Bird newbie asking about affordable lens for such
Jan 25, 2021 20:08:42 #
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. 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.
I agree - for birding you want at least a 400mm. If your just birding from the back yard then maybe 200-300mm is okay. I shoot Canon R & R5 with either my 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L II for close in birds or my new RF 800mm f11 IS prime to reach out.
Jan 25, 2021 21:23:51 #
DanielB wrote:
I agree - for birding you want at least a 400mm. If your just birding from the back yard then maybe 200-300mm is okay. I shoot Canon R & R5 with either my 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L II for close in birds or my new RF 800mm f11 IS prime to reach out.
I prefer a 400mm in bright light for birds but many of the shots I have posted are with a 135mm...of course I'm cropping heavily with a high MP camera. Don't be limited by conventional thinking.
Here is an example.
Jan 25, 2021 22:05:03 #
joecichjr wrote:
Beautiful shots and thank you for your very helpful information 
Thanks!
The nice thing about the 50-500 is that it works pretty well with full frame cameras also. The downside is that it is a little heavy, a couple of ounces heavier than a 70-200 F2.8.
Jan 26, 2021 02:29:28 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
joecichjr wrote:
I have seen so many magnificent bird photos here, ... (show quote)
If you’re a good photoshopper either of your lenses ought to suffice.
Jan 26, 2021 06:51:13 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
joecichjr wrote:
I have seen so many magnificent bird photos here, ... (show quote)
I would highly recommend the Nikon 200-500 f5.6 lens, used. You can get a very good deal on this lens.
However, it would be well above your budget and is heavy.
The other lens from Nikon that fits your budget is the Nikon GREAT 70-300. It has great reviews and I have seen the results from this lens. Folks who own it swear by it for it's sharpness. On your D7500 it would have a field of view of 105-450 mm. For lots of folks this lens works well for Birds.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1275036-REG/nikon_20062_afp_dx_nikkor_70_300mm.html
Jan 26, 2021 06:56:16 #
trinhqthuan
Loc: gaithersburg
joecichjr wrote:
I have seen so many magnificent bird photos here, ... (show quote)
Try Nikon 70-300 mm AF P VR 4.5-6.3 G ED, refurbished from Nikon (light, sharp and save money). D7100 needs firmware updated to shoot this lens.
Jan 26, 2021 07:01:19 #
I bought some use, some out the pawn shop and yes I had a learning curb too. The best advice I have is to read the reviews in eBay and Ken Rockwell give some good advice too. I got the 70-300 VR5.6 where the focus engine broke, I fixed this lens for about $190 but they used a new model engine ( Nikon had to many old engines what wasn’t the right one for this lens...
Jan 26, 2021 07:11:59 #
Gene51 wrote:
$500 is going to be tough. Unless you plan to hand... (show quote)
I had this lens and it will serve you well. You might look at a tamron 150 600 G I there is a newer model but I havent had any complaints with mine.
Jan 26, 2021 07:20:01 #
I’ll second the recommendation for the Tamron 100-400. I haves used this very successfully. I would suggest this over the Tamron 18-400 as it will have fewer design compromises with the (somewhat) narrower zoom range.
Jan 26, 2021 07:53:56 #
whfowle
Loc: Tampa first, now Albuquerque
Just a thought but I know some people who have set up ideal back yards to attract small birds. You could construct a branch with food holes on the back side and put seeds in them to attract them to the spot. Then a lens of about 70-200 would be just fine. Shoot from a small blind constructed on your back porch.
Jan 26, 2021 08:19:50 #
used tamron 150 /600 are now at your price range , does a descent job .the G2 [ newer model is a little more $ ].do a google and read about this lens .
Jan 26, 2021 08:22:19 #
joecichjr wrote:
I have seen so many magnificent bird photos here, ... (show quote)
Try going to www.nikonusa.com and search the lenses section. They have recommendations for "nature & wildlife" including using a teleconverter. Also do a google search for Nikon refurbished lenses to save money.
Jan 26, 2021 09:00:09 #
billnikon wrote:
I would highly recommend the Nikon 200-500 f5.6 le... (show quote)
Joe, I too like the 70-300 AF-P version...fits your bugdet, focus and sharpness is awesome.
Jan 26, 2021 09:03:20 #
Joe, I have a Sigma 150-500mm in very good condition - glass is perfect. Most of my posts prior to 2020 were taken with it. I'll sell it for $400 + shipping. PM me if interested.
Jan 26, 2021 09:27:20 #
If you go beyond 300mm, the price will also rise. Look on eBay for used lenses in the 300+mm range. 500mm mirror lenses are inexpensive. Some people love the results.
Also check KEH.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=500mm+zoom+lens&_sacat=0
Also check KEH.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=500mm+zoom+lens&_sacat=0
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