Convertor (which one)

[knb25965]

I currently have a Nikon 70-300vr and im wondering which convertor is compatible with it,...............but maybe i should trade it in for maybe a 170-500 sigma....

[Telecorder]

I have both a Sigma EX 1.4X TC & a Kenko Pro 300 DG 1.4X TC. A recent outing found that the Sigma seemed to have hunting issues when mounted on the 70-300VR. I didn't have my Kenko with me but at other times, the Kenko didn't seem to have as much issue. Both have given me comparable IQ using the TCs versus cropping the original 70-300VR on static subjects to ~50'. I'm not convinced that the use of a TC on this lens is much of any value for non-stationary subjects.

I'd be hesitant to recommend selling your 70-300VR for the Sigma 170-500. The Sigma 170-500 is, by many reports, a big hit or miss on IQ/handling. Your 18-70 + 70-300VR is a great walk around/vacation combo.

If you're looking for long reach for distant birding/wildlife, I' recommend waiting on the reports of the new Sigma 150-500 OS/HSM. If its IQ/capabilities are equal to/better than the Bigma, that would be the way to go. Of course, a Tamron 200-500 or Bigma has a lot of bang for the buck in their own right. If even more IQ is desired, a 300 f/4 + TC has a bit of an edge but without the advantage of a zoom for composing.

I'm happy with my mixture of lenses. I'm more into BIF of raptors but realize there are times during vacations etc that the Bigma is too much -- thus my other set of lenses. If the 150-500 OS/HSM has equal/better IQ than my Bigma, I might opt to sell my Bigma for it. If not, I'm still a happy camper...

[knb25965]

Thanks for reply, i had thought about the kenko, but had heard about the 150-500 from sigma, will be interesting to see the results form testing............

[sourton]

I have a D80 and was thinking of getting the 70-300vr. Can I ask what the IQ is like with it. This is a heavier lens than I have been using up to now so how do you get on with it handheld. I think I may struggle to hold it steady enough even with vr.

[Telecorder]

I have a D80 and was thinking of getting the 70-300vr. Can I ask what the IQ is like with it. This is a heavier lens than I have been using up to now so how do you get on with it handheld. I think I may struggle to hold it steady enough even with vr.

Actually, a heavier lens is sometimes easier to use as its weight aids in keeping it steadier. The 70-300VR, with its VR also is a big assist. For its price point, its considered to be one of the better Nikon lenses.

The attached is one of the first images using my 70-300VR with my D50. The first (darker blue sky) is out of camera and the second has had some minor post processing and cropping...

EXIF Info--
Exposure Time = 1/640"
F Number = F8
Exposure Bias Value = -0.67EV
Max Aperture Value = F5.66
Metering Mode = CenterWeightedAverage
Focal Length = 300mm
Custom Rendered = Normal process
Exposure Mode = Auto exposure
White Balance = Auto white balance
Digital Zoom Ratio = 1x
Focal Length In 35mm Film = 450mm
Scene Capture Type = Normal
Gain Control = None
Contrast = Hard
Saturation = High saturation
Sharpness = Hard
ISO Speed Used = 200
Quality = FINE
White Balance = AUTO
Sharpening = MED.H
Focus Mode = AF-A
ISO Speed Requested = 200
Tone Compensation (Contrast) = AUTO
Lens Type = Nikon G series Lens
Lens Min/Max Focal Length, Max Aperture = 700/10, 3000/10, 45/10, 56/10

[DFBHeron]

I used the 70-300mm VR with my old D50. I sold it because I felt I always wanted more reach. This lens really did not work well with a tc. On the other hand I felt it took very good images for a zoom lens. It is not heavy in my opinion, and the VR works well, but the use of a TC would be nice.

[yossi]

It can be used with TCs but I found the AF too slow and the results often embarrasing.
The lens should be used as-is.

[Guidenet]

I love the 70-300 vr, but not with a converter. It's a great outdoors walk-around for me.. very sharp and good IQ.

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