Safari lens

[Nordwil57]

Hi all, first post, so please bear with me.

My wife and I are heading to Tanzania in November. So far I have the following:
-Canon Rebel xt (350D)
-Canon Rebel (300D)...bought used for a backup, but will be used by my wife, who will also be manning a point and shoot and a borrowed Handycam)
-Canon 75-300 4-5.6 IS...bought used for this trip.
-Sigma 70-300 Macro (prob on the other body)
-(2) Canon 18-55 zooms (came with bodies)
-Canon 35-80 zoom 4-5.6 (bought for older bodies)
-Sigma 28-80 3.5-5.6 (bought previously as well)
-Nikon coolpix 4600 point and shoot. (for those up close, quick response pics)

I am still looking for, and hope to acquire:
-The Canon 50mm 1.8 for lower light (1.4 just too much $$ for now)
-1.4 or 2X tele converter. (I dont own "L" quality lenses, so...thoughts on Quantaray or Bower products ($75 verses $275 for Canon?)
-Monopod that opens up at base (leaving our heavy tripod at home) are those magnetic head connections really any good?
-And the big item....I just missed an awesome deal on a used 100-400mm L zoom and therefore plan on renting. (from other threads, it's highly recommended for safari) Is it worthwhile? Or will the 75-300 IS be alright, esp. with a 1.4 or 2x?
-External Flash- I've decided to hold off...I shoot natural light 99.9% of the time anyway. I'm also told not to buy anything but Canon? Maybe if a used 430EX presents itself at a pawn shop...)
-I'll be picking up additional memory (have about 5 GB so far, but I dont shoot RAW...just not there yet.)
-I'll be grabbing a larger circular polarizer for the 75-300, (or the 100-400 if I rent and then step down)

Can you think of anything I've missed? Maybe the safari beanbag? (thinking of making my own to save a few $$)

As you can tell, I'm certainly no pro, but I'll be sick if I miss too many opportunities, or don't have at least a FEW shots that wow me when I get back!

Sorry for the long post...fire away with comments and suggestions if you have any! Thanks!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/91165528@N00/

[ryant35]

I don't know that the 75-300 would work with the tele converters, maybe I'm wrong.
I know that with the Canon 1.4 or 2x the front element sticks out too far (1/2") for the 75-300 to mount at all.
the 100-400L is awesome, my favorite so far. But with a non-1D camera if won't auto focus with a tele converter, I've tried it with my 20D. And I'm not positive that it will work on the 1D cameras either.

5GB may be ok, but I would grab a bunch more. Leave it in the packages and return it if you don't use it.

I have 14 GB and I had to load to my laptop last weekend to shoot for the second day.

I would consider renting something like a 400 f/2.8 with a tele converter, you may need some extra reach. Since I'm sure this trip isn't cheap, you may want to bring everything you can so your not limited and wanting to go again. It's the worst to pay for a trip and not get any good shots.

[saravrose]

Well, you have good timing a group of us have just returned from an Afican Safari.. We spent three weeks in Namibia and Botswana. If you do a search of 'GAPS' threads they'll pop up pretty easily. I can tell you the gear we took and four out of six of us had the 100-400L and I easily used mine eighty percent of the time. I would absolutely suggest more memory, a way to download what you shoot, extra batteries, We weren't going to the same area but you'll be suprised at how little electricity is available a good portion of the time. From personal experience I can say that I absolutely did not use my teleconverter and consider it my 'goof' purchase. But, those with full frame cameras absolutely used there's.

Sari.

[tommykjensen]

As Sari said the 100-400 was a universal lens on our trip. It was mounted on my 1D MKIII 99% of the time the body was out of my bag. I had a 5D too which I used the shorter lenses on.

I have posted some thought about my lens choices in this thread: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=380851&highlight=gaps

Ohh and I definately used my extender when I wanted a little more reach. But I also had the advantage over Sari that my 1D MK III would still autofocus.

[Steve Parr]

All I could think of when I read the title of this thread was "the longest lens possible"...

