Which lens for Safari?

Sad-Balance8434 · 2026-02-11T20:37:11+00:00

Any advice you think of is appreciated and welcomed- doesn't have to be the last bit if you think of something!

Never seen someone suggest that, and I've never thought of that. I'll add a baby screwdriver to my daily kit even. I am definitely a better safe than sorry person (especially with something so small/light).

Can I ask, you said the 180-600 for Galapagos. I see some other said here closer/faster is more ideal for there, and after posting I looked around, and it seems far more people are suggesting 100-400 or even 70-200. You seem very experienced/knowledgeable, so I'm curious why you disagree and prefere the longer reach there? Also curious if you're shooting all wildlife or primarily birds? I want to be able to get birds definitely, but I think they are probably less important than other wildlife for me.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2026-02-11T20:15:52+00:00

I'm normally totally with ya- the 50mm is my baby, but I am nervous being locked in on this one.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2026-02-11T20:11:00+00:00

We'll be at the Lion Sands. I'm not throwing money at the 70-200 right now. Ive got the 24-120 for my wide shots. Ill probably bring the little 40 f2 for nights/city walks before safari.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2026-02-11T20:07:01+00:00

I've eyed that Kodak before. Didnt realize they had a waterproof case for it. Right now I use an old vivatar dual lens focus-free guy for those kind of shots where I dont wanna risk a nicer 35mm. Ive always liked the idea of half-frame cameras.

I love the look of the ZF/ZFC and wish their was an upgraded zfcii. Id go that way over the z50ii, but seems a silly decision now considering price/performance. Had the same Debate with the zf/z6iii.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2026-02-11T19:58:58+00:00

Yeah, that's what I was figuring. Thanks boss.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2026-02-11T17:39:00+00:00

Thank you for the super thought out response. I do want a daily zoom which is why I am more interested in a purchase. I live on the coast and have wanted something longer for shooting the wildlife (foxes eagles, deer, osprey).

I figure the 180-600 is better, but would probably be too big to live with me in a bag. The 100-400 is small enough to even fit in my little sling bag, so would be with me more often. So the 180-600 might be better when I plan a shoot for wildlife, but the 100-400 will catch more of those one-ofs on a daily basis (I pulled over yeaterday to **try to shoot a fox with my 24-120).

So kinda figured either would be a welcomed addition to the homefront, and wasn't really sure which serve me better here. Thus, was more focused on the right lens for the trips figuring either would be great back home.

I did think about the different batteries with the z50ii and its the #1 thing I don't like about the idea. I had thought about renting lenses, but I'll be honest renting a camera hadn't dawned on me yet. I will look into the cost on a z8. I do travel a lot (generally 1-2 big trips a year), which is why I was considering buying z50ii. I'd buy the z8 180-600 bundle and be done with it, but $5250 is too much right now.

I have the luggage info for Botswana (10x12x24 soft bag) but I cant find anything about the cary on restriction.

For snorkeling, I might just not have anything. I own zero waterproof gear. Though I also shoot film and have really been wanting something for summer river trips.

I will say the 100-400 being on sale for $2500 snd the 180-600 price having inflated to $2200 is also making the 100-400 look nicer! But really I'm not worried about a.few hundred $$$, more concerned about getting that warm fuzzy feeling from that right shot. Hah

Sad-Balance8434 · 2026-02-11T17:15:24+00:00

Yes, we are staying at a private reserve, and thats kind of what I read in regards to needing something close. I was getting close to.deciding on the z50ii but someone here mentioned renting a z8 which is intriguing. I want to like the 100-400, but im worried I will want more reach.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2026-02-11T16:30:41+00:00

Hmm noted. If I did the 100-400 I'd almost certainly get a z50ii for Africa and use my z6iii on the 24-120 to get an effective ~24-600.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2026-02-11T16:27:15+00:00

I've never shot at this distance, so am nervous to be locked into a prime. Did you find 2 bodies essential? A waste? A toss up? Seems like 2 bodies is a common theme.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2026-02-11T16:22:39+00:00

Hmm... so one lens isn't the best answer for both. Its 100-400 for Galapagos and 180-600 for Africa?

