Lens for Zoo

Well I have to agree with the majority of comments you received here, the 70-200 is not long enough and if you take that on a crop body I would still suggest what others have already... slap a 2x converter on that thing!

Yeah, I searched the whole forum about zoos. I was HOPING I could get away with an 85mm at the Woodland Park Zoo.

I was thinking of picking it up on the way down there and using that alongside my 35L. And not having to worry about carrying a 35, 85 and 70-200II. It is a family trip and I don't want to be bogged down with equipment.

randy98mtu wrote in post #12631514
I just looked up this question the other day and found this thread. As a few people pointed out there, are you going with family or just for photography? If for photography, you'll want the 70-200. I went with the family and took my 24-105, 30 and 85. I never took the 24-105 off the camera. I was able to zoom out to get shots of what the kids were doing. On the long end 105 was a bit limiting on getting animal shots, but I still got some good shots.

^^Understood about the famly trip aspect. I'm typically in the same boat, and part of the reason I sold my 24-105L for a used 28-300L.

I'd go with the 70-200 MKII, and take the 35L or 24-70L for the rest of the trip. On a full-frame you might even be able to get away with using the 70-200 without a TC for family pictures at the zoo. Or at least be able to limit the number of times you have to switch lenses, as I know what a pain that can be.

But definately take a 2xTC if you have one. I think you'll like those results.

sleeper wrote in post #12631571
I think the 100-400 is out question. Just don't have the $$$ for that.

Looks like the consensus is the 70-200 II. I haven't used a safe at a hotel yet, but are they generally big enough to hold a 70-200 II? I really don't want to carry that around other than at the zoo.

I'll be taking the 5D2. I'm only going to the zoo for a half a day and would prefer the 5D2 for the rest of the trip.

I did have a 70-200 f4 IS before, but traded up for the II. Too good of a deal to pass up.

The safe is not gonna be big enough for your lens. You may just have to carry it around. Too bad, you got rid of your 70-200mm f/4 IS, otherwise it will be the best lens to have for your trip with the 1.4X extender.

Make sure you have insurance coverage under your house policy, or get a separate rider for your camera gear. It is very cheap. Makes your mind off the possibility of something happening. And you feel more comfortable taking your gear with you, putting it to good use, and getting some awesome pictures.

sleeper wrote in post #12631583
I was thinking of picking it up on the way down there and using that alongside my 35L.

The 100-400L does not cost that much more than the 35L. The Sigma 120-400 is also a viable option. It is cheaper than either L.

Standard Safebox in Hotel usually fit 70-200 II, it even fit my 5D II and 70-200 attached.

KY707 wrote in post #12632146
Standard Safebox in Hotel usually fit 70-200 II, it even fit my 5D II and 70-200 attached.

I agree. I once kept 5 lenses, including a 100-400, and my camera in one.

Alright, thanks for all your help.

Looks like I'm taking the 70-200 II. I'm going to call the hotel before though to make sure the safe will fit this. Thanks.

Just for reference I took my 70-200 2.8 with 2x teleconverter to the Zoo and it often wasn't long enough.

So, the longer the better.