Need some new toys for my Safari in March...

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Hi guys, this is my first post on the forums.

I've been trying to get into Photography since October 2008. I bought myself a Canon EOS 400D with a Tamron 70-200mm lens. Unfortunately due to work commitments and personal projects, I really struggle to find the time to go out and about. In the time I've owned it I think I've probably only taken 1000 pictures.

I really want to use the camera more, so I'm getting all my (under-used) kit together and loading it into my car so I can stop and snap if I see anything inspiring on my hour long commute to and from work each day. The only problem with working 9-5.30 each day is that I spend the day telling computers what to do.

I'm also going on Safari in March, and I really want to get some new toys so I make the most of the time over there. I'm fully aware that I'm going to need a good zoom to get the snaps I want. However, with the Safari being a dusty environment, the last thing I need is to be changing lenses on the back of a rickety 4x4. What sort of lens should I be going for that's got a long zoom and a good short range? I seem to recall seeing a 55-400mm Tamron lens for about £450, but I can't find any reference to it anywhere on the net.

Any advice of what toys I such be buying is very welcome :). Please consider me an absolute newbie.
 
Hi Dan and welcome,

I too would recommend the 100 - 400 it's above your budget but well woth it. Hiring may be a good option. the first time I went with a camera I used a 70 - 300 with a level of success.

Where are you going?

Above all have fun
 
Really I was worried about the dust but not too bad I took a pillow case to change lenses if needed and don't forget to look at the animals with the naked eye and not through the camera lens all the time, enjoy and have a great time!!
 
Thanks for the welcome messages guys.

Unfortunately the price tag of the 100-400mm Canon lens is about triple(ish) my budget, so can't really stretch to that. What other alternatives are there? If not, could I get away with skimping on the focal length and going for a 300mm instead?

Good idea with the pillow case Briony! I'll be sure to pack one in my kit! ;)
 
Hire the lens you can have the choice then. I took a sigma 120 - 400 and that was sufficient.
 
generic said:
Thanks for the welcome messages guys.

Unfortunately the price tag of the 100-400mm Canon lens is about triple(ish) my budget, so can't really stretch to that. What other alternatives are there? If not, could I get away with skimping on the focal length and going for a 300mm instead?
Click to expand...

Hi, and welcome!

You can alse hire lenses, the person in charge of 'Lensesforhire' is a member here, and if you look here you can see their prices. £64 for the 100-400 for a week, including insurance really isn't too bad!
 
and when you get back do a report and show us the photos. Im interested in looking into doing a safari myself
gary
 
You should hire the best glass you can; safari shots are something you will treasure. I only wish I was into photography when I went on safari, would have taken far better pics now with my D90 instead of a compact :(
 
I think I probably will end up renting it then. I'll decide close to the time... but in the interim, what other options are available to get practising on? I really am a proper novice, so I want to be getting out and about learning and snapping in the next few months before I go. There's no point me renting a super lens if I don't know how to use it properly! :bonk:
 
When I went on safari I used a 80-400mm sigma EX DG OIS. Now obsolete, but maybe you can find something second-hand in the sigma range, if not hire the best you can and get used to it before you go.
Image stabilization is a MUST for safari as you won't be able to set up a tripod, your shots will be hand-held standing up in the back of the vehicle.

I found the 400mm reach more than adequate, and I only changed lenses back at the lodge to avoid the dust.
Practice on cows, sheep, dogs, etc ;)
Bring plenty of memory cards and a spare battery or two.

It will probably be one of the best experiences of your life, have fun! :thumbs:.
 
Is the Sigma range any good then? I've always heard bad things about them. From what I've read Tamron and Canon are the way forward... any truth in that?
 
I only have experience with the 80-400, and I can't fault it. Image Stabilization works very well and image quality is very good. It has the noisiest focusing out of all of my lenses, but that won't be a problem on safari. Sigma also came out tops in the autumn 2009 Digital Camera Magazine review of a group of 8 super-telephotos.

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=195803
 
I'm also booked up for a safari, but later in the year, so I look forward to your observations.

I've bought a EF 70-300 f4-5.6 IS USM from here but I haven't had the chance to go and play with it yet.

Other people have mentioned taking a beanbag for support.
 
Just bought the same lens Kickstart. I should get it tomorrow, cannot wait to have a play. I will be sure to post up the pics when I get back off holiday. Still a month and a half to go though.
 
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