:lol:

[StewartR]

Personally, if I had two bodies like you do, I'd put your 75-300 or 100-400 on the 350D (more pixels than 300D => more 'reach' by cropping if necessary) and something wider on the 300D - kit lens would be fine I expect. I would expect to leave them on there 99% of the time. (If you haven't been on safari before you will not believe how dusty everything gets.) I wouldn't bother taking all that duplicated kit at all.

You don't say where you're from, but if you're travelling out of or through the UK then remember that you are only allowed to take one bag into the cabin with you - and on some airlines that bag has to be stupidly small. Check, double-check and check again what your airline's baggage policy is.

[tommykjensen]

You don't say where you're from, but if you're travelling out of or through the UK then remember that you are only allowed to take one bag into the cabin with you - and on some airlines that bag has to be stupidly small. Check, double-check and check again what your airline's baggage policy is.

Yes check and double check but be aware that the airlines is NOT consistant. When I left Gatwick in august for my trip I saw a lady having her handbag weighed and it was smaller than my Lowepro Minitrekker. But mine did not get weighed. And I saw another lady having to check her bag in those size bins they have in the airport. Again it was very random and not at all consistant. I saw many that had bigger bags and even many that had 2 bags. And yes even security is not consistant. I saw one lady be refused entry through security because she had 2 bags but beyond security I did see several passengers with more than 1 bag.

[Nordwil57]

Thanks for all the help.... you guys and this site are awesome!

I forgot to mention I had planned on buying 2 spare (non-OEM) batteries for each camera. That way I'll always have 2 in the field and 1 charging with any luck...) In my infinite wisdom, I thought the batteries were interchangeable between the 350 and 300 when I bought it as a spare, but it's no major issue. I'll probably sell the 300 when I return anyway...or maybe both and upgrade if the right bargain is out there.

I am in the process of being outbid on the nifty fifty, but there comes a point where used just doesnt make sense.

Love the idea about not opening the memory cards! Cheap insurance that way! I'm buying everything in 2GB sizes, to spread out the risk, and I've heard larger cards dont work with the 300 in any case? To tell you the truth, I'm even petrified of making a transfer to a storage device unless I've been using it regularly. The 2 GB cards will make good stocking stuffers if nothing else!

Finally. back to the 100-400.....is it just me or did Canon hire Pavlov as a marketing agent? Just the sight of the darn white lens and red ring at a decent price and I have to wipe the drool off my keyboard. In reality tho, I know it's a great lens from everybody's feedback. I will make that call and make sure I can reserve one for the appropriate dates. I believe we get a little closer to the wildlife in Ngorongoro crater and maybe the serengeti as well than you might in Botswana, although Botswana was our initial choice before finances dictated otherwise. I'm just hoping that there arent so many vehicles that we "circle the wagons" around any good shots.
Thanks again, for these suggestions and whatever else might be posted. I'll try to keep in touch and not be as much of a lurker as I would otherwise tend to be.

[holland_patrick]

Well pretty much the closeness is up to you.. my great loin shot is at 250mm and i belive he passed 10 feet in front of the car.... Jake has some shots that he couldn't fit in frame (i let him tell you about that Sari is not able to after hearing it from from her so many days in a row) but you'll see what happenes on a safari.. it's wild...

anyways

100-400L is my choice.
second would be the 300 2.8 with x2 converter ($$$$$$$$)
I loved my 30 1.4 on the 30d.
but pretty much 100-400 was parked on the camera..

[saravrose]

Well pretty much the closeness is up to you.. my great loin shot is at 250mm and i belive he passed 10 feet in front of the car.... Jake has some shots that he couldn't fit in frame (i let him tell you about that Sari is not able to after hearing it from from her so many days in a row) but you'll see what happenes on a safari.. it's wild...

anyways

100-400L is my choice.
second would be the 300 2.8 with x2 converter ($$$$$$$$)
I loved my 30 1.4 on the 30d.
but pretty much 100-400 was parked on the camera..


just because you missed our lion experience doesn't mean you have to stay bitter about it.. :cool::p.. But, yeah.. it's Jake's turn to tell the story.

