My wife and I are traveling to Tanzania next month, and we’ll both be using Nikon Z8s with 100-400mm lenses. I already own a 1.4x teleconverter, but she doesn’t have either the 1.4x or 2.0x TC. Would you recommend buying or renting another 1.4x TC or would it be better to get the 2.0x TC?
I’m also considering renting the 180-600mm lens. Which option would you recommend for a trip like this? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Great, thanks you for the information!
Can’t speak for the Nikon Z converters but F mount I have found the 2.0 to be all but worthless with long zooms… autofocus is horrid. I’d put my money into the 180-600 before TCs, although maybe the 1.4 is good for Z mount? At the very least, purchase (or rent) soon and do some extensive testing in the field before you make the trip. I’d much rather crop extensively than come away with unusable, out-of-focus images or entirely missed opportunities.
@timbata You could rent a TC from Lens Pro to Go if that would be an option. That way you don’t have to purchase. Maybe even rent a lens as well. Renting the lens would likely be cheaper than purchasing and then if you like it and it worked well, you got your money’s worth. Have a great trip!
I have no experience of teleconverters Tim but may I offer a general comment on travelling in African safari countries with photo gear. Bear in mind that you may end up on a final flight in a small plane to get to the wildlife areas. Think about possible hand luggage restrictions and pack the gear safely because it may end up in the baggage compartment of Cessna!
This happened to me in Zambia a while back.
Other than that have great trip, Tanzania is a wonderful country for wildlife photography, it’s as good as it gets.
If you have never taken game drives before, my top-tip is to aways have your camera set and ready before you leave the grounds of the lodge/hotel… the good stuff could happen at any moment.
Thanks everybody for the helpful suggestions and tips! I decided to rent the 180-600. I’ll let you know how it works out.
Thanks again -