Camera? Best for Safari...
Jan 31st, 2007, 07:01 AM
#41
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glad to hear that. If I go that route and trade in my current film Rebel G, I might be able to get something for a pretty good price, and then buy a sigma telephoto lens and be all set. thanks for all the advice!!
Jan 31st, 2007, 07:18 AM
#42
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There's a site in the US for checking out retailers - http://www.resellerratings.com/ Many of these stores employ a 'bait 'n' switch' tactic. They'll advertise the camera at a stupid price - then try to charge you a fortune for the battery, charger, cables, etc. All the stuff that normally comes with the camera. If you decide you don;t want any of that then the camera magically becomes 'out of stock' forever.
Jan 31st, 2007, 07:19 AM
#43
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One more thing, there is a big camera show coming up in early March. I suspect if new models are announced that there will be many more used cameras flooding the market which should drive the prices down a bit. Also the 1.4 teleconverters from sigma or tamron work well to give some extra reach...I would not get a 2x teleconverter as they really degrade the image and in many cases cause issues with autofocus.
Regards,
Eric
Regards,
Eric
Regards,
Eric
Regards,
Eric
Jan 31st, 2007, 10:20 AM
#46
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Hello,
Another good source for gently used SLR kit is www.fredmiranda.com -- the prices are generally better than what you'll get through B&H or Adorama, though of course you won't get the warranty either. I normally only buy from people with at least 99 posts and a good feedback rating.
If you have some old kit and are looking to trade up, Adorama gives a decent price for gently used kit, particularly if you tell them that you intend to upgrade.
Cheers,
Julian
Another good source for gently used SLR kit is www.fredmiranda.com -- the prices are generally better than what you'll get through B&H or Adorama, though of course you won't get the warranty either. I normally only buy from people with at least 99 posts and a good feedback rating.
If you have some old kit and are looking to trade up, Adorama gives a decent price for gently used kit, particularly if you tell them that you intend to upgrade.
Cheers,
Julian
Jan 31st, 2007, 10:34 AM
#47
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I agree with Julian but since BH is in my backyard I feel more comfortable if there is a problem I don't have to go through an individual, pay pal or whatever to get satisfaction. If there is a problem they take care of it very professionally and without a hassle. I do however know that most people are very happy with the purchases they have made through the buy/sell forum on FredMiranda.com and I personally read that forum routinely to get an idea of prices and what is moving.
Regards,
Eric
Regards,
Eric
Jan 31st, 2007, 10:52 AM
#50
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Hello,
If it's refurbished by Canon it should come with a warranty (normally 90 days) and you have the reassurance of knowing you can go back to Canon if something goes awry. So yes, I'd say it's equally good if not better -- you'll probably pay a slight premium for it, but the peace of mind may be worth it.
Cheers,
Julian
If it's refurbished by Canon it should come with a warranty (normally 90 days) and you have the reassurance of knowing you can go back to Canon if something goes awry. So yes, I'd say it's equally good if not better -- you'll probably pay a slight premium for it, but the peace of mind may be worth it.
Cheers,
Julian
Jan 31st, 2007, 10:55 AM
#51
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Refurbished by canon is probably as good as new and will be covered by warranty. Fredmiranda.com buy/sell forum requires you to sign up. I do not think unless you want to post photos there is any charge for signing up but I may have forgotten as I have been there a couple of years.
Eric
Eric
Jan 31st, 2007, 10:59 AM
#52
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Hello,
Last I looked that was still true -- there's no charge for FredMiranda unless you want to post photos.
Eric, see the Dynamic Duo thread for a link to ORBIS -- I think that's the organisation you were referring to.
Cheers,
Julian
Last I looked that was still true -- there's no charge for FredMiranda unless you want to post photos.
Eric, see the Dynamic Duo thread for a link to ORBIS -- I think that's the organisation you were referring to.
Cheers,
Julian
Jan 31st, 2007, 11:05 AM
#53
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there is no charge, but you need an email address that is not yahoo or hotmail. Mine is hotmail. Fodor's does not accept any new hotmail accounts either, that is why I piggy-back on my mother in laws account here. I think it all has something to do with spam that comes through on the free email accounts
Jan 31st, 2007, 11:33 AM
#54
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One more comment to add to the many fine ones re. choice of camera for safari. Specifically, dslr vs. high zoom ratio p&s.
