Buget Safari Lens?

[JRMott]

I am backpacking in South Africa in a few months and will visit Kruger while there though I am having trouble figuring out what my best budget option is for a lens. I have a Rebel XS and as I am backpacking I am concerned with budget weight and theft.

Since my camera has a 1.6x crop factor, I am debating if I'd be OK with an EF 70-300 USM. I also have a 17-85mm and decent P&S for wider shots on safari. The other lens I am considering is the 70-300 DO. I'm not sure I need the 100-400 on a crop sensor, and would prefer to not stand out so much with a white L lens.

I would probably buy used and sell upon my return, though should it go missing I'd much prefer to lose the standard 70-300 than the DO.

Would anyone strongly advise not to use either (or both) of these lenses?

[hollis_f]

You definitely want the 100-400. No doubt at all. There is no substitute for focal length. Yes, the animals will sometimes be very close, but often they will be far away.

[g8trgr8t]

rent it and take out the insurance. get the 100 - 400. I have had good service from lensdepot.com

[lorendn]

I like the 100-400 for most wildlife shooting. It is a once in a lifetime safari opportunity - rent the lens if you don't think you will use it again. There may be rental at or near the park.

[BodyResults]

I've read the 100-400 is the most chosen safari lens. I have one and it is great for wildlife.

[MCAsan]

100-400 was our work horse for our Kruger trip in 2010. It will be the same for our return trip in June. It is very hard to beat the value (price, range, quality) of the 100-400.

[freddyronny]

Although the 100-400L is a very good lens, I would rent the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 OS with teleconverters. It will probably be a little bit more expensive, but more flexible and better image quality. You can't beat that focal range 120-600mm and the f2.8 from 120-300mm, f4 till 420mm and f5.6 till 600mm.

[jhayesvw]

The only problem with the 120-300 OS is the extra weight over the 100-400.
its twice as heavy
I will say that the pictures I have seen from it are very good. on average I would say they are better than what I see out of the 100-400, but at twice the price and twice the weight
its a choice you cant take lightly.

[x_tan]

200mm f/2.8L II, cheap and sharp - my cheap Safari lens this September.

Happy traveling.

[Alyx]

I would go for the 100-400, used it myself during a safari in Kenya & Tanzania, and @ other holidays as well. You won't stand out with an L lens in my experience, saw them all over the place

[Daphatty]

If you can take the 100-400 then go for it. If not, might I suggest you look at the 55-250 as well. It doesn't have the same reach as the 70-300 but it is still a great budget lens, not to mention it was made for the crop sensor cameras. Food for thought.

[mishra_sanju]

I am planning my trip and was wondering if you could share your travel details. I am kind of lost as to where to start from. Heard and read a lot about the Ngorongo Crater. Did you go there? Thanks.

Sanjeev

[MCAsan]

There are several excellent designations for animal photography in East Africa, South Africa, Namibia, and others. I suggest this site as a place to start to see what is available, what you do want and do not want, when/where, and the potential costs. www.wild4photographicsafaris.com/

[Owain Glyndwr]

Originally Posted by mishra_sanju

I am planning my trip and was wondering if you could share your travel details. I am kind of lost as to where to start from. Heard and read a lot about the Ngorongo Crater. Did you go there? Thanks.

Sanjeev

i went there last August. It is one of the classic stops on the northern circuit. It was good, but nothing in comparison to the Serengeti. If you fly into Kili or Arusha and head to the Serengeti you have to drive along the crater rim anyway so it makes sense to stop there. I also preferred Tarangire to Ngorongo.

[meanwood_tom]

Used the old 75-300 and a 100-400 in Kenya. The 1-4 is GREAT. I loved that lens (until it got stolen last week). Will almost certainly buy another.