At 02:40 PM 10/22/2005, Jon Paul Schelter wrote:
We're leaving in a week, for 3 or 4 weeks, and I'm most interested in
seeing and photographing wildlife...
My wish list: a bigger camera bag, a wide lens (DA16-45, DA14), a faster
long lens ( would the DA 50-200 be long enough? )...
I've never been on an African safari, so I cannot speak with any authority,
but I tend to doubt that a 200mm is long enough. Then again, I guess it
depends on how large the animals are, how vicious they are, and how close
you want to get! :)
I really like my "optimized for digital" Sigma 70-300mm APO DG zoom. That
lens might be one consideration for you. I almost bought the Pentax DA
50-200 instead, but I decided that I needed the longer reach. For my needs,
I'm glad that I got the Sigma. Having the equivalent of a 105-450mm zoom
(in 35mm film terms) is a very nice thing in my opinion. The only
disadvantage I can think of, is that the front element rotates on this
lens, while the Pentax lens doesn't.
As an alternative, or in addition to a monopod, you might want to look at
the Ergorest Multipod:
http://www.ergorest.com/eng/products/tripod.htm
I'm thinking of getting one of these sometime in the future. If you want to
photograph wildlife from a vehicle, this looks perfect. Among other things,
it can also be used as a chestpod. B&H Photo sells these, and I suppose
many other outlets have them as well.
take care,
Glen
