JHaw

Hello I'm new to this forum but have been watching the discussions for the past couple of months.

I'll get straight to the point.

I have Canon 70D and a 5D Mark IV. Once I got the Mark IV I as pretty sure I wouldn't be using the 70d any more. I'm going on safari to Kenya in the next couple of months and learned it would be a good idea to take both bodies in case I have a malfunction with one but more importantly to handle the different focal length demands without changing lenses a dusty environment. I have a number Cannon l Lenses and plan to take a 100-400mm telephoto, a 100mm macro, and a 24-70mm which I use the most.

My question is should I use the 100-400 on the Mark IV or the 70D with the crop sensor. By default I would use the other body with the 24-70mm.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks

JH

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

The 100-400 on the 70D gives you more apparent reach than the 5DMIV. That is what I would do. And the 24-70 will give you a wider apparent view with the 5DMIV.

TonyBot

Architect is right - plus - the 24-70 gives you a certain level of macro.

JHaw

Thanks. So you feel the addition focal length outweighs any loss of image quality of 70d vs the 5d M Mark IV. Correct?

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Unless you pixel peep, I doubt you would see much if any difference in this scenario and venue between the 2 cameras.

TonyBot

Well ... we could be starting a long-running discussion of "crop" sensors versus full frame with this discussion, but Architect is straight-on with his recommendation: the 70d will give you more reach (an apparent 160 to 640) and does have good resolution up to about 11x14, or even 16x20. There will be some loss of ability to go huge when you make prints, but ... Take a look at all the hoggers who do BIF (Birds-In-Flight) with the smaller sensor, and some of the phenomenal quality product they get. Good technique takes care of a lot of issues, but is really easy to learn.
Have a great time - and share some of your work!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Tough choice (and you don't want to be changing lenses in a dusty environment). Depends on what you're most interested in - animals or landsacapes (or both). For animals, the superior AF, faster frame rate and superior quality of the image, especially at high ISO, low light, would cause me to likely use the 100-400 on the 5D4 unless you feel you need the "reach" of a crop frame. That would give you the equivalent field of view of about 40-110 with the 24-70 on the 70D, which is a useful range, but not ultra wide. On the other hand, the 24-70 on the 5D4 will give you that ultra wide field of view for open landscapes, and the 100-400 will give you a longer "reach on the 70D. if you want some close ups of flora/fauna, then I'd use the 100 macro on the 5D4, but if your 100-400 is a MK2, which will focus very closely, you may just want to leave the 100 macro at home and save the weight (and lens change). In the end, once you're there, the choice may become clear. Personally, I would find it hard to give up the advantages of the FF in either scenario (you could always rent a 2nd 5D4 for the trip 😎). Great trip! Enjoy and post some results when you return.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I agree with leaving the macro home, the 100-400 should cover pretty much anything except absolute true macro as it come very close to that definition focusing to a bit closer than 3' at 400mm.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Welcome to the forum. Smart idea to take both bodies. I would start by using the 100-400 with your crop sensor.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Yes, I'm having a hard time thinking of many situations in which macro would be useful on a safari - and with "only" two bodies, that is the odd one out.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I use my 100-400 on nature walks for close-ups of flowers and other small things.

mrtaxi Loc: Old Westbury NY, Fort Lauderdale, FL

I have both bodies and the same L lense. I suggest you use the 100-400 on the 70D with the 1.6 crop your focal length will be 160-640mm. That will cover all those shots that are far and if it's the mark II will get your focus close enough to nix the 100 macro. Now for the 5D4 use loan or rent if you don't own a 70-200mm. If your not shooting indoors or low light take a 70-200mm f/4L is, as its way way lighter than the 70-200mm f/2.8 is II. Now your covered from 70-640mm. To get wider landscape shots I would bring a 16-35 mm for the 5D4 or even for the 70D. This 2 body 3 lens set up now gives you 16-640mm and redundancy. Landscape- go with the 5D4 for the better resolution with either the 16-35mm or 70-200mm. Long shots - go with the 70D where the crop factor is to your advantage with for reach.

Lorendn Loc: Jackson, WY

I recently returned from 2 months in South Africa. I had 3 bodies (2 FF; 1 crop) and took 6 lenses. I shot the 7D (crop) with the 100-400 exclusively and used this for 85% of my shots. Virtually all other shots were with the 24-70 on either a 5D3 or Sony A7R2. I never changed lenses once in the field - mostly because of the dusty conditions.

Please check out my blog for more details and sample images: http://www.naturalphotographyjackson.com/blog/2017/7/a-quick-note-about-photography-gear-for-south-africa

peferguson

I have been on many safaris in Kenya, most recently this July. I used the 100-400 mm on a 5D4 for about 70% of my shots. I also used a 500mm f4 on a 7D2 for about 25% of my shots. I am also an amateur landscape photographer. My personal opinion would be buy a 400mm5.6 and stick it on the 70D. It is a lightweight lens and you could buy it used and resell when you return for very little cost difference. I used my iPhone for wide shots and it did well. Don't forget to take a bean bag for stabilization. Don't change lens in the field!!! Take a blower for the dust. Never wipe before you blow or you risk scratches. Buy a Masai blanket ($10) and keep you equipment covered while out in the field.

Many times have have wished to be closer, but hardly ever have I thought I was too close!! Many of my best shots came with the longest lens. More space to allow action and natural behavior. Hope this helps, and have fun!!! I love Kenya, beautiful people and land.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

This is a close decision for sure....... Me, personally, since I would be most interested in the BEST animal images - and to that end I would be using the 5DIV with the 100-400II and 1.4X III - especially with lower light days - and crop later in post if needed with pixel enlargement if needed for those LONG
shots. The 70D would be OK in better/good light especially if you NEED the reach.