need advice on a zoom lens
Sep 7, 2017 10:00:46 #
Leitz wrote:
Undoubtedly autofocus makes it much easier, but with a lot of practice, especially in honing one's panning skills, one can become quite proficient in capturing birds on the wing with a manual focus lens. Studying the birds' habits and anticipating their flight is also important. There were many dedicated bird photographers producing excellent photographs long before the advent of autofocus, fast lenses and high ISOs.
Yes, and we could still be using the horse and buggy, too, but it is so much easier to hop in an automobile. I could still use a manual typewriter (my husband does!), a dial up phone, a stove that uses only wood, only snail mail, and a fax machine (which is still setting in a closet), but all of these things have been replaced by items that are much easier and quicker to use, thus saving me time and effort that I can use elsewhere. I tend to like using the improved items and can still find many ways to challenge myself, in photography and other areas, without relying on the "old ways."
Sep 7, 2017 10:38:07 #
Sep 7, 2017 10:45:55 #
I picked up an older 170-500mm for $350, put a non creep band on it, and it is a great lens. I also picked up a 70-300mm lens for 83 dollars. It too is a very sharp lens. I went to Roberts camera. Many selections old and new Nikon
Sep 7, 2017 10:54:11 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
via the lens wrote:
Yes, and we could still be using the horse and bug... (show quote)
I'm a great fan of autofocus, been using it almost exclusively for about 5 years now. But I've had it fail on two top shelf lenses, and was glad that I had enough basic skills that each time it's loss was merely an annoyance.
Sep 7, 2017 11:05:09 #
You can find some great deals on used lenses on eBay. I agree that taking a look at the Tamron 18-400 is worth the extra bucks. I've been doing a lot of research on it and am planning to get one soon for my D7500. It seems to be made well, is versatile, and takes pretty good pictures.... I shot with regular SLRs in the 70's/80's and not having to mess with settings makes things a lot easier.... You can lose some great shots having to manually focus....
Sep 7, 2017 11:37:48 #
Sep 7, 2017 11:39:51 #
the Tamron mentioned is a good lens.
They have come a long way and they were always pretty good to start with.
shop around and get what you can to fill your closest needs.
They have come a long way and they were always pretty good to start with.
shop around and get what you can to fill your closest needs.
Sep 7, 2017 11:44:28 #
you can always remember that true and tried adage.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush or in flight.
Maybe practice on birds at rest and then as they take to air get a feel for the movement and practice following them
NASCAR presents a similar problem that can be erased by practicing moving the camera at a predetermined focal point and capturing the cars as you pan.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush or in flight.
Maybe practice on birds at rest and then as they take to air get a feel for the movement and practice following them
NASCAR presents a similar problem that can be erased by practicing moving the camera at a predetermined focal point and capturing the cars as you pan.
Sep 7, 2017 12:29:19 #
amfoto1 wrote:
Should be using the continuous focusing mode for moving subjects... I think Nikon calls it "AF-C" (Canon calls it "AI Servo"). Since the focus is continuously updating to track moving subjects, there's no "focus confirmation" beep with this mode.
Should be using the continuous focusing mode for moving subjects... I think Nikon calls it "AF-C" (Canon calls it "AI Servo"). Since the focus is continuously updating to track moving subjects, there's no "focus confirmation" beep with this mode.
Thanks for the great advice, Alan! I was using AF-C mode, and back-button focusing, and would (attempt to) refocus each time I changed the focal length. Still don't know why the lens was dancing around the focal point once it was initially set. Even on a stationary object (fence and standing cowboy at the rodeo) I could never get the lens to zero in on a specific focal point - just racked back and forth and never settled on the proper point. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my query in such detail, and I guess I'll keep trying stuff until I find out what is wrong - and it very well could be pilot error! :-)
Sep 7, 2017 12:31:11 #
Leitz wrote:
Do you really nee a crutch like autofocus?
Yes, for moving subjects I really am very marginal at manually focusing and getting any kind of decent result.
Sep 7, 2017 12:40:17 #
via the lens wrote:
Yes, and we could still be using the horse and bug... (show quote)
Yes, they have been replaced but at a cost.... The OP wanted something less than $500, and F2.8 if possible. As for BIF, with manual lenses there is something called using the "hyperfocal" distance to get those shots. Not everyone has the $ for the latest & greatest, nor the penchant to have to send them in for repair & be without for a period of time...I prefer slightly older gear because of the cost savings & durability they provide.
Sep 7, 2017 12:43:44 #
Tommy - Tokina, unfortunately, no longer is in the medium to long zoom lens market. Their 50-135 was one of the best lenses, around - but, you can no longer buy it new. Their 80-400 was less than perfect, but it had a good reach, and could be bought for less than $300. There might still be some around - try Abe's of Maine. The Tamron SP 70-300 VC USD is probably the best medium zoom you can buy for $500. The Tamron 16-300 has also gotten some good reviews - also available now for about the same price. The 18-400 is a little more - around $650. Check out the Sigma 50-500. You might be able to find one refurbished for around $300. None of these are f2.8, though.
Sep 7, 2017 12:56:04 #
all of the above mentioned choices are good.
I got a 16 to 300 and I would rave about it.
I really don't think manufacturers today make poor lens. There is so much competition they would be out of business.
the 16-300 with the piezo drive does a great job in all the situations I have had come up
Its well worth the bucks they ask for it.
That from a NIKON man is probably really good advice.
I got a 16 to 300 and I would rave about it.
I really don't think manufacturers today make poor lens. There is so much competition they would be out of business.
the 16-300 with the piezo drive does a great job in all the situations I have had come up
Its well worth the bucks they ask for it.
That from a NIKON man is probably really good advice.
Sep 7, 2017 13:06:04 #
Thanks, Nikonman .... it is good to see some unbiased commentary from another Nikon user. The last one I read said something about - "if you're going to use a Tamron lens - buy a Tamron camera" which is what I thought to be the height of the arrogance exemplified by the Nikon users on here. BTW, I am a Nikon user, but I also use Canons, Sonys and even a Pentax. Just with everything else - I find cameras as tools, not dedications. And, I am always looking for the best deals on lenses. I am partial, though, to Tamrons (used mostly on my Canons) Sigmas and Tokinas - used primarily on Nikons, but I also have a few for my Canons, and one special 105 Macro for Sony.
Sep 7, 2017 13:23:13 #
Rich1939 wrote:
Any chance you could post the data from one of those out of focus shots? One of us might spot something that could help you out.
Here's the data sheet and one of the shots I referred to. I tried to attach the photo as a RAW file but it wouldn't load, so I added it as a .jpg. Thanks!
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