Lenses for safari - DPChallenge Forums

05/21/2004 04:17:30 PM · #1

Hello.

I'm planning on going on a safari in Kenya in July. Although I'd love to bring a 1000mm AF lens, I can't afford one. I have a 75-300mm AF lens and a couple other shorter focal length ones. I've concluded that the best option for me would be a teleconverter and i was wondering if anyone could recommend one. I know I'll probably only be able to go up to 600mm with a teleconverter, that will have to do. Your thoughts please.

June

Message edited by author 2004-05-21 16:18:22.

pitsaman

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

05/21/2004 04:47:26 PM · #2

Canon 200 mm F2.8 L $630 an 2x teleconverter $ 160

Sigma 300 mm F 2.8 EX $2300 with 2X teleconverter

Don't think any teleconverter will fit on F5.6 lens !

Message edited by author 2004-05-21 16:56:48.

ellamay

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

05/21/2004 05:13:53 PM · #3

i really love my 100-400mm lens-- it is the main one plan to take on safari in oct.

I am also taking kit lens--18-55 mm
and macro lens sigma 105mm

Message edited by author 2004-05-21 17:27:43.

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

05/21/2004 05:31:34 PM · #4

Teleconverters fit on f5.6 lenses. However, a 2x makes the lens a f11 which starts to get pretty slow. On most lenses you will also lose your ability to use your auto focus because not enough light is let into the lens. Picture quality will more then likely start to suffer.

Message edited by author 2004-05-21 17:48:27.

05/21/2004 05:32:07 PM · #5

Take a look at this \. Do you think it will work with my lens? It is not in the listed lenses. They also make a 3x teleconverter.

June

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

05/21/2004 05:34:31 PM · #6

Any teleconverter made to fit the EOS system should fit on your lens. The 3x will make your lens really dark and slow, and I am positive you would not be happy with the results.

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

05/21/2004 05:36:46 PM · #7

Originally posted by G4Ds:

Any teleconverter made to fit the EOS system should fit on your lens. The 3x will make your lens really dark and slow, and I am positive you would not be happy with the results.

So, you recommend a 1.4x or 2x instead?

June

ellamay

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

05/21/2004 05:42:24 PM · #8

the 2x and 200mm lens have good results, you dont want to use the 2x with more than 200mm IMO, (i have one for sale cuz i dont like it with my 100-400L, u can let me know if interested)

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

05/21/2004 05:45:37 PM · #9

I have a 2x that I have used on my 70-300 5.6. The images came out alittle fuzzy and it was hard to focus because looking thru the viewfinder was pretty dark. I also found that it was hard to get enough light for a correct exposure unless I was in broad daylight. Never used the 1.4x myself, but I am guessing it will be a little sharper and easier to look thru. You do sacrifice the 600mm to 420mm. So I guess it all depends on what you are willing to sacrifice, distance or quality. Others may of had better luck than me with the 2x.

Message edited by author 2004-05-21 17:46:16.

Flash

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

05/21/2004 05:50:49 PM · #10

I do not know of a better long range lense for those with a limited budget than the Sigma 50-500 EX lense. (f/4-6.3)[equivalent of 750mm on the D70...800mm on a Canon] Where else can you get an 800mm f/6.3 for a grand?

$1049.00 US

Message edited by author 2004-05-21 18:11:54.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

05/21/2004 05:54:06 PM · #11

As previously stated you'll lose two stops with a 2x teleconverter. In addition, you need to stop down even further, since the 2x converter magnifies any defects in the image generated by your lens. Think of it as cropping to 1/2 the width and height, or using just 1/4 of your image area. Ideally, use a 2.0x converter only with a sharp prime.
Even very good zooms are a bit soft wide open; adding a 2x teleconverter will yield a very soft image on all zooms when wide open.
As an example, I've tried the 70-200 2.8L IS, a great lens by all estimations, with the 2.0x II converter, a top-rated teleconverter, and still have to stop down two stops from wide open to get the sharpness to approach the performance of the lens alone. So that's f/11 with a normally f/2.8 lens. Sunny days only for that combination.
By the numbers, the 200/2.8L is really not sharp enough yield good images anywhere near wide open with the 2.0x II converter. I'd just buy a 400/5.6. And the 400/5.6 is sharp enough for a 1.4x converter, which would put you at 560mm, f/8 and manual focus (unless you tape pins).
The 100-400 is a good lens, but you will not like the results at 400mm with a converter.

jmlelii

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

05/21/2004 06:20:39 PM · #12

Have you thought about renting some lenses? You could definitely rent a 500-1000mm Telephoto

pitsaman

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

05/21/2004 08:49:51 PM · #13

Originally posted by G4Ds:

Sigma 2X does not fit !F5,6 lens inserts are usually square shape and teleconverters round,like a puzzle test :-)

pitsaman

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

05/21/2004 08:56:32 PM · #14

Canon teleconverter compatability chart:

