This summer, I decided to try my hand at wildlife photography. I quite often go out with my shooting friend from our camera club - we're both learning the do's and don'ts together. I have a Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 and a 1.4 tele-converter, using on my crop sensor D7100. I find, for the most part, that it just isn't enough reach for the birds, so I'm thinking of buying a lens.

I have poured over forums and reviews on so many lenses, that it's mind boggling.

 

Of course, the lens, I would love is $14,690.00 here in Canada, so that is out! lol

 

There is the Nikon 300mm f/4 with no VR for $1,600.00. (When I attach my TC, I don't think I can hand hold)

 

The Sigma 300mm f/2.8 with VR II is $3,800.00.

 

The Tamron 150-600mm f/5.6 to 6.3 is $1,300.00. (I've read that this lens is best at 500mm and sits @ 5.6 at that length. (Can I hand hold this @ 500mm?)

 

My question is.......does anyone own these lenses that can help me make my decision easier? lol

 

Thanks a bunch!

*Darlene*

Hi Darlene,

 

You forgot to mention one lens, the new 80-400G. This lens used to have, in the previous version, a very poor AF performance. The new version is AWESOME in every respect, and it will take at least the new version of the 1.4X, of course, with the corresponding loss of speed at acquiring and the "loss of quality" attributed to teleconverters. I would make sure it is the latest version. Prior version was a dud.

 

We own that lens and if it pretty good all around. If you need to reach further, put your camera in the crop mode, which will place all sensors on your available canvas, featured very convenient for flight.

 

With all due respect to other brands, I try to avoid third party lenses. The Tamron is not true 600 (unable at 600mm) and not sure you will be comfortable hand-holding it.

The Sigma, almost 4k in rice and if you need to sell it, they don't keep value at all.

 

The Nikon 300/4, we both had in our previous Nikon times and it is an excellent lens. It is very sharp and reasonable size and works with the 1.4X

For flight, we don't use the VR since at the s/s seeps we like to use, it would not make any difference and it does slow the AF acquisition. This would be my choice if you don't want to go for the 80-400G.

 

Good luck in whatever you do!!!!

Fabs

 

Thank you, OH SO MUCH, Fabs!!! I don't know how I missed the 80-400 when I was searching. I just researched it and went to my local camera shop - $2,800.00 + tax. It's now on my "wish list" and hopefully, I'll be shooting with this sweet baby come Spring!

 

I truly appreciate your advise and assistance with this. I can't wait to get my hands on it and start shooting!!

 

Thank you again, Fabs.....you've been a great help!!

 

*Darlene*

It's always our pleasure to help.

Fabs

http://www.adorama.com/NK80056FEDU.html

 

.....

 

^_^

Why not this:

 

http://www.adorama.com/NK70200AF2U.html?utm_term=Other&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Other&utm_source=rflAID021866&cvosrc=affiliate.021866 + 2x teleconverter?

 

Same price and range as 80-400 but with a professional lens.

 

( I don't actually know if this is better I'm just curious myself as well)

 

LMAO - You're a funny man, Ben! LOL

 

Hi Ben....

 

I have the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 with a 1.4 teleconverter. I'm not overly pleased with the softness caused by the TC, so the 2x TC would be even worse (for my liking). The 1.4 TC drops that lens to f/4 and so the 2xTC would be pretty much the same as the 80-400 4.5 to 5.6.

 

I absolutely LOVE the 70-200 2.8 - it's great for the highschool sports I shoot (baseball, football, rugby).......I just want something with a further reach for wildlife.

Shoot lol i completely forgot that's what you said.

 

yeah I figured the converter may cause some softening issues. makes sense.

Placed on wish list, Ben :-)

I have the 300f/4 and my 1.4 TC stays on that lens. It is a wonderfully sharp lens even with the TC. I am able to handhold this lens,but it can take its toll and get heavy.

 

I was able to shoot a friends 80-400 on a birding trip. I was pleased with the image quality. This lens was very easy for me to handhold.

 

When you talk about the 80-400 Make sure you are referring to the new model. Original was only usable to 370, turning soft afterwards. Also had a slow initial acquisition and slow AF.

