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Thread: Trip to Panama

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    Default Trip to Panama

    I have a 10 day trip to Panama approaching in April. What lenses would you recommend, and why? I do not want to lug a tripod through the jungle. I own a 7D and 100-400mm lens.
    Whether I rent or buy, I want to get it now and familiarize myself with my new gear.
    Flash as well? Better beamer? Thanks alot, ann

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    Hi Ann,

    A lot depends on what you want to get out of your trip. Is it primarily for photography? A better beamer with flash can be very useful, and despite you being against it, I would suggest taking some sort of support along with you, be it a tripod or monopod. Your 100-400 on the 7D should be adequate, but be careful to expose to the right as the 7D is not the best performer under dull jungle light. I have been twice to Panama using my 7D coupled with the 70-200mm for hummingbirds/feeders, 300mm f4 and 500mm with and without the 1.4TC.

    What is you itinerary?

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    Thanks Ben, My trip is all for photography. I am still in the planning stages so I would appreciate any suggestions you have. I will be staying NW of Panama City, hour or so away. But have a 4x4 for day trips etc, ....
    300mmf4 400mmf4 or 70-200mm. And a TC. Which lens would you buy if you also had the 100-400mm? thanks

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    BPN Member Douglas Bolt's Avatar
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    Hi Ann,

    I'm eager to learn what others suggest in the way of equipment. I'm going to Panama this coming Tues for a combination photography, birdwatching and general tourist trip. My wife and I will be staying at http://canopytower.com/ - Lodge 3d and Tower 7d.

    For what it's worth, here is a list of the equipment I plan to take: Canon 5D and 7D, 400DO, 70-200 f4, 24-105, and 12-24 (Sigma). Also, three speedlites and a 42" reflector. And two tripods, one for the 400DO while attempting hummingbird photos and one for my wife's spotting scope. Finally, a monopod and BetterBeamer on the 400DO while birding. I'll certainly not forget my copy of Linda Robbins CD on how to take multi-flash hummingbird photos.

    Hope you have a great trip.
    Douglas Bolt
    DougBoltPhotography.com

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    Ann,

    The book, "A bird finding guide to panama", can be a useful start, although not all areas are suitable for photographers. If you can, try to get a boat out on gatun lake. If your spanish is ok you can simply ask one of the fishermen stationed at the dock in gamboa, otherwise arrange something more organised. There are a lot of inlets around the lake where one can photograph birds and other wildlife very well. I would recommend going to El Valle, and possibly to canopy lodge. I didn't go there, I have a friend in the town, but I have heard bird-life there is quite good. I stayed at canopy tower, and while amazing, the local bird populations are recently quite low. They have tours running twice a day out to more birdy places, but these are not really designed for photographers and can work out as a rather expensive option. The coastal areas around Panama city are great for frigatebirds and pelicans and there are some nice wetland/rice field areas near the airport. For some different hummingbirds close to Panama city you can go to Cerro Jaffe, although it would be best if you can visit someone who already has feeders set-up.

    Concerning the lenses and your concerns about hiking with too much weight, I wonder if the 400DO, mentioned by Douglas, would be a good option. I have never used the lense, but have seen good results from others.

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    Thanks Ben and Douglas
    Your input is helpful to me and I will continue to detail my itinerary. I think renting some glass now and trying things out is the way to go for me. I have a photo shoot get together next week and there will be the 400's I can try. Safe trip for you Doug, please keep me posted! thanks, ann

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    BPN Member Douglas Bolt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by annmpacheco View Post
    Thanks Ben and Douglas
    Your input is helpful to me and I will continue to detail my itinerary. I think renting some glass now and trying things out is the way to go for me. I have a photo shoot get together next week and there will be the 400's I can try. Safe trip for you Doug, please keep me posted! thanks, ann
    Regarding the 400DO, I also have the 100-400, but seldom use it once I got the DO. I recently purchased a 70-200f4IS and I expect the 100-400 will get even less use. That said, I like what I've seen out of the 70-200f2.8 with 1.4 and 2.0TC. I would certainly look at that solution before buying a 400DO.
    Douglas Bolt
    DougBoltPhotography.com

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    BPN Member Steve Uffman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by annmpacheco View Post
    I have a 10 day trip to Panama approaching in April. What lenses would you recommend, and why? I do not want to lug a tripod through the jungle. I own a 7D and 100-400mm lens.
    Whether I rent or buy, I want to get it now and familiarize myself with my new gear.
    Flash as well? Better beamer? Thanks alot, ann
    Ann, sorry this is a bit long but here are my thoughts having similar equipment as you.

    I have the canon l series 70-200 f/4, 100-400 f4.5/5.6, 500mm f/4 and a 1.4x all on a 7D. my walk around lens most places is the 100-400 as it has tremendous flexibility. In my world, my best photo opportunities are often reactionary rather than set- so flexibility means a lot. I pack all this and much more in the gura gear kilboko bag which clearly was well thought out by the photographer that designed it.

    As I said in an earlier response to you on another thread, the 100-400 was the #1 rental lens for safaris in Africa based on my conversations with several of the lens rental folks. I have been quite pleased with what it delivers given the flexibility . If I am in a situation where I can set up a tripod (or bean bag) and spend much time planning a shot, I will normally use the 500mm and the 1.4x.

