I'm looking into getting a lens that goes to at least 300mm for my upcoming safari. Is the panasonic 100-300 best option (for G7)? Is it worth the several extra hundred dollars to get the recently updated model, or should I just go with the previous version which I've found still available for around 375 euros new?
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Lenses for a newbie/Night photography
- Thread starter MFSB
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Also, if you can help me pick between the samyang 12mm ($341) vs olympus ED 9-18 ($489 very good condition) I'd appreciate it!
rashid7
Veteran Member
The 100-300 is a bargain, but suffers in AF, esp on older bodies. (DFD helps a little). I would like to know if the 2nd version has truly Improved AF!
Everything is a compromise, and co$t is a bear, but the new 100-400 would be a winner!
4 wide angle, I have owned the Oly 12 and 9-18 (&just bought a 7-14)
Those Olympus options are nice and LIGHT.
The problem with the samyang 12 is size and fixed focal length. Perhaps the best combination of IQ, size and cost ... is the Samyang/Rokikon 7.5f3.5 fisheye!
While a manual lens, it isn't difficult to keep everything in focus. The curvature isn't much of a problem (4 me) and can be easily toned down in PP.
In my opinion ultra wide angles aren't particular useful for landscapes. They are wonderful for interiors, or any tight spaces!
JudyN
Veteran Member
If I were going on Safari I would go with two cameras, one with a 14-140mm (or similar) and one with the Lumix 100-300. You should be ready for almost anything that happens. Some things are far away, but then you will find animals up close or want pictures of other things and be changing lenses when even more things happen which you will miss entirely. Besides, a second camera is a backup. Also think through how you will handle your photos until they are safely at home.
If you can't afford another four thirds camera, a superzoom could be a backup, Some birder friends have Canon superzooms for birding and they get good shots.
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Judy
If you can't afford another four thirds camera, a superzoom could be a backup, Some birder friends have Canon superzooms for birding and they get good shots.
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Judy
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Astrotripper
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I went with the updated version. Was considering the old model may times but always decided it's got too many downsides. For 375 EUR I guess that's not a bad deal as long as you don't expect to use it for shooting action or video. The weather sealing on the new model is another nice touch but probably not a big deal in your case. You will not benefit from Dual IS either, but Power OIS is probably better than Mega OIS of the old model. As far as image quality goes it's identical, so it's all about those other features. You can check out my flickr album with full res shots from it.
BruceRH
Veteran Member
The 9-18mm is an excellent lens, I would recommend it.
rashid7
Veteran Member
+1 It is pretty good, esp considering how compact it is! But again, I find it much more useful indoors than out.
my holiday is for 3 weeks so I think the cost (185 euros) would be more beneficial in purchasing the 100-300 no? I'm not a professional photographer nor interested much in birds so I don't know how much use I would get out of the 400 anyways...
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For three weeks you might in fact be better to purchase...the 100-300. On the 100-400 the rental might make more sense especially if you dont think you would get much use of it. (If you could *borrow* a 100-400 that would be best).
I'd push you to 100-400 for several reasons. First is the reach of course but moreover the AF on that lens is just so fast. It does so much better in tough situations and doesnt hunt in low contrast like the 100-300. it also handles burst much better than 100-300. Its so much more enjoyable to use.
I have both currently. My only use for the 100-300 is stadiums and venues whose camera policy is < 5 inches: 100-300 is then allowed but 100-400 too big.
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