which teleconverter?

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Ted

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Tim
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I'm off to the serengetti In Feb for a camping safari and will be hiring a Sigma/N APO 120-300mm f/2.8 from Stewart at Lenses for hire.

My question is.....am I best to get the 1.4x or 2x teleconverter?

My worry is that if I go for the 2x, a minimum length of 240mm might mean that I miss the closer action. but i've heard that having 600mm at the long end is a must.

The 1.4 would get me to 420mm. Is that going to be long enough??

I dont want to be changing lenses or removing teleconverters on the go so trying to make sure I go for the right option.

I am planning on taking a second body but I only have a 10-20mm or 18-55mm to go on that so will be for landscapes.

Any thoughts appreciated
 
Depends how willing you are to accept the greater loss in iq with the 2.0x compared to the 1.4. If you're renting the TCs as well perhaps it would be worth getting both for a few days in advance of your trip and trying them out side-by-side...
 
600mm are you mad - i did just fine with a 70-300, i was a little short sometimes yes but with a 1.4 TC you will be fine @ 420 f/4

I was in the mara which esentially the same game reserve. sometimes 70mm was too short but i wasnt planning on changing lenses. Remember the vehicles get quite close and sometimes the animals come to the vehicles. Unless you are wanting to take a picture of the eagles in the tree tops i think 600mm is over kill.
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Depends how willing you are to accept the greater loss in iq with the 2.0x compared to the 1.4. If you're renting the TCs as well perhaps it would be worth getting both for a few days in advance of your trip and trying them out side-by-side...
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good thought....yeah I am hiring them too so will look into it. My guess is that the better IQ (and speed) i'll get with the 1.4x will negate the advantage of extra length using the 2x
 
33L said:
600mm are you mad - i did just fine with a 70-300, i was a little short sometimes yes but with a 1.4 TC you will be fine @ 420 f/4

I was in the mara which esentially the same game reserve. sometimes 70mm was too short but i wasnt planning on changing lenses. Remember the vehicles get quite close and sometimes the animals come to the vehicles. Unless you are wanting to take a picture of the eagles in the tree tops i think 600mm is over kill.
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Thanks Lee....really helpful. Sounds like the 1.4 is the way to go.

Just out of interest - is it possible to change lenses without getting dust everywhere or are you best not to even try?
 
if you can borrow a second body - the dust is so fine that when its in the air dont bother. i did and regretted it - I noticed when i got back i had loads of dust bunnies and they were all after i changed whilst on a game drive.

if you can take a wide angle do so as well - you do get some stunning sun sets.
 
btw what camera as just realised havent taken into consideration if you are on FF or not?
 
I`v been on safari twice, Take plenty of poly bags , the dust gets everywhere. I managed with a 200mm, The driver gets very very close, Enjoy yourself, :thumbs:
 
33L said:
btw what camera as just realised havent taken into consideration if you are on FF or not?
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I'm getting a d90 before I go and currently have D40 which i'll stick the 10-20 on. no full frame i'm afraid :(
 
Ric Type R said:
I`v been on safari twice, Take plenty of poly bags , the dust gets everywhere. I managed with a 200mm, The driver gets very very close, Enjoy yourself, :thumbs:
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Poly bags are packed! cheers
 
Another vote for the 1.4. On a cropped body, 420mm should be fine. I shoot 500 on a full frame on safari and rarely feel the need to use a teleconverter. The other issue is that the extra stop could well be very useful first thing in the morning and late in the afternoon - when the light is best.

Paul
 
Hi Ted, I did a safari in kenya feb o7 and I'm going back feb 09. All my safari pics were taken with either a 80-200 f2.8 or a 300mm nikon af-s f4 with a 1.4 tc. I found 2 bodies were a must it is so dusty, not ideal for lens changes. I will be using the same set up again in feb but hopefully have a d300 by then. You will be suprised how close to the wildlife you get and elephants soon fill the frame.

This was taken at 185mm
kenedit15-1.jpg


This one at 80mm
kenedit88.jpg


There were shots I missed where 420mm was too short but not to many. Take a bin liner with you just in case you have to change lenses and don't forget a bean bag !:eek:

Dean

www.camerabeanbags.co.uk
 
Thanks Dean - great shots! Looks like I might have to try and get hold of something like a 18-200 rather than keeping my 10-20mm on. cos even with a 1.4x i'll be at 170mm on the short end. I guess I could always just go without the TC and run with the 120-300.

Take a bin liner with you just in case you have to change lenses and don't forget a bean bag !
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Good idea with the bin liner!! Does your missus to beanbags without the beans so I can keep weight down? :)
 
you can empty a bean bag and fill with rice at the other end does the same job!
what other lenses do you have to put on the d40?

check what typ of vehicl as the ones with the roof top viewing a bean bag will be handy but the ones that are canvass roof and open sided you dont have anywhere for support and the 2.5 lens is going ot need support - mono pod between the legs maybe.

Keep good hold of the lens from knocking about as the roads in the game park are quite bumby and you do tend to get jolted about so if you are hiring - take the insurance option!
 
Nowt to do with the photography, but just out of curiosity has anyone been attacked by beasties in these open jeeps ?
 
Rockshifter said:
Nowt to do with the photography, but just out of curiosity has anyone been attacked by beasties in these open jeeps ?
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animals are very used to vehicles and humans, I have had to get out and push a jeep with a pack of lions (luckily after they had just fed) roaming about.

Cheatahs tend to be the most inqusitive as they can sit on the vehicles if you are lucky!

I lived in kenya for over 10 years and i dont think i ever heard of a report of injury/fatality. However the drivers guides now not to go too near a lone mother and pups etc
 
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