I have a 100-400 lens. Need a second smaller lens for wildlife - any recommendations?

[Sandra1]

I have a Canon 100-400 lens. I'm looking to buy a second smaller lens for wildlife - do you guys have any recommendations please?

[Waddizzle]

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@Sandra1 wrote:

Thank you. I've been looking at that lens today. I do have a bigger lens but I want to stop using it because it's so heavy.

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How do you carry the camera in the field?  Do you use the standard neck strap?  I find the standard neck strap awfully uncomfortable for long term use, most especially with a heavy lens. 

A less expensive option could be to invest in a different type of camera support, like a better neck strap, a belt or harness that goes over your shoulder, or something else entirely. 

My personal preference is for an over the shoulder holster, which frees my hands.  I use a Lowepro Toploader 75 II.  It can hold a pro-size DSLR with a 70-200mm lens, or the 100-400mm lens, still attached.  Some people prefer just the sport strap, so that they raise the camera quickly.  I use both.  I find a [naked] camera bumping off my hip to be uncomfortable, [but a padded bag is fine.]

[Sandra1]

I've just bought a holster which will help with the weight issue. I have various lenses but I don't feel I have the right companion lens for my 100-400. I only want to take two lenses with me on holiday. 

[Waddizzle]

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@Sandra1 wrote:

I've just bought a holster which will help with the weight issue. I have various lenses but I don't feel I have the right companion lens for my 100-400. I only want to take two lenses with me on holiday. 

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Ah.  I see said the blind man.  A companion lens.  That changes things a bit.

I assume that you do not wish to duplicate much of the 100-400mm focal length.  The zoom range makes that lens pretty versatile.  Going shorter than 100mm, like with the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens, for example, gives you more range, but how good it would be for wildlife is subjective.

Going with a longer lens will only mean a heavier lens, so that's ruled out at this point.  Another idea is the Canon Extender Ef 1/4X III.  It will work with the 100-400mm lens, but I would check to see how effective it would be with the 80D.  I'm not sure if the 80D can use it's center AF point when the lens is zoomed out to 400mm. 

What type of wildlife do expect to shoot? 

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I typically go to zoos with two camera bodies, if I want to shoot wildlife.  I don't have the energy for the woods and wild. I've found that your gear can get the insides dirty very easily swapping out lenses in the wild. 

I carry a crop sensor body like the 7D Mark II, or a 1D Mark iV with the 100-400mm lens.  And, I will carry the 6D with the 70-200mm lens.  Between those two setups, I can shoot anything from 70mm to 640mm.  I may also carry a 24-105mm, or a 16-35mm, too, just for tourist mode and sightseeing.

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

Sandra,

" I only want to take two lenses with me on holiday. "

This is different than what I assumed you wanted. I thought you wanted a replacement lens for the heavy zoom 100-400mm.  But you want a combo to compliment it? My suggestion (ef 400mm f5.6L) will certainly fill the bill for a better and lighter lens but it is in the same use class.

A lens to compliment your current zoom would make the ef-s 18-135mm a reasonable choice.  The ef-s 17-55mm f/2.8 is usm would be a great addition.  It is better in several ways.  It has a fast, constant aperture and pretty good IQ.

[Sandra1]

Hello, thanks for all the suggestions and sorry I've not been able to post on here for the past week. I've decided to sell most of the lenses I own including the 100-400 L and upgrade to the 100-400 II. The new lens focuses from 3.2” which means I only need to take one lens on holiday with me. I’m trying to travel as light as possible and I think this is a good solution. Thanks again for your help.

[kvbarkley]

That is 3.2 *feet* of close focus distance, not 3.2 *inches*, which would be inside the lens someplace. 8^)

[RobertTheFat · Accepted solution]

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@Sandra1 wrote:
Hello, thanks for all the suggestions and sorry I've not been able to post on here for the past week. I've decided to sell most of the lenses I own including the 100-400 L and upgrade to the 100-400 II. The new lens focuses from 3.2” which means I only need to take one lens on holiday with me. I’m trying to travel as light as possible and I think this is a good solution. Thanks again for your help.

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You're equipping yourself pretty well, but for telephoto photography only. There's a vast array of subject matter out there which can be captured only with wider lenses, and you might not want to blind yourself to opportunities in that regime. I'd caution you to remember the old adage that "When the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail."

[Sandra1]

whoops I meant 3.2'

[Waddizzle]

You might want to consider the EF 1.4X III Extender to go with your lens.  Your 80D can focus at f/8, so the lens will autofocus at all focal lengths with your camera.  I understand the desire to travel small, but Bob has a good point.  Carry a wide lens.

[Sandra1]

Thanks, yes I'm considering an extender. Which wide lens would you recommend please?