birding lens

[rdking647]

normally I use a sigma 150-500 eitehr with or without a 1.4 TC to take bird photos
but Im thinking on taking the plunge with an expensive (within reason) lens

heres what im looking at
used Nikon 300m f2.8 ed af vr only problem is it may be more than i want to spend
used Nikon 600mm F4 n Ed (manual focus)
used Nikon 800m 5.6 Ed (if) (manual focus)
used Nikon 500mm f4 Ed (manual focus)
Waiting for a new sigma 120-300 F2.8 OS when its available

im looking to keep the cost to under 3500 if possible
any suggestions?

I know if I got the 300mm 2.8's Id have to add a 2.0 TC to get the reach I want

[johnr78735]

Jeff,

I went through exactly what you are going through. First with a Nikon 80-400 that I really enjoyed and wish now I wouldn't have sold. Then to the Sigma 150-500 that I couldn't get rid of fast enough. I bit the bullet and bought the Nikon 400 f 2.8 VR and couldn't be happier. I urge you to first use the manual focus lenses you are considering. Birds NEVER stop moving making sharp focus with a manual lens very difficult. I have never used the 300 f 2.8 VR but my experience with the 400 leads me to believe that you could be happy with it and the new TC 1.4 from Nikon attached at times. The resolution of these Nikon lenses allows greater cropping capabilities than other lenses. Also work hard by shooting every day, if only in your backyard at a feeder, to develop your technique and learn how to camouflage yourself for the best shots...this is essential. Most importantly, when starting out with my 400 someone told me to begin first shooting in aperture priority at f2.8 to maintain the highest shutter speeds possible for more sharp photos. In his words "speed kills movement" and boy was he right. I immediately began getting the sharp photos I so wanted.

Good luck.

John
Austin, Texas

[rdking647]

i know about shooting at high speeds. thats why i bought a d7000,that way i can crank the ISo up higher than I could on my d5000 without running into noise problems

[tc95]

Jeff - I have a Nikon 300 2.8 ED-IF - Manual Focus lens that you can use tc's on...

1.4x - Usually $100.00 - 420 4
2.0x - Usually $150.00 - 600 5.6

I would let the lens go for what I have in it...which is $1150.00 with it's hard case CT-303....

Let me know...

[rdking647]

after thinking about it im leaning toward the sigma 120-300 f2.8 OS (the new one) along with a 2.0 TC
of course ill change my mind a few times before buying it

[rdking647]

I ordered the sigma 120-300 last night as well as a 2x TC....Hopefully its the right choice :-)

[auddii]

Looking forward to seeing some pictures when you get it in.

[arlon]

200-400 f4 and a 1.4 tc would be one combo worth considering.

80-400 vr is another lens that does very well but won't run with a TC. It does make a killer dragonfly lens on extension tubes though.

I have the 600 f4 manual focus. It's a great lens but you'll never be satisfied unless you only shoot birds that aren't moving. It also weighs a ton!

I got a second generation 500mm f4 AFS lens that's my favorite pure bird lens and was right in your budget range. Since I got the 500mm (and a 1.4 tc) I have not touched the 600mm MF lens for anything but moon shots. I can carry and shoot the 500mm off hand for several hrs. I can hardly lift the old 600mm, can't carry it all day either..

For long walks/day hikes, the 80-400 VR is hands down my favorite. It's a near perfect "park" lens. The 500mm is better in more controlled situations like a blind. You can walk and shoot the 80-400 all day, the 500 really starts to wear you down after a few hrs and forget about walking with the 600mm.

For my money:
Forget the 600mm MF for a pure bird lens.
Look hard for an older 500mm af-s lens.
Don't under estimate the old 80-400mm VR.. Slow focus but will still hang with a bird in flight pretty well.
I'd love to own a 200-400mm F4 but have no experience with it.


Lot of examples from the 500mm out HERE. There are a few shots at the bottom of the gallery (jays and buzzards) shot with the 80-400mm.

Oops.. see already got a lens. Should have read everything. Maybe useful info for someone else..

[TxTowman]

thanks for posting arlon, it was useful!