Sark17 Loc: Atlanta, GA

Hello! I’m looking for some advice. I have a friend that lives in Africa and is a safari guide. He has tons of opportunity to take incredible photos, but has never had a “real camera”, only his phone.

I have an old Canon Rebel T2i I plan to give him, and was looking for a decent lens to pair it with. I found the Sigma 50-500, (I wanted him to have ONE lens with as much range as possible), it’s the Sigma Ex 50-500mm 4-6.3 APO lens for Canon (NOT OS).

After talking with the amazing woman selling it, and telling her why I wanted it, she ended up just giving it to me which was so awesome and generous!!

My question: the camera doesn’t have OS, the lens doesn’t have OS, is this THAT much of an issue? He will likely use bean bags on the roof of his truck. Or, if it IS an issue, what is the most affordable canon camera body that does have OS? I was looking at the T5 and T7, but I don’t know much about them.

I just want to give him a solid set up because - 1) he’s never had one 2) he will likely not have another one for a long time and 3) he won’t have send back/repair options.

What do you think? My budget for this is not great, so I’m not looking for the newest, nicest, just something that’s good and has what he needs :)

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

It's the lenses that have stabilization in the Canon line. Short of a lens with stabilization, he will need a stable tripod and good ones aren't cheap...Bean bags can help but not so much if the truck's engine is running...

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

It's your money. It's your decision. It you let the UHH community spend your money, nothing you have will ever be good enough to their standards.

The proposed set-up has the benefit of being free. Although both the camera and lens are 'old' in an April 2020 sense, they're a fine set-up for this trip as well as for ongoing everyday wild-life photography.

What is also free is practice and learning, something your friend should begin in preparation.

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

That will work just fine ,such a wonderful gesture .

bleirer

I just chime in that stabilization wouldn't help with subject motion anyway. So if it's good light and moving subjects and maybe at least a monopod, the shutter speed could get high enough to get some keepers. Maybe tell your friend to shoot bursts, on the 'lucky shot theory' (literally) that some will be sharper than others.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Since your friend is a beginner and the kit is free your only cost is shipping. Have you thought of a good, readable-for-a-beginner book for his learning. Maybe there is some other Hogger that has a spare and serviable tripod to throw in. As your friend is overseas he won’t be competition business-wise, no.

BebuLamar

For free they should work fine. Of course nothing is easy and better equipment makes it easier but with what you have there should be sufficient for no cost.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

To the OP, I see we are neighbors.... I live OTP though. I'm assuming you live ITP ?

Sark17 Loc: Atlanta, GA

Yeah it’s definitely older, but I told him that and he cried he was so excited! I’ll have him start reading now! I’ll be bringing it to him in September (if this pandemic allows for travel by then). Thanks for the advice!

Sark17 Loc: Atlanta, GA

I’m actually bringing it over in September (hopefully!), and a tripod is a great idea! I just don’t know that he could get out of the truck in many situations he will find himself in. Lots of light thankfully; but also pretty close to some apex predators. I think the beanbag is as stable as it may get - truck engine off of course!

woodfrog Loc: Tennessee

Sounds like a great set-up. He will teach himself to hold still. BTW I have an old T2i that I use as a backup. One thing I discovered is that it takes just as good a picture now as the day I bought it.

Sark17 Loc: Atlanta, GA

Oh cool! I’m actually OTP - flowery branch - Lake Lanier area! What hart of town are you in?

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Image Stabilization, or Vibration Compensation, or IBIS (in-body image stabilization) or Vibration Reduction, or... It's all nice to have, but if the camera and lens are already available, I'd concentrate on photographic knowledge and experience, first!

Yes, he will need a sturdy tripod capable of supporting that rig. Yes, a beanbag will work, but only on a stable surface such as a parked vehicle with the motor off...

But nothing will work as desired if he knows little about the gear, exposure, light, and general photographic techniques. CAMERAS do not make photographs. PHOTOGRAPHERS do. Once you get beyond the simplicity and capability of a fully automatic device, it's up to you. The camera and lens are just tools. Automation can disappoint about 15% to 20% of the time, so understanding what it is doing and knowing when to override it is important.

The most important thing he can do is to Read The *Fine* Manuals. If they are not available in hard copy, the Canon website has a support/downloads page for the body, and Sigma likely has one for the lens, as well.

Cheers!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

With Canon DSLR's the ONLY way for image stabilization is in the lens. This is not a BIG issue -IF- you take the necessary precautions.
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Sark17 Loc: Atlanta, GA

I guess a better way to ask is: is there a camera body that costs less than $250 (used is fine) that can compensate for a lens without OS?