    I have also seen numerous recommendations about the 100-400mm being a good walk around lens in Galapagos. I will know more when I return as my wife will have the 70-200 or a wide angle loaded on her camera. Although I am bringing the 500 and tripod


    Tomorrow, we are riding out in the Louisiana Atchafalaya basin to shoot Bald Eagles. Talked to the pro on our trip and he suggested the 100-400 on the ride out because of its versatility...So on my ride out I will have the 100-400 loaded. Then hopefully, I will switch to the 500mm and 1.4x. on a tripod when we get to the site

    Of course, environment dictates so when I am in Saskatchewan, the 70-200 f/4 or 28-135mm is my choice when I am shooting waterfowl there- as I can get very close to the abundant wild birds there-and part of the story is the abundance

    If you do plan to buy eventually, I learned the hard way that the 1.4x according the BHphotos website does not work with the 100-400. It does work well with the other lens. That influenced my decision to buy the 500 since I wanted the best reach but still be able to carry it in my backpack...

    I have the 580exII flash and the better beamer. Have been practicing with it a great deal in advance of a few photo shoots where it will be handy. They were highly recommended and so far so good.

    One last thing, if you have not done so, I will take a look at Art's 7d user guide. I made the modifications he suggested and while I am still practicing with them, I really like what I see. Inspired me to take the time to set the customer settings and that greatly helps in my so often reactionary photo world.

    anyway have a great trip...look forward to seeing more of your work
    Last edited by Steve Uffman; 02-11-2011 at 12:11 AM.

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    The 1.4 works with the 1-4 zoom with pro bodies. Check out Dan Cadieux's upcominig posts....

    Jungles are dark places. If you want to make good images a tripod is a must. The DO is a wonderful lens for lots of types of nature photography and would like be a good choice.
    BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.

    BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.

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    Art is of course right about the pro bodies. I know you have the 7d like I do so that was my context....hope I did not mislead anybody

    Here is the relevant info for the 100-400 that I saw on the compatibility chart listed on BHPhoto-which I did not see until after I bought the lens

    *4-*5 are the exceptions to the AF not working with the 1.4x

    *4 With the EOS-1D series, EOS-1v and EOS-3, AF is possible, but with the center focusing point only.
    *5 The Image Stabilizer does not operate with the following cameras: EOS 650, 620, 630/600, RT, 700, 750, 850, EOS-1, A2/A2E, 10s, Elan, Rebel/Rebel S, Rebel II/Rebel SII.




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    BPN Member Douglas Bolt's Avatar
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    Hi Ann,

    I'm at the Canopy Lodge now and have found the 400DO with a 580 + BetterBeamer a great combination.

    BTW, Raul is a great host and his lodge is fantastic.

    doug
    Douglas Bolt
    DougBoltPhotography.com

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    Been telling folks that for years. :) Say "Hi" for me.
    BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.

    BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.

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    Hi Ann: You might also consider bringing a Canon macro lens for close-ups of flowers, butterflies, frogs, etc. (After all, "it ain't just birds!") Since you will be renting this, you might want to get the new 100mm f/2.8 image stabilized version. This will allow you to hand hold when you don't want to use a tripod or don't have it handy. Roughly $110 for 12 days including round trip shipping and insurance from www.LensRentals.com or similar. Having been to Costa Rica, I know that a flash and a flash extender are invaluable in the dark jungles. This combo takes some time to learn how to use it correctly, so factor that into your preparation.

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    Johnny Bravo
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    Hi Ann,

    I just got back from 90 days in Panama, most of that in the Gamboa area. This was my second trip down there.

    As to lenses: If I could only take one lens, it would be the 300 f2.8. It's light and fast and fast is VERY good as it is really dark in the jungle..and it handles the 1.4 very well (I'm using a Mark IV most of the time and having a camera like that that handles high ISO so well is also a big boon.)

    For a second lens, I use the 800, but of course that is a tripod only lens. A 500 would be a great longer lens for Panama, and of course a 400DO would be a good 'all rounder'.

    I use the Bushhawk shoulder mount a lot with the 300---but I also have a tripod with me most of the time and use it whenever possible.

    Personally, I'm not a fan of the 1-4 zoom....I've tried hard to love that lens, but compared to primes it's just like a bad relationship....hoping doesn't make it any better. Since you own it, definitely take it, but I'd get a prime lens to use as my prime lens were I you.

    Flash? You betcha. I kept my flash mounted almost all the time with the beamer on it. I really prefer NOT to use the flash, but again, with that low (and highly variable) light you've got to do what it takes to get the shots. Dial your flash down about -2/3 or -1 to avoid that 'flashy' look when your subjects are close and plan on doing a bit of work in photoshop to fix some 'steely eyes'. I leave the flash on and ready to go, so it's just a flip of a switch when I needed it.

    Do bear in mind that much of your 'in the jungle' shooting will really be 'from the road' shooting. Moving through the actual jungle is really really tough (I've done a lot of it) and frankly, it's not nearly as productive as road shooting. It does produce some species that you can't get any other way though.

    On a ten day trip, make sure you get a day at Achiote road (other end of the Canal), hit Metro Park (in Panama City), and get a day at Gamboa Rainforest Resort (LOTS of birds there and for some reason some folks never hit it). Also, I'd recommend a day or two at El Valle de Anton. It's only a couple of hours away and it's got a number of species you'll not see at the lower elevations you find along the Canal.

    Feel free to contact me if you'd like information on Panama. I hit all the spots and hit them hard so I've got some good and current intel on the photography scene down there.

    In any event, GO!! It's an incredible experience and you'll enjoy it. I've still (after intensive culling) got 23K images to process from my trip. It's going to take a looong time in front of the computer!!

    Best to ya,
    John


    Quote Originally Posted by annmpacheco View Post
    I have a 10 day trip to Panama approaching in April. What lenses would you recommend, and why? I do not want to lug a tripod through the jungle. I own a 7D and 100-400mm lens.
    Whether I rent or buy, I want to get it now and familiarize myself with my new gear.
    Flash as well? Better beamer? Thanks alot, ann

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