RIP Kisaru, an amazing supermom cheetah. The Mara lost a special cat yesterday and I'm sure a lot of you had a chance to spend time with her. The rangers found her one cub still alive and captured him because he's too young to survive. The poor cheetahs are dying off.
artsupreme wrote:
RIP Kisaru, an amazing supermom cheetah. The Mara lost a special cat yesterday and I'm sure a lot of you had a chance to spend time with her. The rangers found her one cub still alive and captured him because he's too young to survive. The poor cheetahs are dying off.
Agreed, anyone who frequents or just loves cats should support the Mara Predator Project as they are working hard to help them continue to survive.
artsupreme wrote:
RIP Kisaru, an amazing supermom cheetah. The Mara lost a special cat yesterday and I'm sure a lot of you had a chance to spend time with her. The rangers found her one cub still alive and captured him because he's too young to survive. The poor cheetahs are dying off.
My friend who's been following her for nearly 4 years just sent me a message about her death. Really sad to hear.
Has anyone done early November in Kenya? A friend of mine was thinking of going then because apparently its a bit cheaper, but he's not sure if its a rainy part of the year.
artsupreme wrote:
RIP Kisaru, an amazing supermom cheetah. The Mara lost a special cat yesterday and I'm sure a lot of you had a chance to spend time with her. The rangers found her one cub still alive and captured him because he's too young to survive. The poor cheetahs are dying off.
So sad. The lives of these animals are so difficult and often tragic. Thankfully her cub was rescued and hopefully he will be ok.
"Has anyone done early November in Kenya? A friend of mine was thinking of going then because apparently its a bit cheaper, but he's not sure if its a rainy part of the year."
It was extremely rainy this year in November - especially until about the 20th. (We were in northern Tanzania in Nov-Dec, and we kept hearing how vehicles were getting stuck in mud in the Serengeti.) However, the two previous years the area had been in a drought...so it is difficult to predict 2024 (November). This is an El Nino year...but how long that lasts is anyone's guess!
berimbolo wrote:
Has anyone done early November in Kenya? A friend of mine was thinking of going then because apparently its a bit cheaper, but he's not sure if its a rainy part of the year.
Almost always do last two weeks, it was tremendous for cats this year. Didn't have any problems with being stuck.
Heading to Sabi Sands (private game reserve off of Kruger) and Elephant Camp in Zimbabwe in July so this thread has been a good read. One of the things I've read/heard about Sabi Sands is that because it's a private game reserve that you get pretty close to the wildlife. I've been told that the 600GM will be too much lens so thinking of going of a combo of 200-600, 70-200II and maybe pick up the 300 f2.8. Hoping that most photos can be with the 300.
For Sabi Sands - I wouldn’t bring a 600 as it’s overkill. The 400mm 2.8 and 70-200 is really all you need. If you do the 300 then you might want to consider using the 1.4TC with it.
palmor wrote:
Heading to Sabi Sands (private game reserve off of Kruger) and Elephant Camp in Zimbabwe in July so this thread has been a good read. One of the things I've read/heard about Sabi Sands is that because it's a private game reserve that you get pretty close to the wildlife. I've been told that the 600GM will be too much lens so thinking of going of a combo of 200-600, 70-200II and maybe pick up the 300 f2.8. Hoping that most photos can be with the 300.
Funny how timing works out. The last week of October would cost me almost 4k USD more than the first week of November in Amboseli + Masai Mara for 8 total days.
So, I got the call yesterday that my RF 100-300 is in :-). Thank you Kenzie’s Dad, ArtSupreme and Robert, etc. for your previous inputs. Now, I have to make a tough decision. Since I’m heading to Tanzania in a few weeks, am I ready to replace the R3/adapter/500II/1.4x with the R3/100-300/2x? It goes against the majority of opinions for wildlife; but I would love to travel lighter and more streamlined. And, I like the flexibility of being able to zoom in/out. In terms of image quality, my frame of reference is the 500II/1.4 and not the 400/2.8; and, I will be shooting on a beanbag, not handheld. So, am I nuts? I traveled with the 500+300/2.8+70-200/2.8 in the past and don’t want to go that route. I keep thinking: what’s the worse case…switch to the 1.4 and get closer. What’s crucial is that Rob’s Kenzie and Puffin images, etc. with the 2x are reasonable expectations and not the exception. Also, I’d replace the 100-500 (not my fav in terms of tonality) with a RF70-200/2.8 and add a 35macro. Your 2 cents?
