Using Canon 100-400mm lens on Wildlife safari soon - can I hand-hold or is tripod always preferable?

[henslens]

I am going on a camping safari in a 4WD truck in Africa soon  - not sure how easy it will be to manoevre a tripod - should I still be able to get sharp images with the IS if hand-held assuming I can use a high enough shutter speed or should I always try and use a tripod/monopod? (or lean on the truck window ledge failing that?)

If using the tripod / monopod, should I still be using the IS? I haven't really come to terms with this function yet (or lens, I'm sorry to say). I have often got disappointing results with the autofocus.

Thanks.

[cicopo]

Have a great trip & PLEASE let us know how it all went.

[Bill-Emmett]

I am going to South Africa next January, and just bought a refurbished 7D from B&H, for $959. The 7D has a much better build quality than the 60D, with its polymer body. Canonrumors.com suggests that the replacement to the 60d is just around the corner, and should be announced in July, and available in September. So, you may want to wait if you can to see how this plays out. I would not wait after September, to pull the trigger. You will have a learning curve no matter which camera you decide on. I'm sure the 7D price is not going to last long though.

[MichaelDanielHo]

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@Bill-Emmett wrote:
I am going to South Africa next January, and just bought a refurbished 7D from B&H, for $959. The 7D has a much better build quality than the 60D, with its polymer body. Canonrumors.com suggests that the replacement to the 60d is just around the corner, and should be announced in July, and available in September. So, you may want to wait if you can to see how this plays out. I would not wait after September, to pull the trigger. You will have a learning curve no matter which camera you decide on. I'm sure the 7D price is not going to last long though.

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I am going to Africa the last week of August. Bringing the EF 200-400mm f/4l IS USM Extender 1.4x lens, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS and EF 400mm f/4 DO IS plus the EOS-1D X and Mk IV. I agree with Bill. The EOS-7D is a better camera than the EOS-60D. In fact it has been my pick as the best value in DSLR cameras for 3 years running. You can read my EOS-7D review. The EF 200-400mm is an amazing lens and I am glad to own it after a two year wait. Take a look at my review here. I wish everyuone a great photo trip in Africa this summer. MichaelDanielHo.com