Keeping same equipment
May 17, 2017 12:19:36 #
I am taking a trip to South Africa in October and have considered buying a new camera. Since I have Canon 20mm, 28-135mm and the 100-400mm IS lens, I was looking at the 70D for the touch screen and WiFi. I will not be taking my computer with me and the WiFi is intriguing so I can post to my Facebook Page. The 100-400 is not a perfect lens, as I find it soft at 400, although acceptable. Since I cannot afford a really pricey setup, I am now starting to think that I should just stick with my 40D and present lenses. I wanted to go with the 75-300mm, but reviews are not great. The only advantage is the lightness of the lens. The 100-400 is bulky and heavy. I have looked at bundles, but they usually contain the 75-300mm. I am really just thinking out loud.
May 17, 2017 14:20:56 #
The 70D is a very good camera and definitely several steps up from the 40D. Better sensor and autofocus, plus the wi-fi and touchscreen that you like. If the 40D does an acceptable job for you now, then there is no reason why it won't in Africa. If you have grown dissatisfied with it, then definitely give the 70D serious consideration. If budget is a big concern then I suggest you look at used cameras. B&H currently has a used 70D (Rated condition of 9) for about $120 less then a new one. It would have a store warranty and there is never a worry when dealing with stores like B&H, Adorama, & KEH.
Have fun in Africa!
You may want to consider renting the 100-400 L II for the trip if your current MkI leaves you dissatisfied. It is an outstanding lens.
Have fun in Africa!
You may want to consider renting the 100-400 L II for the trip if your current MkI leaves you dissatisfied. It is an outstanding lens.
May 17, 2017 15:12:51 #
Jenobandito wrote:
I am taking a trip to South Africa in October and ... (show quote)
You have it covered. Save your money for another trip.
May 17, 2017 18:05:13 #
Jenobandito wrote:
I am taking a trip to South Africa in October and ... (show quote)
I have the D5500 with built in WiFi, and at least with my series of Nikon, if I want to send anything from the camera to Facebook, I have to filter it through my iPhone, or iPad. Would be nice to skip the mobile devices, but not how it works today anyway...
May 18, 2017 06:00:47 #
May 18, 2017 06:35:43 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Jenobandito wrote:
I am taking a trip to South Africa in October and ... (show quote)
If your 100-400 is a version I (cause you don't have a II next to the IS) I would strongly suggest the II version. I am a Nikon guy and if they made that IS II in a Nikon mount I would be a very happy camper. I have seen several shots with this lens and they are very sharp even at 400. So, buy the lens, not the camera, you can always update your camera body LATER. Most of the quality in a photo comes from the lens and NOT the camera.
May 18, 2017 06:45:03 #
May 18, 2017 06:47:31 #
You have to decide what you want. You will not be familiar with a new camera. Keep it simple. Know how to use what you have.
May 18, 2017 07:25:33 #
Jenobandito wrote:
I am taking a trip to South Africa in October and ... (show quote)
If you get a new camera, be sure to know it completely before you leave. You have plenty of time. Depending on what kind of a trip this will be, how much equipment will you want to carry around with you? The 40D is getting long in the tooth. The 70D would be a nice upgrade at a reasonable price. I'd write a post about the effectiveness of the Wi-Fi to make sure it's something you would use.
May 18, 2017 07:34:29 #
Raccie wrote:
With the pending electronics ban how are you going to bring your equipment back home?
Only depend on where you fly to and from I am leaving to South Africa Saturday on a direct flight JFK to Johannesburg without a problem. the problem seems to be the Mideast and Upper africa
May 18, 2017 08:25:44 #
I have had the 100-400 lens for many, many years. It says on the lens: Canon Zoom Lens EF 100-400mm 1:4.5-5.6 L IS. It has been to Canon for sharpness repair at least three times, once due to dust from a trip to Peru. Canon claims there is nothing wrong with the lens, but.......soft at 400mm. Yes, money is a real issue on whether purchasing new equipment, so all of your suggestions are very good. Now I just need to make a decision and stick to it.
May 18, 2017 14:34:56 #
Regardless of the lenses, I offer that Africa is the place to have two camera bodies and not be changing lenses in the field. I used a Sigma 150-500mm on one body for the long shots and a Tamron 18-270mm on a second body for everything else. I took a 10-20mm wide zoom as well and never mounted it. That was in the days before all my lenses were Nikon but I still came back with memorable images that everyone has appreciated.
May 18, 2017 18:32:23 #
Spider223 wrote:
I have the D5500 with built in WiFi, and at least with my series of Nikon, if I want to send anything from the camera to Facebook, I have to filter it through my iPhone, or iPad. Would be nice to skip the mobile devices, but not how it works today anyway...
May 18, 2017 19:13:06 #
I would consider a lens capable of going to 400mm (or a little less) to be just not quite enough 'lens' for this special trip. I would want a longer lens in my kit for this. With cost being an important factor, I suggest renting a longer lens for this trip. Not sure what is sufficient, but 600 mm range should be in the ballpark.
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May 18, 2017 23:29:31 #
Jenobandito wrote:
I am taking a trip to South Africa in October and ... (show quote)
Answering just out loud. By the way I don't know if you got the memo, but good full frame glass is $$ and bulky and heavy. Just saying. Moving on. What the heck. If your going on a trip, what better excuse for buying some new gear? Especially if you are not happy with the old gear. You're going to blow $k on the trip, consider new gear part of the trip expenses. ;) Just be sure to get it well in advance and wring it out thourghly before you go.
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