Longer lens for the non-wealthy
Mar 5, 2019 10:01:09 #
My longest lens is a Nikon 55-300 VR fully auto on a Nikon D7100 (the equivalent of 450 mm for us oldtimers that think in 35 mm). I want something longer for my upcoming trip to Costa Rica where I will be shooting monkeys, birds, and crocodiles in bright light conditions. I really want the Nikon 200-500 VR fully auto but can't justify the $1,396. I looked at the Vivitar 500 that comes bundled with a 2X teleconverter but iit is manual exposure and focus and gets bad reviews, although it is only $119. Right now I am thinking about a Nikon 2X which is around $500, but I am having trouble figuring out if it is compatible. HELP!
Mar 5, 2019 10:13:39 #
I think you can find a used Sigma zoom up to 500 mm for your Nikon for around 500 to 600 dollars. But you will need a tripod to use one, minimum bi-pod if you are steady...
Bob
Bob
Mar 5, 2019 10:14:47 #
Evaluate the cost of a rental for the duration of your trip. Look at the 300 f/2.8 VR II and an extender or the 400 f/2.8 VR (make sure it's a model that works with your D7100). I'd go with a fast lens with options to extend rather than a slower zoom, planning for situations under the forest canopy rather than brightly lit situations. Look too at the Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF.
Mar 5, 2019 10:14:58 #
Mar 5, 2019 10:16:03 #
Mar 5, 2019 10:16:38 #
Mar 5, 2019 10:19:21 #
You can get a 2x converter for the 500mm fixed manual focus lenses though Amazon or E-Bay for about $15, and the lens for about $50 or less on eBay. I just bought a Bower 500mm manual focus lens for under $30. I am impressed with it. If you are ok with manual focus this may be a way to go. Another way to go might be a 1.4 or 2x converter that could be used with EF lenses. You might also consider some of the older Nikon lenses that could be used as manual focus lenses.
Mar 5, 2019 10:20:39 #
Pick up a Nikon P900 - 2000mm equivalent - around $425...
1 camera to carry makes it easy...
or if you want the 3000mm - pick up the P1000 for a grand - or shop refurbished...
1 camera to carry makes it easy...
or if you want the 3000mm - pick up the P1000 for a grand - or shop refurbished...
Mar 5, 2019 10:25:28 #
Consider another option, rent or buy a bridge camera! I’ve been to Costa Rica on photography workshops. For both, I brought a FF Canon plus 24-105, 70-300, and a 150-600 beast. As a backup, I also had a Canon SX50 on the first, SX60 on the second. Except for birds and fast moving monkeys, the bridge got a lot of action. During last year’s trip, one shooter had a Sony RX10 only! He got some great stuff. Another was shooting Nikon and his only lens was the Tamron 18-400.
Mar 5, 2019 10:27:09 #
have some experience about the 500 vivitar , first forget the doubler , useless . i have one and a 600 / 1200 zoom . a newer 500 on the market , supposed to be improved , the OSHIRO f 6.3 .same price .better optics .those lenses are T mount , 100 % manual .in perfect lite , you can , after some practice get some usable pics . i moved on to better stuff , but have taken a few 1000 s pics of mostly birds with those 2 lenses . i would look at a tamron or sigma 150 / 600 used , they are near $ 500 , and a good buy .
Mar 5, 2019 12:09:01 #
Three years ago I bought an old manual 400mm Vivitar lens for $10. Optically not great when compared to other lenses, but good enough for occasional use.
Mar 5, 2019 12:29:26 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Evaluate the cost of a rental for the duration of your trip. Look at the 300 f/2.8 VR II and an extender or the 400 f/2.8 VR (make sure it's a model that works with your D7100). I'd go with a fast lens with options to extend rather than a slower zoom, planning for situations under the forest canopy rather than brightly lit situations. Look too at the Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF.
I am generally opposed to rentals in most situations. Mainly because the people asking are renting as a way of making a purchase decision. Here, however, the lens is for a specific limited purpose. Rental makes sense in this case.
Mar 5, 2019 19:10:34 #
Piltdown1952 wrote:
My longest lens is a Nikon 55-300 VR fully auto on... (show quote)
When you consider the range and speed, as well as the quality of the 200-500, that lens is a very cheap lens, do never even consider those 100 bucks garbage lenses!
Mar 5, 2019 19:30:44 #
The 100 bucks lens have produced some very nice photos. They have a place. Money spent does not necessarily mean quality. The difference is often in the hands of the one holding the camera. Study and make the best decision for yourself. The 7100 is a nice camera and Nikon lenses are generally very high quality---even some of the older lenses made for film cameras used with Aperture Priority or on Manual focus. My first SLR camera was a Nikkormat and I still use some of the lenses used with that camera with my newer Canon DSLR camera with Nikon to EOS adapters on Aperure Priority or Manual focus. The beauty of being able to use these lenses is that I still dabble with film cameras---a Nikkormat and A Canon Rebel. In buying lenses keep in mind that you are not necessarily stuck with one brand if you can use mount adapters for your camera. In your travels I would think that one nice zoom might be what would suit your needs best. Look forward to seeing some of your pictures after your upcoming trip.
Mar 5, 2019 19:48:22 #
neh wrote:
The 100 bucks lens have produced some very nice ph... (show quote)
Nothing wrong with what you said, I too use a lot of old film glass with my cameras, but I really do prefer a decent lens over those 100buck supertele shit lenses!
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.