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Would you buy a backup camera or longer telephoto lens?
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May 31, 2018 11:21:27   #
ggenova64
 
Hi Barb

With Michael Downey?

I would buy the longer lens and rent a Camera body with insurance.
Enjoy your trip!

Gino

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May 31, 2018 11:24:28   #
ATCurry
 
Buy the lens. Rent a second body if you feel you need it

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May 31, 2018 11:44:32   #
Bazbo Loc: Lisboa, Portugal
 
BarbB wrote:
I am planning a trip to Namibia, and currently shoot with a canon 5DM4. My longest lens is 70-300L. I was thinking about upgrading to the 100-400L II ( and adding a 1.4 extender) and then I thought about getting a second ( back up ) camera body, maybe the Canon 7DM2 instead. That, with it’s crop factor, would give me almost the same reach as the 100-400 with a 1.4 teleconverter. I could then have a camera with a landscape lens, and one with “wildlife” lens mounted. So, here is the question..How many of you travel with a back up camera, and is it the same model or type as your primary, or would you travel with one camera and a longer reach lens? Any advice would be appreciated. I am trying to make a purchasing decision that will serve me well not only this trip, but for future travels as well.
I am planning a trip to Namibia, and currently sho... (show quote)


I always travel with a back up camera body---usually an older version of main body. Now my primary body is the d850 and my back up is the d800e.

I think your plan of adding the crop sensor body for eildlife is a pretty good plan.

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May 31, 2018 11:48:58   #
catsanddogs
 
I wen t to Kenya, and took a back up camera that I rented . Since at the time I only had a 7DMII, I rented the same and set it up like mine as far as functions. Then I Put my 100-400 MII on one and my 24-105 on the other. Was glad since Elephants are BIG and also did not have to change lens while out so avoided dust getting into system. My vote--buy lens and rent camera body.

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May 31, 2018 11:52:45   #
DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
 
I don't go anywhere with one camera and one lens. That might give me heart failure. Within the USA, by road, I carry everything. Overseas or flying within conus I carry 2 cameras (minimum) and 5 lenses (minimum).
BarbB wrote:
I am planning a trip to Namibia, and currently shoot with a canon 5DM4. My longest lens is 70-300L. I was thinking about upgrading to the 100-400L II ( and adding a 1.4 extender) and then I thought about getting a second ( back up ) camera body, maybe the Canon 7DM2 instead. That, with it’s crop factor, would give me almost the same reach as the 100-400 with a 1.4 teleconverter. I could then have a camera with a landscape lens, and one with “wildlife” lens mounted. So, here is the question..How many of you travel with a back up camera, and is it the same model or type as your primary, or would you travel with one camera and a longer reach lens? Any advice would be appreciated. I am trying to make a purchasing decision that will serve me well not only this trip, but for future travels as well.
I am planning a trip to Namibia, and currently sho... (show quote)

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May 31, 2018 12:07:41   #
bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA
 
BarbB wrote:
I am planning a trip to Namibia, and currently shoot with a canon 5DM4. My longest lens is 70-300L. I was thinking about upgrading to the 100-400L II ( and adding a 1.4 extender) and then I thought about getting a second ( back up ) camera body, maybe the Canon 7DM2 instead. That, with it’s crop factor, would give me almost the same reach as the 100-400 with a 1.4 teleconverter. I could then have a camera with a landscape lens, and one with “wildlife” lens mounted. So, here is the question..How many of you travel with a back up camera, and is it the same model or type as your primary, or would you travel with one camera and a longer reach lens? Any advice would be appreciated. I am trying to make a purchasing decision that will serve me well not only this trip, but for future travels as well.
I am planning a trip to Namibia, and currently sho... (show quote)


First of all, I would never consider buying a backup camera. I would buy a more up to date camera and use my older camera as the backup. I use a Nikon D800 with shorter lenses for telephoto work and crop in post production. The full frame large megapixel sensor allows me to do that. On your trip to Namibia, size and weight will be an issue when flying. The less heavy equipment you take the better.

