Should I buy this lens
Mar 25, 2014 18:17:09 #
paulevy
Loc: Lawrenceville, NJ USA
So I want to get into sports and bird photography. What do you all think about Tokina AT-X AF 300-300 mm 2.8 Lens For Nikon for $800 as a lens (I use a D 7100)?
Mar 30, 2014 03:06:32 #
Hi Paul. I would say no. In sports, the key is to be on the field which means the maximum distance is fixed. Unless you are in the grandstands, the 300 should be fine for distant shots. When the action comes close to you, it is definitely too long so you should consider a zoom. Fixed-focal length lenses are great for controlled shots where the camera to subject distance does not change. They are rather inconvenient for sports and birding.
Birds are another story. They can be awfully far away in which case the 300 will be too short. And, again, when they get close, the lens will be too long and have too narrow a field of vision.
As for the lens speed, f/2.8 is great for basketball or other sports. However, it is not very useful for daylight shooting. Unless you will be shooting indoors a lot, lens speed is less important than zoom versus fixed and maximum focal length.
My friend bought a Sigma 120-400 for birds and it is great. The lens is very good optically and mechanically while the zoom is so convenient. It took her to the next level to use a trite expression. The only problem is that sometimes a longer lens would be nice. Ah, the compromises we have to make in photography.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Birds are another story. They can be awfully far away in which case the 300 will be too short. And, again, when they get close, the lens will be too long and have too narrow a field of vision.
As for the lens speed, f/2.8 is great for basketball or other sports. However, it is not very useful for daylight shooting. Unless you will be shooting indoors a lot, lens speed is less important than zoom versus fixed and maximum focal length.
My friend bought a Sigma 120-400 for birds and it is great. The lens is very good optically and mechanically while the zoom is so convenient. It took her to the next level to use a trite expression. The only problem is that sometimes a longer lens would be nice. Ah, the compromises we have to make in photography.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Apr 9, 2014 12:58:36 #
Bram boy
Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada
paulevy wrote:
So I want to get into sports and bird photography. What do you all think about Tokina AT-X AF 300-300 mm 2.8 Lens For Nikon for $800 as a lens (I use a D 7100)?
have you checked out the 70-300 nikon acording to Thom hogan it performs
like a len's that should be double the price of the $480 approx . that it is go to
Bythom . com then click nikon
Apr 13, 2014 11:27:54 #
paulevy wrote:
So I want to get into sports and bird photography. What do you all think about Tokina AT-X AF 300-300 mm 2.8 Lens For Nikon for $800 as a lens (I use a D 7100)?
If you are shooting out door sports, than yes, the Nikon 70-300 is a great lens. Indoor, you can't beat a fast lens. 35 1.8, 50 1.8 or 70-200 2.8.
For birds, I'm waiting on the release of the Tamron 150-600 for Nikon. Very nice lens and a great price to boot. Take a look at some of the photos posted on this forum. All shot with Canon, as that lens is only available right now for that camera. Or, the Sigma 150-500, as it has come down in price since the release of the Tamron.
Jun 14, 2014 11:08:52 #
paulevy wrote:
So I want to get into sports and bird photography. What do you all think about Tokina AT-X AF 300-300 mm 2.8 Lens For Nikon for $800 as a lens (I use a D 7100)?
Although, I am behind on this thread I will say YES, the 300mm 2.8 would be ideal for sports. I use to have the lens you are talking about and used it just for sports. The only down fall was it wasn't auto focus. With my eye site these days I need auto focus. Also, an F2.8 for daylight is ok because you can always adjust your shutter speed to compensate for exposure and you would want a fast shutter speed for sports anyway. Yes, a zoom would be more preferable but if this lens is auto focus and you can get it for $800.00 I say jump on it if everything checks ok.
I can't imagine you or anyone for that matter in the stands with a 300mm 2.8 lens. It is a rather large lens and would be annoying to others because of its size. Hope this helps and it is not to late for you.
Dave
Jun 14, 2014 13:07:27 #
Bram boy
Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada
abc1234 wrote:
Hi Paul. I would say no. In sports, the key is t... (show quote)
Jul 13, 2014 08:35:47 #
paulevy wrote:
So I want to get into sports and bird photography. What do you all think about Tokina AT-X AF 300-300 mm 2.8 Lens For Nikon for $800 as a lens (I use a D 7100)?
I use a 300mm Nikon f/2.8 with and without a TC and have great success with birds. What you give up in versatility you make up in image quality.
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