Lens for Safari?

John Mc

John Mc

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I Might be lucky enough to be going to South Africa for Christmas this year.
When im there, I'm Obviously wanting to go on a Safari for a few days and get shot's of the Wildlife. For this reason im wanting a Long Telephoto lens, Which i'll be Hiring as im a poor student. I was thinking something like an Ef 500 f4 Is. But as my 500D is a Croped Sensor the Focal length is closer to 800mm. I dont know if thats over kill as i'll be able to get close(ish) to the Animals as i'll be on a Jeep.

another option i was thinking is canons Ef 100-400mm/4.5-5.6,It'll give me more over all range,meaning i dont need to change to another lens unless i want a wide shot.

Anyone have any thoughts or alternatives? I'll be taking and using a Film Slr so i will want an Ef lens so i have the ability to use the lens on both

John
 
Where specifically would you be in SA? Private game reserves or public lands?

I was there in May, on a private game reserve in Sabi Sands. I shot 55-200 almost exclusively on a 1.5 crop. To do it again I'd probably have a 70-300 or equivalent length. There were times we were so close to big animals that I wanted a shorter lens than 50. There were a few times when we saw birds that I wanted a 500. On the whole, I shot 135-200 most of the time, though it would be 135-300 if I'd had it. A 100-400L canon would be pretty sweet and a couple in our party had that lens. A Sigma 100-300 2.8 would have been awesome for the lower light we were out in a lot of the time.

The only way I'd want a 400 or 500 there was if I wanted to focus on birds. There are lots of tiny birds and enough to keep you busy if that is what you want. Not for me though.


Thanks,
Rick
 
I'm Not to sure where i'll be, I'm going with my Fiance and her Parents(There South african) Her dads looking to hire a villa Between Pretoria and Cape town, Which isnt easy for me as i have to research vast areas instead of local.

I was thinking i may look at a Sigma 50-500.I dont really need a wide aperture,It's the middle of summer when we'll be going :) Plus My Fiance will be with me,I might ask her if she wants to hire out a 70-200/2.8 for her Camera :P
 
I'm off in March, armed with my 100-400, (and 18-135).
I went 2 years ago with a 70-300 and although got some cracking shots, found it a little short on some of the birds & more distant wildlife.
 
Cool! Anywhere i can view some pictures? and were you at any specific park/reserve? i'm also doing some research :)
 
100-400 is a great safari lens. It's light enough to be easy to use and long enough to get most shots. The only reason I don't use mine is because I've got a 300 f2.8 that I use with TCs (for 300, 420 and 600mm) and a 70-200 for when things are closer.

Never been to South Africa (well, a couple of hours at the airport on my way to Botswana) but there are some pics from East Africa taken with the 100-400 here, here and here.

Images with the 300 are here.
 
Youve gave me another idea there Frank! i could hire out a Prime and extenders and hire out a 70-200mm aswell. I might look at a 400mm/5.6 or a 300/2.8 Is. What would you suggest if i was to go down this route? there both about the same price to hire out,about £10 of a difference. Also did you find the 400mm focal length restricting?or were you able to get the shots you wanted without any croping?
 
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