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Need help with lens choice.
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Mar 23, 2019 07:13:07   #
moosus
 
I've been a member for about a year and have learned quite a lot. My query: I use a Nikon7200 and have a variety of Nikon lenses. My walk about is the 28-300mm 3.5/5.6, which I like but I want more "reach." I see for about the same price as a Nikon 200-500mm lens, Tamron and Sigma offer longer lenses (400-600mm on the upper end ) but I'll need to buy a "tap-in and/or a console" to fine tune the focus? I'm not even sure what those nouns are and if I have to go deep into the menu to "fine tune" anything, I'm pretty sure that operation would be beyond my capabilities. Not interested in YT. Will I need to buy either of these 2 components to get sharp, automatically focused captures with the T.'s or S'.s, or should I stick with the Nikon 200-500mm. Thanking you in advance. MM

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Mar 23, 2019 07:34:10   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
I wouldn't spend a lot of money to go from 300mm to 500mm. I'd spend it on a lens that would double what I already have. An inexpensive alternative would be a Kenko Pro 1.4 or 2.0 TC

As usual, I'll give you some links that should help.

150-600mm comparisons -
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=15236
http://www.kruger-2-kalahari.com/tamron-vs-sigma-150-600.html
http://photo.net/equipment/150-600_lenses
http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/latest/articles/tamron-vs-sigma-150-600mm-the-7-key-differences-48183
https://photographylife.com/nikon-200-500mm-vs-tamron-150-600mm-vs-sigma-150-600mm-c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLXocpM5xno
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_msTFAmwWY

200-500mm
https://photographylife.com/nikon-200-500mm-vs-tamron-150-600mm-vs-sigma-150-600mm-c/1
http://www.davemclelland.com/nikon-200-500-vs-tamron-150-600-lens-comparison/
http://www.davemclelland.com/nikon-200-500-vs-tamron-150-600-lens-comparison/
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/296-tamron-af-200-500mm-f5-63-di-ld-if-sp-lab-test-report--review
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/tamron_200_500.html
http://www.imaging-resource.com/lenses/tamron/200-500mm-f5-6.3-di-ld-if-sp-af/review/

Kenko reviews -
https://www.google.com/search?q=Kenko+tc+review&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS716US717&oq=Kenko+tc+review&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.3789j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

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Mar 23, 2019 07:50:42   #
cochese
 
I had a Sigma 150-600 C lens on a canon 60D. I did not need to fine tune the focus, it took wonderful photos right out of the box. Your technique will need to change, think mono pod. These lenses are big and heavy. Don't waste money on a cheap 1.4 or 2.0 extender.

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Mar 23, 2019 07:54:32   #
mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma
 
What about the Tamron 18-400? It would be the equivalent of a 27-600... and you’re still walking around.

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Mar 23, 2019 07:56:22   #
Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada
 


Good morning Jerry;

Just wanted to thank you Jerry for your excellent (as usual) selection of articles giving the OP and others that request info such a broad selection of informational sites to view. I know from my own experiences reading your daily post I have gained valuable information. Please keep up your excellent assistance to new members and others looking for information.
Best regards,
Garth

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Mar 23, 2019 08:53:32   #
moosus
 
Thanks to everyone for your insights. Your observations reflected my concerns of weight, bulk, ease of operation and cost. I think I'm going to opt for jerryc41's suggestion of a Kenko PRO 1.4TC even though I was initially was against TC's because their mixed reviews. I'll buy one, put it on and judge for myself. At least it won't cost over a grand and if I don't like it, I'll send it back. Again, thank you all and esp. to jerryc41 for all the links. MM

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Mar 23, 2019 09:18:09   #
gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast
 
How much more "reach"? Check out the Calculator at tawbaware.com to see how big your subject will look at any given distance for any given focal length. And also consider that you will have lots of pixels to zoom in by cropping in post.

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Mar 23, 2019 11:15:59   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
moosus wrote:
I've been a member for about a year and have learned quite a lot. My query: I use a Nikon7200 and have a variety of Nikon lenses. My walk about is the 28-300mm 3.5/5.6, which I like but I want more "reach." I see for about the same price as a Nikon 200-500mm lens, Tamron and Sigma offer longer lenses (400-600mm on the upper end ) but I'll need to buy a "tap-in and/or a console" to fine tune the focus? I'm not even sure what those nouns are and if I have to go deep into the menu to "fine tune" anything, I'm pretty sure that operation would be beyond my capabilities. Not interested in YT. Will I need to buy either of these 2 components to get sharp, automatically focused captures with the T.'s or S'.s, or should I stick with the Nikon 200-500mm. Thanking you in advance. MM
I've been a member for about a year and have learn... (show quote)


If you want more reach, consider the 200-500. I use mine with a monopod. Great super sharp lens without any fine tuning.Image taken with 200-500 Nikon


(Download)

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Mar 23, 2019 13:22:54   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
moosus wrote:
I've been a member for about a year and have learned quite a lot. My query: I use a Nikon7200 and have a variety of Nikon lenses. My walk about is the 28-300mm 3.5/5.6, which I like but I want more "reach." I see for about the same price as a Nikon 200-500mm lens, Tamron and Sigma offer longer lenses (400-600mm on the upper end ) but I'll need to buy a "tap-in and/or a console" to fine tune the focus? I'm not even sure what those nouns are and if I have to go deep into the menu to "fine tune" anything, I'm pretty sure that operation would be beyond my capabilities. Not interested in YT. Will I need to buy either of these 2 components to get sharp, automatically focused captures with the T.'s or S'.s, or should I stick with the Nikon 200-500mm. Thanking you in advance. MM
I've been a member for about a year and have learn... (show quote)


Yes, any long lens should be focus calibrated ( fo-cal) to maximize IQ ( image quality) ! The "TAP-IN and "Console" are used to facilitate the fo-cal - but you can also do it to a lesser extent without them - and yes, it is buried in the menu of the 7200 ....

