pocketchange

Nikkor's 300mm f4 w/D700, ends up working (for me.) I've come to the understanding that trying to take pic's of birds, after decades, is a learning curve that NEVER ends. TC 1.4B added into this mix, only takes this to another level. I have decided after several decades of trying to master this journey, I will never get to the end of this journey (but, I keep trying.) pc

pminyard Loc: Bartlett, Tennessee

There's nothing like experience with your own camera, software, etc. Follow any suggestions you get to rent, shoot and evaluate. You'll also find that the sweet spot is bigger with a 2.8 than a 4.0. Lots of reasons to go for a 2.8, although the Canon 0.95 was a very interesting lens. I don't have one, but I developed some film ( back in the time) shot with one.

joncogar Loc: WV

I use my 30-year-old manual focus lens on my Nikon D 7200. After programming each len into the camera the focus light in the viewfinder works perfectly. Lots of great manual lens at great deals.

dubyacee

First, if you do some research, you might discover as I did that moving up to a D7500 or even a D500 is a very small incremental gain from the D7200. The advice to spend your money on better glass is a better bet, in my opinion. Also, gaining one stop for a lens with the advanced ISO of todays cameras is not worth the cost to me. I have a D7200, Nikon 200-500 and Nikon 70-200 2.8 (bought used) as well as others. For birding, the 200-500 has provided me with some great photos and I seldom use the 70-200, except for portraits and usually well above 2.8. Unless you are a pro and making large prints, there are some good older lenses that work well. All this being said, I am only an amateur hobbiest photographer but can afford pretty much whatever gear I might want. I constantly research both cameras and lenses for comparisons and am quite happy for now with what I have. When it no longer does what I want, I'll move up a notch.

Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX

I know many pro/semi pro wildlife photographers who use f4 lenses such as the 500mm f4 and 600 f4. You will pay substantially for these lenses, OEM or otherwise. I just acquired the 500mm 5.6 PF and am loving it so far on my D500. I shoot mainly birds. Yes, there is give and take with any lens. I realize that it’s not an f4 or f2.8 but I also know how to use my camera and know what it is capable of regarding ISO, etc. I used the 200-500mm 5.6 prior to this lens and was equally happy but love the weight of the new one I have. Good luck!

Fotoserj Loc: St calixte Qc Ca

Why not simply rent one when you needed one

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

I have a D7200 too with a possible upgrade to a D500 for BIF and general photography. Your lens selection will depend heavily on what you want to shoot. Go with the Tamron version of the 70-200 2.8 for about $1200 as others suggested - although I am a believer in a "Nikon on a Nikon", there are some cases where a 3rd party lens especially Tamron is an excellent quality choice. Here are some other excellent choices....you will eventually need some primes depending on the genres you want to shoot....don't shy away from MF lenses especially for non-action photography. Many of these can be had for a lot less used on eBay (and from Japan)- just watch the item photos, return policies, seller rating and condition details (DON'T buy a lens with FUNGUS or EXCESSIVE WEAR/SCRATCHES or signs it was banged around/dropped - dented lens hoods e.g.).. Although very expensive lenses will usually yield exquisite results, you have to ask if the smidgen extra in resolution/brightness/IQ is worth the extra $500, $1000, $2000, $10000 etc., especially for a non-pro. BTW if you get a Tamron get the tap-in console for firmware updates and fine-tuning ability....this is important because Nikon doesn't want to know your problems with a non-Nikon lens.

Nikkor 60mm 2.8D - for macro, repro-graphic, general or portrait on a DX.
Nikkor 35mm 2D - a "normal" on a DX.
or the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 AF-S G DX lens (cheap but great)
Tokina 100mm 2.8 macro
20mm f1.8 G NIKKOR - Astro | Cityscape | Landscape lens - awesome lens - not terribly $$$.
35mm f2 Zeiss DISTAGON-
58mm f1.4 VOIGTLÄNDER Nokton - can you see in the dark?
Nikkor 135/ 2.8 or 3.5 AI lens
180 f/2.8 D Nikon
300mm f2.8 NIKON - Sports | Action | Wildlife OR
300mm f/4 - not as bulky/heavy!

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

Except the D500 has better/faster AF and higher fps and a "bottomless" buffer...depends on what the OP is shooting.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

There is no such lens as a 500/2.8 or a 600/2.8. The longest Nikon 2.8 lens is a 400mm. The "Pro" 'Big Guns' are the 400/2.8, the 500/F4 and the 600/F4. Best of luck.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

An 80-200 AFD can be had used for a song.

I’ve had one for nearly 20 years and with minimal care it will outlive me.

It is fast enough to where VR is, IMHO, a waste of money.

It is wickedly Sharp, it’s only downside is the weight.

Prior to that I had an AF 70-210 f4 that I wished I would have kept for when lighter weight was an issue.

Firth’s difference in prices would buy the AFD version over the AFS without hesitation.

For the build quality difference I would buy it over the TAMRON/TOKINA/SIGMA counterparts.

It is my go to lens sports and is awesome for portraits and zoological parks.

For birding it’s a tad short of being exceptional, but it’s not lame either.

With a decent strap that distributes weight well it’s a joy to carry.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

Actually there is a SIGMA 200-500 2.8 and a CANON 16-600 2.8.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

What I said is correct as those are zooms. I can't find the Canon version on the B&H website, and the Sigma is not quite what it seems and it's $ 26,000.00. I'll bet not too many in circulation, kinda like that humongous lens Nikon made for a short time. Best of luck.

toxdoc42

I love my Nikon DX 50-200. Great feel in lung and and great quality images on my D3400. On sale it is under $200.

billbarcus Loc: IPNW

Wrench, don't buy a Third-party lens for your Nikon, especially if you're considering upgrading to the D500 or FX format. A lot of people shoot the third-party lenses, but basically they are "Throw-a-Way" junk that after the warranties are up you won't find anywhere to repair them ... then you're stuck and will likely buy another junk lens. I'm not knocking folks that shoot them ... life is all about choices.

You don't have to be a pro to shoot the 70-200 f/2.8. Get the G version (which is what I shoot) and you'll never regret it. It is the lens that made Nikon what it is today. Shoot the best, put out a few extra bucks, and get it!

dubyacee

Well said!