Extender EF 2X II Compatibility Chart
Lens Attachment Focal Length
(mm) f-stop
(f) Max. Magnification
(x) AF
EF 135mm f/2L USM 270 4 ~ 64 0.38 O
EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM 360 6.7*1 ~ 64 2.0 X
EF 200mm f/1.8L USM 400 3.5 ~ 45 0.18 O
EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM 400 5.6 ~ 64 0.32 O
EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM 600 5.6 ~ 64 0.28 O
EF 300mm f/4L IS USM 600 8 ~ 64 0.47 O*4*5
EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM 800 5.6 ~ 64 0.31 O
EF 400mm f/4L DO IS USM 800 8 ~ 64 0.24 X
EF 400mm f/5.6L USM 800 11 ~ 64 0.18 X
EF 500mm f/4L IS USM 1,000 8 ~ 90 0.25 O*4*5
EF 600mm f/4L IS USM 1,200 8 ~ 90 0.24 O*4*5
EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM 2,400 11 ~ 64 0.18 X
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM 140 ~ 400 5.6 ~ 64 0.33 O*2
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM 140 ~ 400 5.6 ~ 64 0.33 O*2
EF 70-200mm f/4L USM 140 ~ 400 8 ~ 64 0.45 O*4
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM 200 ~ 800 9.5 ~ 7.6 0.41 X*5

Sigma 2X extender chart :

THE FOLLOWING LENSES "ONLY" ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THIS EXTENDER
(Using this extender with any other lens may damage the extender as well as the lens.)

Sigma Lenses For Canon AF Mode Original Canon EF Lenses Mode
180mm f/3.5 APO MACRO EX HSM MF 200mm f2.8L USM AF
300mm f/2.8 APO EX HSM AF 300mm f2.8L USM AF
300mm f/2.8 MF 300mm f4.0L IS/ USM MF
300mm f/4.0 APO MACRO/HSM MF 400mm f2.8L USM AF
300mm f/4.0 APO MACRO MF 400mm f5.6L USM MF
400mm f/5.6 APO MACRO /HSM MF 500mm f4.5L USM MF
500mm f/4.5 APO EX /HSM MF 600mm f/4L MF
800mm f/ 5.6 APO /EX HSM MF 1200mm f5.6L USM MF
1000mm f/8.0 APO MF 70-200mm f2.8L USM AF
70-200mm f/2.8 EX HSM AF
70-210mm f/2.8 MF
50-500mm f/4-6.3 APO MF
100-300mm f/4 EX HSM MF
120-300mm f/2.8 EX APO AF
300-800mm f/5.6 EX APO MF

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

05/21/2004 09:19:06 PM · #15

Originally posted by chiqui74:

Although I'd love to bring a 1000mm AF lens, I can't afford one. I have a 75-300mm AF lens and a couple other shorter focal length ones.

You donâ��t need a 1000mm lens, just get close and use your 75-350 zoom. Donâ��t worry about the lions; theyâ��re really just big pussycats. :)

Actually, I suggest renting a long, bright lens, and get insurance.

--Mick

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/22/2004 12:18:18 AM · #16

Originally posted by chiqui74:

June, remember that you have a 1.6x crop factor on the rebel, which makes your lens a 480mm equivalent. More than enough for a safari. You get pretty close to the animals, believe me. In 1999 I used a film EOS Elan II with a Tamron 28-300mm lens in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia and it was more than enough 99% of the time. The most important thing on such a trip is dust and humidity avoidance, you don't want to have to change lenses in the field.

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

05/22/2004 12:35:16 AM · #17

Originally posted by pitsaman:

Originally posted by G4Ds:
Teleconverters fit on f5.6 lenses. However, a 2x makes the lens a f11 which starts to get pretty slow. On most lenses you will also lose your ability to use your auto focus because not enough light is let into the lens. Picture quality will more then likely start to suffer.

Sigma 2X does not fit !F5,6 lens inserts are usually square shape and teleconverters round,like a puzzle test :-)

She was not looking at the Sigma 2x. But you are right, it is one of many that do not fit certain lenses. Most low cost brands will fit however. Sorry to make it sound like all 2x's fit this lens.

Message edited by author 2004-05-22 22:07:19.

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/22/2004 02:39:59 AM · #18

Originally posted by chiqui74:

Hello.

I have a 75-300mm AF lens and a couple other shorter focal length ones. I've concluded that the best option for me would be a teleconverter and i was wondering if anyone could recommend one.
June

I have had good luck with the Tamron 1.4 (at b&b for $79) and the 75-300. As several people have mentioned at 5.6 you really can't afford to give up the extra stop to get to a 2x. Even with the 1.4 the 75-300 tends to go hunting for focus and if you are watching a resting pride, or just snooping in the neighbours window, the loss of focus issue might force you to go to manual focus in some light situations. 1.6 crop plus the 1.4 TC and a 300 mm zoom works out to 672mm. And if you get the big lens hood it looks like a 600mm lens too.

05/22/2004 05:16:28 AM · #19

Thanks to all for your replies, they have been very helpfull. About renting lenses, I live in Naples, Italy...I doubt they do that here. I think I'll just bring what I already have and make the best of it.

June

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/22/2004 09:52:43 AM · #20

I know I said I'd make the best of what I had, but then I came across this. What do you guys think? I already have a T-mount that I use to couple my camera to my telescope.

June

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

05/22/2004 11:21:37 AM · #21

Originally posted by chiqui74:

I know I said I'd make the best of what I had, but then I came across this. What do you guys think? I already have a T-mount that I use to couple my camera to my telescope.

June

Don't bother, it's too slow f/9.9 at 500mm and f/16 at 1000mm. Plus the quality isn't that great. Remember you get what you pay for.

biohazard