cheetah from a distance.
p.1 #15 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
The pro's carry all they want, and have their own private 4x4, so no issues there
However, I strongly recomment you to have private tour, as in just you two and guide. If you shop around properly, please refer to TripAdvisor website, you can get a reliable guide and 4x4 tour. It's a trip of a lifetime, so nothing better than have it your way. You can socialize back at the hotel/cabin/hut.
Dust is going to be your enemy - so minimize lens changes.
I would too choose a wide angle : 16-35;17-40 or even 24-70 for the 5dmk2; then the 40D with a tele.
Most times, your shots are taken while stopped, so the IS mght not be as needed as the extra reach - I was using a 80-200mm 2.8 l with 2xTC on a 1.6 crop, and did come short a few times
Sure, would be great to have a 500 or 600mm, specially on a crop, but I rather then go with a 400 2.8 and a good TC.
The most versatible will be the 70-200mm 2.8 with TC - the 100-400mm even at 5.6 works well, as it's often very bright, but the "dust-pump" action can become a nightmare
Don't forget to bring a good P&S too
p.1 #16 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
Steve, is short...you do not need to make any big gear changes from what you have. My recommendation, without blowing your budget, would be to take a 24-105mm (or something equivalent) and a 100-400mm - your two bodies will do just fine. This is my standard minimalist recommendation, which many of my safari guests have found quite satisfactory - evidenced by the great images they've taken. I would try and shoot with the 5DII as much as possible...and use the 40D as a back-up ...and when you really need to reach out with the crop factor. Yes, many people, including myself, take a lot more gear than described....but it is far from necessary. The points made about whether or not you'll be on a photo-centric safari or not are very true. Wielding big glass and placing large gear bags in the vehicles really only works with 3 or 4 people max in the land cruiser.
In general, on South African safaris you use / need less focal length than in Kenya or Tanzania. In Southern Africa, the 70-200mm comes into play often on wildlife...in the more open savannas of the North, you would use it more as a landscape lens.
You'll owe your wife big time for pushing to do this....I'm sure you'll have a fantastic experience. Take lots of memory...and have fun!
p.1 #17 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
blueimage wrote:
Steve, is short...you do not need to make any big gear changes from what you have. My recommendation, without blowing your budget, would be to take a 24-105mm (or something equivalent) and a 100-400mm - your two bodies will do just fine. This is my standard minimalist recommendation, which many of my safari guests have found quite satisfactory - evidenced by the great images they've taken. I would try and shoot with the 5DII as much as possible...and use the 40D as a back-up ...and when you really need to reach out with the crop factor. Yes, many people, including myself, take a lot more gear than described....but it is far from necessary. The points made about whether or not you'll be on a photo-centric safari or not are very true. Wielding big glass and placing large gear bags in the vehicles really only works with 3 or 4 people max in the land cruiser.
In general, on South African safaris you use / need less focal length than in Kenya or Tanzania. In South Africa, the 70-200mm comes into play often on wildlife...in the more open savannas of the North, you would use it more as a landscape lens.
You'll owe your wife big time for pushing to do this....I'm sure you'll have a fantastic experience. Take lots of memory...and have fun!
I have to agree here - the reach you need really does depend on the countries you plan to visit. I do the two-body, two lens set up (24-70 and 100-400) and don't remove those lenses while on a game drive. Have something like a garbage bag or some people use a pillow case or jacket to keep the gear on your lap and covered if you want it handier than in your bag but sort of protected from dust. (Assuming open vehicles).
The one thing I will tell you from personal experience with the 40D: In good light you will be fine. But once dusk hits and the sun goes down, and there's a whole herd of ellies with their young...you want a camera that handles high ISOs well. In those circumstances many of my 40D images were so noisy as to be almost unusable. I like Jim's idea of using the 5D as much as you can, and esp. in these lower light situations. Many times fast focusing isn't needed. I was so disappointed I came back and sold a lot of gear to buy the 1DIV for my next trip. I am considering taking my 70-200 next time, but the 100-400 has been my workhorse. My friend uses the 70-200 with no complaints. We're talking southern Africa though, not Kenya or Tanzania. Good luck. I promise once you go, you'll go back!
p.1 #18 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
I have done two trips in Africa, the first time not as a photographer. The second time as a photographer with semi-crappy gear (a Rebl T2i and an old 70-200 2.8 non-IS). Now I have the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II because I like shooting in low light.
But when it comes to Africa I would highly recommend the 100-400 if you're debating. Because there really will be few times you'll need the 2.8 (granted you take off the tele). I really only needed the 2.8 once because we came across a pride of lions right after the sun ducked behind the mountains. So then there really is no need to have the 70-200 if you would probably rarely take the tele off.
But if you go in the non rainy season (at least in Namibia) in the winter, you won't see a cloud the whole trip.
p.1 #19 · Another safari lens question: 70-200+tc or 100-400? or ?
blueimage wrote:
Steve, is short...you do not need to make any big gear changes from what you have. My recommendation, without blowing your budget, would be to take a 24-105mm (or something equivalent) and a 100-400mm - your two bodies will do just fine. This is my standard minimalist recommendation, which many of my safari guests have found quite satisfactory - evidenced by the great images they've taken. I would try and shoot with the 5DII as much as possible...and use the 40D as a back-up ...and when you really need to reach out with the crop factor. Yes, many people, including myself, take a lot more gear than described....but it is far from necessary. The points made about whether or not you'll be on a photo-centric safari or not are very true. Wielding big glass and placing large gear bags in the vehicles really only works with 3 or 4 people max in the land cruiser.
In general, on South African safaris you use / need less focal length than in Kenya or Tanzania. In Southern Africa, the 70-200mm comes into play often on wildlife...in the more open savannas of the North, you would use it more as a landscape lens.
You'll owe your wife big time for pushing to do this....I'm sure you'll have a fantastic experience. Take lots of memory...and have fun!
Jim ...Show more →
Just for the record, 40D has very little reach advantage over 5d2 (10 mp vs 8 mp) although it has the fps advantage. 5d2 does a much better job with center focus tracking. you do get more view finder mag with the 40D. thats why I recommend a 7D. You can buy it on the buy and sell forum here for 900, and sell it for 850 when you get back. well worth it.
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No kidding. Most people can't afford to do that, nor do they want to lug around that much gear.