 

We took a chance on the new one are both are happy with results. We also use the 300 2.8 which has a bout the best AF speed wise. Very little loss with a 1.4X converter and still acceptable AF for critical work. When used with the D800e. the crop mode is usable still giving a large file and 1.5 crop factor. Along with the 1.4X you almost have a 600 5.6 The lens is a bit heavier than the 80-400 but everything is a trade off.

 

Agree with Fabs in keeping with Nikon or Canon lenses. At some time you will sell the lens and resale is not good.

 

Nothing perfect, just trying to pick the one that will suit your job !

 

al

A big thank you goes out to everyone!!!!! Fabs, thank you for telling me about this lens! I still don't know how I missed that one during my search!?

 

My wish list is now empty again.......I just ordered the 80-400!! I am soooo excited and can't wait to try it out!!!

 

Thanks again - I appreciate all your help and expertise with this!!

 

*Darlene*

 

Ooooo exciting :) please share some images with us!

I use for my telephoto shots the Sigma 100-300 f4 with a 1.4 converter. Maximal focal length 420mm and f5.6. $1,379.99 at Amazon.

 

Remember, expensive lenses does not make a good photographer.

 

 

Wow, big congrats!!!!!! Enjoy your new toy :-)

 

How true Leon But the only way to know for certain is comparing.

 

If you place an image form the Sigma 100-300 next to a Nikon 300 2.8 plus 1.4X under same conditions, the difference will be immediately apparent.

 

With lenses you actually get what you pay for, there is nothing like my Leica M glass. They don't make the pictures but sure make a difference with the quality. Question is how much quality is needed. With a great deal of lenses, you often hear this is so much better than this other lens when in reality they would need to be looked at side by side for a time to see the slightest hint of difference.

 

The best reply to the question of having the best equipment or not came from David Doubilet during an UW photo trip to the Solomons Islands. He said that he wanted the absolute best to be able to come up with best possible images and will always give you an edge. At the time he was the primary National Geographic Underwater Photographer. First time I've listen to someone put it like that and he is correct !!!

 

al

 

You are so right, Al. I have never owned a TP lens - I've always saved a little harder so I could buy Nikon. I was very tempted though to try out that new Tamron (600mm), but I was reluctant because a friend of mine has nothing but issues and complaints when he shoots his Sigma 500 lens. I just knew I wouldn't be happy with all the limitations that seem to come. I think if I had never used any form of zoom lens, I probably wouldn't notice the difference in quality, but I have been using my 70-200 2.8 this summer for wildlife and I even see the difference with my 1.4 TC. I just knew I wouldn't be happy.

 

My new baby should be in mid week - so happy I put my question out here - thanks for all the help!!

 

*Darlene*

 

 

Hi Darlene

 

Here is a sample of the new 80-400 on my first outing with the lens. Image was made from a boat, AF was fast and love the results.

 

http://1x.com/photo/632803/all:user:127901

 

Will try getting out tomorrow and should have some others to post

 

al

 

Wow, Al......that is a sweet shot!!! Love the detail you've captured......love that eye! I do not think I will be disappointed with this purchase. Can't wait to see what else you get!! :)

When we get back, there will be a Blog post about equipment for wildlife photography.

Cheers!

I recently purchased the Nikon 80-400mm f 4.5-5.6 VR for full frame and have been using it on the new Nikon d750. AMAZING!

 

This shot was 220mm, 1/60th second, hand held whilst waist deep in a river (leaning against a log so some support.

 

http://1x.com/photo/754615

 

Great great VR and if I could only have one lens, this would be it!

Regards,

Doug

 

Great looking penguin, Doug! Thanks for sharing! I've heard the VR is outstanding - that's the part I'm excited about! lol

Just as a side thought, weight is really an enormous factor if you are going to shoot hand-held. So whatever lens/converters you get, and there are many variations to choose from, make sure you are comfortable with the weight, as this also effects your ability to hold the apparatus steady for sharp focus. I find that in many situations, tripods are just not practical, even if they usually guarantee a sharper shot. Another tip. Get a camera bag that you can sling over your shoulder. Turn it so the bag is across your stomach, and then rest the lens on it when not in use. Saves you neck and makes the weight of the equipment more tolerable.