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May 31, 2018 12:27:12   #
ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or
 
BarbB wrote:
I am planning a trip to Namibia, and currently shoot with a canon 5DM4. My longest lens is 70-300L. I was thinking about upgrading to the 100-400L II ( and adding a 1.4 extender) and then I thought about getting a second ( back up ) camera body, maybe the Canon 7DM2 instead. That, with it’s crop factor, would give me almost the same reach as the 100-400 with a 1.4 teleconverter. I could then have a camera with a landscape lens, and one with “wildlife” lens mounted. So, here is the question..How many of you travel with a back up camera, and is it the same model or type as your primary, or would you travel with one camera and a longer reach lens? Any advice would be appreciated. I am trying to make a purchasing decision that will serve me well not only this trip, but for future travels as well.
I am planning a trip to Namibia, and currently sho... (show quote)


I advise my students to get a backup camera. Generaly my recomendation is to get a good 'Point-N-Shoot". In your situation I would opt for the Canon SX60. It has a long zoom (over 1000mm) as well as wide angle. It is sealed from dust and dirt. Light and easy to use. It will always be ready when you are for that trip.

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May 31, 2018 12:45:59   #
johntaylor333
 
JCam wrote:
BarbB, I'm not sure of the cost differential, but if cost is not a significant factor, or it may be pocket change compared to the total cost of your trip, but I'd opt for the extra body, as it would serve two different purposes--a back up in case the prime camera gets damaged (it does happen).

I've never been on one of those safaris, but can you hand hold a 400mm with a 1.4 converter (almost 640 mm equivalent, not to mention the f/stop loss) steady enough to get the shot not showing any vibrations? Remember both your subject and you may be moving! I may be considerably older than you, but I find my maximum hand held range is now about 300MM; that is not a disparagement of youth, it was great when I had it, but those days are passed . Most of what I've read here on UHH from those who have made similar trips say that even tripods are next to useless (just like on ships and boats) as you will most often be in moving trucks on unfinished roads. .

Enjoy the trip and please post some photos when you return.
BarbB, I'm not sure of the cost differential, but... (show quote)


For long lenses, I suggest a sandbag (or a modern equivalent with plastic beads). Also, ask the driver to cut the engine whenever he stops.

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May 31, 2018 12:55:55   #
PaulB Loc: Alabama
 
A "bean bag" would be useful. You rest it on the roofline of the safari vehicle, allowing you to steady the longer, heavier lenses.

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May 31, 2018 13:11:56   #
azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.
 
I have a huge trip planned for the future, and I have decided to add an Olympus OMD Em5 mark ii to back up my Sony A7ii. I have a 70-300mm for the full frame Sony and I also have a 300mm older lens adapted to the Micro 4/3 (2 times crop factor) for the Olympus. I will also be buying a wide angle lens for the Sony. I think the Olympus has better weather sealing than the Sony so I will be taking that on dusty safari rides. The Full Frame on the Sony will be better for "in town" buildings and people shots. Sometimes I will carry both, but will not change lenses during tours. That is my rationale, and I hope it helps you.

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May 31, 2018 13:12:32   #
azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.
 
PaulB wrote:
A "bean bag" would be useful. You rest it on the roofline of the safari vehicle, allowing you to steady the longer, heavier lenses.


Can you use a monopod in a safari vehicle?

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May 31, 2018 13:16:58   #
PaulB Loc: Alabama
 
You can, but it can be very clumsy depending on the configuration of the vehicle and number of people on board. "Bean Bag" is much easier to use.

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May 31, 2018 13:28:49   #
NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC
 
What about a backup crop camera and the teleconverter. Then you can use both your existing lens with the tele on both cameras.

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May 31, 2018 13:32:05   #
Beruldsen
 
Having travelled a LOT ... things go wrong and it pays to have a backup. My main camera is a Canon 80D ... but I have a canon Gx 7 II as a backup ... a pretty decent pocket camera and if something fails on my main camera or lens ... at least I something and I can take shots in places I may never return to.

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May 31, 2018 13:41:02   #
Nikon1201
 
I bought a a+ used D80 from KEH like new $160 as my second camera . I have my D7100 with Nikon 18-200 and my D80 with 50-500 . Never have to switch lenses.

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