Best lens (Nikon) for bird photo
May 23, 2015 11:04:52 #
RSQRD
Loc: SW Florida
I agree the Nikon 70-300m VR II the latest version is a good lens that comes closet to the more $1000 + optics. Be careful buying used as most of these may be the first addition which do not have the fast ring type ultrasonic autofocus or the mounting plate seal. nor VRII.
May 23, 2015 11:15:51 #
The Sigma 100-300 f4 is an astounding lens ! Be sure to get the later HSM version - preferably from KEH. Cost? about $600 + or -. Put a Tamron SP/Kenko pro 1.4X behind it. ( 420mm f5.6)
May 23, 2015 11:17:44 #
imagemeister wrote:
The Sigma 100-300 f4 is an astounding lens ! Be sure to get the later HSM version - preferably from KEH. Cost? about $600 + or -. Put a Tamron SP/Kenko pro 1.4X behind it. ( 420mm f5.6)
For BIF, this lens zooms with one finger...
May 23, 2015 11:27:36 #
Mulie
Loc: Southern California
I recently picked up a refurbished Nikon AF-S 70-300 1:4.5-5.6 G VR . I am using it on my D7200 and I am quiet pleased with the results. Often I wish it were a little longer, but this is probably all I can handle without carting a tripod along.
My budget did not allow me to go with the Tamron 150-600, but that was on the top of my wish list.
My budget did not allow me to go with the Tamron 150-600, but that was on the top of my wish list.
May 23, 2015 11:29:55 #
Mark7829
Loc: Calfornia
chase4 wrote:
If you are talking about this lens: AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR, the list price is $1999.95 on the Nikon website.
That lens exceeds the ability of the camera (old crop sensor). It like driving a Lotus with bicycle wheels. The camera could not reproduce the quality of that lens. Sharpness is as much about the camera/sensor as the lens it is attached. On ebay that camera sells for $275 (body only) used and many others at $300. I would take the $1000 and buy another camera. And if I needed a big zoom, rent from Borrowlenses or again buy used lenses on ebay.
May 23, 2015 11:53:54 #
Mark7829 wrote:
Many found the AF80-400 as too slow to autofocus, does not have image stabilization and not as sharp as the newer lens from Tamron or Sigma that are getting very good reviews. The AF80-400, is 15 years old but will still render good images none the less it is affordable and mechanically well made.
Yes the older AF 80-400mm was slower to AF than the AF-S replacement. mSame as the AF 80-200mm F2.8 was slower to AF than its 70-200mm F2.8 replacement. There is simply no way for a screw drive AF system to AF as fast as an in-lens high speed AF motor can. As for sharpness, I have compared that lens to the Tamron and Sigma offerings and it is lacking nothing in sharpness, only in telephoto reach. And by the way it DOES have VR, so I am not understanding at all what lens you are comparing to the one I recommended that fits within the OP's stated limitations.
May 23, 2015 12:09:33 #
GS645 wrote:
I have a Nikon D7000 and $1,000 what would be the best bird photo lens? I was thinking about the new 300mm f4 lens but I am open to other suggestions.
You might also consider one of these Tokinas - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tokina-AT-X-300-AF-II-300mm-F2-8-SD-for-Nikon-EXC-from-Japan-4801000-/301641223823?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item463b37ce8f -
optically, they there are highly regarded but unsure of the AF capabilities. There are a couple of these on ebay now from Japan. I am considering one of these for my new Sony system .....
May 23, 2015 12:26:25 #
Mark7829
Loc: Calfornia
MT Shooter wrote:
Yes the older AF 80-400mm was slower to AF than th... (show quote)
Yes, i am corrected it does have VR. However the poor performance of the AF negates its consideration among other options today - IMO. Which Tamron and Sigma?
May 23, 2015 14:56:52 #
robertjerl wrote:
On a budget of $1000 to get the most bang for your buck then the choices are basically two, and neither one a Nikon.
Tamron 150-600 mm
Sigma 150-600 mm Contemporary
Tamron 150-600 mm
Sigma 150-600 mm Contemporary
Agreed.
300mm is somewhat short for most birds in the wild. The 600mm reach is where you need to be.
May 23, 2015 16:12:14 #
nimbushopper wrote:
I bought the Tamron 150-600 back in March and use it on a D7000. Here is a link to many photos I've taken with it. It meets your budget nicely.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37991479@N08/sets/72157650944053099
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37991479@N08/sets/72157650944053099
Terrific photos! Looks like a very nice lens!
May 23, 2015 16:34:15 #
Here's one with the Sigma 150-500...handheld and processed with ViewNX2. The price and extra 100mm just didn't seem worth it for a zoom lens.
May 23, 2015 17:37:51 #
Both KEH and B&H are showing several used Nikon 300/f4 AFS lenses in stock used at less than your price. As suggested, those, with a 1.4 TC, might be your best bet. I owned one of those several years ago and only sold it as Nikon had a great deal on a 300/2.8 which I went for. The Tamron and Sigma contemporary are also just a tad above your price, but worth consideration. A used Nikon 80-400, as was suggested by MTshooter would also be a possible choice, but I never seemed to like the older version, personally. MT would know more than I do about that lens as I never actually owned one. Decisions, decisions. Buy, rent and have fun!
May 23, 2015 19:53:24 #
I agree with cjc2. The Nikon 300 f4 is an amazingly sharp lens, and even when coupled with a 1.4 teleconverter will give very good images. I have a Kenko 1.4 and have used it to capture some very sharp shots of birds in the wild. Below is a shot of an Osprey taken with this combination.
May 24, 2015 07:32:16 #
There are a number of good-great lenses out there. This is an older model of the 80-400mm Nikon. The photo is not the greatest, but the impact of the eagles in flight was a thrill.
May 25, 2015 14:29:07 #
The "Best" photos will require more like $25,000 for the lens. For $1,000.00, you have to make do with "Very Good". Compare Nikon, Tamron, Sigma, etc, and see which suits you best. Some lenses will be sharper in the center, and a bit blurry at the edges. Others will be sharp all around, but cost a lot more. Look for APO (Apochromatic), Extra Low Dispersion, Multi-Coating, and the like. You'll probably have to get a single aperture (f/4, rather than F/4-5.6, etc), and Manual Focus, Manual Exposure, item. Asking others for specific lens suggestions will probably get you a thousand different lenses suggested, as everyone will have a favorite.
Even the Best lens won't give the Best results if you don't spend time waiting for the right bird, in the right place, and take the time to focus. Shooting birds from nearer distances will let you get by with a 200mm, or 300mm, lens. Shooting from a greater distance will mean using a higher powered lens...a 500mm, 600mm, 800mm, or such. Using such will also mean having a sturdier tripod.
Even the Best lens won't give the Best results if you don't spend time waiting for the right bird, in the right place, and take the time to focus. Shooting birds from nearer distances will let you get by with a 200mm, or 300mm, lens. Shooting from a greater distance will mean using a higher powered lens...a 500mm, 600mm, 800mm, or such. Using such will also mean having a sturdier tripod.
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