p.1 #1 · Going on Zululand Safari! Lens Advice Needed
My wife and I just bought a Zululand photography excursion as our 25th wedding anniversary present. I'm a Canon shooter and was wondering if any experienced safari travelers would make suggestions for lenses to bring, and not bring, on the trip. Any other photo gear/accessories advice would also be appreciated.
p.1 #4 · Going on Zululand Safari! Lens Advice Needed
Which 300mm lens do you have? 300mm is not long enough, but a 300/2.8+TCs would probably work well. The 100-400 is another popular choice. But the really serious safari shooters all use 500/4s. Depends on your budget, preferences, and how much gear you want to carry.
p.1 #5 · Going on Zululand Safari! Lens Advice Needed
Chris,
I have the 300/2.8, but I thought about getting the 100-400 for it's versatility. The 500 would be great, but I'm not sure it's in the budget as the trip itself is going to set us back quite a bit.
p.1 #7 · Going on Zululand Safari! Lens Advice Needed
John, if you already have the 300/2.8, I would say put that on one body with a 1.4x or 2xTC, put a 100-400 on the other, and then you are ready for most situations. Then take a wide-angle for landscapes (24-105, 17-55, 17-85, whatever) and I think that's all you'll need.
p.1 #8 · Going on Zululand Safari! Lens Advice Needed
Thanks Chris,
I think I'll get a 2xTc and the 100-400 ...
John
Edited on Feb 11, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Feb 11, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Red Grainger Offline • • [X]
p.1 #9 · Going on Zululand Safari! Lens Advice Needed
John,
I do frequent safaris in East and South Africa. Chris is right on with his rec.. I find the 1.4X on the 300mm 2.8 is best on a 1.6 crop body. I wouldn't use a 2X TC with the 300mm 2.8 unless you are thinking of doing some birding. Although the IQ is O.K. (it's much better with the 1.4X) you will frequently find you have too much lens, except in the Serengeti with its wide open spaces. In much of South Africa you will be working at much closer distance and the 300mm + 1.4X on either a crop or FF body is very nice. For the shorter lengths, keep a 100-400 on another body.
Cheers-Red