Yes, there are a lot of options available on an slr, and wading through them can be daunting. BUT, you focus (ahem) on just a couple of settings that will cover 90 percent of photo ops. As has been stated several times already, if you go through the familiarization process that you should do in any event with any camera, from simple to complex, the new user of the slr will quickly reduce all the options to the 1, 2, or 3 that suits you.
For example, I happen to like to shoot in the shutter priority mode (I set the shutter speed and the camera does the setting of the aperature), and spot metering (the camera measures light off a small percentage of the total field of view--that way I can handle difficult, backlit situations). Some shooters like all manual settings, others like shutter priority, or you can even set a "Program" mode where the camera makes all the decisions--just like a P&S.
I also like to shoot at relatively low ISO under most conditions for the best in resolution, unless I'm in very a low light situation.
That's it. With the simple settings that I like, I am essentially shooting like a Point and Shooter, but with a lot more flexibility. HOWEVER--I would never go on safari (or any other trip) without my pocketable 3x zoom P&S, as well, as there are many situations where it is more convenient than a slr, and where a long tele is unnecessary.
These are some photos from last fall's trip to Zambia, all on an slr (digitized slides) from wide angle (not possible for most P&S cameras to 420 mm telephoto, and some difficult lighting situations tough to do with a P&S.
Bottom line, don't be afraid of an slr.
Jim
http://picasaweb.google.com/steeliej...aAndOldMondoro
Yes, there are a lot of options available on an slr, and wading through them can be daunting. BUT, you focus (ahem) on just a couple of settings that will cover 90 percent of photo ops. As has been stated several times already, if you go through the familiarization process that you should do in any event with any camera, from simple to complex, the new user of the slr will quickly reduce all the options to the 1, 2, or 3 that suits you.
For example, I happen to like to shoot in the shutter priority mode (I set the shutter speed and the camera does the setting of the aperature), and spot metering (the camera measures light off a small percentage of the total field of view--that way I can handle difficult, backlit situations). Some shooters like all manual settings, others like shutter priority, or you can even set a "Program" mode where the camera makes all the decisions--just like a P&S.
I also like to shoot at relatively low ISO under most conditions for the best in resolution, unless I'm in very a low light situation.
That's it. With the simple settings that I like, I am essentially shooting like a Point and Shooter, but with a lot more flexibility. HOWEVER--I would never go on safari (or any other trip) without my pocketable 3x zoom P&S, as well, as there are many situations where it is more convenient than a slr, and where a long tele is unnecessary.
These are some photos from last fall's trip to Zambia, all on an slr (digitized slides) from wide angle (not possible for most P&S cameras to 420 mm telephoto, and some difficult lighting situations tough to do with a P&S.
Bottom line, don't be afraid of an slr.
Jim
http://picasaweb.google.com/steeliej...aAndOldMondoro
Jan 31st, 2007, 04:23 PM
#55
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Eric,
Since i, too, live near BH, i was wondering if you could reccomend a particular salesperson to speak with.......i am very "tech chalenged" so it would have to be someone with alot of patience, who is willing to spend time with me and speak in very simple language....
Since i, too, live near BH, i was wondering if you could reccomend a particular salesperson to speak with.......i am very "tech chalenged" so it would have to be someone with alot of patience, who is willing to spend time with me and speak in very simple language....
Jan 31st, 2007, 05:20 PM
#56
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Eric....thanks so much for the info on camcorders..nxt.? I have recently purchased a Canon 20D which I truly enjoy. I was given both an EF 28-135 F/3.5-5.6 IS USM and an EF 75-300 F/4-5.6 IS lens. Can I use a Canon 1.4 extender on these and ,if so, w/o too much degradation? Any comments concerning the Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6l IS USM lens would be appreciated as well. Am also considering buying a Canon S-3 for my girlfriend but she isn't too sold on the approx.38-430 lens wants something in the 28-300 range. Does that question make any sense? We are both somewhat beginners in this area but what with what it is going to cost to do a safari want to have whatever it will take to meet most of our needs. Thanks again to all of you, Bob
Jan 31st, 2007, 05:50 PM
#57
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spsand
I do not have anyone in particular that I use. Most of my purchases are on-line so I don't speak to anyone. Most people really know what they want when they go there as the sales help can sometimes be very good and others not so much.
