Which Lens for Pantanal Trip?

I'm in the process of finalizing plans to visit the Pantanal this October. My 2 primary photo targets are, of course the Jaguar, and secondly Hyacinth Macaws.

I own the Canon 70-300mm f/4 - 5.6L lens and I also just acquired a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM which I love. Question is:

Which of the 2 should I take and why? If the 70-200mm should I consider an extender for that?

Thank You.

Bogino wrote in post #18544760
I'm in the process of finalizing plans to visit the Pantanal this October. My 2 primary photo targets are, of course the Jaguar, and secondly Hyacinth Macaws.

I own the Canon 70-300mm f/4 - 5.6L lens and I also just acquired a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM which I love. Question is:

Which of the 2 should I take and why? If the 70-200mm should I consider an extender for that?

Perhaps you will find some info here that is helpful:

http://photosafaris.co​m …razils-Pantanal-2012-Trip

and:

https://www.dpreview.c​om/forums/thread/41361​24

and also:

https://www.wildlifewo​rkshops.com …-the-pantanal-photo-tour/

All seem to advocate a lens longer than either of the two that you currently have. . It wouldn't surprise me in the least if you end up taking a 100-400mm or a 150-600mm zoom on this trip, either via rent or purchase.

Of course, even with a big lens, you'll probably still want to take your 70-200mm lens along for those occasions where a wider, more contextual field of view is desired.


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I agree strongly with Tom - the longer the reach the better, especially for a trip like you are planning. I don't think you'll regret it and find you are over-lensed - the reverse in fact.

Good luck with the trip.

We were in the Pantanal last year. Given the 2 lenses you mentioned I'd go with the 70-300. As others have said, the longer the better. My wife's long lens was the 100-400. I had the 100-400v2 plus a 600mm. In addition to the reach of the longer lenses it's important to consider that many shots will have to deal with heavy shade and early morning/late afternoon light. While the 600mm was sometimes overkill it was a big advantage to have an f4 lens.

I don't have anything to add to the thread that hasn't been said, other than my feelings of indescribable jealousy.

Have fun! And share your photos!

Although the 70-300mm f/4-5.6L is a great lens, it is pretty slow at its longest end. The shots of the jaguar at least, may occur in very low light levels where the f/2.8 would be an advantage.

You didn't mention if you are shooting with a full frame or a crop camera. If full frame, I suggest that you get a crop camera as a back up and as a second camera. If you are shooting with a crop camera, I suggest a full frame as a back up and second camera.

I would not go on a trip without a back up camera. Several years ago, I fell climbing a hill on the first day of a ten day trip to Alaska's Kenai Peninsula and broke my Canon 40D. The 30D I had as a back up and second camera saved the trip photographically.

I use a 1.4x TC with both my 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II and my 70-200mm f/4L IS lenses but, I understand that the 2x MK iii TC meshes quite well with the 70-200mm f/2.8 (series) lenses.

I would also bring a hotshoe flash equipped with a flash extender for fill light.

UPDATE:

I ditched the 400mm and in its place I acquired the Canon 100-400mm Ver. 2. So in addition to that lens I also have the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM. Would you suggest taking both of those (pretty heavy load) or leaving the 70-200mm behind? My only reservation is that I've read the 70-200mm f/2.8 is better and faster in lower light situations. I'm expecting, assuming I'm lucky" that photographing jaguars will be from the boat that I'm in and the jaguar on the side of the river bank whereby in some situations the jaguar may be out in the open (better lighting) while in other situations the jaguar might be viewable but under the cover of bushes and trees under lower light. Any additional thoughts on that?

Thank You.

I'd be taking both lenses on 2 different bodies mate. That way you have a backup and it'll give you more options.

This trips on my bucket list, who are you travelling with?

Bogino wrote in post #18637814
I acquired the Canon 100-400mm Ver. 2. I also have the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM. Would you suggest taking both of those (pretty heavy load) or leaving the 70-200mm behind?

Mybludog wrote in post #18640107
I'd be taking both lenses on 2 different bodies mate. That way you have a backup and it'll give you more options.

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I agree with the 2 lens / 2 body suggestion.

I see that your body is a 7D2. . I would strongly suggest that you pair that with a full frame body so that you can get the most versatility when it comes to framing scenes the way you want to. . Having two lenses and two bodies with different sensor sizes should provide you some pretty decent versatility. . Your 70mm on a 7D2 will only give you a 98mm field of view - are you really going to be happy with that as your widest option?


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Just to update and rehash:

I have the Canon 100-400mm ver. II and the Canon 70-200mm f.2.8L IS II. I also have a Canon 2x Extender. Lastly, I have access to a Canon 70-300mm L which my daughter currently uses.

I only have 1 body which is the 7D Mark II.

Many have suggested pairing the 7D Mark II with a full frame body which I do not currently have. I've actually been thinking of adding one to my collection as I've never shot with full frame, however, I'm not ready right now to put out big $$$ for one. Would a 6D version I suffice? I'm open to suggestions.

Is the consensus then to take the 100-400mm; 70-200mm; 7D Mark 2 and ideally a full frame as a back-up? (by the way--I also have a Canon 60D which I haven't used in awhile but it's perfectly fine.)

My travel dates to Pantanal will be from October 23 - November 1 or 2. I believe that's the tail end of the dry season so I will not be surprised if we get some rain. Hopefully not. I'm also going out with a single local guide. Just me and him and not one of those more touristy boat rides with 7 or 8 others. This way I'll have more freedom. If we do get some rain and/or cloudiness I'm guessing I'll have to deal with low light conditions. Any comments about that would be appreciated.

Mybludog wrote in post #18640107
I'd be taking both lenses on 2 different bodies mate. That way you have a backup and it'll give you more options.

This trips on my bucket list, who are you travelling with?

I am traveling with a local guide that I was referred to by a friend. It is not one of those "jaguar tour" things with a bunch of other people but rather just him and me so I can have all the flexibility I need for my photographic endeavors. I'll be out there in the end of October. If you'd like, contact me after mid-November and I can let you know how it went.

On a crop body, you get a nice reach with the 70-200 f/2.8 II. You also get faster and more accurate autofocus. The image quality is unbelievable.
Hand-holding anything longer than that is not evident even with the IS, especially low light. A 1.4x extender might be a good idea.
In my mind, you should take the L to see the Onça!
It is an amazing glass. I can hardly hide my jealousy. Pantanal!

Bogino wrote in post #18658580
I am traveling with a local guide that I was referred to by a friend. It is not one of those "jaguar tour" things with a bunch of other people but rather just him and me so I can have all the flexibility I need for my photographic endeavors. I'll be out there in the end of October. If you'd like, contact me after mid-November and I can let you know how it went.

Add it to the thread as it should be fascinating