tesseagles Loc: NW ARKANSAS OZARKS

I’m looking on eBay etc, but I thought I might find one here or just some good advice on the mounts that are confusing, what WONT FIT . What will be great for wildlife mainly birds. Birds in flight not so much as sitting up high.
Or sitting in my yard here in the Ozarks. I have looked atnso many but I still know I need AF-S but are there other types like Sigma or Tamron that work? I want used because I never buy new stuff. Any advice would be great and I’m hoping to get one for under 700.00 thanks y’all

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

The best lens for the money that fits your needs is the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary. I've seen good used ones listed on Ebay for as low as around $750. The first generation Tamron 150-600 is also a good choice and they sell for around the same as the Sigma Contemporary. I've seen some Sigma 150-600 Contemporary lenses for sale for under $600 but they are usually and more than likely in less than good condition. I believe KEH has a 150-600 contemporary for under $400 but it's no doubt in pretty rough shape.
When kept clean and in good condition, these used lenses retain much of their original value. A new Sigma 150-600 Contemporary sells for around $990 so if you can afford a few hundred more, get the new one.

By the way, I have two Sigma 150-600 lenses, one Contemporary with Nikon mount and one Sport with Canon mount. All in all they are pretty good lenses. The Sport is kind of heavy but it's quite well built; meant to take some abuse. The Contemporary is also well constructed but it's not weather sealed like the Sport and not built to take a beating, like the Sport, and it weighs a lot less and costs less than half that of the Sport model.

tesseagles Loc: NW ARKANSAS OZARKS

Can you tell me what you mean by contemporary? And is KEH a camera and equipment supplier? I’m just an old fashioned Canon AE-1 35mm girl. But I’m learning.
I thank you so much for your help. I will look this up. Is the main thing I need to know for a “fit” the lens mount? That’s what I’m having a hard time with . AF-S auto focus “S” Mount?? This forum is priceless !! I’ve been online searching and trying to get these answers . It all seems so simple but isn’t. I’m so ready to get out and snap snap snap!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

You should look at the newer Tamron 100-400 - it will work for you (new $600). The Tamron 150-600 version 1 will also work, but is much larger heaver ( used, $700)
.

tesseagles Loc: NW ARKANSAS OZARKS

Thanks. I sure will look. Very much appreciate.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

There are two versions of the Sigma 150-600 lens, Contemporary and Sport. The Sport version are built much tougher than the Contemporary version. The Sport version also cost and weighs more. Optically, the Sport and Contemporary versions are very similar with the Sport being slightly better.
AF-S is not the type of mount. AF is Autofocus and the S is for the Silent wave focus motor that is built into the lens. Not all older Nikkor AF lenses have a built in focus motor; some require a focus motor built into the camera body. The D3200 does not have a focus motor therefore the Nikkor F mount lenses used on a D3200 body must have a built in focus motor. The S in AF-S tells you the lens has a built in focus motor.
Most of the aftermarket or third party lenses like Sigma and Tamron have built in focus motors.

tesseagles Loc: NW ARKANSAS OZARKS

So F Mount will work on my D3200?
I’m so thankful for this info.
I’m so ok with manual focus but I’d prefer auto focus. Thank you!!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Check out a used Sigma 50-500mm. You might be able to a used one at a decent price. B&H and other sources rate the condition of their lenses.

tesseagles Loc: NW ARKANSAS OZARKS

Do you know if this one will mount to D3200?