rikhar Loc: Ct. shoreline

I have a dream in which I buy a decent 600mm telephoto lens for the sum of 4-6 hundred dollars for my Nikon D7200. Does such an item exist and if so, where should I be looking for it and what is the least I could realistically expect to pay I assume new would be out of the question so I am totally open to used and/or refurb. I know next to nothing about long lenses concerning max. apertures and such that are available but I do know I would need a tripod collar. I would very much appreciate any help fulfilling my dream or is it just a fantasy?

anyway thanks
rick

rplain1 Loc: Dayton, Oh.

Definitely a fantasy - decent and 4-6 hundred dollars do not go together. Not when you're talking 600mm.

Charlie'smom

You can get an older one off eBay starting around a thousand bucks.

rcarol

If you're willing to accept the limitations of a catadioptric (mirror) lens, you can easily find one for several hundred dollars or less. You will be stuck with a single focal length, manual focusing, and a fixed aperture.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

There are several Tamron 150-600mm first series zooms on eBay in the $700.00+ range. One at $715.00.
Certainly not top of the line but has a decent reputation.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Enjoy. https://www.ebay.com/itm/650mm-1300mm-2x-Telephoto-Lens-Nikon-D600-D800-D3200-D5200-D7000-DSLR-Camera/200887426572?hash=item2ec5d2de0c:g:D04AAOSwnUlahxHa

sergiohm

https://www.adorama.com/us%20%20%20%20989756.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwuYTYBRDsARIsAJnrUXCNrEaro-g7n1bzvQpaRY-S_szdNMD4yQ7qLQhKVYcwMtYAePCq0-saAsSAEALw_wcB

You’d need a $100 more but it is worth it

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

If you just want a cheap 600mm lens, don't care that much about image quality (3.5 out of 5 stars), manual focus, single aperture, no optical stabilization, and want it cheap, you can probably find one like this on eBay or Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Sigma-Mirror-Telephoto-Reflex-coated/dp/B075Q28BYD

Max aperture is not a consideration at your price point. There are cheaper refracting lenses, but they are pure junk.

You had better get yourself a really good tripod. I suggest a Feisol CT-3472 or one with even thicker legs. Nothing less will provide the stability you need to get a chance at making a sharp image. Oh, and before you buy anything, set any of your current lenses to F8, and press the depth of field preview, and try to focus with the lens stopped down. That will give you a sense of what the manual focus experience will be on your camera.

http://stanfordphoto.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-sigma-600mm-f8-reflex-part-2-of.html

I suggest you start saving up your $$$ to buy, at the very minimum, a used Sigma 150-600 Contemporary. Adorama has one for $800, but if you look you' may get lucky and find one for $700.

I would not buy a mirror lens or anything less costly. You won't be happy and you'll get frustrated trying to get sharp pictures.

Largobob

Damn....I'll bet that will give you razor sharp images.

lsimpkins Loc: SE Pennsylvania

and quite interesting (not necessarily pleasing) bokeh!

Festus Loc: North Dakota

Yes you are dreaming.

rikhar Loc: Ct. shoreline

Thanks to all for the responses. Guess I'll have to get a jar and start saving my spare change. As I said it was just a dream but I thought I had to ask the question.... you never know. I did get some very good information

Thanks again

chris100849

Save your money and wait until you can buy the Tamaron zoom g2 new for around $850. Or look for a used previous generation. They are very highly rated.

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

Rick, I bought a Sigma 170-500mm for $350. All shots had to be on tripod to keep them clear, I then purchased a Tamron 150-600 g2 from Canada. It was around $1000, but well worth the price. All photos are handheld and very clear.