I managed to get the 18-200 after some hassles and so far it seems great, though I haven't had as much time with it as I would like.

I am having some trouble figuring out a longer lens for the safari, though. I thought about getting a 2x teleconverter, but it's not compatible with my lens. I looked at the fixation link given above, and there seem to be a couple of options. I could rent the 200-400, which would cost about £350. I just think that this is *way* too much lens for me, though. I could get a 70-200 2.8 and add a 2x teleconverter. This would cost me almost the same as renting the 70-300 VR above (though would possibly be better overall). Alternatively I could just buy 70-300 VR for about £400 (I'm already back from the States unfortunately!).

Finally I could just stick with my 200mm (x1.5) and not worry so much about closeups .

Any thoughts?

Dr. PITUK