Which lens for my upcoming safari?
Sep 23, 2017 20:11:51 #
Hoosier in GA wrote:
Another idea is to get a foam pool noodles or foam pipe insulation, cut a 6-12 " piece, & slit lengthwise. You can place over edge of window as a camera rest. Affordable & efficient.
Now that's a neat idea!
Sep 23, 2017 20:29:11 #
imagemeister wrote:
Yes, sell everything and get the 100-400 Canon ....Crop and use pixel enlargement to get you to 600mm .....Sony RX10III as backup ......
Or just go with the Sony RX10III..... I don't own one--and I doubt I'll ever be able to go on a safari, but I would not want to tote a big Tele, and personally, I would enjoy such a trip a lot more not worrying about a lot of gear. JMHO.
Sep 23, 2017 20:31:56 #
Murray wrote:
Now that's a neat idea!
No need to slit the insulation pipe. It's already slit on one side so you just open it and push it on to the pipe--or in this case the edge of the window glass.
Sep 23, 2017 20:37:56 #
stuparr935 wrote:
Tri pods and mono pods are usually clumsy in any safari vehicle but a bean bag will serve you well. I've been to Africa three time and if I get lucky to go back, I'll buy either the Tamron or Sigma 150-600 mm zoom with a X2 and not miss a shot. That lens is hand-holdable, but use a beam bag when you can. I shoot with a Nikon D810 currently.... More importantly have fun.....!
I used the D500 with 80-400 Nikon handheld. Got some good shots also some bad ones.
Sep 23, 2017 21:18:42 #
stuparr935 wrote:
Tri pods and mono pods are usually clumsy in any safari vehicle but a bean bag will serve you well. I've been to Africa three time and if I get lucky to go back, I'll buy either the Tamron or Sigma 150-600 mm zoom with a X2 and not miss a shot. That lens is hand-holdable, but use a bean bag when you can. I shoot with a Nikon D810 currently.... More importantly have fun.....!
Don't think you'll be happy with the image quality with a 2x teleconverter; however, a 150-600mm holds up reasonably well with a 1.4x TC.
bwa
Sep 23, 2017 21:39:15 #
BWA, Ya, 1.4X TC only for special situations. I ha e shot a 79-300 Nikon on. D300 on first and second trip which gave me about 450 mm and I got a couple leopards in si e trees. Now shooting with full frame body I'd need/want/have to have the 150-600 glass.... I've never really had good quality with TC converters... stuparr935
Sep 24, 2017 23:38:53 #
After the most recent post in this thread, a new thread was created by a guy who leads safaris -and has just returned from one. He might have good advice http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-487131-1.html
Sep 25, 2017 07:46:11 #
In Zimbabwe and Botswana I found a 150-600mm lens on a full frame camera good for larger animals. It was less good for birds, but still got some decent shots. In retrospect, it would have been nice to have used the long lens on a crop sensor camera. I had a super zoom as a back up which was a good idea. In my case, Nikon D750, Nikon B700, and Tamron G2.
Sep 25, 2017 08:40:03 #
I would go with the Sigma, if you have done the fine tuning that their USB Dock allows. Fine tune the 16 focus settings. Think through the situations you will find and use the extra custom settings the lens provides to be ready for whatever you think will arise. While the Canon glass is excellent, the ability to fine tune focus and set exacting customization just gives the Sigma an edge.
Sep 25, 2017 10:21:51 #
The thing with a thread like this is that you can get lots of advice - some from those who have done it, some from those who would like to do it, and some perhaps from those of us who are happier just reading about those who did it.
Sep 26, 2017 13:17:45 #
amfoto1 wrote:
The 100-400mm II is an excellent lens and would be great, so long as you are okay with the cost ($2000)
Canon sells refurbished lenses. The 100-400mm I f/4.5-5.6L IS USM is currently $1223.28. They come with a full 1 year US warranty. The model II is $1583.28. Both are currently out of stock, but they do show often. Canon refurbished are like new, used by sales reps or stores. They are overhauled to replace any wear and then 100% inspected, which is better than the NIB.
Sep 26, 2017 13:19:42 #
DrPhrogg wrote:
Canon sells refurbished lenses. The 100-400mm I f/4.5-5.6L IS USM is currently $1223.28. They come with a full 1 year US warranty. The model II is $1583.28. Both are currently out of stock, but they do show often. Canon refurbished are like new, used by sales reps or stores. They are overhauled to replace any wear and then 100% inspected, which is better than the NIB.
I only buy refurbished now.
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