100-400mm Safari Advice

[GriGGerS]

Hi All

I’m going on a Safari in November and naturally I’m taking my 100-400.
I see quite a few of you guys have already used your 100-400 on safari and wondered if I could just ask a few questions.

Firstly did you guys use a filter on the lens? The obvious reason being the dust.. Has anyone found this to affect the quality of the shots?

Has anyone suffered from dust getting into the Lens being a push pull. I do have a cover that encompasses the whole camera and lens, not sure whether to take this or whether it will just get in the way especially as it would appear from other posts that most shots will be hand held.

I have a backpack type equipment bag but was wondering if that is the best type to take.. Anyone have any suggestions on a practical bag for the job.

Thanks in advance

GriGGerS

[wanyc]

I've been on 3 safari trips with my 100-400. I have always used a UV filter on it and never had a problem with sharpness (although I have read threads where people have blamed problems with focus on filters). If you use a filter on your lens now, there's no reason not to use one in Africa. There's plenty of time for you to try one and see if there's any effect on your lens. The amount of dust depends on where you are going in Africa and the type of vehicle you will be in while there. I think in some areas of Africa November is the start of the rainy season so if it has rained there will obviously be less dust. I use a backpack (used to be a Tenba now have a Kata R103) and also keep all my equipment in plastic bags to guard against the dust when not in use. It's also easy to have a plastic bag around the lens and camera (2 gallon bag) while in the vehicle and quickly pull it off for shots. I've found that the backpack is easy to wear through airports and have never had a problem getting it on the small planes.

[PBeeee]

I've used mine during dry season and dust inside it is not an issue. I put a UV filter on and carry a spare one too. Buy a new one, keep the receipt and if you don't use it, return it when you get back. All that dust makes it easy to scratch things while cleaning and would you rather scratch a filter or a lens? I do think in low light a filter seems to affect IQ on that lens but the light in Africa is so gorgeous most of the time it just doesn't seem to matter. The most important thing is to clean your gear every night. I use alcohol swabs (the kind sold in drugstores) to wipe down the barrels and switch them out often. They are cheap and easy to get thru airport security. The rocket blower is also your friend, blow dust off before wiping anywhere. Don't change lenses in heavy dust if you can avoid it. Most of all, shoot, shoot shoot and don't get hung up on hurting your gear over getting a shot. Dust cleans out but you'll see alot of images that are once in a lifetime stuff.

[buddy4344]

I have been on 3 safaris, all to Botswana in the July dry, dustiest season. I take my son and we both use the 1-4 lens most of the time. I carry a second body with a 500, but that's not on topic. I do not use filters on the front of any of my lenses. I have always struggled with the idea of spending $1700 for a lens and then putting a fairly cheap piece of glass in front of the optics. Another concern - some of the best shots will be sunsets or sunrise where you will be shooting into the sun (http://www.chobesafari.com/photography-tips/photo-tip-photographing-the-quintessential-african-sunsets-with-silhouettes.html). Having a filter on the camera increases the chance of lens flare.

I have never scratched the class and have had no problems with dust in the 'dust pump'. I have had small amounts of dust on the sensor, but basic sensor cleaning techniques handle this. This lens is not really used like a trombone, so I believe the dust I have seen comes from changing lenses, which I do for landscapes, etc. while in the field. Don't overthink this as it really isn't a problem.

Regarding the backpack, I have used the Lowepro MicroTrekker and the Lowepro PhotoTrekker on my trips. I find it to be really easy to access and holds everything I need in the field ... but ... this if you have the luxury to have the bag unzipped and sitting in the seat next to you, this is a source of dust. I always carry a towel from the lodge with me in the field to lay over the bag if i am going to leave it unzipped.

I hope that helps.

[GriGGerS]

Hi All

Thanks for all of the useful information. This may seem like a silly question... I intend to use a bean bag or hold the camera (using the 100-400mm). I have decided to leave the tri / monopod at home. Do you guys remove the tripod mount from the lens when you’re out on safari or do you find it helps to leave this on even if just using a bean bag?

[hollis_f]

I've been on safari five times, three of them with a 100-400. I've never put a so-called 'protective' filter on it. Always use the hood. When not shooting I keep it on my lap with my fleece over it. At the end of the day I give the front of the lens and the sensor a good blast with a rocket blower.

[buddy4344]

Hi All

Thanks for all of the useful information. This may seem like a silly question... I intend to use a bean bag or hold the camera (using the 100-400mm). I have decided to leave the tri / monopod at home. Do you guys remove the tripod mount from the lens when you’re out on safari or do you find it helps to leave this on even if just using a bean bag?
I leave the mount on the lens as i find it's handy to use to steady the lens, but my son takes his off. Probably a personal comfort issue, but my logic is that if I needed an extra inch of height, I could sit on bean bag with foot down. If I wanted lower, lay on bag with foot up or to the side.

BTW, I reviewed a lot of bean bags to pick a style. I published several articles on the subject, but the best summary I did is at this link (http://www.chobesafari.com/photography-tips/finding-the-perfect-photo-bean-bag-for-safari.html).

[GriGGerS]

I leave the mount on the lens as i find it's handy to use to steady the lens, but my son takes his off. Probably a personal comfort issue, but my logic is that if I needed an extra inch of height, I could sit on bean bag with foot down. If I wanted lower, lay on bag with foot up or to the side.

BTW, I reviewed a lot of bean bags to pick a style. I published several articles on the subject, but the best summary I did is at this link (http://www.chobesafari.com/photography-tips/finding-the-perfect-photo-bean-bag-for-safari.html).


Hi Buddy4344

Very interesting Review.. This leads me to another question. It would appear that some of the bean bags give a very sound support to the camera. With the 100-400mm it is recommended that image stabilisation is turned off when mounted on a tripod. Do you still shoot with the image stabilisation on when using a bean bag?

[buddy4344]

Hi Buddy4344

Very interesting Review.. This leads me to another question. It would appear that some of the bean bags give a very sound support to the camera. With the 100-400mm it is recommended that image stabilisation is turned off when mounted on a tripod. Do you still shoot with the image stabilisation on when using a bean bag?


On the beanbag, I leave the IS on because in really early morning or at sunset, I often have quite slow shutter speeds and while stable on the bean bag, I see more chance of movement than with a rock solid tripod. Sometimes you are slightly panning on the bag plus I am also triggering the shutter on the beanbag with my finger, which I think can cause some vibration.
It will be good to hear what others do.

[LordBrian]

I've been on safari five times, three of them with a 100-400. I've never put a so-called 'protective' filter on it. Always use the hood. When not shooting I keep it on my lap with my fleece over it. At the end of the day I give the front of the lens and the sensor a good blast with a rocket blower.

+1 Never used a filter and cleaned with my shirt and never had a problem. The 100-400 is a tough beast...:D

[robert_s]

If you want to protect against dust on the front element, I find a lens hoodie works well. Keep it on between sightings and no dust :) And it's quick and easy to slip off and get the shot.

Robert