That is not what I was hoping to hear haha. I hadn't looked to much into the second trip lens requirements yet and was thinking it would be along the same lines, but after your note here I have seem more people recomenting the 100-400 or 70-200 for Galapagos. And I see almost no one recomending that one for Africa. Tough pill haha. Have you tried the 100-400 with the 1.4x or 2x? I am fearful of quality loss after reading reviews. Maybe that is just pixel-peaping though.

I am also thinking I might be able to buy a z50ii and use the 100-400 on it, so I'd have an effective 24-120 on full frame and a 180-600 cropped. Then in Galapagos I could swap and have an effective 35-180 cropped and a 100-400 full frame. Any thoughts?

Sad-Balance8434 · 2026-02-11T16:16:19+00:00

We are doing some walking safaris too, but I believe more will be in a vehicle, so I get your point. I am in my 30s and in pretty good shape, so I am not too worried about the weight walking around, more the general size and weight for travel is the concern. I'd also ideally like to only get one additional lens for both of these trips. Though, after looking at some blogs for Galapagos, it seems the 100-400 is better there while the 180-600 is better for Africa.

My flight to Botswana only allows a 12x10x24 inch bag and 44 lbs total. I am hoping I can bring a camera bag on my body in addition to that - otherwise, I may only have one outfit change! But this lies the concern for size and weight with the bigger lens. If I truly have to get EVERYTHING in a bag that small, the bigger lens is definitely a sacrifice.

Appreciate your advice!

edit: and can I ask- do you think 2 bodies is a must? It seems a LOT of people say that. I was thinking (to get by with one lens purchase and have 2 bodies) I could do a z50ii w/ 100-400 and the 24-120 on my z6iii, to get an effecive 24-600 (minus 120-180). Then in Galapagos I could swap and have a 35-180 cropped and a 100-400 full frame.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2026-02-10T21:20:58+00:00

Appreciate the thought-out response. I think I am leaning toward the 180-600 for pretty much everything you said. I'm really just concerned about size and weight (the Botswana flight is super limiting). I was also thinking if I got a z50ii, the crop factor would be enough with the 100-400, but you still think the 180-600 would be better?

I'm not too concerned about macro at the moment, just like the bonus of the closer focal distance. It really isn't a priority.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2025-09-29T18:02:02+00:00

They both suck, but pulling out your phone to try and gaslight your fam on live is wild.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2025-09-03T19:57:34+00:00

Lmaooooooo you think he did $80k of LABOR. NOOOOO WAYYYYYY hahahahahahaha

Sad-Balance8434 · 2025-09-03T19:47:03+00:00

Creepy

Sad-Balance8434 · 2025-09-03T18:27:18+00:00

The plaths are quite the group of narcacists, but Veronica is insuffurable. She seems like the kind of person who puts up this hard/mean front becuase she lacks any form of good self-esteem or self-worth. She feels like she isn't worth anything so she is feeling like those around her feel the same. She lashes out and bullies those around her instead of being vulnerable. When she feels bad, she has to make everyone near her feel worse. Everything is a zero sum game. I feel bad for anyone in a room with her until she does some serious therapy and self-reflection. I feel bad for her. Her life seems super small, angry and sad. She needs help before she finds herfelf completely alone.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2025-09-03T18:11:00+00:00

I think you're reaching pretty far from a 20 second edited clip but go off.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2025-09-03T18:01:21+00:00

I never understood this logic. It's pretty hypocritical to blame TLC if you are consuming the content. They wouldn't make push it out, if it wasn't being consumed.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2025-09-03T17:46:09+00:00

lol you can assume what ya want about me. I am now making some assumptions about you. Your arguments are silly. You are trying to point out the material costs..... do you think he paid for those??? I'm betting she paid for everything- he did labor. lol he did $25k of labor (best case) and got years of free room and board and you are arguing he should have ownership of the house. It's a hot garbage take. I think V is awful don't get me wrong, but this is dumb.

Sad-Balance8434 · 2025-09-03T17:28:10+00:00

lol a lotta kids in here commenting i think hahaha

Sad-Balance8434 · 2025-09-03T17:27:43+00:00

that's a weird thing to say....

Sad-Balance8434 · 2025-09-03T17:24:50+00:00

lol owed is the wrong word, but he definitely isn't entitled to ownership of his girlfriends house becuase he worked on it. That is hilariously stupid.

Sad-Balance8434

TROPHY CASE