I'm off to Australia later in the week and will spending just over a week on Kangaroo Island. Given the wildlife photography opportunities (despite that not being my thing) I thought I had better give it a go!
I got rid of my 100-400L about a little while ago with some other stuff to fund buying my Leica M240. I've been out this morning to pick up a wildlife-suitable lens and ended up with a used (and old) Canon 300m f/2.8L. I can't believe how heavy it is! I also seem to be the only DPCer with this non-IS version of the lens - I'm beginning to wonder whether I've just discovered the reason for that!
I do intend to sell it on after my trip - cheaper than renting (I hope!).
Let's hope the weight doesn't make the airlines balk at the weight of my hand luggage!
It should be fun to camp out on a beach full of seals for a while, seeing what I can produce.
I thought about a monopod but I'll just take my tripod - it's carbon fibre and doesn't add much weight to my rucksack. It can go in my case for air travel. I'll have a car for the duration of the trip so plan to drive, park, walk a short distance, repeat.
I suppose I should point out that the photo above was taken in early morning light, at 20mph, out the driver's side window. (yeah, I know, I know...) That lens is so awesome that I'd say a tripod is unneeded. Speed of focus and light transmission are so good that you just don't need one.
With that being said, a tripod is always nice, and a monopod would be good too. I don't know how the non-IS compares to the IS, but I have to assume it's pretty similar, and the IS is a BEAST.. One of the two best lenses I've ever used (Schlake owns both, and was kind enough to let me use them) - the other was the 135 f/2, which is just stupid crazy nice.
Let's hope the weight doesn't make the airlines balk at the weight of my hand luggage!
Best you check with your carrier regarding your allowable carry on weight from the UK to AUstralia.
If you happen to be flying within Australia, past experience tells me that the maximum weight allowed for carry-on is in the vicinity of 7Kilos. When faced with that I took one camera body and the 70/200 lens and placed the strap around my neck and voila... I met the weight requirements.
I am off again to visit Beetle and her spouse plamprec and the poor dears will have to put up with my antics from mid December till the end of January as we trek around Australia and both islands of New Zealand.
Have a wonderful trip... I am certain you will have a fantastic time.
