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Upgrade advise.
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Oct 29, 2021 09:07:40   #
prcb1949 Loc: Ex Zimbabwe - Now UK
 
I am currently shooting with a Nikon D3300 with a Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300 1: 4.5-6.3G ED (DX VR) Whilst it might be early days to be considering an upgrade, my question is - given that my preferred subjects are birds what would be a next step in lens that would give me both reach and image quality. Although I acknowledge that my current gear can produce some decent images, I just feel that with the 70-300 I am just on the edge of most opportunities that present themselves. What would would you advise be?

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Oct 29, 2021 09:16:28   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
Start with a lens, not the camera. Even on a cropped body, you really need a lens that reaches 400mm, preferably longer. There are many Nikon and third-party options, if you can find used copies, that will lower the price too. Sigma and Tamron have several versions of lenses in the 150-500mm / 150-600mm zoom range. Nikon has an excellent 500mm prime.

Your 24MP D3300 has the same (or more) pixel resolution than any higher-priced Nikon options, that's why you need a longer lens rather than a new camera. After you've added that longer lens, if you find you cannot burst images in the 3- to 5-second range (say 20+ images), then look at a camera that adds that burst / AF tracking feature, such as cameras from Nikon's D7xxx line.

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Oct 29, 2021 09:32:00   #
davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel
 
prcb1949 wrote:
I am currently shooting with a Nikon D3300 with a Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300 1: 4.5-6.3G ED (DX VR) Whilst it might be early days to be considering an upgrade, my question is - given that my preferred subjects are birds what would be a next step in lens that would give me both reach and image quality. Although I acknowledge that my current gear can produce some decent images, I just feel that with the 70-300 I am just on the edge of most opportunities that present themselves. What would would you advise be?
I am currently shooting with a Nikon D3300 with a ... (show quote)


Very few photographers I know have "enough" reach. Most, as you, feel more range(mm's) will give them more shots. The fallacy here is that more range simply breeds more "wanted" range. Your 300mm lens isn't enough so you acquire a 400mm lens. Eventually you will "outshoot" that lens also, causing you to pursue a 500mm lens. Good photographers learn their equipment well enough to know the limitations of that equipment. They make their shot accordingly. One of my best hummingbird photographs was made when my longest lens was 200mm. More mm's means more $$$$$, not just more shots. "Upgrade" accordingly.

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Oct 29, 2021 09:34:05   #
prcb1949 Loc: Ex Zimbabwe - Now UK
 
CHG_CANON wrote:
Start with a lens, not the camera. Even on a cropped body, you really need a lens that reaches 400mm, preferably longer. There are many Nikon and third-party options, if you can find used copies, that will lower the price too. Sigma and Tamron have several versions of lenses in the 150-500mm / 150-600mm zoom range. Nikon has an excellent 500mm prim e.
Thanks CHG - based on what I have come to know about the D3300 I would only be looking at a lens upgrade for now. You may remember When I first got the camera how ready I was to Chuck it away!!🤣🤣. Thanks for your advise.
Your 24MP D3300 has the same (or more) pixel resolution than any higher-priced Nikon options, that's why you need a longer lens rather than a new camera. After you've added that longer lens, if you find you cannot burst images in the 3- to 5-second range (say 20+ images), then look at a camera that adds that burst / AF tracking feature, such as cameras from Nikon's D7xxx line.
Start with a lens, not the camera. Even on a cropp... (show quote)

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Oct 29, 2021 09:40:42   #
prcb1949 Loc: Ex Zimbabwe - Now UK
 
Thanks CHG - If I do upgrade it will only be on a lens. I have come to know my D3300 a bit better - you might remember back when I first got it I was ready to get rid of it but persevered and enjoy it my p900 doesn’t get much use anymore.

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Oct 29, 2021 09:49:54   #
prcb1949 Loc: Ex Zimbabwe - Now UK
 
davidrb wrote:
Very few photographers I know have "enough" reach. Most, as you, feel more range(mm's) will give them more shots. The fallacy here is that more range simply breeds more "wanted" range. Your 300mm lens isn't enough so you acquire a 400mm lens. Eventually you will "outshoot" that lens also, causing you to pursue a 500mm lens. Good photographers learn their equipment well enough to know the limitations of that equipment. They make their shot accordingly. One of my best hummingbird photographs was made when my longest lens was 200mm. More mm's means more $$$$$, not just more shots. "Upgrade" accordingly.
Very few photographers I know have "enough&qu... (show quote)

Thanks David - You are of course correct it’s a bit like hifi equipment🤣🤣

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Oct 29, 2021 10:05:04   #
photoman43
 
I suggest you look at the Nikon 500mm f5.6 pf lens or the Nikon 200-500mm zoom lens.

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Oct 29, 2021 10:07:31   #
joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois
 
prcb1949 wrote:
I am currently shooting with a Nikon D3300 with a Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300 1: 4.5-6.3G ED (DX VR) Whilst it might be early days to be considering an upgrade, my question is - given that my preferred subjects are birds what would be a next step in lens that would give me both reach and image quality. Although I acknowledge that my current gear can produce some decent images, I just feel that with the 70-300 I am just on the edge of most opportunities that present themselves. What would would you advise be?
I am currently shooting with a Nikon D3300 with a ... (show quote)


Nikon 200-500.

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Oct 29, 2021 10:11:00   #
prcb1949 Loc: Ex Zimbabwe - Now UK
 
photoman43 wrote:
I suggest you look at the Nikon 500mm f5.6 pf lens or the Nikon 200-500mm zoom lens.


Thanks photoman.

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Oct 29, 2021 10:11:34   #
prcb1949 Loc: Ex Zimbabwe - Now UK
 
joer wrote:
Nikon 200-500.


Thanks joe.

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Oct 29, 2021 10:27:08   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
As mentioned, you could get something 400mm - but since you are on Nikon, I would bypass 400 and go to the Nikon 200-500. - a great lens for the money. If you have the money, the 500 pf is better optically - and much easier to carry, -but not nearly as versatile.
.

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Oct 29, 2021 10:55:23   #
kpmac Loc: Ragley, La
 
The D3300 does not have a built-in focus motor. Make sure that whatever lens you decide on has its own motor. Most will.

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Oct 29, 2021 12:40:55   #
prcb1949 Loc: Ex Zimbabwe - Now UK
 
imagemeister wrote:
As mentioned, you could get something 400mm - but since you are on Nikon, I would bypass 400 and go to the Nikon 200-500. - a great lens for the money. If you have the money, the 500 pf is better optically - and much easier to carry, -but not nearly as versatile.
.


Thanks

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Oct 29, 2021 12:42:42   #
prcb1949 Loc: Ex Zimbabwe - Now UK
 
kpmac wrote:
The D3300 does not have a built-in focus motor. Make sure that whatever lens you decide on has its own motor. Most will.


Thanks KP Ill bear that in mind!

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Oct 30, 2021 06:17:40   #
ELNikkor
 
Nikon 200-500, (300-750 equivalent!), best bang for the buck! Either wait a month and look for a Black Friday deal, or reliable refurbished.

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