Masai Mara early June. New lens/body+lens??

^Joe said:
Does 300/4 + 1.4TC work okay in terms of AF, and would it turn into f5.6?
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Yes, and yes. The IS version of the 300/4 plus a Mk II or III 1.4x Extender is a very good combo. AF is still good - you don't need best-in-class AF for a safari, I'd suggest - and IQ is still good.

Though I'm not sure I'd want to be faffing around with a TC; a 100-400 zoom would be preferable, I think.
 
If you have a two body set up then prime and smaller zoom will be great. On a single body set up, a zoom will be easier/quicker/cleaner to handle much of the time. Agree too on faffing around with a TCon. I actually hired one of Stewarts Nikon 300mm 2.8 L & 1.4x for a safari and ended up just using the 300mm and ignoring the TCon. But I was in Kruger and Swaziland and distance less a challenge. Opportunities present and you want to be ready, not worrying about Tcon fitment and dust. Not sure about the AF argument tho. At a distance, in haze conditions, possibly subject moving quickly, such as a Lion/Cheetah chase, birds in flight, etc. you do want the best AF possible. Maybe it's just one of the compromises. The 300/Tcon will be OK, but agree 100-400 will better meet needs. So lots of input. What do you think Joe?

Now's a good time to start shopping around in advance. I did see a YouTube video comparing a number of the zooms recommended here, and the 400mm 5.6 L, and the conclusion was sharpness and general IQ very similar indeed, but weight a significant factor. So the 150-600 was twice as heavy as the Tamron and close to half as much as the 100-400 IS L. To me, likely to be in the same market this time next year, tho Nikon not Canon, the Sigma S they tested felt like the best option. Quality/range/price all key. Weight not a factor. I do want to check the Nikon 200-500mm VR tho and even the 100-400mm OIS X Fuji (for my little X-T10! That's getting some good results/feedback just now (early days!) These would be on hire if I go that way.
 
Whatever lens I go for, I won't be swapping it whilst in Kenya. I'll get another body for wider shots.

I am leaning towards the 100-400L tbh, mainly due to the weight, and the appeal of the L-Glass IQ. Is this a decent decision?

I am also going to the Hungarian GP in July... so will want to buy a lens that I can also take there, hence I am moving away from the hiring of a lens idea.
 
^Joe said:
Whatever lens I go for, I won't be swapping it whilst in Kenya. I'll get another body for wider shots.

I am leaning towards the 100-400L tbh, mainly due to the weight, and the appeal of the L-Glass IQ. Is this a decent decision?

I am also going to the Hungarian GP in July... so will want to buy a lens that I can also take there, hence I am moving away from the hiring of a lens idea.
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I've used the Canon 100-400L mk1 and I must say, the Sigma 150-600 c for me is the far better lens. The IQ I cannot differentiate from between the two, maybe the L lens had less vignetting wide open, but the OS if the Siggy is far, far better, it's quite easy to get pin sharp shots at 600mm handheld, no probs. The AF is just as fast IMO. Can't comment on the mk2 Canon but the price compared to the Sigma lens would stop me even considering the Canon! Oh, and you have another 200mm to play with, the whole point of a long lens!
 
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odd jim said:
I've used the Canon 100-400L mk1 and I must say, the Sigma 150-600 c for me is the far better lens. The IQ I cannot differentiate from between the two, maybe the L lens had less vignetting wide open, but the OS if the Siggy is far, far better, it's quite easy to get people pin sharp shots at 600mm handheld, no probs. The AF is just as fast IMO. Can't comment on the mk2 Canon but the price compared to the Sigma lens would stop me even considering the Canon! Oh, and you have another 200mm to play with, the whole point of a long lens!
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http://www.jessops.com/online.store...-3-dg-os-hsm-c-lens-for-canon-97481/show.html

This one yes?

It's quite heavy isn't it. Although I appreciate it's got 50% more reach than the 100-400.

You have it on the 6D don't you? Any samples?
 
^Joe said:
http://www.jessops.com/online.store...-3-dg-os-hsm-c-lens-for-canon-97481/show.html

This one yes?

It's quite heavy isn't it. Although I appreciate it's got 50% more reach than the 100-400.

