Birding lens for Nikon D70s (1 Viewer)

Cristian Mihai

Cristian Mihai

• Jul 21, 2011

• #1

A birding mate has a Nikon D70s and he wants to buy a lens for birding. His budget is less than 1000 EUROS. I know nothing about Nikon cameras and lens, so I would like to know your opinions about this issue. Thank you.

 

Last edited: Jul 22, 2011

Aegea

Well-known member

• Jul 22, 2011

• #2

I'm not sure about European price levels, but I would think a used 300 f/4 AF and a Kenko PRO 1.4x TC would be within that budget, while I suspect the AF-S version and a Nikon TC might not be. An alternative would be a Sigma 50-500 used or new depending on prices. If he wants new, maybe a Tamron 70-300?

 

ospr3y

Osprey Fanatic

• Jul 22, 2011

• #3

1000 Euros is about 1500 US Dollars. I think a good lens to begin with would be the Sigma AF 150-500mm f/5-6.3. It costs €743 ($1,069). I haven't used it, but I've heard it's an excellent lens (though a tad bit heavy handheld). I swear I would have that lens if it was within my budget.

You can view photos and discussion on this lens here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/sigma150-500/

 

Duke Leto

Without habitat, there is no wildlife. It's that s

• Jul 22, 2011

• #4

Cristian, used a Nikon AF-D300/4 and a Sigma 1.4 on my D70s with success, if you can get one, there built like a tank, exceptionally sharp (better build quality imho than the AF-S) but has an odd 82mm filter size.

 

R

Remirath

Well-known member

• Jul 26, 2011

• #5

Totally agree with Leto. Try to go for a 300 f/4 and any converter. Better than sigma 50-500. This is not a bad lens, but it depends of the unit. Some of them have little front/back focus, and at 500 is not the sharpest lens possible. I have no idea about the price, but I think that 150-500 from Sigma is around this money, and is better than 50-500