300mm quality lens

[AVS_SA]

I have a D70s with the kit 24-70 and 70-300G lenses. The 70-300 is not too bad (I was actually surprised!). But I am thinking of getting better glass for wildlife photos. The effective 450mm I get is long enough, so I do not really need a longer lens.

What is the next step up - given that I still have a budget!? I guess $500-$700 max. I could live with fixed focal length.

I like Nikkor lenses, but what about Sigma and Tamron in this regard?

In addition, as the best moments always happen early morning or late afternoon, I would love VR or large aperture, but I see that the prices go through the roof very quickly! Where is the magic compromise?

Any advice appreciated!

Vincent

[rjseeney]

I really don't think you'll get anything better for $500-700. You have to go up to the pro-level glass like the 80-200 f2.8, or one of the longer VR lenses. These are all over $1000. The inexpensive, fixed focal length tele's you see all the time are garbage. Again to get anything of great quality, you're going to have to spend at least $1000+.

Take the $500-$700 you were going to spend on glass and get a new, quality tripod. This will help more than getting an intermediate level lens. The cheap tripods most amateurs buy don't help much at all.

[NHL]

AVS_SA wrote:

I like Nikkor lenses, but what about Sigma and Tamron in this regard?

Take a look @ the Sigma 100-300 f/4 EX, this lens is sharper than some primes (such as the EF 300mm f/4L IS) according to the MTF's and is in the high-end of your price range (but well under a $1000):
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/len...00_4/index.htm

-> The Sigma comes with HSM which is the Nikon's AF-s equivalent (fast, silent ultrasonic, and with full-time manual overide)...
http://www.naturephotographers.net/je1001-2.html

... and with a 1.4x teleconverter (420mm, f/5.6): :idea:
http://www.photosig.com/go/photos/browse?id=27079

[AVS_SA]

Thanks, I will check out the Sigma. It looks like the only candidate!

[wadge1]

Hi there NHL

You talk about a 1.4x converter would this work with the 55-200mm g lens on the nikon D50.

If so could you possibly point me in the direction of were i could possibly find one.

many thanks

mark

[afterburner]

The Nikon 80-200 F2.8 can be found for less than $900.00. There was a $100.00 rebate as well but I'm not sure if it has ended. This is a great lens. It will give your arm a workout though if using it all day freehand.

Marty

[Lionsitaly]

I have about the some problem but I think to spend a little bit more so I think to Nikon 300 F4 and TC 2x ( maybe after ) or Sigma 100-300 F4 another choice may be SIGMA 50-500 but actually Nikkor 300 F4 is the real candidate .

[keith1200rs]

I don't know about the Nikon 300mm f4, but a number of years ago I had Canon equipment and 300mm f4 was one of my favourite lenses. Good aperture, not too big, nice handling. Also, it took a 1.4x converter well.

Keith.

[wingfin]

Ijust bought the D50 with the 18-55 lens. Now I want a good telephoto. I am considering the Nikor 80-400mm f/4-5/6 ED AF VR. $1000 plus. What do you think?

[rey]

I don't have this lens, but you can checkout Fred Miranda for reviews:

Upside is that there is a $150 rebate for it.

Downside is that it doesn't have AF-S, so it's slow-focusing, and the VR is 1st generation:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/s...=28&page=2

Also, checkout Thom Hogan's reviews of Nikon lenses:
http://www.bythom.com/80400VRlens.htm
http://www.bythom.com/nikon.htm

Read for your self and decide.

Good Luck!



wingfin wrote:

Ijust bought the D50 with the 18-55 lens. Now I want a good telephoto. I am considering the Nikor 80-400mm f/4-5/6 ED AF VR. $1000 plus. What do you think?