What lense to use on a safari trip?

[fatmaxxv]

Wife and I will be in Kenya in September and was wondering what lense is best for safari?

Our equipments:

Canon 20D and Rebel XT
18 - 55 mm f/3.5 -5.6
28 - 105 mm f/ 4-5.6
EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
50 mm f/1.8
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III


Any suggestions on other lense?

[Chimper]

In addition to what you have listed I recommend taking the longest, fastest telephoto lens that you can afford. If you are considering buying a 400mm or 500mm lens in the future, now is the time for it. 300mm will be a good focal length for large subjects, like elephants and buffalo, but will not be enough for smaller subjects or portraits. Image stabilization will also be an important feature since you will be shooting from vehicles, most likely with non-photographers, moving around and shaking.

[Glen_A]

I have seen many of the safari's recommend the Canon 100-400 L IS lens. It is pretty much standard for Safari's I believe. Because of the often dusty environment and changing distances between you and your photo subjects you won't want to be changing lenses frequently.

[AndrewCCM]

I agree.. A longer lens is well worth it (perhaps with IS). Fast glass is not as necessary. My sister-in-law went last summer and shot exclusively with the 100mm Macro on a Rebel XT. She got some phenomenal photos for an amatuer and on a moving Land Rover with an Elephant chasing them... LOL

[Chimper]

Also, don't forget the 1.4X and 2X converters if you buy a prime telephoto.

Dust problems in Africa are overstated. Take a blower bulb with you and blow off the sensor(s) after each game drive. I use the Arthur Morris Lenspen cleaning method which works great on safari. I think dust was worse in Africa during the film era. One little spec of dust on the pressure plate and your entire roll of film was scratched.

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by Chimper

Also, don't forget the 1.4X and 2X converters if you buy a prime telephoto.

Very good point. If I ever get the opportunity for this type of shoot, I plan on grabbing one. At this point, my 70-200IS is the longest lens in my bag and on a 5D, it ain't very long. :(

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by Chimper

In addition to what you have listed I recommend taking the longest, fastest telephoto lens that you can afford. If you are considering buying a 400mm or 500mm lens in the future, now is the time for it. 300mm will be a good focal length for large subjects, like elephants and buffalo, but will not be enough for smaller subjects or portraits. Image stabilization will also be an important feature since you will be shooting from vehicles, most likely with non-photographers, moving around and shaking.

This is my dream..... if I ever get to go on a safari, I will be taking the longest lens I can afford. I really want the 100-400 L, but I can't afford it right now. Of course, it's not really a problem since I can't go on the safari, either!

[fatmaxxv]

WOW...thanks for all y'all comments....unfortunately.....all those that were suggested will only be L and IS lense in my head....hehehe...i wish I could. Thought about renting for 12 days but I think that would cost 1/3 of the price of the lense...

Does anyone know of a good place to rent lenses in DFW area?

Contemplating on renting due to budget....

I am surprise no one mention monopod.....I guess if you have IS and L lense monopod is not necessary...

[AndrewCCM]

Monopods are a great accessory. I prefer them to straps too just for lugging around all day. I did get a couple of side hand straps though that work great.

But yes... Monopods can definitely help. FTW camera, Arlington Camera and LightTec all rent lenses. But like you said, it could be expensive for that length of time...

Have a great time. You'll get some good images regardless I am sure..

[Chimper]

Originally Posted by fatmaxxv

I am surprise no one mention monopod.....I guess if you have IS and L lense monopod is not necessary...

Using a bean bag is the way to go. You'll be shooting from a roof hatch or window. I always take a tripod though in order to shoot in the camp or from lookouts where you are allowed to get out of the vehicle.

[fatmaxxv]

Yeah thought about bean bag and definately I am bringing my tripod and monopod. Will check out FTW camera, Arlington Camera and LightTec.

Does anyone have their website?

[AndrewCCM]

Websites are not very good for any of these local shops...

BTW: Just for those interested. I forgot that I put a slideshow together of my sister-in-laws trip to Africa. All shot with 100mm Macro and XT...give you an idea of what you can get with that setup.

http://www.crystalclearmedia.com/JennAfrica/

Forgive the jitter in the slideshow.

[Cope]

This is a Kolpin suede leather rifle rest filled with plastic pellets to keep the weight down. Any gun shop should have the rest, and Hobby Lobby sells the beads cheap.

[johnastovall]

You might want to look at the Bigma. 50-500 zoom range and the high ISO preformance on the 20D would make up for the 6.3 on the long end.

Might find a deal on the FM buy and sell board for a used one.

[dminton]

Look into the Sigma 500mm f4.5. I've seen a few recently going for around $1000 +/- $200. KEH.com has two right now for $919 and $1295 but they say "Film Only" meaning they are the older lenses that need to be re-chipped to be fully functional on the digital bodies.

To be honest, I think the 300-800 5.6 would be the best thing going for a Safari.......