You have it on the 6D don't you? Any samples?
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Yeah that's the one. I've only had it a few days but I do have some samples, in fact it took it out about an hour ago when I walked the dogs and fired off a few shots. It's a lovely combo with the 6d. I'll put some shots up here shortly. I think I posted two up in the thread for the lens yesterday too, but they were only quick test snaps.

It is quite heavy, but carrying it felt the same as the 100-400.
 
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odd jim said:
Yeah that's the one. Mice only had it a few days but I do have some samples, in fact it took it out about an hour ago when I walked the dogs and fired off a few shots. It's a lovely combo with the 6d. I'll put some shots up here shortly. I think I posted two up in the thread for the lens yesterday too, but they were only quick test snaps.

It is quite heavy, but carrying it felt the same as the 100-400.
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Just had a look through that thread... it's good isn't it!!
 
^Joe said:
No suggestions for the 400mm/f5.6 prime?
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Great lens but I'd think unsuitable for a safari where you will want a little flexibility?
 
For what it's worth I had a Sigma 150-600S for a few weeks and returned it. Got it for a bargain price from Amazon Warehouse deals so it was a reluctant return but I just wasn't happy with it. I waited a while, deliberated over what to get and went for a 100-400L mk2 which I'm very happy with.
 
stu.artd said:
For what it's worth I had a Sigma 150-600S for a few weeks and returned it. Got it for a bargain price from Amazon Warehouse deals so it was a reluctant return but I just wasn't happy with it. I waited a while, deliberated over what to get and went for a 100-400L mk2 which I'm very happy with.
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That's good to know. What didn't you like about it ?
 
While the 150-600S I had seemed OK at upto 10 metres I wasn't happy with the sharpness of subjects further away. That was with both my 5D2 and 7D.
On the plus side it was very well built. Felt solid and although heavy the balance was fine so long as the lens hood was left off.
 
Must say the 150-600 C is very sharp at 600mm. (As long as you control camera movement!)
 
What about a tc as well? They don't cost too much and sure you can sell on after. This way you pay for the 'loan', and have a lightweight option for longer reach?
 
Just to clarify from own experience around the 400mm 5.6. This is an outstanding safari lens as long as you can keep it rock steady, so back to beanbag or monopod. I've used it on three long trips and always been happy. Likely wouldn't suit Joe given his vehicle constraints, but would hate anyone to think it isn't an excellent choice. The best bang per buck IMO on safari for Canon is likely the 70-200 IS L and the 400mm 5.6 on a couple of used 1D mk II n's. Great AF and buffer/FPS. Both lenses will take a TCon well, tho you wouldn't need it on the zoom if you have a 400mm on a second body.
 
I would take the following

two DSLR bodies

a 70 200mm f2.8 VR

a 300mm f4 (if possible with a VR), plus a x 1.4TC

a 50mm f1.8

something like a Nikon V1 with the 10-30 and 30-110

a Sigma DP3M

just about enough weight to carry - hand luggage and in the Landcruiser
 
I'm going for the 150-600C, and a cheap second body to give to the mrs to use with either the 100-300 or 24-85.

So where is the best/cheapest place to buy the 150-600 ? Don't mind paying BT if it's safe and secure etc.
 
^Joe said:
I'm going for the 150-600C, and a cheap second body to give to the mrs to use with either the 100-300 or 24-85.

So where is the best/cheapest place to buy the 150-600 ? Don't mind paying BT if it's safe and secure etc.
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Good choice, with the USB dock very tweakable too.

I bought mine from Amazon, £739 I think. They're an official UK Sigma supplier so you get the extended 3 yr warranty with them. Though strangely I've registered mine and not received a reply from them yet!
 
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The import prices are about the same TBH, maybe £20-30 less, not including postage? Id go for a UK one at the current prices, the warranty is transferable IIRC so would be beneficial for resale value.
 
