Hand-held Nikon for bird photography
Jun 1, 2014 23:14:36 #
For years I have used a Nikon D300s and a Nikor 80-400 lens for wildlife/bird photography, often when I'm on foot. I'm ready to step up a bit, but not mortgage the house. D7100 and the new 80-400?
Jun 1, 2014 23:29:01 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
Rhinophoto wrote:
For years I have used a Nikon D300s and a Nikor 80-400 lens for wildlife/bird photography, often when I'm on foot. I'm ready to step up a bit, but not mortgage the house. D7100 and the new 80-400?
I do think the new 80-400mm is better than the old one, which I found to be somewhat soft. You might want to hold off on the new body, if a real D300S upgrade interests you. There are rumors of both a Nikon D9300 and Canon 7D Mark II coming out in the next year. If it was rumors of one, it would be less convincing, since I doubt one would be released without the other. Rumors of both is more compelling.
Jun 1, 2014 23:31:08 #
The Nikor 80-400 is an expensive lens ($2700), I would suggest that you try to find a refurbished lens from B&H or Adorama or KEH. They have none at this time.
BTW Adorama has a refurb D7100 for $919
BTW Adorama has a refurb D7100 for $919
Jun 1, 2014 23:46:20 #
Rhinophoto wrote:
For years I have used a Nikon D300s and a Nikor 80-400 lens for wildlife/bird photography, often when I'm on foot. I'm ready to step up a bit, but not mortgage the house. D7100 and the new 80-400?
Any issues with your present kit for wildlife photography? I have the same gear you have and it gives me the results I want.
The lens has no AFS but the D300 drives it very nicely. I usually set the focus to "limited" to help with a faster AF. The lens is sharp and it costs a fraction of the price of a new lens.
I guess it is up to you. If you are not entirely satisfied and have money to burn then why not?
Jun 2, 2014 05:29:06 #
I have the new Nikon 80-400 and am happy with it. I use it on a high end body (D4s) and keep the shutter speed high for hand held bird shots. Less expensive alternatives (Sigma 50-500 or 150-500 or the new Tamron 150-600 are worth a look. My wife uses the Sigma 150-500 and likes it a lot.
Walt
Walt
Jun 2, 2014 07:09:20 #
I have the 80-400mm lens, I love it with D7100 & D700 I bought it because I also have the sigma 50-500 and have never been happy with it
Jun 2, 2014 07:51:16 #
Rhinophoto wrote:
For years I have used a Nikon D300s and a Nikor 80-400 lens for wildlife/bird photography, often when I'm on foot. I'm ready to step up a bit, but not mortgage the house. D7100 and the new 80-400?
I wouldn't go from a older 80-400 to a newer 80-400. I would rather spend money on a lens like the newer Tamron 150-600 assuming you could get one. That lens and a new D7100 would cost about the same as the newer 80-400 I believe. Of course I am assuming you need more reach, because who doesn't need more reach?
Jun 2, 2014 08:19:52 #
Rhinophoto wrote:
For years I have used a Nikon D300s and a Nikor 80-400 lens for wildlife/bird photography, often when I'm on foot. I'm ready to step up a bit, but not mortgage the house. D7100 and the new 80-400?
Ken Rockwell on the new 80-400mm.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80400vr.htm
Good comparison from DxOmark.
http://nikonrumors.com/2013/05/29/new-nikon-80-400mm-f4-5-5-6g-ed-vr-lens-vs-old-version.aspx/
Jun 2, 2014 09:26:13 #
If you concentrate on birds, you may be better served with the 300 F4 with 1.4X and cropping on the better 7100......
Jun 2, 2014 10:04:10 #
Rhinophoto wrote:
For years I have used a Nikon D300s and a Nikor 80-400 lens for wildlife/bird photography, often when I'm on foot. I'm ready to step up a bit, but not mortgage the house. D7100 and the new 80-400?
I have that setup. (71 and the new G lens) and there is a BIG difference between the older one and the new. I liked my older one, but the newer one is so much faster focusing, there isn't any comparison. If you require some sample shots, you can search my recent posts. Many of the BIF shots are done with this lens. Great setup.
Jun 2, 2014 12:16:19 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Ken Rockwell on the new 80-400mm.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80400vr.htm
Good comparison from DxOmark.
http://nikonrumors.com/2013/05/29/new-nikon-80-400mm-f4-5-5-6g-ed-vr-lens-vs-old-version.aspx/
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80400vr.htm
Good comparison from DxOmark.
http://nikonrumors.com/2013/05/29/new-nikon-80-400mm-f4-5-5-6g-ed-vr-lens-vs-old-version.aspx/
I'm with Jerry. I've been a fan of Rockwell for many years. He is rarely wrong. I also send him some bucks for all the money and trouble he has saved me.
Jun 3, 2014 01:41:07 #
Jun 3, 2014 01:57:33 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
Carlcatt wrote:
OR. YOU HAVE THE 1200 mm, real zoom , sx 50. $300
It's really a 4.3-215 mm lens with a 5.7x crop factor.
Jun 3, 2014 12:32:05 #
amehta wrote:
It's really a 4.3-215 mm lens with a 5.7x crop factor.
:thumbup:
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