[tommykjensen]

just because you missed our lion experience doesn't mean you have to stay bitter about it.. :cool::p.. But, yeah.. it's Jake's turn to tell the story.

Hehe maybe he is just envious. So am I. But I am over it. I got my Cheetah experience instead :p

[Nordwil57]

Thanks for clearing that up...I THOUGHT maybe "loin" was a typo!

Leaving from Boston to Amsterdam, connection there to kilimanjaro airport. I plan on one carry on...a (non-photo) backpack that meets size restrictions...Never had a weight check on a carry on before (international lately being mostly Iceland Air Boston/Keflavik/Oslo or KLM Boston to Amsterdam) , it's usually just a sore back consideration. I dont think I will overload...mostly camera gear and a few paperbacks, but we DO only have the weight restricted duffel bag for the rest of our stuff, so I might pack it in a bit denser than normal.

[Cr4zYH3aD]

I would say 70-200 F2.8 L

[tommykjensen]

I would say 70-200 F2.8 L

It depends. I had that lens with me and it didn't really get much use. I mainly used it at one waterhole at night. During the day I used the longer 100-400.

[Pollyanna1]

I just returned 3 weeks ago from a safari in Kenya and Tanzania. I took my 70-200 F4 with a 1.4TC and my Sigma 170-500. I would have loved a 100-400 but my finances unfortunately wouldn't stretch to it, if the had this is what I would have gone for and I am sure it would have been pretty much the perfect lens for most situations.
Most of the time we did get closer to the animals than we had previously in Namibia and Botswana. I always opted for my 70-200 with TC whenever possible as the IQ is superior to 170-500 and in reality used it 80% of the time. In the Ngorongoro crater, Serengeti and Mara we did get times when animals were just a few feet away, so whatever you decide I am sure you will get the opportunity to take some great shots. Have a great time....I know you will!

[CyberDyneSystems]

100-400mm.
I had the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS with me in Africa and used it for about 2 hours out of three weeks.
The 100-400mm was the most flexible and uselful lens on the trip.
Light is rarely an issue in Africa...

The only lens I used more than the 100-400mm was the 500mm Prime, but that's different,. ;)

[Nordwil57]

Thanks for all the input. Quick update: My wife wants me to splurge for the 100-400 (30'th anniversary trip, plus I turn 50 while in Tanzania, so an awesome gift).
After driving her crazy with talk about E bay, Craigslist, used local shops, etc.... I think we'll just go new for what seems to be only $100 or so difference in $$$.

I have to say I considered the 70-200/2.8 for the low light factor (morning drives in particular), but the overwhelming majority seem to think it won't be a problem, so I'll listen to the majority! (I'll still try to pick up the 50/1.8..I'm trying to find it for $50 for my 50'th for karma's sake, but thats a tough one)

One last thing...I noticed a lot of threads talking about good copies vs. bad copies of the 100-400...is this something I should be nervous about (assuming I'm going through KEH or B&H or someother reputable mail order source) OR is this just people showing their shots and being humble?

OK, one MORE last thing....did any of you guys travel WITHOUT getting the Yellow fever vaccination? We got all our shots yesterday, but my wife has to hold off on that pending her Dr's OK...apparently there's a medicine conflict and the live viral innoculation might not be possible....then it's just a gamble that we're not sure we want to take.

Thanks again,
Rick.

[tommykjensen]

I didn't get the yellow fever shot but Tanzania might be different than Namibia & Botswana.

When shooting in the morning or late afternoon if possible turn of the engine and use a beanbag for support then you should be fine with regards to the light.

[andrewmr]

I've never been to Africa but I would like to in the near future. But I would like to comment on your gear.

You made mention of your wife letting you get the 100-400 lens... I would suggest that you not scrimp on any of the gear. I assume this trip is a once in a lifetime event and the last thing you want to have happen is to look at those photo's and say..... if only I had ....