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Mar 24, 2019 05:43:37   #
aellman Loc: Boston MA
 
moosus wrote:
I've been a member for about a year and have learned quite a lot. My query: I use a Nikon7200 and have a variety of Nikon lenses. My walk about is the 28-300mm 3.5/5.6, which I like but I want more "reach." I see for about the same price as a Nikon 200-500mm lens, Tamron and Sigma offer longer lenses (400-600mm on the upper end ) but I'll need to buy a "tap-in and/or a console" to fine tune the focus? I'm not even sure what those nouns are and if I have to go deep into the menu to "fine tune" anything, I'm pretty sure that operation would be beyond my capabilities. Not interested in YT. Will I need to buy either of these 2 components to get sharp, automatically focused captures with the T.'s or S'.s, or should I stick with the Nikon 200-500mm. Thanking you in advance. MM
I've been a member for about a year and have learn... (show quote)


How about a telextender? I wouldn't rush into a lens the length of a baseball bat unless I REALLY needed one and would use it often. >Alan

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Mar 24, 2019 05:54:12   #
moosus
 
A quick follow up. Your various replies anticipated my concerns about the various lenses. The lion is exactly what I want to achieve. As I said, I'll try the Kenko PRO and if not happy, I'll return it and go in search for a refurbed 200-500mm. Lovin' that lion. MM

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Mar 24, 2019 07:02:54   #
boydcrochet
 
I've been shopping the same options. The tap-in consoles are nice but not needed. They are also often included in the free bundle with the Tamron and Sigma. Another option is the Tamron 150-600 VC A011, older model, selling $900.

The lens I really want is the "backordered" Nikon 500 f/5.6 an amazing 3.2 lb. option! $3600.

Tamron has a teleconverter 1.4 which I own that is specific to the 150-600mm G2 and 70-200mm G2. So I'm likely to settle for the Tamron G2. The reviews of the Tamron AF focusing with the TC are problematic.

Tamron lenses, last I heard, were problematic using the F to Z converter for Nikon mirrorless.

The Nikon likely has the best optics, marginally.

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Mar 24, 2019 08:14:22   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
moosus wrote:
I've been a member for about a year and have learned quite a lot. My query: I use a Nikon7200 and have a variety of Nikon lenses. My walk about is the 28-300mm 3.5/5.6, which I like but I want more "reach." I see for about the same price as a Nikon 200-500mm lens, Tamron and Sigma offer longer lenses (400-600mm on the upper end ) but I'll need to buy a "tap-in and/or a console" to fine tune the focus? I'm not even sure what those nouns are and if I have to go deep into the menu to "fine tune" anything, I'm pretty sure that operation would be beyond my capabilities. Not interested in YT. Will I need to buy either of these 2 components to get sharp, automatically focused captures with the T.'s or S'.s, or should I stick with the Nikon 200-500mm. Thanking you in advance. MM
I've been a member for about a year and have learn... (show quote)

The Nikon 200-500 was specifically designed from grinding specific lenses (BY NIKON), to manufacturing the lens barrel (all Nikon manufactured by the way, no sourcing the work out to other companies like Tamron and Sigma) to work only with Nikon camera's. Tamron and Sigma make lenses for everyone, that's why many folks have to fine tune it to their camera body.
I own and use two Nikon 200-500 lenses, they are both tack sharp out of the box with no adjustments needed. Same as my other 20 Nikon auto focus lenses (no fine tuning needed).
Now, down to specifics, the Nikon 200-500 will give you an equivalent field of view of 300-750 mm. That should serve you well in wild life photography.
Below are some quick shots taken with this lens. You will be very pleased.
PS, I will be selling one of my 200-500's in the middle of May when I get back North. It is one I purchased last year. I have just received the Nikon 500 5.6 and do not need two 200-500's.
PSS. No post on either shot.





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Mar 24, 2019 08:16:43   #
vungtau557 Loc: NC
 
wonderful

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Mar 24, 2019 08:42:22   #
rosjan
 
moosus wrote:
I've been a member for about a year and have learned quite a lot. My query: I use a Nikon7200 and have a variety of Nikon lenses. My walk about is the 28-300mm 3.5/5.6, which I like but I want more "reach." I see for about the same price as a Nikon 200-500mm lens, Tamron and Sigma offer longer lenses (400-600mm on the upper end ) but I'll need to buy a "tap-in and/or a console" to fine tune the focus? I'm not even sure what those nouns are and if I have to go deep into the menu to "fine tune" anything, I'm pretty sure that operation would be beyond my capabilities. Not interested in YT. Will I need to buy either of these 2 components to get sharp, automatically focused captures with the T.'s or S'.s, or should I stick with the Nikon 200-500mm. Thanking you in advance. MM
I've been a member for about a year and have learn... (show quote)


I have a Tamron 100-400 and love it. No fine tuning was required.

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