Nikon d850 lenses (Page 2): There are so many choices and so many ways to go about things. If I'm using a tripod I use a heavy prime. For hand holding the Nikkor 200-500 is great, but...

Bill_de Loc: US

There are so many choices and so many ways to go about things. If I'm using a tripod I use a heavy prime. For hand holding the Nikkor 200-500 is great, but getting a bit heavy for me.
I have a Nikkor 500mm F/5.6 pf coming tomorrow. If it is as good as the 300 F/4.0 pf it will most likely stay on my D500.

---

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Bill_de wrote:

There are so many choices and so many ways to go about things. If I'm using a tripod I use a heavy prime. For hand holding the Nikkor 200-500 is great, but getting a bit heavy for me.
I have a Nikkor 500mm F/5.6 pf coming tomorrow. If it is as good as the 300 F/4.0 pf it will most likely stay on my D500.

---

I think you'll really like the 500 5.6. It now pretty much lives on my D500. Only problem is that for some subjects, the 500mm on the D500 is too long.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I use a Tamron 150-600 G2 on my D850. I usually shoot at full resolution and crop for birds in flight but the built in crop factor of the D850 does come in handy. You can view my posts to see what that combo can do. I'm not Steve Perry but I do have fun.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

collins9000 wrote:

Ok, I just got a d850 which is beyond awesome. I did shoot with a d750 and still have a d780. My question to you experienced people who do a lot of bird photos which is your favorite lens? I have a sigma contemporary 100-600. I am thinking for about buying a Nikon 200-500.. is it a better lens. My other question is how to get the extreme close ups? Do you use a 2x converter or simply crop? Sample pics would be appreciated.

I shoot the 200-500 off the D850 with great results. You will get great results also.
My other lenses I shoot most often off the d850 are
Nikon 500 5.6 PF
Nikon 70-200 PF 2.8
Nikon 16-35
Nikon 24-120
Nikon 50 mm 1.8

leftj Loc: Texas

Lucius wrote:

My favorite lens the Nikon 24 to 70, 2.8
For close up I have the 105 2.8, but the 85 2.8 is also a good lens.

Don't think those are lenses for bird photos.

NancyS Loc: SE Michigan

I've been very happy using the Sigma 150-600 Sport lens with my D850 for birding. The Nikon 300mm does not have the reach but is super sharp and so easy to carry around, and I've gotten some great birds in Sterling State Park with it. Congrats on getting your D850. It's a fantastic camera.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

I use the Nikon 500mm pf on my D850 mostly without a 1.4tc, both hand held and on a very sturdy tripod. You can see my pics by checking out my posts since Jan 2020.

d3200prime

I recommend the Nikon 200-500 with the TC-1.4 converter. Of course, if you can afford the Nikon 600, f/4 then naturally get that, or for a telephoto lens, the 180-400 with built-in 1.4. It will only set you back $12K. It's all a matter of how big your wallet is. The 200-500 is my pick because IQ is quite acceptable for me, it works well with the 1.4, is affordable, and you have the variable focus lengths which have come in mighty handy for me. Good luck.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...how to get the extreme close ups?" Lots and lots of great replies here collins9000 mostly focused on on kit optics...

That said have you given much thought to "Technique" in order to solve the "extreme close up" issue.
Especially for "...the best for birding..."

Though you might not want to hear this... Please realize that it's really not the "Kit" that matters and much as savvy experience with getting extreme close up imagery of our feathered friends.

Below I've posted an example of what can be done with a lowly Nikon D7100 with a "Bargain" Kit Nikkor the intriguing Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens which can be purchase as a "Gray Market" for under $200! I have both a Nikon USA version and a Gray Market version of the epic piece of glass... which out preforms way beyond and above its minimal price point.

Although your enthusiast colleagues here on UHH may not be very impressed with such a cheap lens... lol
Oh well, do what ever makes you happy... that has worked well for my photographic journey...

All the best on your photographic journey collins9000
Looking forward to seeing your BIF images taken with that fabulous D850!
.

Taken with the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR on a Nikon D7100 in HSS (Illumination with an off camera SB-910 with a Phottix radio transmitter/trigger)

(Download)

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

Thomas902 wrote:

"...how to get the extreme close ups?" ... (show quote)

Well it impresses me.
Well done!

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

WDCash wrote:

Well it impresses me.
Well done!

Thanks WDCash

collins9000 Loc: Michigan

Thank you so much.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

collins9000 wrote:

Ok, I just got a d850 which is beyond awesome. I did shoot with a d750 and still have a d780. My question to you experienced people who do a lot of bird photos which is your favorite lens? I have a sigma contemporary 100-600. I am thinking for about buying a Nikon 200-500.. is it a better lens. My other question is how to get the extreme close ups? Do you use a 2x converter or simply crop? Sample pics would be appreciated.

I have the 200-500 and it’s a great lens. I use it mostly on my D500. How it compares to the Sigma I can’t say. As for the teleconverter on that lens I say no. I tried the 1.4 with that lens and while it will autofocus it us slower and I found I get better IQ by cropping.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

MadMikeOne wrote:

My main subjects are birds and wildlife, and I sho... (show quote)

It makes no sense shooting a full frame lens in crop mode. Shoot in full frame and crop in post!

ColoPete

For birding and other wildlife, I use a Nikon 500mm f5.6 PF on my D850. I used to use a Nikon 200-500 zoom and still have it, but rarely use it now due to its weight, lack of weather sealing, etc.