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Bird newbie asking about affordable lens for such
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Jan 25, 2021 16:18:45   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
I have seen so many magnificent bird photos here, I think I may be willing to branch out a little from my normal flower and rural landscape shots - to birding. Can anyone of you recommend something for a Nikon D7100 around $500? I don't have an unlimited budget. I already have the Nikkor 55-200VR and a manual focus Tamron 60-300, which I haven't tried for this. Built like a tank and is heavy like one. No automatic metering either. I'm wondering if I would get enough extra reach going for the Nikkor 55-300VR or if I need more. Thank you for any advice. Joe

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Jan 25, 2021 16:40:26   #
Leitz Loc: Solms
 
joecichjr wrote:
I have seen so many magnificent bird photos here, I think I may be willing to branch out a little from my normal flower and rural landscape shots - to birding. Can anyone of you recommend something for a Nikon D7100 around $500? I don't have an unlimited budget. I already have the Nikkor 55-200VR and a manual focus Tamron 60-300, which I haven't tried for this. Built like a tank and is heavy like one. No automatic metering either. I'm wondering if I would get enough extra reach going for the Nikkor 55-300VR or if I need more. Thank you for any advice. Joe
I have seen so many magnificent bird photos here, ... (show quote)

A Nikkor 55-300 will have the same reach as your Tamron 60-300. Try the Tamron and see if you need more.

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Jan 25, 2021 16:43:46   #
Quixdraw Loc: x
 
Actually before I got the 200-500 I used an FX AF Nikkor 75-300 4.5 5.6 on my D7200. That delivered an equivalent top end of 450 mm. A good start for Birds, but also great for Bugs. You can find a minty one of these used for under $100. Next step would be an FX 70-300 4.5 5.6 the same top end, generally under $300. I stick with Nikon, but I'm sure others will have off brand suggestions. 450mm is not ideal, but you can do quite a lot with it.

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Jan 25, 2021 16:50:51   #
CO
 
You'll want at least a 400mm lens. I would recommend the Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD lens for $799. It's a little more than the $500 you want to spend but it's worth it. I was using one on my Nikon D7500 last summer at an airshow. I was very impressed with it. It's fully weather sealed and has vibration compensation. Here's a photo I took with it on my D7500.


(Download)

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Jan 25, 2021 17:03:35   #
joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois
 
joecichjr wrote:
I have seen so many magnificent bird photos here, I think I may be willing to branch out a little from my normal flower and rural landscape shots - to birding. Can anyone of you recommend something for a Nikon D7100 around $500? I don't have an unlimited budget. I already have the Nikkor 55-200VR and a manual focus Tamron 60-300, which I haven't tried for this. Built like a tank and is heavy like one. No automatic metering either. I'm wondering if I would get enough extra reach going for the Nikkor 55-300VR or if I need more. Thank you for any advice. Joe
I have seen so many magnificent bird photos here, ... (show quote)


Joe, try your 55-200 before buying...put out food to get them close

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Jan 25, 2021 17:12:02   #
kpmac Loc: Ragley, La
 
Once you start birding you won't be happy with 300mm or less, Joe. Save up for the lens you want. I have an older Sigma 150-500 that I am thinking of selling. PM me if you think you might be interested. It would fit your budget but I'm not sure about selling it yet.

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Jan 25, 2021 17:24:27   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
joecichjr wrote:
I have seen so many magnificent bird photos here, I think I may be willing to branch out a little from my normal flower and rural landscape shots - to birding. Can anyone of you recommend something for a Nikon D7100 around $500? I don't have an unlimited budget. I already have the Nikkor 55-200VR and a manual focus Tamron 60-300, which I haven't tried for this. Built like a tank and is heavy like one. No automatic metering either. I'm wondering if I would get enough extra reach going for the Nikkor 55-300VR or if I need more. Thank you for any advice. Joe
I have seen so many magnificent bird photos here, ... (show quote)


$500 is going to be tough. Unless you plan to hand hold and rely on optical stabilization, you'll need to budget for a decent tripod and head. For birds, you'll want good autofocus.

This might work and at $460 buy it now price it's within your budget:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SIGMA-APO-Lens-50-500mm-F4-5-6-3-DG-OS-HSM-Lens-for-Nikon-F-Mount-w-Hood-Case/333867807878?hash=item4dbc127486:g:KKQAAOSw64Nf9b50

I took a lot of pictures with mine on a 10 mp and later a 12 mp Nikon. My version was not stabilized but as you can see it was decently sharp. Shooting raw and careful post processing will help the images look better.


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Jan 25, 2021 18:11:39   #
Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA
 
joer wrote:
Joe, try your 55-200 before buying...put out food to get them close


Yes!! Do this first!
You may need to come up with a blind or something to hide behind/in.
Pat

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Jan 25, 2021 18:21:33   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
CO wrote:
You'll want at least a 400mm lens. I would recommend the Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD lens for $799. It's a little more than the $500 you want to spend but it's worth it.



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Jan 25, 2021 18:43:43   #
Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx
 
Just went on KEH.com and saw a Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 DX VR in excellent condition for $465. I have that lens and it has performed well for me on a D500 and D7200. It has a few quirks, like the focus ring spins when the camera is auto focusing, but it is light and compact and image quality is very good, VR works very well.

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Jan 25, 2021 19:44:44   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
Thanks Joe. Seems like a logical first step. Use what I have first.

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Jan 25, 2021 19:45:29   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
joer wrote:
Joe, try your 55-200 before buying...put out food to get them close


Thanks Joe. Seems like a logical first step. Use what I have first.

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Jan 25, 2021 19:58:02   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
Gene51 wrote:
$500 is going to be tough. Unless you plan to hand hold and rely on optical stabilization, you'll need to budget for a decent tripod and head. For birds, you'll want good autofocus.

This might work and at $460 buy it now price it's within your budget:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SIGMA-APO-Lens-50-500mm-F4-5-6-3-DG-OS-HSM-Lens-for-Nikon-F-Mount-w-Hood-Case/333867807878?hash=item4dbc127486:g:KKQAAOSw64Nf9b50

I took a lot of pictures with mine on a 10 mp and later a 12 mp Nikon. My version was not stabilized but as you can see it was decently sharp. Shooting raw and careful post processing will help the images look better.
$500 is going to be tough. Unless you plan to hand... (show quote)


Beautiful shots and thank you for your very helpful information

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Jan 25, 2021 19:59:05   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
Strodav wrote:
Just went on KEH.com and saw a Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 DX VR in excellent condition for $465. I have that lens and it has performed well for me on a D500 and D7200. It has a few quirks, like the focus ring spins when the camera is auto focusing, but it is light and compact and image quality is very good, VR works very well.


Thank you for your kind advice

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Jan 25, 2021 20:00:52   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
Jay Pat wrote:
Yes!! Do this first!
You may need to come up with a blind or something to hide behind/in.
Pat


Thanks, Jay

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