Rhinophoto Loc: Davis, CA

A friend who has a Canon Eos 70D is going on an African safari this Summer and is looking to buy a telephoto zoom that ranges up to about 300mm. It can be a Canon or another brand, new is preferred but used could be an option. I shoot Nikon so I'm not familiar with her choices. Any advice?
Thanks.

billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

I have a 70-200 f 2.8 L with 2x teleconverter that I use on a 70D. This setup works very well and I can not see any significant image quality loss with the teleconverter.

This is pricey setup, but for most, Africa is once in a life time situation, and the best equipment possible is the order of the day.

Bill

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Consider the 100-400L, a very sharp zoom. Stick it on a crop sensor camera.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your friend should also consider renting for just this trip if the 4-digit cost of the new 100-400L is a lens they don't need on a regular basis.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

It appears as if your friend is not heavily invested in photo gear therefore it would be imprudent to spend on expensive equipment for a specific trip.

Suggest a Tamron 70-300 for about $400. There will be plenty of light so the speed will not be an issue.

They will be more than happy with the results.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Get a fast 28 - 300. Friends who have gone on similar trips tell me that the dust in the field is so bad, they never changed lenses on the go. That and they spend considerable time ever evening cleaning their cameras.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Sigma 150-600 Sport lens. Sharp and weatherproof

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

Rhino, I would purchase the Tamron 150-600 and use that almost exclusively. I went on a Safari a few years ago and had the 70-200 with a 2.0x extender (140-400 equiv., on a 7D 224-640 equiv.) and felt I did not have enough reach. Add the crop factor in and you have a (240-960 equiv.). I own the lens and have no reservations recommending it to anyone. Take a towel and rocket blower. Cover your equipment when not shooting. Dust is bad, but covering helps keep your equipment cleaner and the rocket blower helps. Here is a comparison link for the big zooms, I found later on todays page. Read the whole article, not just the summary. Only issue I had is the Tamron is not a push/pull focus as described in the summary, so not sure what they were referring to. Gary http://photographylife.com/nikon-200-500mm-vs-tamron-150-600mm-vs-sigma-150-600mm-c/6

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

My wife and I have been on Safari twice. The first trip I took a 18/300 & 150/600, never used the long lens. Dust depends what type of vehicle you'll be in, ours had sides with the top open with very little dust.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I really like my 100-400L Canon zoom lens. I debate getting a Tamron 150-600 for an African safari if I go next year. It is a very heavy lens for walk-around use. You would definitely want to take a large bean-bag to help support it on the vehicle while on safari. Everything I have heard and read about safari photography emphasizes the dust. I suspect it will be a good idea to take a second body with a lower-power zoom - perhaps even a point-and-shoot - to use for landscape shots, etc.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

This one is easy, I went last year with my Nikon 200-400 zoom and it was perfect. I would suggest the newer Canon 200-400 f4 zoom with built in 1.4 teleconverter.

Jim Bob

Version II of this lens is clearly superior to version I.

ft Loc: New York, USA

I just got back from Safari yesterday.
I primarily used the new version Canon 100-400 (version ii) on a 7Dii and was very pleased. With the 70D, it will likewise have an effective reach equivalent to 640mm. A number of Safari participants used the Sigma 150-600 and got great results. I was able to handhold my setup but found it best to use a tripod (with legs closed while in the vehicle) or a sturdy monopod. A gimbal head on beanbag is great and super-steady but I found it limiting as animals could be on either side of the vehicle at any time.
The Sigma 150-600 is a bicep builder if you're going to hand hold it. Some support is a must. But the lens is a great one.
And yes, bring a second body and lens, or a good point-and-shoot for landscapes and capturing the animals when you're up close or for context. Some participants used a Lumix with fixed zoom lens (I think 25-400) for this purpose to great effect.
If any equipment involves screws to hold components together (specifically lens and camera plates), bring appropriate wrenches for tightening.
I avoided removing lenses from camera bodies while outdoors to minimize risk of dust infiltration.
Bring rain protection for your gear. Rainsleeves for the camera and trash bags for your camera bag.
It's a wonderful experience!

Jim Bob

Ah hell, now you've gone and done it. The gimbal freaks will be up in arms.

ft Loc: New York, USA

Sorry!