Looking into a 300mm prime & TC for a D200: I've searched UHH but I seem to find conflicting reports as to the lens AF speed. Will a lens without a focus motor work well for BIF? Also...

uaeluor1949 Loc: Polk City, Fl

I've searched UHH but I seem to find conflicting reports as to the lens AF speed. Will a lens without a focus motor work well for BIF? Also which brand works well, not looking for an expensive one and want a used one.
Thanks, Paul

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

uaeluor1949 wrote:

I've searched UHH but I seem to find conflicting reports as to the lens AF speed. Will a lens without a focus motor work well for BIF? Also which brand works well, not looking for an expensive one and want a used one.
Thanks, Paul

Are you asking about manual focus? You either have a focus motor in the camara or the lens, and either is fine. As far as manual focusing for BIF, it is absolutely possible, but can be a bit challenging and requires a solid technique.

uaeluor1949 Loc: Polk City, Fl

speters wrote:

Are you asking about manual focus? You either have a focus motor in the camara or the lens, and either is fine. As far as manual focusing for BIF, it is absolutely possible, but can be a bit challenging and requires a solid technique.

I believe the D200 has a focus motor in body, Thanks

Jamers Loc: Michigan

uaeluor1949 wrote:

I believe the D200 has a focus motor in body, Thanks

Yes it has a focus motor and is a great camera. Just don't go above 400 ISO. I still use my D200 as back up to my D800E and have to check when post processing what camera I used because the D200 still does very well. I do a lot of 16x20 and larger prints, therefore the 36mp really makes a difference. For enlargements of 12X18, my old D200 with very moderate soft ware enhancement does very well.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

uaeluor1949 wrote:

I've searched UHH but I seem to find conflicting reports as to the lens AF speed. Will a lens without a focus motor work well for BIF? Also which brand works well, not looking for an expensive one and want a used one.
Thanks, Paul

The AF-S lenses do indeed focus much quicker than the AF lenses, that is their main advantage. The difference on that older D200 body would be very significant. The Nikon AF 300mm F4 D lens is available for around $500 in EX condition all over. The Nikon AF-S 300mm F4G lens will set you back at least $1000, but probably worth it if BIF is the intended use. Only use a 1.4X TC on it though, the 2X is too much and you will lose AF completely.

uaeluor1949 Loc: Polk City, Fl

Thanks Jamers, I assume that going above 400 ISO will give me a lot of noise?

uaeluor1949 Loc: Polk City, Fl

Thanks MT, a grand is out of my range and I assume your talking about a Nikon lens. Are there any brands that are good, fast and reasonable?
Paul

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

MT Shooter wrote:

The AF-S lenses do indeed focus much quicker than the AF lenses, that is their main advantage. The difference on that older D200 body would be very significant. The Nikon AF 300mm F4 D lens is available for around $500 in EX condition all over. The Nikon AF-S 300mm F4G lens will set you back at least $1000, but probably worth it if BIF is the intended use. Only use a 1.4X TC on it though, the 2X is too much and you will lose AF completely.

:thumbup:

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

uaeluor1949 wrote:

Thanks MT, a grand is out of my range and I assume your talking about a Nikon lens. Are there any brands that are good, fast and reasonable?
Paul

Nope.

uaeluor1949 Loc: Polk City, Fl

MT Shooter wrote:

Nope.

bummer, I'll have to save my pennies for another year.

Thanks MT

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

uaeluor1949 wrote:

I've searched UHH but I seem to find conflicting reports as to the lens AF speed. Will a lens without a focus motor work well for BIF? Also which brand works well, not looking for an expensive one and want a used one.
Thanks, Paul

Paul, no offense, but I would question why you are trying to use a 10mp camera for birds at all?!
With so few mp you need to be right on top of your bird to get any IQ. You obviously are not or you would not be asking about a lens and TC.
I would spend the money on a new cheap body if it's all you can afford. Sell the 200 for whatever you can get. Forget it as a back-up, it's too old. When people say back-up, they usually mean doorstop!!! :lol: With your equipment, IQ is going to trump fps any day. I think all the nikons are at least 24mp now.
Personally I feel even a cheap zoom and newer body will give you way more bird-bang for your buck.
But what the heck do I know..., I use a crappy little Canon!!! :lol:
Good luck. ;-)
SS

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

uaeluor1949 wrote:

bummer, I'll have to save my pennies for another year.

Thanks MT

Sigma, Tamron and Tokina all made 300 & 400 primes in the past, none were as good as the Nikon 300 F4, and if you find them today they are often in pretty rough shape, seldom worth the cost to use on a digital body. Most also had pretty bad CA.

uaeluor1949 Loc: Polk City, Fl

Thanks SS,
After reading your bio you DO know what the heck. I was afraid that the D200 was too old for BIF.
Paul

uaeluor1949 Loc: Polk City, Fl

Thanks MT,
I have a P900 but I find it doesn't do well in low light or I still don't know what I'm doing, most likely the later. My son says it's because the sensor is too small and the D200 sensor is much larger. I was hoping the D200 would fill in the gap. I can't afford a newer D.... body nor a new large prime lens.
Paul
PS I always look forward to your critiques and comments.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

The Nikon 70-300mm af-s is a good lens, only lens in your price range. Around $300 used. Not good with a TC but getting close will give the best results anyway.. It will take a year to learn your subjects, how to approach, the best light to shot in ect.. If you learn to shoot well with this lens, then getting a better camera and better lens will become a priority, and once a priority, then your budget will increase..