Headed on safari, need some advice

[Chisox2335]

Heading on safari in October.

I currently have a 60d a 100-400, 15-85, 28-135 and nifty fifty. I will be purchasing a canon 70-200f2.8 mkii in the next two weeks after borrowing a friend's mki.

On to my question, every site recommends 2 or 3 bodies so I'm deciding what to do. I'd like to keep it in the $2500 or less range. Below are my thoughts

1) wait for the 7dmkii (thinking about $2000) use the 70-200mkii on that and the 100-400 on the 60d, sony rx100 if something comes right next to the jeep

2) Refurbed 5dmkiii (slightly over $2550 through the canon loyalty program) use the 70-200mkii on that and the 100-400 on the 60d, see above notes about rx100

3) 6d through canon loyalty or used for ~$1400 with the 70-200, 70d (1000-1100 depending on sale) with the 100-400, and the 60d with my 15-85

Appreciate feedback (I know the 15-85 is efs)

 

[wickidwombat]

option 2 then you can swap the 15-85 with the 100-400 as needed for wider or longer and just leave the 70-200 on the 5D3 or swap on the 100-400 if using the 15-85 on the 60D

the 5D3 AF is going to be king for your needs here.

leave the 28-135 at home

 

[sagittariansrock]

Rent a 1Dx and 200-400mm. About 1K for 10 days.

 

[NWPhil]

I would say option 2 as you have, but you are forgetting an UWA/WA and star/nights shots
Cheapest option for both - rokinon 14mm
next best option - Canon 16-35mm mk2 (not so great on start shots)
Do keep your lenses on at all times while on the road - no swaps.
The rx100 will handle most shots during daytime, that will require WA
If you don't care for star shots, you are set

ps: do bring a tripod, extra cards and batteries - recharging might not be so easy, depending where you going to and staying overnight. If you willing to bring a laptop, will help backing up and sorting shots.
ps2: don't overlook landscapes, bugs, flowers and people as opportunities to taking shots and keep memories.

 

[Chisox2335]

Rent a 1Dx and 200-400mm. About 1K for 10 days.

We will be on safari for 12 days. Rental would be $1500+ if I could get one in country for two weeks. Otherwise I'm looking at $1800+ for a three week rental. At that point I'd rather own the gear. Thanks for the idea though

 

[Chisox2335]

I would say option 2 as you have, but you are forgetting an UWA/WA and star/nights shots
Cheapest option for both - rokinon 14mm
next best option - Canon 16-35mm mk2 (not so great on start shots)
Do keep your lenses on at all times while on the road - no swaps.
The rx100 will handle most shots during daytime, that will require WA
If you don't care for star shots, you are set

ps: do bring a tripod, extra cards and batteries - recharging might not be so easy, depending where you going to and staying overnight. If you willing to bring a laptop, will help backing up and sorting shots.
ps2: don't overlook landscapes, bugs, flowers and people as opportunities to taking shots and keep memories.

I would like to try some night shots. I would probably use the 28-135 although the Rokinon looks reasonably priced for much wider and f2.8.

I will have a tripod that will primarily used off game drive. I will have at least 4 more like 6 32 gb cards. I intended on bringing 8-10 batteries with battery grips on both/all cameras. Currently on my 60d I've taken 500 shots and used 33% of 1 battery and 1% of the other. We will have power every evening as we are staying at permanent camps. I will have a laptop with an external had as well.

 

[Chisox2335]

option 2 then you can swap the 15-85 with the 100-400 as needed for wider or longer and just leave the 70-200 on the 5D3 or swap on the 100-400 if using the 15-85 on the 60D

the 5D3 AF is going to be king for your needs here.

leave the 28-135 at home

If I were to get the 5d3 I would have the 70-200 on that for a 35mm equiv of 70-200. The 100-400 on the 60d would give me 160-640 equiv. The Sony rx100 is 28-120 equiv and a remarkable little camera. I would have pretty solid coverage.

 

[Kerry B]

Chisox2335
I went on a specialist photographic safari to the masai Mara and surrounding area last Sepember and going back again this year. The one thing I did learn is that you need fast lenses for low light, this is when you take the best images and this is the time animals are quite active, early morning and as the sun sets. My kit comprised Canon 5dmk111 and 7d as well as Canon 300f2.8mk11, Canon 70-200f2.8mk11, 1.4 + 2 x extenders both mk111 and canon 24-104 lens. Most shots were taken with the 300mm lens on the 5Dmk111 with and without extenders.
I can tell you that some people did have the Canon 100-400 and Canon 70-300 prime lenses but these were of no use in low light given their 5.6 aperture. Fine in good light. I hardly used the 7d as the cropping ability on the 5dmk111 is excellent.
The 300f2.8 lens is a tremendous lens for safari, so versitile with and without extenders, but you do need a decent camera with the ability to focus accurately in low light, this is where the 5dmk111 shines.

