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06/14/2006 06:00:58 PM · #1 |
| I'm taking a Cheetah Safari this weekend and I'm renting this lens. We're not allowed to have tripods though so is it even worth it to rent this huge lens or should I just rent a 70-200 F4L instead? Here is a link to the safari. Cheetahs |
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06/14/2006 06:05:20 PM · #2 |
| I use my Canon 100-400 handheld ALL the time as I hate tripods. It gets amazing shots at even very low shutter speeds hand held (for me anyway). I'd go ahead with renting it - you'll love it so much you'll have to buy it. |
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06/14/2006 06:08:23 PM · #3 |
I use the 100-400 handheld, but just bought a monopod to help in those borderline cases. You should be ok unless the shoots are early morning.
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06/14/2006 06:15:14 PM · #4 |
I took this one: while holding 20d with a grip and with a 70-200 f/2.8 in one hand while driving. How much worse can it be to hold a 100-400 with two hands? Of course, 1/2000 shutter speed helps, too. |
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06/14/2006 06:15:59 PM · #5 |
| I went on that Saffari...Did u pay yet? Its really not that good. Also I have a 70-300 that I use handheld on a daily basis. Do they allow monopods though??? |
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06/14/2006 06:23:08 PM · #6 |
| No problem using the 100-400 handheld. It has two IS modes. Whenever you can try using a 3 point shooting position. |
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06/14/2006 07:44:58 PM · #7 |
I use the 100-400 handheld a lot of the time.
From what I see in the link though, you may be able to get away with the 70-200 and it's f4 throughout the range. |
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06/14/2006 08:27:41 PM · #8 |
I think the 100-400 would be perfect for a safari/zoo. The 70-200 might not have enough reach.
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06/14/2006 09:14:10 PM · #9 |
It depends on your muscle mass, the weight of the camera you are putting it on and if you have to hold it a lot or if you can prop yourself against something and/or rest your arms sometimes. I have had the 100-400 for awhile and have used it with a 10D and now my 1DMKII. I do all day shoots and either have it on or my 70-200 2.8L IS (which is actually heavier than the 100-400) and handhold it. If you are not use to heavier weights, it might be a bit heavy. But if you can prop yourself against something or rest it now and then, it should be ok.
The 100-400 is a great lens. It does have a different feel to it though. It's a push/pull type zoom that might take a bit use to if you shoot with the twist zooms a lot. The tricky part is getting the tension ring set right that controls how easy or hard it push/pulls to zoom in and out. Too tight and it's hard to zoom. To lose and you will be going back and forth past the spot you want. Just right and it will slide smoothly. Usually at the just right spot, it's not quit tight enough to keep it from extending if you let it hang down from your neck aiming down. And this is a very long lens fully extended.
Another thing, it has a couple of switches. You can set it to focus from 1.8 meters to infinity or you can set it to focus at a further distance of 6.5 meters to infinity. This second switch helps to shorten it's focus time if you are always going to be shooting beyound 18 feet or so. Also, if the light is marginal or you are shooting at a slow shutter speed, you can turn on the IS (image stabalization). If you are shooting above 1/500th or so, you might want to turn it off as it does use a bit more battery power as it works everytime you half press your shutter. And the little jerk in the viewfinder when it kicks on is normal. It's the IS adjusting the internal lenses when you half press the shutter button and it turns on.
It's a great lens. I love mine.
Mike
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06/15/2006 01:58:44 AM · #10 |
Thanks for all the replies! I can't wait to get the lens. I'm picking it up Friday morning and I'll be shooting nonstop until Monday morning. jusdino4it; Yes I already paid for the safari. Why do you say it's not worth it?
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06/15/2006 06:40:48 AM · #11 |
| I shoot with the 100-400 handheld. Not a problem for short durations. But, a monopod makes a long day a little easier and most places that do not allow tripods do allow monopods. |
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06/15/2006 06:52:47 AM · #12 |
| If it is just the cheatah run thing and nothing else...which it looked like it was from the link, it is more of a show than a safari. But thats my opinion. If you havent been to the wild animals park though it is AMAZING and there is no doubt you will get some amazing shot. |
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06/15/2006 06:45:31 PM · #13 |
| Oh yeah, it's the cheetah run thing. I know it's more of a show than a safari but that works for me. I just want to see a cheetah run full speed. Plus it would be great to get so close to one. I haven't been to the park for years I'm pretty excited. I'm going to do the train tour too so I'll be able to reach out with this lens and get some good shots from there. |
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06/15/2006 06:48:52 PM · #14 |
| Yeah, my cousins go to UCSD. I work at the zoo here in pittsburgh so obviously I went when i visited them last year, and I am planing to go when I visit in Augest. I had just gotten my first real camera the day before I left, so I was a horrible photographer, but I still got some amazing shots. The train ride really gives you some great oppertunities...I did it twice in one day. LOL |
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