Tanzania Safari / Telephoto Lens Dilemma

[JEJE12]

I am heading for my first African Safari next week. I will be visiting Taranguire, Ngorongoro, Ndutu and central Serengeti. I am taking my R5 and R6 Mark II. For lens, I will be bringing my RF 70-200 F 2.8, RF 16-28 F2.8 for wide angle and the hot air balloon ride.. My dilemma is the telephoto. I recently purchased the RF200-800 and a teleconverter ( 1.4 ) as I often go to Yellowstone and often time animals are quite far... But I also own the RF 100-500. Which one would you recommend I take with me? Do you think I have enough reach with the 100-500 and possibly the teleconverter for the areas I am visiting or should I favor more reach? 

I really appreciate your input. In any case, I am excited and know I will have a fantastic time.. I just have a hard time deciding what lens to take with me. Thank you in advance. 

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

I would take the 16-28, 70-200, and the 200-800.

I would leave the TC at home.  If you can't capture what you need with an 800 mm lens. You need to get closer 🙂. This is ultimately a matter of personal preference.  

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

IMHO,...

RF 100-500mm >no

Rf 200-800mm> yes

1.4x tel-con> no

RF 70-200mm f2.8> yes

RF 12-28 f2.8> trade in or sell for a RF 24-70mm f2.8L (unless an extra lens is no problem)

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

I would take the 16-28, 70-200, and the 200-800.

I would leave the TC at home.  If you can't capture what you need with an 800 mm lens. You need to get closer 🙂. This is ultimately a matter of personal preference.  

[JEJE12]

Thank you. I was leaning towards the 200-800 vs 100-500 so I think that makes sense. 

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

IMHO,...

RF 100-500mm >no

Rf 200-800mm> yes

1.4x tel-con> no

RF 70-200mm f2.8> yes

RF 12-28 f2.8> trade in or sell for a RF 24-70mm f2.8L (unless an extra lens is no problem)

[JEJE12]

Thank you. That actually makes a lot of sense.. I can use the wide angle at 24 with the 24-70 for landscape.. and use this lens for animals that are close by. I am going to cancel the 12-28 f.28 and sell a couple of lens I rarely use and get that one instead.. That leaves me with the RF100-500, RF200-800, 70-200 And I also own the 24-105 so I am solid. I will just take the 200-800, 70-200 and 24-70 for the safari. 

[ebiggs1]

The 24-105mm f4 is a very good lens it can be substituted for the 24-70mm f2.8L if you want to. My 24-70mm f2.8L is on my camera 80% of the time. The other dozen or so lenses I own make up the remaining 20% of useage. It is the work horse.

[JEJE12]

Thank you! 

[Ron888]

I have no safari experience so feel free to ignore this.
I tend to agree with the others- that you shouldnt need anything longer than 800mm. But hey, some great images taken at absurd focal lengths would prove me wrong.Maybe take the TC just in case?

[JEJE12]

I am going to take the 200-800, 70-200  f2.8and I just bought the 24-70 f.28 so I think I am all set  with the R5 and R6 Mark II. I can't wait to the there.. first time! 

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

Have fun and good luck. Come back with some great photos and share a few here.