EOS-1D X Mark II or Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | S?

[Hammer]

I currently have EOS 5D Mark III and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM and I am taking a trip to Kenya for a Safari next May. While I may be able to obtain both before my trip, I need to know which is more important to prioritize from people who have taken similar trips and used either product.

I could use the 70-200 with an extender, but will that be enough? Is the 5D good enough to make sure I don't regret the gear I am bringing? This may be my one and only change to go and I want to make sure I get images I will be happy with years from now.

The trip just became available, so I am reaching out to see what opinions there are on these questions.

Thanks!

[TTMartin]

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@Hammer wrote:

I am limited on Weight for this trip.

I can only bring 1 Body and 1 Lens...and a converter. I think 33 lbs. total for all my belongings - so I am trying to maximize my effectiveness.

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Are you limited by weight or number of items?

As I pointed out the 7D Mk II and EF 100-400 L IS II combined weighs1 lb LESS than the Sigma 150-600 Sport alone. 

(corrected weight of Sigma 150-600 Sport to 6.3 lbs)

[TTMartin]

Single body single lens solution 

1DX Mk II (3.37 lbs) 

Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 Sport (7.4 lbs)

Sigma 2X TC (0.5 lbs)

Total weight  11.27 lbs

Single body 2 lens solution

5D Mk III (2lbs)

Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II (2.9 lbs)

Sigma 150-600 OS Sport (6.3 lbs)

Sigma 1.4X TC (0.5 lbs) Will the Sigma 150-600 AF on the 5D Mk III with a 1.4X TC???

Total 11.7 lbs

Two body solution

5D Mk III (2lbs)

Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II (2.9 lbs)

Canon 7D Mk II (2 lbs)

Canon EF 100-400 IS II (3.5 lbs)

Canon 1.4X TC II (0.5 lbs)

Total weight 10.9 lbs

First I don't think you'd be happy with the Sigma 150-600 sport as your only lens it's f/6.3 aperture just wont be fast enough in early morning or late evening low light. The EF 120-300 f/2.8 OS Sport is a single lens solution but at 7.4 lbs is a behemoth.  

Having two cameras and two lenses gives you backups of both on a trip of a lifetime. Having two cameas and two lenses allows quick change from near to far shooting. The 5D Mk III and 7D Mk II take the same batteries so no extra charger weight. The 1.4X TC III can be used with either lens on either camera. The 7D Mk II with the 100-400 L IS II and the 1.4X TC III gives you a maximum full frame equivelent field of view of almost 900mm.

[jrhoffman75]

I used a Puffin Pad, but they are no longer available. Bean bag works as well.

[jrhoffman75]

Great shots Tom.

[jrhoffman75]

I don't know about your trip, but on mine the game drives were early morning and evening, and even one night one, so Tom's advice about aperture is right on.

Treat it like a once in a lifetime event; rent the best gear even if you wouldn't want/need/afford to own.