maxlieberman Loc: 19027

I have the older Sigma 150-500 mm telephoto. Takes great pictures, but you need a wagon to cart it around. I use a Sigma 10-300 mm as my everyday lens, and a Sigma 70-300 when I'm not concerned about the short end and want some better quality. Both deliver more than adequate quality when projected on a very large screen HD TV. As to bodies, I have a D70S, D300, D7100 and D7500. The pictures I took with the D70S compare favorably with the others when enlarged up to 11 x 14, if I don't crop too severely, so your D3400 at 24 megapixels should be fine. The only reason to upgrade would be to get more advanced features.

Georgeski

The Sigma 150-600 Contemporary lens is fantastic, and can be used handheld--if you need that kind of telephoto reach, I would get it for any camera!!

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

"I asked about a telephoto lens for Nikon d3400 and seemed like a lot of folks told me not to waste my time."

Not to waste your time? I cannot understand that. If you are not an avid action or wildlife shooter you will do very well with the Nikon 70-300 f4-5.6 VR. If you do those types of photography often then you need a new body and the D7200 with a superior AF seems to me would be a great body for that. "Not to waste your time" sounds hollow to me.

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

I've been using a Tamron 28-300 mm for years, beginning with a N90; then, on a D90. And, now on a D7100. It's been everything I needed on trips to Europe; England; Scotland; and, Africa. And, all over the United States. It takes care of urban and rural scenes.

I am too lazy to change lenses. And, when I could finally afford a 2nd body, I found a VERY reasonably-priced D7000; and, a Sigma 18-35 mm for wide-angle shots.

When I am walking around; I carry both cameras in holsters (purchased on EBAY for $15 each) on a $5.00 tool-belt from Lowe's. Last year I purchased a sling-pack (that holds BOTH cameras with lens attached) from Amazon for $18.

And, I have a wheeled back-pack that I out-fitted with foam inserts for both cameras with attached lens. It also has pockets for books; tickets; tablet; shaving gear; coins; etc etc for a carry-on when flying. It fits UNDER the seat on domestic and international flights on United; American; Delta; Southwest, and Turkish Airlines. Cost only $49

Total cost over the years of ALL OF THE ABOVE: Under $2,000. And, who would want to argue with the quality??
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PS. . .Many of my shots have been used as courtroom exhibits during my testimony as an "expert" in Construction Defect and Personal Injury cases!
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PS#2. . .I love you guys on Hedgehog; and, I've gotten a great deal of good information from so many of you. . .However, sometimes you tend to go a bit "Pricey" [For example, one answer to this guy's question recommended two cameras in the $6,000-$7,000 range!. . .Not exactly a "practical" response to a guy with a budget!]

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

Although it does take the same images, it does not deliver quite the same IQ.

alphonso49uk

I had a d3200 once and used it as a back up camera on an african safari. I used it with a tamron 150-600 when I needed extra reach in decent light and it delivered excellent quality photos.If I could work out how to add some to this thread then Id attach some.
People tend to overthink nearly everything.

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

Not hollow Papi, but certainly misinformed/uninformed.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

If I didn’t need a new camera I’d be happy with a D3XXX.

The biggest, to me, reason for the D7XXX series is that it opens up all the NIKKOR legacy glass.

I used a D50 for over a decade and sold many prints.

A DSLR upgrade won’t do near as much as glass upgrades.

DeanS Loc: Capital City area of North Carolina

If your P1000 is your primary, I don't understand why you need the lens under discussion for your D3400.

BebuLamar

That is exactly the reason that confuses me. If the P1000 is good enough for the OP and if he needs a backup camera then another P1000 is the perfect backup. The OP didn't want to tell us if he has any problem with the P1000.

appealnow Loc: Dallas, Texas

Another option is the Nikkor 18-300DX F.3.5-6.3. It's what I use on my D5300 as my everyday lens for travel. The D3400 is no slouch; it's often rated one of the best deals around.

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

The OP asked a question and there have been several reply's...the OP has not chimed back in to give guidance as to what he wants...It would be nice to hear from him...

CliftonAlvin

I have a 70-300 DX lens on my 5600 backup, it's a nice lens $400 if I remember right

Tatonka

Some people prefer the D7200 to the D7500 because of the price and the 24mp Sensor. You might be able to hold off to see if a new model comes out soon and the price drops again. I believe the lenses for your camera are compatible with the D7200 so getting lenses for your current camera isn't a bad idea. The sigma 150-600 contemporary is well worth the price and you would really only need the sport if you were trying to capture fast moving objects at extreme distances or need the full weather sealing. But it is more of a luxury lens and is moderately bulky.