I have a dream in which I buy a decent 600mm telephoto lens for the sum of 4-6 hundred dollars for my Nikon D7200. Does such an item exist and if so, where should I be looking for it and what is the least I could realistically expect to pay I assume new would be out of the question so I am totally open to used and/or refurb. I know next to nothing about long lenses concerning max. apertures and such that are available but I do know I would need a tripod collar. I would very much appreciate any help fulfilling my dream or is it just a fantasy?
anyway thanks
rick
rikhar wrote:
I have a dream in which I buy a decent 600mm telephoto lens for the sum of 4-6 hundred dollars for my Nikon D7200. Does such an item exist and if so, where should I be looking for it and what is the least I could realistically expect to pay I assume new would be out of the question so I am totally open to used and/or refurb. I know next to nothing about long lenses concerning max. apertures and such that are available but I do know I would need a tripod collar. I would very much appreciate any help fulfilling my dream or is it just a fantasy?
anyway thanks
rick
I have a dream in which I buy a decent 600mm telep... (
show quote)
Definitely a fantasy - decent and 4-6 hundred dollars do not go together. Not when you're talking 600mm.
You can get an older one off eBay starting around a thousand bucks.
If you're willing to accept the limitations of a catadioptric (mirror) lens, you can easily find one for several hundred dollars or less. You will be stuck with a single focal length, manual focusing, and a fixed aperture.
There are several Tamron 150-600mm first series zooms on eBay in the $700.00+ range. One at $715.00.
Certainly not top of the line but has a decent reputation.
Gene51
Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
rikhar wrote:
I have a dream in which I buy a decent 600mm telephoto lens for the sum of 4-6 hundred dollars for my Nikon D7200. Does such an item exist and if so, where should I be looking for it and what is the least I could realistically expect to pay I assume new would be out of the question so I am totally open to used and/or refurb. I know next to nothing about long lenses concerning max. apertures and such that are available but I do know I would need a tripod collar. I would very much appreciate any help fulfilling my dream or is it just a fantasy?
anyway thanks
rick
I have a dream in which I buy a decent 600mm telep... (
show quote)
If you just want a cheap 600mm lens, don't care that much about image quality (3.5 out of 5 stars), manual focus, single aperture, no optical stabilization, and want it cheap, you can probably find one like this on eBay or Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Sigma-Mirror-Telephoto-Reflex-coated/dp/B075Q28BYDMax aperture is not a consideration at your price point. There are cheaper refracting lenses, but they are pure junk.
You had better get yourself a really good tripod. I suggest a Feisol CT-3472 or one with even thicker legs. Nothing less will provide the stability you need to get a chance at making a sharp image. Oh, and before you buy anything, set any of your current lenses to F8, and press the depth of field preview, and try to focus with the lens stopped down. That will give you a sense of what the manual focus experience will be on your camera.
http://stanfordphoto.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-sigma-600mm-f8-reflex-part-2-of.htmlI suggest you start saving up your $$$ to buy, at the very minimum, a used Sigma 150-600 Contemporary. Adorama has one for $800, but if you look you' may get lucky and find one for $700.
I would not buy a mirror lens or anything less costly. You won't be happy and you'll get frustrated trying to get sharp pictures.
Damn....I'll bet that will give you razor sharp images.
rcarol wrote:
If you're willing to accept the limitations of a catadioptric (mirror) lens, you can easily find one for several hundred dollars or less. You will be stuck with a single focal length, manual focusing, and a fixed aperture.
and quite interesting (not necessarily pleasing) bokeh!
Thanks to all for the responses. Guess I'll have to get a jar and start saving my spare change. As I said it was just a dream but I thought I had to ask the question.... you never know. I did get some very good information
Thanks again
Save your money and wait until you can buy the Tamaron zoom g2 new for around $850. Or look for a used previous generation. They are very highly rated.
rikhar wrote:
I have a dream in which I buy a decent 600mm telephoto lens for the sum of 4-6 hundred dollars for my Nikon D7200. Does such an item exist and if so, where should I be looking for it and what is the least I could realistically expect to pay I assume new would be out of the question so I am totally open to used and/or refurb. I know next to nothing about long lenses concerning max. apertures and such that are available but I do know I would need a tripod collar. I would very much appreciate any help fulfilling my dream or is it just a fantasy?
anyway thanks
rick
I have a dream in which I buy a decent 600mm telep... (
show quote)
Rick, I bought a Sigma 170-500mm for $350. All shots had to be on tripod to keep them clear, I then purchased a Tamron 150-600 g2 from Canada. It was around $1000, but well worth the price. All photos are handheld and very clear.
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