Quote Originally Posted by dsm363


I'm trying to make this exact decision but for a different purpose. I have a Canon 7D along with the new 70-200 f/2.8 II lens.


I'm going to the Galapagos Islands on a cruise and love taking nature shots of the wildlife (brand new to all of this within the last year but really enjoying it). I'd rather not change lenses in the field so the 24-105 gives the biggest range but I'm worried about the f/4 since a lot of wildlife activity seems to happen in the morning with low light. Any suggestions? I guess I'm leaning towards the 17-55 but it's an EF-S lens and I may upgrade to the 5D mark III if it comes out in a few years. Thanks.
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You might just find that your current 70-200 lens will be more useful when it comes to wildlife. I have a 28-135mm, that I once upon a time was used for wildlife. But, as already mentioned, unless you are really close that is not near enough. I have a 100-400mm that I use for wildlife all the time now, and rarely shoot at less than 400mm, sometimes that doesn't seem like it's enough.
As far as any concern that f/4 might not be large enough aperture. Even at the beginning of happy hour I don't use a wide open aperture. Don't be afraid to use a higher ISO!





A lot of wildlife photographers I know use a 100-400mm zoom or similar, or at least a 400mm prime, and many of them use tel-extenders also.