Another camera lens question
 

After reading the recent posts I questioned my daughter on the new lens she got for our safari trip....Sigma 150-500MM F5-6.3 DG HSM FOR. Based on what I've read this can't be a good lens for amateurs. It looks like the 70-300 might be a better choice.

Also, I'm trying to decide if I should take my own camera or just take a video camera and share with her. Luggage weight is an issue. We both share the same level of interest in photography and lack of knowledge.

I give your daughter lots of credit for wanting to make sure she has the right stuff for taking those safari photos. And I think the lens she has chosen gets mostly excellent reviews. Having said that, I think the 70-300 would be a more practical lens for a first time out. First, the longer lens weighs 4.2 lbs, almost 3 times that of the 70-300 at 1.6 lbs. That's a huge weight difference and would make hand-holding difficult at best. Second, the longer lens, at 5-6.3, is slow. Many of your best shots can come early morning or toward evening when the light is low and you need as fast a lens as you can afford. Third, starting at 150, she might miss some shots when you get very close to animals, which happens often on guided drives. The 70-300 would give her some leeway on those times when she gets close-up sightings. In any case, I suggest bringing a bean bag to support the lens/camera whenever possible. With low light, shutter speeds may be slow and stability is key. Good luck to you and your daughter in getting the right gear for your trip, Steve

Agree with Steve, the Nikon 70-300mm is the best choice. Also about half the cost, around $500 vs $1,000. I use the 70-300 as my main safari lens. But you will occasionally want lens more wide, so assuming she also has the 18-55mm or such that came with the D5000.

Take your own camera and video camera. Always good to have back-up. And in carry-on bag only, do not put in checked luggage.

And whether bean bag or monopod for camera depends on the type of vehicle used for game drives. At least take an empty bean bag and fill it with beans or rice on arrival.

regards - tom

I just got back from Kenya and one of the guys had the Sigma 150-500 lens. I have to say I am impressed by the quality of the lens. It is a little heavy for handholding, but he used support. Depending on what your photography style is the extra 200mm of length can be a good thing. Of course I may be biased since I took an 800mm lens and probably took 95% of my shots with that. The good thing is that both lens are good lens and you/your daughter will come back with amazing shots with either.

Thanks for the help. Already got the lens returned and will search for a better choice.