 

[TrabimanUK]

I'm on my fourth safari in September and would recommend option 2 out of your options. The 5DIII is a great camera and 6fps is faster than the 60D, and I always put the longest lens on an APS-C camera for the extra reach it gives.

I have a feeling that the 7D II (or whatever) will be a Christmas thing, as it'll be Sod's law that it won't be out for September / October.

Might I also throw a 1D IV into the mix? 10fps, 102000 ISO, and second hand (in the UK at least) coming in at under US$2500.

My wife and I are currently looking at taking two 60Ds, a 7D and a 5DII between us, with a view of replacing at least one 60D, probably with another 7D or a 1D IV, though having spoken with some 5DIII owners, the 5DIII is looking like a third candidate.

Have a GREAT time!

 

[Chisox2335]

Chisox2335
I went on a specialist photographic safari to the masai Mara and surrounding area last Sepember and going back again this year. The one thing I did learn is that you need fast lenses for low light, this is when you take the best images and this is the time animals are quite active, early morning and as the sun sets. My kit comprised Canon 5dmk111 and 7d as well as Canon 300f2.8mk11, Canon 70-200f2.8mk11, 1.4 + 2 x extenders both mk111 and canon 24-104 lens. Most shots were taken with the 300mm lens on the 5Dmk111 with and without extenders.
I can tell you that some people did have the Canon 100-400 and Canon 70-300 prime lenses but these were of no use in low light given their 5.6 aperture. Fine in good light. I hardly used the 7d as the cropping ability on the 5dmk111 is excellent.
The 300f2.8 lens is a tremendous lens for safari, so versitile with and without extenders, but you do need a decent camera with the ability to focus accurately in low light, this is where the 5dmk111 shines.

Unfortunately the 300 f2.8 is much outside my budget given the wedding expeneses and trip budget already. We are going to all private reserves where we should be able to get a little closer than at a national park so hopefully this saves me. Thanks for your input though. So far option is running away with it.

 

[Chisox2335]

I'm on my fourth safari in September and would recommend option 2 out of your options. The 5DIII is a great camera and 6fps is faster than the 60D, and I always put the longest lens on an APS-C camera for the extra reach it gives.

I have a feeling that the 7D II (or whatever) will be a Christmas thing, as it'll be Sod's law that it won't be out for September / October.

Might I also throw a 1D IV into the mix? 10fps, 102000 ISO, and second hand (in the UK at least) coming in at under US$2500.

My wife and I are currently looking at taking two 60Ds, a 7D and a 5DII between us, with a view of replacing at least one 60D, probably with another 7D or a 1D IV, though having spoken with some 5DIII owners, the 5DIII is looking like a third candidate.

Have a GREAT time!

B&h has a 1d4 rated 8+ condition but it is $3400 usd maybe I should have you ship me one haha. It is a great camera apparently much better used pricing in the UK

 

[TrabimanUK]

That is a bit of a difference! Odd, as camera gear is usually way cheaper over your side of the pond.

 

[jprusa]

I have The 5 M2 it is a great camera but the AF may be better on 6d , Do you have TC's for your 100-400?

 

[Dylan777]

@ Chisox2335 - Be safe, have fun & post some pics

Keep in mind, if your subject is running, keeper rate will be low with 60D and 6D.

AF system on 5D III and 1D X(renting) is MUCH-MUCH better. Both have a lot more dual-cross and single-cross AF points.

I doubt 7D II will be on the market by then. So your best option right now is 5D III and rent a 200-400 f4 w/ 1.4 TC.

 

[Don Haines]

Speaking as a 60D owner who has used a 5D2....

If you are carrying 2 bodies, make one crop and the other FF

If you are going to be dealing with action shots, make sure one of your cameras has good AF capabilities. The 60D does not cut it. The 6D is not really great for action...

The fastest moving action will be close to you (geometry) so that's probably where you will be using the FF camera. (crop is best on longer distances)

Therefore, the second body you purchase shouls be FF and with a decent AF system.... and that means either 5D2, 5D3, or 1DX. The 5D3 really is a great improvement over the 5D2 and half the price of the 1DX, so that's where I would go...

And make sure you have the camera far enough in advance of the trip to get used to it.... don't forget spare batteries and memory cards!

 

[Chisox2335]

Speaking as a 60D owner who has used a 5D2....

If you are carrying 2 bodies, make one crop and the other FF

If you are going to be dealing with action shots, make sure one of your cameras has good AF capabilities. The 60D does not cut it. The 6D is not really great for action...

The fastest moving action will be close to you (geometry) so that's probably where you will be using the FF camera. (crop is best on longer distances)

Therefore, the second body you purchase shouls be FF and with a decent AF system.... and that means either 5D2, 5D3, or 1DX. The 5D3 really is a great improvement over the 5D2 and half the price of the 1DX, so that's where I would go...

