New zoom for Nikon D5600: Hi there. I'm thinking Id like a new lens for my camera. I presently have a Sigma 18-250, but I'd like to have something a little longer, like 400-500. BUT I...

MaisyMae Loc: Michigan

Hi there. I'm thinking Id like a new lens for my camera. I presently have a Sigma 18-250, but I'd like to have something a little longer, like 400-500. BUT I don't want something heavy, or so long that I need to have it on a tripod to use it. I like my Sigma, it fits well, takes a good pic for an amature like me, but I'd like to get the wood ducks swimming on the pond without them being scared away. Any suggestions? Trying to keep it under $600.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

For that price point, you're going to have to go used. I did a quick scan of KEH.com and found:

https://www.keh.com/shop/sigma-100-300mm-f-4-apo-d-dg-ex-hsm-if-autofocus-lens-for-nikon-82-698211.html

I had the Sigma 18-250 when I shot with a D7100, and did not like it.

captivecookie Loc: Washington state

For t that price, it seems like you need to buy used.
Have you considered going with one of those 2x multiplier?

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

captivecookie wrote:

...
Have you considered going with one of those 2x multiplier?

You lose two stops of light with those.
The camera may not even be able to focus with one unless the lens it’s on is at least an f/4.
Not to mention the loss of quality.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

The Tamron 18-400 is a pretty good lens, and right around your price point.

And if you don’t mind using a camera with a small (1/2.3”) sensor, you might consider the Panasonic Lumix FZ300. It’s a constant f/2.8 and zoom from 24-600mm eq. It’s actually a pretty good camera. It’s within your price range.

deanfl Loc: Georgia

MaisyMae wrote:

Hi there. I'm thinking Id like a new lens for my camera. I presently have a Sigma 18-250, but I'd like to have something a little longer, like 400-500. BUT I don't want something heavy, or so long that I need to have it on a tripod to use it. I like my Sigma, it fits well, takes a good pic for an amature like me, but I'd like to get the wood ducks swimming on the pond without them being scared away. Any suggestions? Trying to keep it under $600.

I suggest looking at the Sigma 100-400 Contemporary. Amazon has them for $549 renewed or $609.99 new. I have been looking at this lens myself. One of my cameras is the Nikon D5500, similar to your D5600. This lens is not light, but weighs less than the 150-600 options,

rwm283main Loc: Terryville, CT

Sigma’s 100-400mm lens might be a good choice. I use it with my D7500 and I get some very good pics at 400mm. The image stabilization works well. If you go this route get the USB puck to calibrate the lens to your camera.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Wingpilot wrote:

The Tamron 18-400 is a pretty good lens, and right around your price point.

And if you don’t mind using a camera with a small (1/2.3”) sensor, you might consider the Panasonic Lumix FZ300. It’s a constant f/2.8 and zoom from 24-600mm eq. It’s actually a pretty good camera. It’s within your price range.

Wife loves her Tam 18-400...several thousand shots on Yellowstone trips were very good from cactus to bear. She doesn't like to switch lenses and the weight was quite acceptable.

deanfl Loc: Georgia

DaveO wrote:

Wife loves her Tam 18-400...several thousand shots on Yellowstone trips were very good from cactus to bear. She doesn't like to switch lenses and the weight was quite acceptable.

Upon further review, the Tamron 18-400 may be a better choice than the Sigma 100-400, from the OP’s description of her wants....it weighs less, is shorter, and is more versatile. I also own and use this lens.

Here is a recent photo at 400mm.

(Download)

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

MaisyMae wrote:

Hi there. I'm thinking Id like a new lens for my camera. I presently have a Sigma 18-250, but I'd like to have something a little longer, like 400-500. BUT I don't want something heavy, or so long that I need to have it on a tripod to use it. I like my Sigma, it fits well, takes a good pic for an amature like me, but I'd like to get the wood ducks swimming on the pond without them being scared away. Any suggestions? Trying to keep it under $600.

A zoom in that range will be heavy.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

With the DX sensor in the D5600, that Tamron 18-400 will give you the equivalent of 27-600mm. Pretty good reach.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

deanfl wrote:

Upon further review, the Tamron 18-400 may be a better choice than the Sigma 100-400, from the OP’s description of her wants....it weighs less, is shorter, and is more versatile. I also own and use this lens.

Here is a recent photo at 400mm.

Does the job for many folks and isn't terribly bulky or heavy at 25 ounces. A good all around choice for many!

wetreed

Your absolute best choice would be the Tamron 18-400. It is a great lens. If are able to stop down a couple of stops it really increases the sharpness.

zenagain Loc: Pueblo CO

My wife has the Tamron 18-400 on her D7100, she also does not like changing lenses. It is a great lens for the money.
Looking at some of her images makes me question why i lug around a 150-600 g2. Got hers used from keh for slightly over $300.00

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Although many people don't like them, a tele extender could make that 250 work like a 350. I have a Kenko 1.4 TC, and I have no complaints. It's a lot cheaper than a 600 mm lens. I use it on a Nikon 28-300 mm. Just make sure it will work with you camera/lens combo.