nancylewis123
Friday 22nd February 2008, 21:37
I currently own a Nikon D200 and Nikkor 300mm F4 lens. I love my set up and have taken some great images, but of course, want more reach. I have saved up my pennies and am ready to purchase, but am struggling with finding the best solution for my needs. I am a petite female and most of my bird photography is done while hiking. I have finally accepted the hard reality that there is no way I am going to treck very far with the Nikkor 500mm F4 or the Sigma 500mm F4.5. I have studied the various zoom options and really want to stick with a prime lens. The Nikkor 400mm F 2.8 is not an option, as it is even heavier than the 500mm F4. I have tried using my Nikkor 300 F4 with a TC, and I am not able to focus fast enough, either with AF or manual. So...here is my new idea: I would sell my 300 F4 lens and my D200 and purchase the D300 with its faster focus and less noise (higher ISO potential), and purchase the Nikkor 300mm F2.8, which will provide plenty of light for use with a TC. So, I would be at an effective 450mm, have more light, a faster focus capacity, greater ISO range and VR. The cost is 2lbs in lens weight, as the D300 weighs essentially the same as the D200. I would really appreciate hearing your thoughts on this plan.