Question by rangerroe: So, headed to Africa, just got the Canon 20D, and think I want the EF 100-400 telephoto lens…ideas?
This will be my first experience with a telephoto, and I only want to do it once…(hopefully.) My background is in Macro work. Is this the way to go for wildlife safari photography? Any experience anybody has is appreciated, as well as other product recommendations. Money isn’t an object, but getting the most bang for the buck is by way of versatility. Thanks.
Best answer:
Answer by Mose
Enjoy your African tour. Hope you will see the Victoria Falls in Livingstone Zambia.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Be sure to get plenty of filters for your optics as well. The dust and grime will kill equipment fast. I would also get an extra battery or two, additional 2gb CF card. The a100-400 is a versatile lens and that should be good for shots you’d want. A 28-75 might be good as well for a wider shot. Perhaps a monopod might be useful for stabilization.
Take ziplock bags (Gallon size bag) to put the lenses into before putting into lens case. Trust me, it might look trashy, but very effective!
Best of luck.
My Friend:
I am assuming you have a slow lens, f/4.5. If you are going to take picture of wild life, these long lens are good becuse you can take pictures of the wild life without getting to near. You must have in consideration the hours you are plenning in taking the pictures. If it’s to early in the morning, you will have to play with the sensitivity botton of the camera to take the picture. This also applies if it is too late in the afternoon. Another consideratiion, is if you are going to use flash. It should sincronize with the lens.
If you are planing in taking picture of people, mostly portraits, the lens is ok, but if you are takining pictures of a tribe in a ceremony, this lens is a NO. In these kinds of events, you take portrait pictures as group of people together, for each one, you need diferent lens.
Concider for next time to buy a ZOOM lens 70-300 f/3.5 or f/4 auto focus or a Zoom 28-300 f/3.5 or f/3.8. The advantage of a zoom 28-300 lens is that you have various lenses in one. From a wide angle to a long telephoto lens.
If you stand in a strategic place, you can take good portrait pictures and also group of person or wide areas without changing your lens or moving from your shooting position.
Well, I hope this can give you some help.