mainshipper Loc: Hernando, Florida

I have had both old and new versions of the Canon 100-400 tele and both perform well. I also have the 1.4 and 2X extenders but rarely use them due to the AF limitations. For what it's worth, the extenders really work well on the 70-200 2.8 L lens. I have a friends who have the Tamron (older model w/Nikon) and the Sigma (sport w/Canon) lenses and both seem to like the results they are getting and are also shooting on FF bodies. For me, I use the 100-400 II with a 7D II body which gives the equivalent of the 150-600 focal length but with a faster focusing system. I also have a 5D II and III and generally don't use that lens on those bodies. Weight is always a consideration so I would try to find something that can be hand held without too much of a struggle. I use the combo I mentioned mainly shooting birds in flight or sporting events and after a couple of hours I'm pooped. You might also want to consider getting a Cotton Carrier vest so that the camera and lens can be stowed at the ready when not in use.

cochese

Rent a 7D mark II and the 100-400L mark II. With the crop frame camera you have the same field of view as a 640mm lens on your 5DII and you will have the very best of the bunch as far as image quality and AF performance. Plus you don't have to worry about your personal gear in all the dust of a safari. Just be sure to purchase the additional insurance for the rental.

cthahn

Why does everyone want to take pictures far away. You can never hand hold a long lens. Those that think they can are only fooling themselves. When you come back and find many poor pictures, then it is too late.

grossoboe

I own 3 of the lenses talked about: Canon 100-400 series II with series III 1.4 extender; Sigma 150-600 Contemporary; Tamron 150-600 G2. I do primarily bird photography and NEVER use a tripod. I like to go where the birds are and not wait for them to come to me, and a bird is not going to wait for you to set up a tripod. I have thousands of handheld sharp flying bird shots with NO trouble finding the birds in my viewfinder. The lens I like the best is definitely the Tamron G2. It's as sharp or sharper than the Canon 100-400 II and very comfortable to use. The Sigma is just about as sharp but the stabilization is not as adequate and, at times, can have trouble following a moving target. The Tamron G2 and the Canon lens are both weather sealed. Since your 5D II will not autofocus with the Canon lens with extender, I would recommend the Tamron G2 and find everything about it both comfortable and easy to use. My birding camera bodies are both 7D II's so I'm handholding a 240-960mm equivalent setup (1.6 crop factor) with NO problems. I like to shoot at F8 for birds; just make sure you have enough depth of field for your subject. I DO like the idea of renting a 7D II or possibly a 5D III or IV. The 1.6 crop factor for wildlife is really nice though!

I hope this helps....

jteee Loc: Montana

You've gotten some great advice from many, albeit every option imaginable, LOL. I may as well add to the confusion. I have both the Sigma 150-600 Sport and the 100-400II with both the 1.4 and 2.0 TC's. I use on a 6D and 7D MII. If I had the option of this trip, I would, of course, take all of it (maybe someday). In my opinion, however, I believe that you will have more "keepers" with the 100-400 (even with the 1.4 and MF), then you will with the Big lens if hand holding is your only option. First of all the 100-400 is a superior lens from a quality perspective (again, just my opinion/experience), and secondly, it is so light and easy to use that I have pretty much relegated my BigSig to tripod only use. Honestly, this is a very difficult call, but I think for ease of transportation, hand holding options, and overall camera/lens management in rather dusty and sometimes difficult situations, I would probably go with the 100-400. Regardless your choice have a great trip.

RRS Loc: Not sure

The 7DMKII with the 100-400 series I or II can be hand held very easily with great results. It's not that people want to take pictures far away but the fact that you can't always get as close to your subject as you'd like to for several reasons. I see photographers hand holding 800mm f/5.6 primes, I can't not only because I don't own one but for me at my age it's just too heavy. I do hand hold a 300mm f/2.8 with a 1.4 or 2X with no problem and a lot depends on the light you have to work with.

photoflorida Loc: No where

If I was going a once in a lifetime safari to Africa, I would either rent or buy the 7D MKii (cropped sensor) or if money is no object, I would rent or buy the 1DX Mark ii. Either one of these cameras will work with the 1.4 extender with the 100-400. Just my thoughts. Both of these cameras have a fast shutter speed which will be ideal for moving wildlife.

BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

However, if he uses manual focus then there is no problem.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

According to a man that I know that leads groups on African Safari and he's a professional photographer that has been doing Summer and Winters Olympics for many years, the Canon 100-400 with or without the 1.4x is NOW a superior lens and goes with him to Africa instead of his 500mm or 600mm prime lenses that cost over $10,000 each. His name is Jeff Cable and here's a link to his most recent blog about his most recent adventure to Africa. http://blog.jeffcable.com/ I would have never believed him if I didn't see the pictures myself. I had the original 100-400 L series lens and it was a good lens, but the new 100-400 is simply put, superior! and tack sharp. If the subject is too far away for the 100-400 with 1.4x, it's too far away with a 500 or 600 prime. Simple as that.

Jeff has come to the Canon Learning Center in Costa Meas CA several times to lecture on his work at the Olympics, and his adventures in Africa. He's done lectures on other subjects as well, because he knows his stuff.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I think some considerations need to be given to what the OP is familiar with. If you rent everything, it will likely arrive a day or two before he leaves.
So there you are, out in the bush trying to get used to TWO new pieces of equipment. THAT is NOT for me and I'm no neophyte!! Not to mention now he's trying to micro adjust with unfamiliar equipment.
My suggestion to buy a used lens will allow the OP a few weeks or even months to get used to what setting will work best.
The 5ll is a very simple camera with a very simple focus system. A 7ll or similar are a VERY complicated machine to figure out in the bush.
And yes, taping the pins WILL GIVE AF with the 1.4 attached!!
SS

RRS Loc: Not sure

SS maybe you could go along and help!

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

Thanks for the response. I, too, use the 2X extender on my 70-200L with excellent results. While I've read a lot of contrary comments I, like you, have the evidence to support its effectiveness.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

An interesting suggestion. I'm totally unfamiliar with the 7D. Would the differences between my 5DII and the 7D be such that it might take a considerable amount of time to learn?

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

It helps a great deal. Thank you for taking the time for a very cogent response.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

Thank you for your detailed response. As I'm getting up in age the weight factor does "weigh" upon my mind!