If I was still shooting Canon I would absolutely go with the RF 100-300mm, 1.4TC and either the RF 400mm 2.8 or RF 600mm 4.0. If neither of the telephoto primes are an option then I would grab the 70-200mm and 100-300mm and bring 1.4TC and 2.0TC to swap on the 100-300mm.
Right now I shoot with the Z9 and Z8 with either my Z 600mm 4.0TC or 400mm 2.8TC. I don’t travel with both but I always bring my 70-200mm 2.8. If I bring my 600mm I will use my 1.4TC on the 70-200mm. If I bring the 400mm I don’t use my TC on the 70-200mm.
I found by reducing my camera kit down to two lenses and two camera bodies it makes life a lot easier to travel, shoot and keep track of what’s going.
Unfortunately if you have some sort of gear failure, it’s more than likely going to be the camera body and not a lens. Luckily, I haven’t had any issues with either. Knock on wood.
ChrisHA wrote:
So, I got the call yesterday that my RF 100-300 is in :-). Thank you Kenzie’s Dad, ArtSupreme and Robert, etc. for your previous inputs. Now, I have to make a tough decision. Since I’m heading to Tanzania in a few weeks, am I ready to replace the R3/adapter/500II/1.4x with the R3/100-300/2x? It goes against the majority of opinions for wildlife; but I would love to travel lighter and more streamlined. And, I like the flexibility of being able to zoom in/out. In terms of image quality, my frame of reference is the 500II/1.4 and not the 400/2.8; and, I will be shooting on a beanbag, not handheld. So, am I nuts? I traveled with the 500+300/2.8+70-200/2.8 in the past and don’t want to go that route. I keep thinking: what’s the worse case…switch to the 1.4 and get closer. What’s crucial is that Rob’s Kenzie and Puffin images, etc. with the 2x are reasonable expectations and not the exception. Also, I’d replace the 100-500 (not my fav in terms of tonality) with a 70-200/2.8 and add a 35macro. Your 2 cents? ...Show more →
Thx Robert. I was trying to ditch packing 2 types of extenders (2 battery systems is enough!) and the RF adapters (1 is a spare) and I like your input of only using two fast RF lenses. I could’ve ordered the RF400 (paired with a 1.4) instead; but, I’d loose the zoom in/out capability that I want for cat cubs playing (my trip priority), adult cats walking towards me, or mamas walking pass the vehicle carrying babies. Last year at Ndutu, I shot a ton of eles walking towards me with 100-500 but didn’t like the results as much as when I used the EF70-200/2.8II w/1.4x or even the EF100-400II after that. I also felt limited when I could only zoom out to 200. Thus my interest in the 100-300 w/TCs. Using a 2x is a stretch given that I’ve never liked/use them in the past; but I’m really trying to lighten up and simplify. Also, I’m petite/traveling solo this time and don’t like to wear vests or look like a photographer. Decisions, decisions and unfortunately I can’t test anything or start packing until the 8th.
Rob speaks pretty highly of his results with the RF 100-300mm with the 2.0TC. I agree that zooms are the best when shooting at Ndutu. In that case just bring your 2 bodies, the RF 100-300mm, RF 70-200mm + 1.4TC and call it a day. So jealous as I wish I could make it this green season.
ChrisHA wrote:
Thx Robert. I was trying to ditch packing 2 types of extenders (2 battery systems is enough!) and the RF adapters (1 is a spare) and I like your input of only using two fast RF lenses. I could’ve ordered the RF400 (paired with a 1.4) instead; but, I’d loose the zoom in/out capability that I want for cat cubs playing (my trip priority), adult cats walking towards me, or mamas walking pass the vehicle carrying babies. Last year at Ndutu, I shot a ton of eles walking towards me with 100-500 but didn’t like the results as much as when I used the EF70-200/2.8 w/1.4x or even the EF100-400II after that. I also felt limited when I could only zoom out to 200. Thus my interest in the 100-300 w/TCs. Using a 2x is a stretch given that I’ve never liked/use them in the past; but I’m really trying to lighten up and simplify. Also, I’m petite/traveling solo this time and don’t like to wear vests or look like a photographer. Decisions, decisions and unfortunately I can’t test anything or start packing until the 8th. ...Show more →
robert_in_ca wrote:
For Sabi Sands - I wouldn’t bring a 600 as it’s overkill. The 400mm 2.8 and 70-200 is really all you need. If you do the 300 then you might want to consider using the 1.4TC with it.
