What do I need?

DaveG · 07-05-2005, 00:38

Just booked a holiday. 1 week in Egypt followed by a weeks safari in Kenya.

I have a canon 20D and have only just started collecting lenses. As most of my interest is going to be wildlife photography I have already splashed out on the 100-400L, so that should be Kenya sorted.

I also have the 50mm 1.8 II. I was thinking I probably need something wider (due to the 1.6 crop factor) as the pyramids are pretty big

Does that make sense? If so, has anybody got the Canon Wide Angle EF 24mm f/2.8? Any good?

Thanks

David

CT · 07-05-2005, 00:59

If it's L series glass you're after Dave, then the 17-40 is the obvious choice

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/prod...ducts_id=98401

Other options are the EF-S 17-85mm I have that one - it's excellent. How about the 10-22mm EF-S for an ACTUAL 16mm wide angle though!
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/inde...canonlens.html

24mm would be a nice wide angle without the crop factor, but with it you'd only end up with a 38mm.

Steep · 07-05-2005, 10:12

A wide angle prime if you can afford it and lots and lots of memory!

IanC_UK · 07-05-2005, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steep

A wide angle prime if you can afford it and lots and lots of memory!

Yeah LOTS of memory or a device to copy the pics off and onto a hard drive like this http://www.thephotographyforums.com/...opic.php?t=636

DaveG · 07-05-2005, 18:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanC_UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steep

A wide angle prime if you can afford it and lots and lots of memory!

Yeah LOTS of memory or a device to copy the pics off and onto a hard drive like this http://www.thephotographyforums.com/...opic.php?t=636

I have an Archos photo jukebox thingy. 20Gb I think.

Used it in South Africa, but it broke before I returned! Lost a lot of pics, I was gutted. They have replaced it with a new one, but to be honest I don't trust them anymore. I have now got 5x 1GB CF cards.

digitalfailure · 07-05-2005, 18:53

I'd recommend that you get a bean bag or similar, fantastic for resting on the car while on safari.

take it away with you with nothing inside and buy beans while your out there, saves the space and weight.

DaveG · 07-05-2005, 18:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitalfailure

I'd recommend that you get a bean bag or similar, fantastic for resting on the car while on safari.

take it away with you with nothing inside and buy beans while your out there, saves the space and weight.

Thats a great idea, will definately sort that out. Quite fancy the 17-40 now, probably the most flexible to use.

***Steve*** · 07-05-2005, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveG

Quite fancy the 17-40 now, probably the most flexible to use.

I use this lens quite a lot, it virtually lives on my camera and has never failed to impress me. Its sharp, has good contrast, colour defination and is built well. I doubt that it will be a bad choice and have never heard of anyone that has used one to have not fallen in love with it.

Matt · 07-05-2005, 23:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitalfailure

I'd recommend that you get a bean bag or similar, fantastic for resting on the car while on safari.

take it away with you with nothing inside and buy beans while your out there, saves the space and weight.

And then when you've finished with the beans don't just throw them away, give them to one of your African hosts. :wink:

DaveG · 09-05-2005, 20:34

Thanks guys, after reading some of the reviews I have ordered the 17-40mm

.

I got the camera at christmas and promised the wife I would collect the lenses over a number of years. This is the 4th I have bought! Expensive hobby this, just need to learn how to take a decent picture now

IanC_UK · 09-05-2005, 20:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveG

Expensive hobby this, just need to learn how to take a decent picture now

Same here mate !

CT · 09-05-2005, 22:06

Good choice Dave. The wife will forgive you when you have framed masterpieces from your hols all round the house! :lol:

dod · 09-05-2005, 22:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveG

Thanks guys, after reading some of the reviews I have ordered the 17-40mm

.

That lens is lovely, I was in Jessops today and tried it on my 20D. It really does finish the camera.

DaveG · 09-05-2005, 22:18

Thanks guys, it's nice to have some reassurance when you are about to spend a lot on a new lens. Luckily my friend is back in the States this week for a few days. That saves a few quid.

DaveG · 18-05-2005, 22:01

Should get my hands on the 17-40mm tomorrow

Can anybody suggest a decent make of circular polarizer? I take it I don't need a "slim" mount as even wide open there will be no vignetting caused by the filter mount due to the 1.6 crop factor?

thanks

ps: next question will be on flash guns, so start reading up now :wink:

Matty · 18-05-2005, 22:36

i got a pack of tiffen filters for less than £20 from 7dayshop, 3 filters in a poncy pouch for £16.99