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Camera lens
I've read the various recommendations, but i have a non-photographer question of sorts:
I have a Canon EOS Rebel 300D (old) with one of the lens that is 55-200. Is that useless to use for getting wildlife pictures?
I've been reading online about lenses, but the 75-300 ones that would make sense budget-wise would not have image stabilization, and the ones that do would be perhaps $500. The lens would likely not be used again and even rentals are hundreds of dollars.
So, should I use the one I have or get an 'inexpensive' Canon or Tamron 75-300?
Thanks again for all the help everyone has given over the years!
Barry
I have a Canon EOS Rebel 300D (old) with one of the lens that is 55-200. Is that useless to use for getting wildlife pictures?
I've been reading online about lenses, but the 75-300 ones that would make sense budget-wise would not have image stabilization, and the ones that do would be perhaps $500. The lens would likely not be used again and even rentals are hundreds of dollars.
So, should I use the one I have or get an 'inexpensive' Canon or Tamron 75-300?
Thanks again for all the help everyone has given over the years!
Barry
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I went last time with a 250 mm zoom on my Canon T5i, and decided that was not quite enough. I bought a Canon EF 75-300 used for about $100. It does not have stabalization. AlanS must be out ... I’m sure he will provide more expert advice here soon. (:-)
Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO IS Lens for Canon
Canon EF Lens Mount
For Cameras with APS-C Sensors
25.6-480mm (35mm Equivalent)
Aperture Range: f/3.5-6.3 to f/22-40
Magnification Ratio of 1:2.9
One UXR & Four Aspherical Elements
One XR & Two Low Dispersion Elements
Vibration Compensation
Piezo Drive Autofocus System
Minimum Focus Distance: 15.3"
Currently $599 at B&H Photo Certified refurbs avail on Amazon for $500 or less.
I have this exact Tamron lens and use it on a Nikon D500. I was on the Tauck Northern India and Nepal trip last year which included 2 safaris. I found this to be an excellent lens for photographing wildlife as well as a very good lens for landscape photography.
Thought I’d throw in a few thoughts too.
1. I think it’s a little difficult to answer the question. The animals can be at distances from next to the safari vehicle, to way off and barely discernible to the naked eye. So each individual has to find the sweet spot in lens choice, balancing cost, level of interest in photography, and what kind of results one is going for. Although I have pretty good lenses, I don’t think you really need fantastic lenses to get fantastic pictures. Very few people are going to notice noise (“grain”), or lens aberrations. It’s going to be composition and color that make the photo. Some folks can take wonderful pictures with a cell phone. It’s the Indian, not the Arrow.
2. It kind of sounds like you really don’t want to pursue this in taking pictures other than on the safari and want to keep your costs reasonable. So it would seem the others’ suggestions sound good, go for a used lens, with a 300mm reach.
3. It would not seem to me that you really need lens stabilization, if it costs more. You can use an ISO in the 400 to 800 range, you’re usually in strong daylight, and can use high shutter speeds to compensate for camera shake. The vehicles are stopped, and you can rest the camera on the window frame, or bars on top of the vehicle. Lens stabilization becomes more important in low light, like dusk shots.
4. So, the most important thing is to practice and get re-acquainted with your camera before you go so you don’t get frustrated fumbling with the camera and lens when you see the animal you want to get. You can even get in your car, use the window to balance your camera, and practice taking imaginary animals — fire-hydrants, or whatever. But you want to be confident and not panic when you get into the safari vehicle and see that looming lion.
Doug
Another strong vote for Doug's #4. Since I only take photos of my grandkids every few months and Tauck trips (once, sometimes twice, a year) I get out of practice and forget half of what my camera will do. As a result, I almost always shoot in full auto or full auto with flash off- many museums, churches, etc. in Europe do not allow flash.
I'm taking a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR▻ is this too much?
Thanks
Yes you're right and that's something I'm going to work on.... I'll have to remind myself to enjoy the moment and then... but it is hard when you're hobby is travel photography.
Thanks
I do regret missing one shot. I had my iPhone in my pocket and my wife had the camera taking pictures of a pregnant lion as it approached our vehicle. She kept zooming ‘back’ as the lion approached and had no idea it was only three feet away. I could easily have gotten her and the lion in a ‘close up’ shot. I do have pictures of her hugging a lion, but that was during a Bushtracks “Born Free” experience.
Sounds like a great lens to take. I think reaching out to 400 is great, but it depends on whether or not you like those kinds of pictures — e.g. faces of animals.
If travel photography is your thing, I imagine you’ll also bring a wide angle.
I think EVERYONE IS RIGHT. Imagine a 3D axis of space:
Axis 1: Focus on some aspect of the tour (like photography, the plant life, etc.) vs. Enjoy the Global Experience and Socialize.
Axis 2: Capturing Pictures Is Important vs. “I’ll take a few with my cellphone.”
Axis 3: I like the technical aspects of utilizing all the features of my camera” vs. “That’s a pain — put the darn thing on AUTO (— and my Auto works really great).
So if we use this model, EVERYONE IS RIGHT, because we all fall somewhere in it’s 3 dimensional space — and it’s wonderful just being where you are and lovin’ it.
Doug
I must admit, there have been times when I review and organize my photos after a trip, that I don't remember ever taking one or more of them! I have also discovered that more than one photo I've taken captured, in addition to the main subject, an object, person, detail, etc. that I missed at the time. But, having pictures allows me to relive the trip and appreciate the experience even more. That really happens when I research captions (for my wife's Facebook album which is one place I upload photos). Also, I'll often take a photo of something that seemed interesting at the time without knowing what it really was. After the trip, when I go through the photos and select ones to add captions to and upload, I often need to do some serious research using date/time stamp, locations, Google, etc. to find out what I photographed. It is a real serendipity when I discover I photographed an artistically or historically significant subject.
I have to say, I do like your 3D model , it is a great way to pursue your interest & enjoy the trip as you wish .. I just think everything has a balance and there is time for everyone to figure out in the first few days , what really is going to work better for them... Yes, I'm taking my super heavy wide angle... which, I was trying to evade, but it would be a crime to loose the opportunity , just because I got lazy...:))
Thanks Doug.
Just a thought...
I purchased this through Amazon, came from Abe's, shipped from Lexington KY, with original packaging I believe, for $90.
Barry
My wife and I will be on this trip in October - you will find this camera in our hands.
I have no connection with Panasonic, I just have found this to be the perfect travel camera for me.
-Tom