BYoung4U2
I think you can use the 1.4tc with those lenses but they might not autofocus (can manual focus) and they would be awfully slow at you lose one stop (5.6 becomes 8) so unless its very bright you will be shooting at very high iso (not terrible as the 20D can handle 800 and 1600 pretty well if needed.) Most people use the teleconverters with faster lenses 2.8 or 4.0 at worst. Now with the 100-400 lens you would have what most think is the perfect safari lens. I don't know too much about the point and shoots but I read today that the sony h5 is supposed to be really good and the canon s3 is as well. I don't know what cards the s3 takes but the sony uses their proprietary cards which aren't used in any other camera. You can't go wrong with more reach, the wide angle function is somewhat useful but IMHO not as much as the extra telephoto.
I do not have anyone in particular that I use. Most of my purchases are on-line so I don't speak to anyone. Most people really know what they want when they go there as the sales help can sometimes be very good and others not so much.
BYoung4U2
I think you can use the 1.4tc with those lenses but they might not autofocus (can manual focus) and they would be awfully slow at you lose one stop (5.6 becomes 8) so unless its very bright you will be shooting at very high iso (not terrible as the 20D can handle 800 and 1600 pretty well if needed.) Most people use the teleconverters with faster lenses 2.8 or 4.0 at worst. Now with the 100-400 lens you would have what most think is the perfect safari lens. I don't know too much about the point and shoots but I read today that the sony h5 is supposed to be really good and the canon s3 is as well. I don't know what cards the s3 takes but the sony uses their proprietary cards which aren't used in any other camera. You can't go wrong with more reach, the wide angle function is somewhat useful but IMHO not as much as the extra telephoto.
Jan 31st, 2007, 06:08 PM
#58
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I'd rather have the extra reach with the 1.4 telex and have to manual focus than not have it. Unless you're trying to pan on a running animal or flying bird, manual focusing isn't all that difficult.
Since you have the long end covered with your lenses, I tend to agree with your girlfriend. It would be good to have at least some wide angle capability. Some of my favorite pictures are with a wide angle (eg the low angle shot of the winterthorn pods on the ground in the link, above. That's the rub against most digital P&S's in my book because of the crop factor--the wide end isn't wide enough to my liking.
One more time--take lots of pictures with your 20d with and without the telex before going on the trip and get comfortable with it. Since you have one body and will be changing lenses, I'll repeat the suggestion about taking a good sensor cleaner to remove dust and learning to use it.
One last suggestion. Get a good flash for you 20d. I have the 580 and got some great night shots that would have been impossible with the built-in flash.
Since you have the long end covered with your lenses, I tend to agree with your girlfriend. It would be good to have at least some wide angle capability. Some of my favorite pictures are with a wide angle (eg the low angle shot of the winterthorn pods on the ground in the link, above. That's the rub against most digital P&S's in my book because of the crop factor--the wide end isn't wide enough to my liking.
One more time--take lots of pictures with your 20d with and without the telex before going on the trip and get comfortable with it. Since you have one body and will be changing lenses, I'll repeat the suggestion about taking a good sensor cleaner to remove dust and learning to use it.
One last suggestion. Get a good flash for you 20d. I have the 580 and got some great night shots that would have been impossible with the built-in flash.
Jan 31st, 2007, 06:15 PM
#59
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To answer your question about the 100-400, I have it and absolutely love it. You have to understand that it is only for outdoor pictures in good light, because it is a relatively slow lens. But in good light it can deliver stunning pictures and has a very versatile zoom range. All of our gorilla and chimpanzee pictures were taken with this lens.
If you would like to see other photographers' opinions of this or any other Canon lens, head over to www.fredmiranda.com, and go to the "reviews" section. It is an excellent resource.
Let me second what Jim said about sensor cleaning. On our recent trip, I ended up cleaning the sensor about every other day, and I am very glad I did. I used the Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly, and it worked wonderfully. It is small, easy to use, and takes dust off the sensor very easily.
Chris
If you would like to see other photographers' opinions of this or any other Canon lens, head over to www.fredmiranda.com, and go to the "reviews" section. It is an excellent resource.
Let me second what Jim said about sensor cleaning. On our recent trip, I ended up cleaning the sensor about every other day, and I am very glad I did. I used the Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly, and it worked wonderfully. It is small, easy to use, and takes dust off the sensor very easily.
Chris
Jan 31st, 2007, 07:21 PM
#60
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I used the 100-400mm on our long trip last year and it was a very good choice. I was approached by many people about the lens and they said either "I have that lens too, don't you love it?" or "that's the lens I want". Sold mine to a friend in Souh Africa before I came home and am shopping for a replacement.
