Which one for Africa?

Looking for a travel lens for our upcoming vacation to Africa. Of course the 70-200/F2.8 IS would be the best, but I had that and sold it because I found it way too heavy for the times I can use it. So more looking into on of the all-in-one lenses. Currently more of less considering the Sigma 18-250mm/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Canon

Any advice? Gear in sig.

What will you be doing in Africa? Safari?

As said, it will really depend on what you will be doing and what you will want to shoot.

We will be doing what most tourists will be doing, sight-seeing, safari's, etc. Trip planned to South-Africa and as far as I can tell, most stuff that's on the 'must do' list will be included in our program.

Really need 300mm at least on APS-C for an African safari. Otherwise you'll be kicking yourself after having travelled all that way.

I would recommend a 70-300L or 100-400L. It could also be nice to have a 10-22 for landscapes, but I would put priority to the longer lens.

If the 70-200 2.8 is too heavy, why not the f4 version?

Or as someone else mentioned, the 70-300L (although that is about the same weight as the 70-200 2.8).

Alternatively the Tamron 70-300 VC USD, although a 70-200 f4 with 1.4x TC will give you better IQ and virtually the same reach.

Sold my 70-200 due to weight and have been considering the 70-200/F4 but to be honest, I really disliked the noise the IS motor made in that lens. The F2.8 was dead silent. Almost made me think there was something wrong with it.

Your 17-55mm f2.8 will be great but you definitely need something with reach when you head out on Safari. Since you no longer have the 70-200 f2.8, I'd suggest renting the 100-400L. All but one of my keepers came from this lens mounted on the 7D.

I'd also suggest taking a second body with you. The same advice was given to me, I listened, and ended up experiencing a body failure in the field. The second body saved my trip.

As a second 'body' I'll be taking my NEX6 with Zeiss 24mm. A fantastic combo for low-light shots and street photography.

7D, 100-400, 17-55 and 70-200 f4 IS (or 55-250 if cost is important).

100-400L is your friend.

Sirrith wrote in post #15446967
If the 70-200 2.8 is too heavy, why not the f4 version?

Or as someone else mentioned, the 70-300L (although that is about the same weight as the 70-200 2.8).

Alternatively the Tamron 70-300 VC USD, although a 70-200 f4 with 1.4x TC will give you better IQ and virtually the same reach.

Incorrect - its much lighter. Its about the same width though, but in weight it is a significant difference. The 100-400 comparitivly is heavier.

I'd say the 70-300L or 100-400L. But if I were going I would also want to bring along a wide lens as well. With animals you want to start at 300mm and longer, but if you have a crop camera your 300mm is already approx. 420mm, and so on.

Christina.DazzleByDesi​gn wrote in post #15447441
Incorrect - its much lighter. Its about the same width though, but in weight it is a significant difference. The 100-400 comparitivly is heavier.

Hmm, yes, I somehow thought the 70-300 was heavier than it is.

Why don't you rent the Canon 100-400L? if you will only use it on this one trip its not worth buying,