wildlife photography - which kit?

M

Mackie

Messages
265
Edit My Images
Yes
I'm toying up the idea of a safari course in south africa either in december or february time. At the moment I don't really have the kit to support this so the decision really comes down to how much I need to spend on this, as I already have the cash to go.

I'm using a 40D gripped.
24-105L
50mm 1.8
12-24 (which I believe is on its way out)

My main concern is length. I'm happy with the 24-105 and I think I'm going to hold onto it as this may fill in for some of the closer shots, but I have nothing to cover the distance. I've been looking into a 70-200L F4 but still don't think this is enough. Would it be safer for me to go with the 100-400L and maybe. 1.4converter? I'm a bit out of my comfort zone here so I really need the help. Open to all suggestions of lenses, thanks.

My second problem is the 40D. She's served me well over the years but will it live up to this task? The prints from this will be used in an exhibition and in my head I can see them about A1 size. Any suggestions of if I need to upgrade or not?

I'm sure I'll have some more questions as we go along but I don't want go into planning anymore of this trip until I know I can fund it.

Cheers.
 
I have a friend that has just come back from an African safari and rented a 100-400 . He has just started in photography and kept the camera in auto the whole time and still returned with some excellent shots.
I have a 100-400 and would recommend it.
 
Thanks for this, I was thinking as much. I'm keeping the 24-105 for landscapes. I understand the 100-400 is pretty heavy, will I need a tripod? Also any suggestions on the 40d or will this be suitable?
 
The 300mm f4 i.s with a 1.4 could be a decent choice it's a bit lighter and 1 stop quicker for any low light work. the 100-400 gives you good zoom coverage though.
Regards
Richard
 
As has been mentioned above, the 100-400mm and 300mm f/4 with a x1.4 converter are good options. Another is the 400mm f/5.6L, I currently use this lens for wildlife and did so when I had a 40D.

Here's a couple with the 400/5.6 and 40D combination:
fallowbuck7.jpg


puffin1_5853_1.jpg
 
with the 400 prime you could always add a 1.4 converter, bringing it to a 560mm f8 lens. You will lose autofocus with your 40D but with support it would give you plenty of length. I imagine there will be plenty of light although it might be a struggle during 'red 5'.

I think the 1.4 will work with the 100 - 400 but you would probably suffer less compromise of the IQ with the prime.
 
The 100-400 with 1.4x convertor will not AF on any Canon body except the 1D series and then only at f8.
 
The 100-400 will AF quite nicely with a non reporting TC on xxx series bodies given there is enough light.

I am using one with a Kenko 1.4DGX and a 600D with excellent results.

On the 40D all the peripheral AF points will work, maybe not the central one.
 
Last edited:
Sorry, to clarify I was referring to a Canon TC. I tried a Canon 1.4x with my 100-400L on my old 1D MKII and frankly found it to be rubbish in terms of AF speed and IQ. On it's own the 100-400 is a cracking lens.
 
Last edited:
I think the 100 - 400 is an ideal lens for the trip coupled with a 40D, you should not need a tripod, I have never taken one when I have been.
 
Yes, you definitely want a 100-400. It's a great lens for safari. Here are some of my shots from Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda - the majority are with the 100-400. You also want the zoom. I wouldn't recommend the 400 prime unless it was matched up with a 70-200 on a second body.

No, you don't need a tripod. You will be in a vehicle. You won't even want to use a monopod. You probably will find a beanbag useful.

No, you really don't want a TC. Even if you ignore the AF issue (no, it won't work - at least not what I call work) there's still the light issue. Most of the time you'll be out near dawn and dusk - so light will be at a premium. f5.6 is already fairly slow - f8 will be unusable.

A second body is a great idea - just in case the first one fails if nothing else. This could be the chance to get a 7D (with its great AF for speedy animals) and sell the 40D afterwards.
 
i wouldnt have thought you would need to move away from the 40d, not to a 60d anyway..

the hiring of a 100-400 seems the good option, if its a course you are planning they might even have a hire out service, then get a 70-200L which will serve you well in other situations after the course.
 
A newer camera would give you more cropping scope although I manage ok with a 40D and 400mm f/5.6, renting sounds like a good idea
 
I've been looking at upgrading to a 100-400 L from my 70-200 L f/4 because I find I'm not getting the reach for bird/wildlife shots.

I tried a second hand one in a shop and I wasn't keen on the push/pull zoom action. Do you get used to this? I'm hoping so because on paper it's the perfect lens for me.
 
Phall82 said:
I've been looking at upgrading to a 100-400 L from my 70-200 L f/4 because I find I'm not getting the reach for bird/wildlife shots.

I tried a second hand one in a shop and I wasn't keen on the push/pull zoom action. Do you get used to this? I'm hoping so because on paper it's the perfect lens for me.
Click to expand...

Yes, push-pull becaomes scond nature after a while. It feels so much more natural than the twisty zoom thing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top