Thanks for the confirmation! At least I have some time to decide on the 300 GM but I'm likely to go for it. If I do get it I may bring my OM-1 and 150-400 for birds that may require a bit more reach and a backup.
ChrisHA wrote:
Thx Robert. I was trying to ditch packing 2 types of extenders (2 battery systems is enough!) and the RF adapters (1 is a spare) and I like your input of only using two fast RF lenses. I could’ve ordered the RF400 (paired with a 1.4) instead; but, I’d loose the zoom in/out capability that I want for cat cubs playing (my trip priority), adult cats walking towards me, or mamas walking pass the vehicle carrying babies. Last year at Ndutu, I shot a ton of eles walking towards me with 100-500 but didn’t like the results as much as when I used the EF70-200/2.8II w/1.4x or even the EF100-400II after that. I also felt limited when I could only zoom out to 200. Thus my interest in the 100-300 w/TCs. Using a 2x is a stretch given that I’ve never liked/use them in the past; but I’m really trying to lighten up and simplify. Also, I’m petite/traveling solo this time and don’t like to wear vests or look like a photographer. Decisions, decisions and unfortunately I can’t test anything or start packing until the 8th. ...Show more →
Since you can drive off-road and aren't shooting birds you won't need the 2x very often but you can still bring it along and shoot with it to mix it up. You will find that you can probably use the 100-300 bare, or slap the 1.4x on for a 140-420 f/4. I agree with Robert that a good kit is the 70-200 2.8, 100-300, and a RF 1.4x. I would also bring an RF 2x just in case you can't get close to something on a certain sighting.
When I got my 100-300 back in August I slapped the 2x on it and did some test shoots at 600mm wide open. I was happy with the results and knew it would only get better from there. I've never been satisfied using a 2x TC but it works well on the 100-300.
Thx ArtSupreme and Robert for your input, moral support and reassurance about using the 2x . 420mm is normally too short for me but since I need to stop down for cat families anyway, I'm ready to accept the tradeoffs from using the 2x when needed. You guys have been great!
ChrisHA wrote:
So, I got the call yesterday that my RF 100-300 is in :-). Thank you Kenzie’s Dad, ArtSupreme and Robert, etc. for your previous inputs. Now, I have to make a tough decision. Since I’m heading to Tanzania in a few weeks, am I ready to replace the R3/adapter/500II/1.4x with the R3/100-300/2x? It goes against the majority of opinions for wildlife; but I would love to travel lighter and more streamlined. And, I like the flexibility of being able to zoom in/out. In terms of image quality, my frame of reference is the 500II/1.4 and not the 400/2.8; and, I will be shooting on a beanbag, not handheld. So, am I nuts? I traveled with the 500+300/2.8+70-200/2.8 in the past and don’t want to go that route. I keep thinking: what’s the worse case…switch to the 1.4 and get closer. What’s crucial is that Rob’s Kenzie and Puffin images, etc. with the 2x are reasonable expectations and not the exception. Also, I’d replace the 100-500 (not my fav in terms of tonality) with a RF70-200/2.8 and add a 35macro. Your 2 cents? ...Show more →
I have been in multiple safaris in Tanzania, Kenia and South Africa. I have used 70-200 2.8, 500 F4, 100-500, 400 2.8, 200-400 F4. I now own almost since day one the 100-300, I have used it quite a few times with the 2x but not yet on a safari.
Are you able to do off road or not? This makes the biggest difference imo.
If yes, then 100-300 + 1.4x is a very solid choice and take the 2x for occasional situations. If you plan to use the 2x all the time I'm not so sure.
I see little value to take both 70-200 and 100-300. I would take 100-300, 1.4x, 2x and 100-500 as a reserve. Leaving the 1.4x at home is a mistake imo. I would take extension tubes rather than a 35 macro if you want to do some macro.
The image quality of the 100-300 + 2x is similar to the 100-500 at 500... maybe the 100-500 on the R5 is a tad sharper but on the R3 you may not see any difference, rendering maybe a bit better with the 100-300 2x than 100-500. Imo the 500 F4 +1.4 is sharper. From 100 to 420 quality is prime like so nothing to worry about.
Are you one of these obsessed people on not changing lenses during a safari day, or are you like me that just don't care and change them as much as I need?
. 420mm is normally too short for me but since I need to stop down for cat families anyway, I'm ready to accept the tradeoffs from using the 2x when needed. You guys have been great!