Hi Guys,

As my trip to Mexico was cancelled I have opted to go elephant trekking in Thailand at the end of this month. Has anyone done this kind of thing before? I'm just wondering what gear to take. I'm not sure a 400mm lens is appropriate when sitting atop an elephant (but having said that - I'm not really sure what gear is appropriate!)

Howdy Pete

Haven't been to northern Thailand but I reckon it will be a very cool trip!
I have used my 400 from atop an Elephant though It was quite manageable but I was in the fairly open scrub near the Zambezi in Zimbabwe not in a jungle. I would be opting for the fastest lens I have. So unless your 400 is a f2.8 (mine isn't ) i reckon it stays home. If you want to keep weight in general down, I would go for the 70-200 L 2.8 IS and a good wide angle (preferably the 16-35L 2.8 but since I don't have that it would be the 17-40L). Having said that you got a 300 2.8 for your Botswana trip so that would be tempting. 300 on a non full frame DSLR gives a nice reach for any monkies and birds up in the trees.
I look forward to your trip report!

" have opted to go elephant trekking in Thailand at the end of this month."

I cannot think of something more fun. My wife and I have been discussing going to Cambodia at some point in the future to see Angkor Wat and possibly meet some of my wife's relatives. I look forward to seeing some of your photos.

-JM