Tamron 150-600 or Bridge Camera? I'm going on a trip to Madagascar in August. I just found out last week that there is a ten pound limit for carry-on luggage on the internal flight...

Jacqui Burke Loc: Perkiomenville, PA

I'm going on a trip to Madagascar in August. I just found out last week that there is a ten pound limit for carry-on luggage on the internal flight that we'll be doing from the capital to get to a city on the southwest corner of the island where we'll begin our sightseeing. I have a D7100 with the following lenses: 50 mm/f1.8, 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 DX, and 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6. I also recently bought the Tamron 150-600 mm.

I would like to take a second camera as a backup in case of malfunction or other issues with the D7100. My only other camera that I currently own is the point-and-shoot Nikon S9700 which I bought because I frequently shoot from horseback. That camera performed adequately for a camera of its type on a recent horseback riding trip in Cappadocia, Turkey. The same email that outlined the weight requirement for luggage said that most of the photography that is expected could be done with a 300 mm lens as a good deal of it will be in the rain forest without long sight distances. However, at the end of the trip we will have a chance of seeing indiri, unique black and white lemurs with a unique cry. They may be high up in tall trees, necessitating the use of a longer lens. With this new information, I am considering leaving the Tamron home and getting a smaller bridge camera that could both serve as a better backup camera to the point and shoot as well as cover the longer distance for the indiri. I know that there will be a compromise in image quality, but there may be quality issues with the Tamron lens as well since taking a tripod is absolutely not a possibility. Which should I take, the Tamron lens or a bridge camera? If the bridge camera, which are recommended? And yes, I have done a search in the UHH archives about bridge cameras but the question is still open in my mind. I understand the new Nikon with the 83X optical zoom is unavailable and is likely to remain so before my trip. I owned a Fuji HS 30EXR which I damaged in the rain on last year's trip, which is what pushed me into getting the D7100 and the lenses. I liked some features of the Fuji, but not the extreme delay between pressing the shutter button and the camera taking the photo, as well as the long wait period to clear photos from the buffer onto the card before another photo could be taken. I know that my lenses are not optimal for wildlife photography, but limitations on weight and cost exist. Furthermore, I must admit that I am an adventurer who would like to get decent photos as opposed to somebody traveling primarily for photography.
Thanks in advance for helpful advice.

photon56 Loc: North America

No doubt in my mind, take the Tamron 150-600mm. Would love to see the photos you can get with that reach.

Jacqui Burke wrote:

I'm going on a trip to Madagascar in August. I just found out last week that there is a ten pound limit for carry-on luggage on the internal flight that we'll be doing from the capital to get to a city on the southwest corner of the island where we'll begin our sightseeing. I have a D7100 with the following lenses: 50 mm/f1.8, 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 DX, and 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6. I also recently bought the Tamron 150-600 mm.

I would like to take a second camera as a backup in case of malfunction or other issues with the D7100. My only other camera that I currently own is the point-and-shoot Nikon S9700 which I bought because I frequently shoot from horseback. That camera performed adequately for a camera of its type on a recent horseback riding trip in Cappadocia, Turkey. The same email that outlined the weight requirement for luggage said that most of the photography that is expected could be done with a 300 mm lens as a good deal of it will be in the rain forest without long sight distances. However, at the end of the trip we will have a chance of seeing indiri, unique black and white lemurs with a unique cry. They may be high up in tall trees, necessitating the use of a longer lens. With this new information, I am considering leaving the Tamron home and getting a smaller bridge camera that could both serve as a better backup camera to the point and shoot as well as cover the longer distance for the indiri. I know that there will be a compromise in image quality, but there may be quality issues with the Tamron lens as well since taking a tripod is absolutely not a possibility. Which should I take, the Tamron lens or a bridge camera? If the bridge camera, which are recommended? And yes, I have done a search in the UHH archives about bridge cameras but the question is still open in my mind. I understand the new Nikon with the 83X optical zoom is unavailable and is likely to remain so before my trip. I owned a Fuji HS 30EXR which I damaged in the rain on last year's trip, which is what pushed me into getting the D7100 and the lenses. I liked some features of the Fuji, but not the extreme delay between pressing the shutter button and the camera taking the photo, as well as the long wait period to clear photos from the buffer onto the card before another photo could be taken. I know that my lenses are not optimal for wildlife photography, but limitations on weight and cost exist. Furthermore, I must admit that I am an adventurer who would like to get decent photos as opposed to somebody traveling primarily for photography.
Thanks in advance for helpful advice.

I'm going on a trip to Madagascar in August. I jus... (show quote)

MarkD Loc: NYC

The Fujifilm S1 bridge camera has a 24-1200mm equivalent lens and it's weather sealed. You can use it for the black and white ruffed lemurs (we have them in our local zoo) and as a back-up. I've never used one, but all bridge cameras will have some lag times, especially next picture lag.

Jacqui Burke Loc: Perkiomenville, PA

I looked at the camera online and it is a distinct possibility! Thanks!

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

Jacqui Burke wrote:

I'm going on a trip to Madagascar in August. I just found out last week that there is a ten pound limit for carry-on luggage on the internal flight that we'll be doing from the capital to get to a city on the southwest corner of the island where we'll begin our sightseeing. I have a D7100 with the following lenses: 50 mm/f1.8, 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 DX, and 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6. I also recently bought the Tamron 150-600 mm.

