Bird in Flight lens on a budget
Aug 18, 2014 09:54:29 #
Hey guys and girls,
I'm looking for a BIF lens but on a budget. Right now i have a 180mm F/2.8 and the reach just isn't long enough.
I don't have a couple grand to spend, so i'd like to keep it under $1200.
I had the 70-200 f/4 and although i loved it, not quite long enough.
I was considering the 80-400mm but have heard the AF isnt' fast enough. Anyone have experience with the 300mm F/4. Would you recommend that?
Another option is the cheap 70-300 VR but not sure how good this would be.
Thanks!
I'm looking for a BIF lens but on a budget. Right now i have a 180mm F/2.8 and the reach just isn't long enough.
I don't have a couple grand to spend, so i'd like to keep it under $1200.
I had the 70-200 f/4 and although i loved it, not quite long enough.
I was considering the 80-400mm but have heard the AF isnt' fast enough. Anyone have experience with the 300mm F/4. Would you recommend that?
Another option is the cheap 70-300 VR but not sure how good this would be.
Thanks!
Aug 18, 2014 10:05:26 #
All my BIF shooting is done with the 70-300mm G lens.I have no complaints about it's sharpness or focusing ability. But, I sure wish I had another couple of hundred millimeters. I have seen some excellent shots from the Sigma 150-500mm which can be bought directly from Sigma refurbished for 800$. Will likely go that route unless something better comes along.
Aug 18, 2014 10:09:45 #
Stef C wrote:
Hey guys and girls, br br I'm looking for a BIF l... (show quote)
I have the 300 F4 and like it on my D7000. I've added the TC 14II & think the combination works well. Been practicing with BBF, Shutter release when focus achieved, AF-C and 9 point focus for BIF, single point for stationary subjects.
I found the 70-300 a bit lacking compared to the 300 with moving subjects but it is good on stationary subjects, especially when in close proximity to them.
There are times that I'd like the reach of the Tamron 150/600 but I suspect the 300 F4 may be better for BIF especially in lower light.
Bill
Aug 18, 2014 10:10:57 #
Aug 18, 2014 10:15:13 #
A misspelling of BIF (Bird in flight)
Also Best Boy friend for whatever that means in RL (real life)
AATMNS (all acronyms that make no sense) :lol: :lol: :lol:
Also Best Boy friend for whatever that means in RL (real life)
AATMNS (all acronyms that make no sense) :lol: :lol: :lol:
Aug 18, 2014 10:15:19 #
Aug 18, 2014 10:22:11 #
Stef C wrote:
what's BBF?
Back Button Focus. In the F Controls menu ( Pencil icon) you have option of changing the function of the AE-L / AF-L button; one choice is that when the button is pressed the camera will focus in stead of trying to hold the shutter release 1/2 way down to initiate focus. This is on the D7000; I imagine you will find this feature on other Nikon models and likely other manufacturers offerings also.
Bill
Aug 18, 2014 10:40:08 #
What is the advantage of this? I've never had an issue focusing with the traditional button..
Aug 18, 2014 13:38:41 #
Under $1200, the Tamron 150-600 is $1069 right now. Search Tamron 150-600 and look at the shots hogs have posted taken with it.
Stef C wrote:
Hey guys and girls, br br I'm looking for a BIF l... (show quote)
Aug 18, 2014 16:25:27 #
Stef C wrote:
What is the advantage of this? I've never had an issue focusing with the traditional button..
Some find that there is / is more camera movement using the shutter button to focus and minimize movement using BBF. Others, like Moose Peterson IIRC, cannot stand it and use the shutter button. If you are getting sharp pictures now, probably should stay with what you are familier with.
Bill
Aug 18, 2014 16:29:05 #
Rongnongno wrote:
A misspelling of BIF (Bird in flight)
Also Best Boy friend for whatever that means in RL (real life)
AATMNS (all acronyms that make no sense) :lol: :lol: :lol:
Also Best Boy friend for whatever that means in RL (real life)
AATMNS (all acronyms that make no sense) :lol: :lol: :lol:
I like that last one. Wonder if the Military or most big business could function without the use of acronyms?
Bill
Aug 18, 2014 16:34:39 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
Stef C wrote:
What is the advantage of this? I've never had an issue focusing with the traditional button..
I don't know that back button focus is an advantage when the birds are flying, but when they land, it can be helpful. After you have the bird focused, you can release the focus button and recompose to take the shot. This gives you AF-C and AF-S behavior at the same time, depending on which you need. If the bird lands in a bunch of trees and you need to focus manually, you get that as well, all without switching AF modes.
Aug 18, 2014 16:40:04 #
Oh wow... i just discovered the 150-600 Tamron. That looks perfect.
Aug 18, 2014 16:42:43 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
Stef C wrote:
Hey guys and girls, br br I'm looking for a BIF l... (show quote)
You could look at your pictures with the 180mm or 200mm and see how much you want to crop to get the shots you want. If you want to crop up to 2x, then a lens at 300mm or 400 would work well. If you want to crop more than that, then the Bigron (Tamron 150-600mm) and Bigma (Sigma 150-500mm) would be your best choice.
The primes do also give you the option to use a teleconverter like a 1.4x. A third-party brand like Kenko (=Tokina), Tamron, or Sigma might be a good choice.
Aug 18, 2014 17:28:01 #
I use the 300 F4 all the time...I think its welded to my D7100...lol
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