sholland98 Loc: Benbrook, Texas

Look on eBay for Sigma 150-600 contemporary. Might cost a little more but great for bird/wildlife. Been using one for five years.

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

With 6 pages of replies you can sum it up like this "you want the longest lens you can get at your price point" The Tamron 150 to 600 G2 to me seems to be the best choice for the money

Ollieboy

Or version I. Have it and no complaints.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Thank you for the advice!

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Thank you for that succinct summation

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Thank you for the advice.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Thanks for your advice.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Thank you for the recommendation

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Sounds like a good deal!

alfengael

If you want the absolute best lens for your Nikon D7100, buy the Nikon AF-P 70-300 FX version. It is one of the sharpest and finest lenses Nikon has ever made; it's not a pro-grade build, but the optics are superior as is the AF and the VR. It is small-ish and lightweight compared to most other lenses in that room range. The difference between it and the older AF-S version can be measured in lightyears, don't waste your money on the old one. You can find a good used one at B&H for under $500.

Keep in mind that on your D7100 it is the equivalent of a 105-450mm. If you can afford a few more bucks, the Sigma 100-400mm is a good choice, and for more money still, the Tamron 100-400mm offers better weather-sealing than the Sigma with similar performance. Those will give you the equivalent of 150-600mm on your D7100.

As far as I can see, there are no other choices under $800 new. I do agree that the Sigma 150-600mm is also a good choice if you can find a really good one in your price range, however you may want to invest in a good tripod to go with it if you don't already have one.

Dmazur Loc: Wisconsin

I think the lens recommendations here are good ones. Another thought to try cheaply. I just purchased the Pluto remote trigger and haven't used it yet, but anxious to set up a tripod near our back yard feeders and let the motion sensor have a go at it. The Pluto is about $100. I think Arsenal is another remote option which is a little more.

Blues Dude

Hi Joe, there's a lot of good advice here about the best birding lens to buy. And here's a tip from an old deer hunter: You want to get as close as possible to your subject before taking the shot. A couple folks mentioned using blinds and that's good, but blinds restrict your mobility. A better option would be wearing camouflage clothing so you blend into the landscape and, if you move slowly and carefully, stalking the birds, you can get surprisingly close. Bass Pro Shop and Cabelas are two great places to buy camouflage clothes that match your surroundings. Sorry, one style will not work everywhere. Good luck!

Appy Loc: Flint Hills (Ks)

I agree to use what you have first, and to feed them to get close. While you're dong this save up for the best lens you can afford because once you start birding it becomes an obsession. Best of luck pard. I look forward to seeing the pics, and satisfaction, you get out of it.

alphadog

First off... someone should explain to you a simple fact

A prime lens is ALWAYS SHARPER THAN A ZOOM

so to make your life simple, buy the best PRIME Lens
then likely a TC which will increase your capture distance...

further.. YOU must get as close to the object as possible, in the best light
since IT is a LONG focal LENS, it must be supported by either mono or tripod or on something to avoid even the slightest movement...

other than that, QUITE whining, SAVE your money AND get a better lens... quality photos are usually taken by quality equipment and skilled and experienced photographers... THERE are NO shortcuts ... good luck

hrblaine

I shoot Canon and a 70-300 is my longest lens. If you can walk, you can usually zoom with your feet if necessary! It was my first purchase after I started with camera/lens combo and it has served me well by never disappointing as long as I do my job and since I've been shooting for over 50 years, I can do it usually 9 times out of 10. OK, OK - 7 out of 10 at least. <g> Harry