I would like to take a second camera as a backup in case of malfunction or other issues with the D7100. My only other camera that I currently own is the point-and-shoot Nikon S9700 which I bought because I frequently shoot from horseback. That camera performed adequately for a camera of its type on a recent horseback riding trip in Cappadocia, Turkey. The same email that outlined the weight requirement for luggage said that most of the photography that is expected could be done with a 300 mm lens as a good deal of it will be in the rain forest without long sight distances. However, at the end of the trip we will have a chance of seeing indiri, unique black and white lemurs with a unique cry. They may be high up in tall trees, necessitating the use of a longer lens. With this new information, I am considering leaving the Tamron home and getting a smaller bridge camera that could both serve as a better backup camera to the point and shoot as well as cover the longer distance for the indiri. I know that there will be a compromise in image quality, but there may be quality issues with the Tamron lens as well since taking a tripod is absolutely not a possibility. Which should I take, the Tamron lens or a bridge camera? If the bridge camera, which are recommended? And yes, I have done a search in the UHH archives about bridge cameras but the question is still open in my mind. I understand the new Nikon with the 83X optical zoom is unavailable and is likely to remain so before my trip. I owned a Fuji HS 30EXR which I damaged in the rain on last year's trip, which is what pushed me into getting the D7100 and the lenses. I liked some features of the Fuji, but not the extreme delay between pressing the shutter button and the camera taking the photo, as well as the long wait period to clear photos from the buffer onto the card before another photo could be taken. I know that my lenses are not optimal for wildlife photography, but limitations on weight and cost exist. Furthermore, I must admit that I am an adventurer who would like to get decent photos as opposed to somebody traveling primarily for photography.
Thanks in advance for helpful advice.

I'm going on a trip to Madagascar in August. I jus... (show quote)

There is a big difference in image quality between the Tamron 150-600mm and a bridge camera. I have both. Infact, I have the Fujifilm 30EXR that you mentioned, and also the Canon SX50. But the images are not what I can get with the Tamron, either with a full frame or crop sensor body.

But there is also a big weight difference to consider too. I just usually take the bridge camera on overseas trips just for that reason.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

MarkD wrote:

The Fujifilm S1 bridge camera has a 24-1200mm equivalent lens and it's weather sealed. You can use it for the black and white ruffed lemurs (we have them in our local zoo) and as a back-up. I've never used one, but all bridge cameras will have some lag times, especially next picture lag.

Online research tells me that the S1 has both RAW file and HDR capability; depending on the OP's choice, either one of these could be used to get the best current picture now, and then use post-processing to get the picture actually wanted. Something I've had trouble remembering is to take a quick burst of pictures when shutter lag is a problem, because one of the pictures may turn out to be the one I want.

jimfullwood Loc: Sarasota, but Ex pat from UK

I own the FZ1000 and have posted many captures on here, I can only speak for me but have been extremely happy with the results I got in a similar situation in Costa Rica.

Donkas1946 Loc: Southern NH

Canon sx50 for sure!

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

photon56 wrote:

No doubt in my mind, take the Tamron 150-600mm. Would love to see the photos you can get with that reach.

Using the Tamron without a tripod in the rainforest may be very difficult without cranking the ISO up to an unacceptable range. Not to mention taking up most of the 10-pound limit....

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Jacqui Burke wrote:

Thanks in advance for helpful advice.

There is a new breed of Bridge Cameras - I don't own one, but I know people who do and I've seen some REALLY impressive results.
You really should look at this before deciding: I've borrowed the write-up.

"The FZ1000 is incredibly versatile a single, fixed lens camera capable of shooting fantastic stills and video in almost any situation. If youre about to head off on holiday and are looking for a do-it-all companion to document anything you might come across on your trip, from majestic vistas to scuttling insects, itll rise to the occasion nicely. Bridge cameras often feel like a compromise, but this one doesnt at least when it comes to everyday use.

Yes, its the same as the Leica V-Lux, but at almost £300 (or a third) cheaper it feels worthy of an extra star in Stuffs rating system. A brilliant bridge camera."

Read more at http://www.stuff.tv/panasonic/lumix-dmc-fz1000/review#Ug4DvL7JS0wm2XGd.99

Hope this helps - have a great time.
Del :-)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nikon P900.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

Sony RX10 II

lemontart Loc: uk

still interested in the P900 but lack of raw is defo an issue for me, so after much consideration will hold off replacing my middle (bridge) camera for a while and play with my new tamron 150-600 next week in the Peak District

PaulR

Took a Panasonic FZ 1000 to Disney....just got back. It is a little big, but my granddaughter's senior pictures, which I took at Disney, were absolutely amazing. Found the camera used at B&H for a great price. This camera is a keeper for many years. Even the digital zoom photos were keepers.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

I love my Nikon P900, but did have to wait a bit for its arrival. You might look at the Panasonic DMC-FZ70 with its 60x optical zoom and the ability to shoot RAW. Current price is under $250 which makes it almost a throw-away when you get back (that is if you don't fall in love with it as I did mine!)

http://www.dpreview.com/products/Panasonic/compacts/panasonic_dmcfz70