3rd Party Lens for wildlife

[fatmaxxv]

Would like some 3rd party lenses recommendation for our trip to Africa/ safari this September. We had talked to some people who did the same trip last year - that during the safari, we would not have time to set up tripod.

I'm thinking since I normally dont use too much telephoto lens and would want to go **cheaper** on the lens.

Also, they mentioned that in September, it's the migration period. They saw lions within 10 ft of their Jeep.

Please help me recommend 3rd party lens - do they make image stabilizer feature on them? Can it work within a $500-$700 budget, the cheaper the better?

We have a Canon 20D and 18-55mm, 70-300mm kit lens now.

[johnastovall]

You migth want to take a look at the Sigma (Bigma) 50-500 zoom.

http://www.lonestardigital.com/Sigma_50-500.htm

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/len...07&navigator=3

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/s...&cat=37&page=1

[jeffkohn]

Yeah in that price range either the Sigma 50-500 HSM or 80-400 OS would be good options. Unfortunately it's a touch choice: extra 100mm and HSM, or OS? Personally I think I'd go for the 50-500 because of the faster AF and plan on using it with a bean bag. The 50-500 is suppose to be quite sharp considering it's range and the only real downside is the max aperture and lack of OS, but but of those can be compensated for.

[Hogleg 44]

The 50-500 is an excellent choice. It is big and heavy, but a fine lens none the less!

[fatmaxxv]

Does the Sigma (Bigma) 50-500 zoom have something that is equivalent to canon IS?

[JamesB]

Originally Posted by fatmaxxv

Does the Sigma (Bigma) 50-500 zoom have something that is equivalent to canon IS?

nope not the 50-500, maybe the 80-400 has it. there are ways you can stabilize the lens, some one mentioned the bean bag. it has a 1/4 20 screw in it and will attach to the lens tripod collar, then you can rest this on the jeep door or side rail.

a mono pod could come in handy and it can be used in cramped quarters and offer good stability

James

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by fatmaxxv

Does the Sigma (Bigma) 50-500 zoom have something that is equivalent to canon IS?

Nope, but with the 20D high ISO and AI servo you should be able to hand hold with good light. In times of low light be creative.

I hand hold a Canon 400 f/5.6L on a 20D. IS wouldn't help you with moving animals anyway.

[Steelsun]

The Bigma is my next major purchase for my 20D. I need to be able to get closer shots of birds and wildlife. I will for sure have one by next summer (have another UK trip planned, and I need the reach for my gargoyle shots collection)

[sraulers]

Originally Posted by fatmaxxv

Does the Sigma (Bigma) 50-500 zoom have something that is equivalent to canon IS?

It does if you mount it on a Minolta body!

[fatmaxxv]

Bean bag...hmmm....has anyone actually use this? I am new so everything is interesting to me.

[h00kemh0rns]

If you don't shoot much with Telephoto why not rent for your trip? Try rentglass.com or a local place. No need to buy cheap if you don't plan to keep/use much. Why not rent something good that will take outstanding photo's?

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by fatmaxxv

Bean bag...hmmm....has anyone actually use this? I am new so everything is interesting to me.

Here are some links on bean bags. One address the use of them on safari.

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-...id=005QI0&tag=

http://www.adorama.com/ZZBB.html

http://www.kinesisgear.com/r.html (a very fine bean bag)

Here are some other ideas:

http://www.shortcourses.com/equipmen...ds/4-other.htm

[JohnRushing]

I have one of the bogen pods, beanpods or wahtever it's called. It works pretty good but I use my monopod more often. Have you checked out the small window mount tripods? I barrowed a friends to try out and it worked great, just be carefull hooking a huge lens to it or someone might have to replace a glass . Might even look at some of the mini tripods that you can stick in your back pocket. They work good when you have a car hood or roof to set the up on.

[fatmaxxv]

johnastovall - thanks for the link. Those are some good links. Never though of using bean bag until I remember how sand bags are use to sight rifle.

[fatmaxxv]

Thought about this, what do you guys think?

get the 70-200mm f4 L lens with a 2x teleconverter....

vs.

3rd party lens.