What camera lense

[huntinlabs]

So I don't know if this belongs here or not but I just booked the hunt officially with @Pawprint Safaris thanks to @Bill C my whole family is going and my wife just got a new cannon for pictures. She is very knew to the photography world so I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on what lenses we should get for the trip.

 

[Scott Slough]

What camera did she get and what lenses or lenses does she already have?

 

[huntinlabs]

its a cannon t5i and 18-55mm

 

[Bhfs300]

I took a look at Cannon zoom lenses and with the one that you have something in the 70-300 range will give you a lense that will let you get great distance shots of animals and even video with your camera. Could even be a great way to get some of your hunts filmed.

 

[BRICKBURN]

If you happen to have a lot of spare change grab one of these. Pretty good for wildlife. Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens


Most versatile one for me
70-200 is usm 2.8

 

[rookhawk]

Had a prior version of that camera, it's great for Africa.

In the "grey lenses" that are the very high end models, there is one that is relatively inexpensive. It's a USM / IS model that is 100-300mm I think. For a safari, that would take the nicest game shots for the price point.

 

[Fr8liner]

My wife takes a lot of pictures and yes the 70-200mm or if you can squeeze a 300mm is the most versatile especially with wildlife .
She has a large 400mm that only comes out on special occasions
She now wants the 800mm.

 

[peras]

I like the 300 for versatility. I also use a 600 when touring the parks. You will not need more than the 300.

 

[wesheltonj]

Don't know that camera. Nikon person myself. 300mm will work very good and is about all one can do hand held, with image stability. I would suggest, instead of going out and purchasing a len(s) for this trip to rent. Several companies are in the rental business, Google will be your friend. Don't forget to shop prices.

 

[Nyati]

I have a Canon Powershot SX50HS , 1200mm. In a compact package.

 

[curtism1234]

We have an 18-250 (I think) aftermarket brand for our Cannon Rebel. It's fine for normal every day shooting. We took it to Yellowstone National Park this past summer and it did just fine for 99% of the trip. Unfortunately the other 1% of the trip was a grizzly bear and a wolf pack both about a half mile away. Needless to say we were disappointed in those pictures which would have been the highlight of the trip.

 

[huntinlabs]

We have an 18-250 (I think) aftermarket brand for our Cannon Rebel. It's fine for normal every day shooting. We took it to Yellowstone National Park this past summer and it did just fine for 99% of the trip. Unfortunately the other 1% of the trip was a grizzly bear and a wolf pack both about a half mile away. Needless to say we were disappointed in those pictures which would have been the highlight of the trip.

what brand lense do you have?

 

[curtism1234]

Sigma. We've never have a problem taking pictures when looking through the (I don't even know what to call it...) small traditional window. We do have problems when using the 2x3" screen to take photos. The lens keeps adjusting and won't allow you to take a photo unless conditions are perfect. I don't know if that's a lens issue or a camera issue though as we bought the aftermarket lens at the same time as the camera. I'm very content with just using the small viewing window but do realize it can cut the picture off just a tad.

And is it 18-250. It cost around $400 out the door but we traded in the factory Cannon 18-55 so it was a little less.

Cannon (for a lot more money, I think 650-700 otd) offered something like a 18-200 and a 70-300. In addition to the higher price, I didn't feel either one of these were a great single utilitarian setup --- the 200 being too low for the highest setting and the 70 being too high for the lowest setting.

I do strongly encourage you to get a long range lens too.

 

[billc]

Please just keep Pieter and prop out of all the pictures. Other then that get me some good pictures to see please.

Good thing is she will have time to get all set up since the hunt is in 2018.

 

[BRICKBURN]

............
She now wants the 800mm.

I'm with her.

 

[Catahoula]

Something in the 70-300mm range will be fine. I used a Tokina 18-270 on my Canon and only wished for more focal length a couple of times while in Kruger Park. There is no need to splurge on the high end canon glass suggested above unless you are serious about photography. There is plenty of good glass available for modest prices if you do your research, especially on the used market.

 

[BRICKBURN]

............ There is no need to splurge on the high end canon glass suggested above unless you are serious about photography. ..........

You never know who wants to splurge.

 

[curtism1234]

There is plenty of good glass available for modest prices if you do your research, especially on the used market.

Used lenses worry me. You have to make sure you're buying them from a reputable person/company who would do a return should you find out they are scratched.

 

[huntinlabs]

What about a pentax 55-300? Anyone ever heard of that brand?

 

[Catahoula]

Used lenses worry me. You have to make sure you're buying them from a reputable person/company who would do a return should you find out they are scratched.

Agreed. I wouldn't recommend online auction sites. There are however, several on line dealers that grade fairly and have flexible return policies.

You never know who wants to splurge.

Want and need are two different things. If you are not making large prints, or only posting electronic images, most people can't tell the difference between shots with mid grade consumer lenses and Canon L series glass. If you have the disposable income and want the best, go for it!