Enjoy your trip.

[Nordwil57]

I am now officially the proud owner of the Canon 100-400! After ordering from Abe's of Maine on a Sunday, it actually showed up (free shipping) Tuesday afternoon. Not bad service there. Of course after scouring E Bay and Craigs list for months, what shows up (On Tuesday) for $1100 in the Worcester MA Craigs list but the same lens, advertised as new. Ah well, I'm happy, my wife is happy, and hopefully the Crystal optics UV and Circular polarizers I bought with it aren't bad quality. (Saw a few reviews that seemed favorable..... comments welcome). The 50mm 1.8 arrived as well (E Bay), with a nasty piece of dust on the inside, but I can't see it whan I took some sample blue sky pics to try to see the effect it might have, and it was only a couple of bucks off my "karma" price mentioned earlier. Now the only gear questions are a 1.4 and a monopod that opens to a tripod, but neither are dealbreakers in my opinion. Even the plug adapters for the chargers and the Joe McDonald "Field guide" are here or due shortly!
Moving right along to my next question....what is the overall verdict for a beginner like myself in regards to shooting in best quality jpg mode versus RAW mode? I haven't even mastered Photoshop (granted I havent taken the time) I realize the flexibility of shooting in RAW mode, but for a beginner is it a risk at all? Or, is the only risk not taking the time to properly process the shots? I gotta tell ya, I'm leaning heavily towards staying with jpeg, but don't want to end up in the "if I only" category after the trip.
As always, thanks again for the help!

[tommykjensen]

You could shoot RAW+jpeg and save the RAWs for when you feel you want to explore that. Of course this means you need more space.

[condyk]

RAW is easy to process. Easier than JPG once you try it a few times as you have more flexibility over what you can change, like white balance and exposure proper. Even the free software with your camera will do RAW easy as pie. A good RAW processor is essential. I use Bibble and it is very good. The software, camera, lenses and you are all a system working together so don't neglect any part of it by skimping on JPGs.

[Nordwil57]

I know this isnt the best location to post this next question to, but since I started here, and it's still kinda safari related (for me anyway) I'll ask.

I can pick up a lightly used Kenko 1.4 Teleplus Pro DG teleconverter locally for $150. Ritz Camera has their 2x Quantaray for $80.

I am hoping to "share" this TC with my wife on the trip...on my new Canon 100-400L and 350D, and her Canon 75-300IS and 300D.

I've seen conflicting results on this site regarding compatability with both lenses...taping the 3 pins?...not needing to tape?....the seller used it on HIS 100-400 with no issues.

The other option is, if I need both TC's to make this work, I could sell the one that works with the 75-300IS along with that lens when we return, since it IS somewhat redundant now that we own the 100-400. (This solution could also avoid major conflict on this 30'th anniversary trip since I imagine when the TC is needed, it will be needed by both of us at the same time!)

On another quick note, thanks to Blonde for the DIY beanbag idea. I picked up 2 small gym bags, already zippered, from my gym with a credit I received and am in the process of assembly. I'm also planning to put an insert in my regular carry on backpack to make it more photog accessory friendly....figure a stiff (cardboard?) backer board covered in velcro friendly fabric in the teardrop shape of the pack, then attaching velcro to smaller pieces of foam or covered bunting for the dividers (that is if I cant scrounge up enough pre made ones from existing bags or laptop cases I have lying around. Anyone build one of these and have tips? Have to at least FEEL like I'm saving a buck here and there......

[Nordwil57]

We are leaving in 5 days and I have one last question (until the next one). Does anyone know how much space is available in the game drive vehicles? We are traveling through OAT's, with Kibo Safari's, 10 people, all guaranteed a window seat. I have to assume there is room between the 2 window seats to set a backpack down on. I converted my carry on backpack to a camera bag with some "homely made" inserts that I actually have high hopes for, and I'm paranoid it may be too large? (It's the max carry on size allowed). It will also be a bit heavy, but I've never had my carry on checked for weight, is that an issue? We are Boston to Amsterdam, then Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro Airport, both on KLM.