And make sure you have the camera far enough in advance of the trip to get used to it.... don't forget spare batteries and memory cards!

Great advice Don. Thanks for the feedback. It seems like the 5d mkiii with the 70-200 and the 60D on the 100-400 would be the way to go. I cannot afford the 1DX give other wedding/honeymoon/camera related expenses. I looked at the rental rate of a 1DX but its about $1200 for the trip, I'd rather spend the extra $1200 and get a refurbed 5D mkiii from the Canon loyalty program and get to keep the camera.

I would be looking to get it in the next 2-3 months so I have 4 months to use it before my safari.

The battery collection and memory card collection has started. Forunately the 60D and 5D mkiii use the same batteries. I would need to get some CF cards as I only have SD cards at the moment.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Whatever the equipment, dust will be your #1 enemy. Bring many and substantial Zip-Locks to keep your stuff in at all times, except when you're actually shooting. The dust is incredibly fine and will for sure end up on your sensors. To keep your sensors protected, avoid changing lenses in the field if you can.

 

[sagittariansrock]

Speaking as a 60D owner who has used a 5D2....

If you are carrying 2 bodies, make one crop and the other FF

If you are going to be dealing with action shots, make sure one of your cameras has good AF capabilities. The 60D does not cut it. The 6D is not really great for action...

The fastest moving action will be close to you (geometry) so that's probably where you will be using the FF camera. (crop is best on longer distances)

Therefore, the second body you purchase shouls be FF and with a decent AF system.... and that means either 5D2, 5D3, or 1DX. The 5D3 really is a great improvement over the 5D2 and half the price of the 1DX, so that's where I would go...

And make sure you have the camera far enough in advance of the trip to get used to it.... don't forget spare batteries and memory cards!

Great advice Don. Thanks for the feedback. It seems like the 5d mkiii with the 70-200 and the 60D on the 100-400 would be the way to go. I cannot afford the 1DX give other wedding/honeymoon/camera related expenses. I looked at the rental rate of a 1DX but its about $1200 for the trip, I'd rather spend the extra $1200 and get a refurbed 5D mkiii from the Canon loyalty program and get to keep the camera.

I would be looking to get it in the next 2-3 months so I have 4 months to use it before my safari.

The battery collection and memory card collection has started. Forunately the 60D and 5D mkiii use the same batteries. I would need to get some CF cards as I only have SD cards at the moment.

If you don't want to pony up the cost to rent (and I understand) then you might want to do a "virtual renting"- buy a supertele, maybe refurb (the 300 2.8 II shows up nowadays from time to time) and then sell it for very little loss. I think you will miss a fast tele on a safari, and opportunities to go to a safari don't come often (or ever, in my case ) to most people.

 

[Lloyd]

I don’t know your level of experience. I am an amateur and have zero experience in Africa. There are many here who can take a picture of the instant a bullet strikes a balloon using a pinhole box camera. I am not one of them. Therefore, take my thoughts with that in mind.

When I had only my 60D and went to Yellowstone I came back disappointed with many of my low light photos. When I used my old manual focus no IS 800mm I felt I had to keep the shutter speed up and, fearing noise, I kept the iso down as low as I could. I shot in raw and I had a lot of noise in the shadows. In retrospect, I might have been better off raising the iso more and exposing more to the right. Since getting the 5Diii, I have much better results in the low light. I believe that most of this is due to the superiority of the 5Diii and some is due to just gaining more experience. My vote would be for you to get the 5Diii for its low light abilities, provided you have enough time prior to the trip to get familiar with its characteristics.

Have a great trip and don’t get so caught up in the photography that it detracts from what will likely be some moments of a lifetime.

 

[Chisox2335]

I don’t know your level of experience. I am an amateur and have zero experience in Africa. There are many here who can take a picture of the instant a bullet strikes a balloon using a pinhole box camera. I am not one of them. Therefore, take my thoughts with that in mind.

When I had only my 60D and went to Yellowstone I came back disappointed with many of my low light photos. When I used my old manual focus no IS 800mm I felt I had to keep the shutter speed up and, fearing noise, I kept the iso down as low as I could. I shot in raw and I had a lot of noise in the shadows. In retrospect, I might have been better off raising the iso more and exposing more to the right. Since getting the 5Diii, I have much better results in the low light. I believe that most of this is due to the superiority of the 5Diii and some is due to just gaining more experience. My vote would be for you to get the 5Diii for its low light abilities, provided you have enough time prior to the trip to get familiar with its characteristics.


Have a great trip and don’t get so caught up in the photography that it detracts from what will likely be some moments of a lifetime.

I'm similar Lloyd. I have used my 60d at a couple hockey games with average low light success. I would expect much improvement from a 5d mkiii vs the 60d.

You sound like you've been talking to my fiancé with that last comment