Glen wrote:
At 02:40 PM 10/22/2005, Jon Paul Schelter wrote:
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! :)
Yeah, I guess I'm already pretty sure that the 50-200 won't be long
enough - I lent my gear to a friend who went to namibia, and she came
back with some great shots with the tamron lens. In my own limited use
of this lens, trying to shoot a hawk, I found myself wishing for still
more length.
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.
Is that the F4-5.6?
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3304&navigator=3
It looks like a nice lens, but it's not much different from the Tamron I
have (actually a 4-5.6).
I'm considering a bigger step - like to sigma's 100-300/4 or a
70-200/2.8 with a 1.4x tele-converter, or a nice pentax FA 200/2.8 with
a tele.
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
Looks very useful, thanks.