Thanks again for any help!

[tommykjensen]

It depends on the vehicle :p ;)

I can only tell you about the trucks we had in Namibia & Botswana which was Nissan double cabs. We were 3 people per truck. If 2 people sits on the backseat and you have a camera bag each the space would be very cramped. I am glad we were only 3 per truck. 1 person had the backseat and the other bags were stowed on the empty seat.

As for weight. My back weighed twice as much as allowed but wa snot weighed. But I did see one person have her handbag weighed so be prepared for anything. But if you carry the bag on you bag and don't let it seem like it is heavy then you probably won't have any problems.

[Nordwil57]

Thanks for the tips!
I'll probably throw my empty, homemade "bean bags" in my carry on, that way if weight is an issue I can put a few things in there and call it my "man-purse" since a purse or briefcase is allowed besides the carry on.

[Nordwil57]

My wife and I just got back , and if photography was like golfing, I would throw my equipment into the nearest water hazard!

I've done the homework and the practice, but I can't seem to get the "pop" I've so often seen and have read other comments on (I replied to a similar complaint a few minutes ago...). Granted Picasa2 is no great photo editor, but I was hoping the shots wouldnt need TOO much work!

I used a 350D with the 100-400 most of the time, my wife used the camera we actually bought for a back up, a 300D, along with the Canon 75-300 IS we picked up used. I believe my biggest mistake was camera movement at the high end of the zoom. The 300 zoom had crisper shots, Ifind I can hand hold the 75-300, but not the 100-400 (anywhere near 400 anyway). Live and learn!

Anyway, I PP'd just a touch in Picasa..usually a 1 click sharpen and maybe some color or highlight correcting. I did shoot in RAW mode, but only 1 game drive due to the space (I shot JPEG at the same time), and I'm finding I probably dont have the knowledge currently to process in Adobe or Bibble or whatever anyway!

Hope it's not rude to be lazy and just post a few links....still a somewhat newbie to this site, but maybe I'll try to resize a couple of my favorites and post.

If anyone takes the time to look, please feel free to give constructive criticism!
The Flickr pics are mine, and have some simple PP... The shutterfly pics a mix, except for the 49 pic album, which is just mine and just the animals...the 180 some odd album is a trip overview.

http://rickandbecky.shutterfly.com/action/ (http://rickandbecky.shutterfly.com/action/)



http://www.flickr.com/photos/91165528@N00/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/91165528@N00/)

[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']On another note, the homemade bean bags worked out great! Looking at these 2, maybe i'm being too hard on myself in hindsight...but these were my favorites, and 2 out of 2500 or so just doesnt cut it!

[macropod]

Hi,

I spent a few weeks travelling around Kruger NP (Sth Africa) and the Masaai Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro (Keny/Tanzania) in May & June. Almost all my shots were taken with a Sigma 50-500, mostly up around the 500mm end, sometimes with Kenko Pro 1.4x or 2.0x TCs - and sometimes with both TCs. Although the Sigma is rated at f6.3 at the long end, it retained AF with the 1.4x TC.

Since tripods aren't all that practical in vehicle with other passengers (whose movements will disturb the tripod around while you're trying to take a shot), I used a BuhHawk shoulder stock. I think this would be a worthwhile addition even for a lens with IS (which the Sigma lacks).

As for batteries, I took along a volatge inverter. That meant I had access to mains power from the car battery and could recharge my camera batterries (and those of other passengers), plus run my laptop.

Cheers

[Nordwil57]

A few quick notes: I agree about the tripod, we brought a lightweight, inexpensive one for use only at the camps and lodges and found it was just taking up space. Beanbags exclusively in the vehicle (although that shoulder stock sounds cool!)

