Would you buy a backup camera or longer telephoto lens?
May 31, 2018 13:47:14 #
via the lens wrote:
I carry two cameras on any trip where I want to be sure to get my shots. But I also have long lenses and don't have to choose between the two.
I fully agree. We did South Africa and I had my Nikon D300 with a Tamron 18-270 on it and my Nikon D5000 with my Sima 150-500 on it. I was advised by the tour leader to avoid changing lenses in the bush as there is usually terrible dust to deal with. I never took my lenses off until I returned home.
Take LOTS of pictures, is also my advice.
May 31, 2018 13:55:20 #
I haven't read through this whole thread, but I want to say the combination of the 5d mk iv, 100-400II + 1.4 teleconverter produces really sharp images at f8 with autofocus--really nails things much faster than I would have expected with a teleconverter and maintains the quality of the lens. On the other hand, the best safari shots I have seen are with the 7d mk ii and the 100-400 ii (not sure if the teleconverter was used or not). I think you really want the lens. If you can get the 7d mk II as well go for it.
May 31, 2018 14:10:06 #
terpfan
Loc: central coast, California
I traveled to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. I had a 7DII with a 70-300L on it most of the time. There were only a few occasions where I would have liked more length. Keep in mind that virtually all you shots will be hand held. I would tale the backup camera and extra cards. The attached photo was at 300 on the 7DII. I have printed it 20 x 30 and it looks great. Have a wonderful time
May 31, 2018 14:10:17 #
My advice, I would say go for the camera, ask your self this question. Would you go on a road trip from LA to New York without a spare tire?
May 31, 2018 14:58:33 #
May 31, 2018 15:14:35 #
TheDman
Loc: USA
Wow, I must be the only guy here who carries only one camera and doesn't think twice about it.
May 31, 2018 15:25:40 #
TheDman wrote:
Wow, I must be the only guy here who carries only one camera and doesn't think twice about it.
I carry one camera and don't think twice about it. I shoot for work, shoot for fun, shoot for art, and sometimes drive quite a ways to take photos. I have backup bodies in the form of my old film gear, point and shoots, and previous generation body for my DSLR, but they're rarely with me. If I see the Hindenberg go up in flames while I'm waiting for a flight and my DSLR screws up, I'll just have to pull out my iPhone.
Of course, I'm not going on a once-in-a-lifetime safari in a remote area where you can't buy new gear with two day delivery and where environmental conditions and dust are a major problem!
Blowing ten grand on a safari adventure and coming back without all your pixels because you were too cheap to buy a backup body seems like a very high risk / low investment strategy. Even if you buy an earlier or lower level body for your main squeeze, it would seem to be pretty cheap insurance to carry.
Andy "not THAT cheap" H
May 31, 2018 15:58:54 #
AndyH wrote:
...If I see the Hindenberg go up in flames while I'm waiting for a flight and my DSLR screws up, I'll just have to pull out my iPhone.
That of course, is a backup, by definition. An iPhone is a camera!
May 31, 2018 16:00:45 #
jefren
Loc: Montgomery, Alabama
A friend with a FF Canon bought a crop sensor Canon before going to Africa. He kept his longest lens on the crop sensor and a shorter zoom on the FF. He switched quickly between the two and was very glad that he followed that strategy.
May 31, 2018 16:01:38 #
BarbB wrote:
I am planning a trip to Namibia, and currently sho... (show quote)
I would definitely get the 100-400.
And a back up like an M50 or a Rebel, both inexpensive and good insurance. Compared to the money spent on the trip either would be a blip on the budget.
May 31, 2018 16:31:43 #
WJB
Loc: Salisbury, MD
Looks like a good decision to me.
Have a great trip and watch out for hippos.
Have a great trip and watch out for hippos.
May 31, 2018 16:43:52 #
May 31, 2018 17:31:15 #
You can always finds deals on used lenses, but bodies are a different story. Look for a used camera with low shutter count. Let someone else pay full price.
May 31, 2018 18:01:19 #
whwiden wrote:
On important photo trips I always take two cameras. A Nikon full frame D750 and a crop sensor D7200 would be typical. They use the same battery. I might also take a super zoom point and shoot--the Nikon B700 on a safari or similar trip. I would use a crop sensor before a teleconverter.
On safari, I set up the crop for telephoto. And the FF either shorter or with a do everything zoom.
On safari, I set up the crop for telephoto. And the FF either shorter or with a do everything zoom.
100 x 400 is such a cool lense but large and cumbersome. Works great on crop sensors.
Perfect setup. The extenders are usually more trouble than they are worth unless on a heavy duty top of the line tripod.
A second camera your 5dmk4 can then be used for everything else.
When you pick your backup I would just make sure it uses the same battery as the 5dmk4.
May 31, 2018 18:28:23 #
I was in Kenya in 16, took backup body with short lens, an full frame with Tamron 150-600. On Safari, you never know when/where or what you will see, and nothing is guaranteed. My traveling partner rented his second body, so that's something to consider as well. Make sure they will turn off the engines, because even that could give some vibration and blurriness with the long telephoto. Good shooting!
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