Dunno if there're any issue with the Sigma as am a bit out of step these days with the brand. There used to be moans about front and back focus issues in the ol' days with them. But the tweakable dock probably enables sorting in any event, does it? If there are issues then I'd buy UK or you could face a heap of hurt and hassle if you need to return. I had hassles with 3 from 4 100-400 IS L's and a 1 from 3 18-40mm L's and a couple of random Sigma's I can't remember. If there are no reported trends in that way then I'd get new as cheap as you can. If you get the dock as well you can tune nicely. I'd likely do the same as you and get that lens and sell on after. You will get lots of jokes on game drives about your big weapon I'm sure :rolleyes:
 
condyk said:
Dunno if there're any issue with the Sigma as am a bit out of step these days with the brand. There used to be moans about front and back focus issues in the ol' days with them. But the tweakable dock probably enables sorting in any event, does it? If there are issues then I'd buy UK or you could face a heap of hurt and hassle if you need to return. I had hassles with 3 from 4 100-400 IS L's and a 1 from 3 18-40mm L's and a couple of random Sigma's I can't remember. If there are no reported trends in that way then I'd get new as cheap as you can. If you get the dock as well you can tune nicely. I'd likely do the same as you and get that lens and sell on after. You will get lots of jokes on game drives about your big weapon I'm sure :rolleyes:
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No issues at all, TBH they're the most innovative lens makers out there and their build is second to none these days, and their Art primes are now market leaders.

Why would you get jokes about it?
 
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Yeah the ART primes are really good, at least the 35mm and 50mm I've used. A1.

You don't know what folks say about blokes with big lenses or red sports cars?
 
condyk said:
Yeah the ART primes are really good, at least the 35mm and 50mm I've used. A1.

You don't know what folks say about blokes with big lenses or red sports cars?
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Oh. They'll all have their weapons out there though, it'll be a right sausage fest!
 
odd jim said:
No issues at all, TBH they're the most innovative lens makers out there and their build is second to none these days, and their Art primes are now market leaders.
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The build quality on Sigma's Sports and Art ranges is exemplary. The Contemporary range... not so.
 
StewartR said:
The build quality on Sigma's Sports and Art ranges is exemplary. The Contemporary range... not so.
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Really?

The 150-600c, I can't fault. There's absolutely nothing wrong with its build, it's excellent, solid, beautifully finished, silent and fast.
 
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StewartR said:
The build quality on Sigma's Sports and Art ranges is exemplary. The Contemporary range... not so.
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Would you say it's on par with the ol' 150-500 OS or more original Bigma 50-500?
 
condyk said:
Would you say it's on par with the ol' 150-500 OS or more original Bigma 50-500?
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It's better in every aspect IMO.

Not to mention how programmable and tweakable it is via the dock, with custom settings available. It's far more innovative than anything Canon have come up with of late!
 
odd jim said:
It's better in every aspect IMO.

Not to mention how programmable and tweakable it is via the dock, with custom settings available. It's far more innovative than anything Canon have come up with of late!
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Will I need to buy this as well? Do my needs justify it ?

Although I suppose my events are a bit different...

A) safari
B) formula 1
 
^Joe said:
Will I need to buy this as well? Do my needs justify it ?

Although I suppose my events are a bit different...

A) safari
B) formula 1
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You'll probably be fine without it but it's pretty clever and will allow you to get the most out of it. And it's only £40...
 
^Joe said:
Will I need to buy this as well? Do my needs justify it ?
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I would definitely have it and spend time sorting my lens before I head off. Even if you lose £10 on it at resale, a correctly adjusted lens is worth it. Imagine getting back home and seeing most of your shots have a focus issue. Of course, your lens may be perfect out of the box. Test it properly on a tripod at the settings you'll likely use it at and if you're happy ignore the dock.

If I was buying used I would be very interested in a lens/dock combo. It would give me confidence.
 
condyk said:
I would definitely have it and spend time sorting my lens before I head off. Even if you lose £10 on it at resale, a correctly adjusted lens is worth it. Imagine getting back home and seeing most of your shots have a focus issue. Of course, your lens may be perfect out of the box. Test it properly on a tripod at the settings you'll likely use it at and if you're happy ignore the dock.

If I was buying used I would be very interested in a lens/dock combo. It would give me confidence.
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It will be fine straight out of the box, but you can fine tweak it to your liking, I've got it more to set up the way the OS and AF priorities operate.
 
odd jim said:
It will be fine straight out of the box, but you can fine tweak it to your liking, I've got it more to set up the way the OS and AF priorities operate.
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I wouldn't be that confident personally ... based on experience, but I am also very fussy and would ideally like to know my lens is A1.
 
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