Battery charging was not a problem. All lodges had power in the rooms, and the tented areas always had a seperate tent set up with solar to charge batteries during dinner or overnite. We didnt even need the plug adapters for the power strips they used, since they were universal. I had 3 spares for my 350D and my wife 2 for her 300D and we never came close to having an issue. On the other hand, we took just over 2500 shots, which to many photographers on a true PHOTO safari is probably a good days work? We had 14 GB combined, and were able to not open the last 2 2GB cards so we returned them for a refund once we got back. (another great suggestion from this site!) I only shot RAW/JPEG combined for one drive and then went back to JPEG only. I know many purists are wincing, but at my skill level, it seemed the right thing to do.

Dust was as big an issue as everybody says it is...and we were supposedly there during the short rainy season! We ended up keeping a bandana on our laps covering the cameras and lens as much as possible. One of my biggest fears came true, which was dust on the sensor with no way of knowing since I had no laptop or other method of viewing. I didnt want to blow air on the sensor indiscriminately, even back at the lodge, without knowing if it truly needed it. (It did - see attached) Not too many pics were really bothered tho, and those can be PP'd and fixed.

Nobody weighed our carry ons (Boston, Amsterdam or Kilimanjaro), but my backpack, (an REI vagabond that I modified with velcro inserts for camera equip), while ideal for lugging all the stuff back and forth safely, was really too large for the vehicles. I ended up leaving that in the tent/lodge and taking just what I thought I needed (x 2!) in the spare homemade beanbag that I was able to hang over the headrest in front of me. My wifes backpack (a modified LL Bean book bag) was really the perfect size for the drives. It's amazing what a little stiff plastic, felt fabric, foam padding, velcro and a can of spray glue can accomplish!

We used the 100-400 and 75-300 Canon IS zooms almost exclusively. I DID use an inexpensive 2x converter for a long distance Leopard in a tree capture, which suffered slightly in quality, but got me the shot. We also threw on the kit 18-55, a canon 35-80 and the nifty 50 a few times as well. Didn't bring (don't own) an off camera flash, and probably wouldnt have used it except maybe at the 2 birthday celebrations we had in the middle of the Serengeti!

Anyway, after all the advice I recieved, I felt I should say thanks and update what I could to maybe help any other first timers heading over!
If I've left things out (I'm sure I have, but being less experienced than many here, it might not matter), feel free to ask.

[Nordwil57]

A couple of quick shots of the backpacks. One in progress (The LL Bean inside out next to it) and one complete (The REI Vagabond that was great, but a bit unwieldy in the field).

Thanks again for all the pre AND post trip help!

[Nordwil57]

Hello again everybody. We are still basking in the afterglow of our safari, and playing with different PP options (we just bought ourselves a Mac, so that opened new doors for us as well).
Please bear with me for a few quick rookie questions, if anybody is still reading this thread:
While still not terribly satisfied with my results from the 100-400L (my wife had some better pics with our 75-300 on auto!), I realize I'm still very much in the learning curve. IE: I have read about shutting off IS while on a tripod, but didnt even consider doing that while on my beanbag on the vehicles roof! (the vehicle was not always shut off) Would that have contributed to some of my pics (ok...maybe more than some) not being as tack sharp as I hoped?

Along the same line, I've noticed that the background image rather than being soft while out of my intended range of depth of field, sometimes looks hard and wavy? Is that a digital thing?

While cropping a photo, is it better to stay within the pre set constrained limits or okay to go wild and crop at will? I'm having trouble staying within the lines creativity-wise.

Finally, regarding the Mac and PP, any suggestions regarding software? iPhoto is awesome, but doesnt remove areas (such as a radio collar on the top of an elephants neck) very well, nor does it have the capability of, say, adjusting color or lighting of only a PORTION of a photograph.
I've heard Aperture, Lightroom and also Adobe elements, for which there is a local one day seminar on shortly. I'm not looking for a Pro tool (I have Photoshop 5.5 I could load on....I think)...just those 2 additional features I cant get with iPhoto! I just dont always take the time to get through a learning curve, as evidenced here by my lack of info in my signature, which I thought I updated!

Thanks for your help and patience!


http://www.flickr.com/photos/91165528@N00/