Nikon 300/2.8 or Sigma 120-300, and TCs (1 Viewer)

I had just about made my mind up on the Sigma (ca. US$2,000 in near perfect condition) and the Sigma TCs (x1.4 and 2.0) when I started reading about the 300s.

I can't afford a 300 VR II though a VR I at about US$3,000 would be within reach. However as the previous versions seem to be just as sharp and most of my shooting is on a monopod at 1/500 - 1/2000 then the VR doesn't seem to be of that much benefit (I currently use a VR-free Sigma 500mm and I'm pretty comfortable with that).

Any views, opinions on the use of any versions of the 300, or the 120-300, with TCs would be highly valued as these lenses will rarely be used without them. Thank you !

I use a 300VR I often together with the 1.4 or the 2.0 TC and most of the time I'm happy with the result. I also use tripod a lot and then I usually turn off the VR. Have a look at the pics in my gallery or my Pbase site.

Unless you need the zoom go for the Nikon VR1. I have owned both and found the latter much easier to handle. I posted my opinion on a similar thread yesterday..

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=246613

Nothing technical just my opinion.

Cheers

David99 said:

Unless you need the zoom go for the Nikon VR1. I have owned both and found the latter much easier to handle. I posted my opinion on a similar thread yesterday..

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=246613

Nothing technical just my opinion.

Cheers

Click to expand...

Thank you David.

I checked out your gallery and shots like the Red-and-yellow Barbet are excellent (lots of feather detail) whereas the eagle (taken at 15m) was a little soft (over-excited perhaps) !

Currently I'm using a Sigma 500mm (3.1kgs) on a D800 and can hand-hold that when necessary but usually it is on a gimbal/monopod combo which works well.

I was looking for a little more flexibility as I am off to NZ next month for 5 weeks and will include whales and dolphins as well as birds, so the 120-300 + TCs looked like it ticked a lot of boxes if the IQ is there .... but I would like to see at the very least the same IQ as my 500mm, if not a slight improvement. Hence my thoughts re. a 300/2.8 in it's stead.

Since you already have a 500, I would think that a 300 f/2.8 would be a great addition to your kit. If you can find a VR I in your price range, go for it. For traveling, you might also consider the 300 f/4, which is a pretty nice lens, and, while I haven't seen any images from a D800 and 300 f/4, I'd guess it works great. Takes the 1.4 TC well, also.

regards, and have a great time in NZ. You're going to enjoy it,

Jim

tombac said:

I use a 300VR I often together with the 1.4 or the 2.0 TC and most of the time I'm happy with the result. I also use tripod a lot and then I usually turn off the VR. Have a look at the pics in my gallery or my Pbase site.

Click to expand...

Thanks Tombac - some lovely shots in your gallery !

gvca1 said:

Since you already have a 500, I would think that a 300 f/2.8 would be a great addition to your kit. If you can find a VR I in your price range, go for it. For traveling, you might also consider the 300 f/4, which is a pretty nice lens, and, while I haven't seen any images from a D800 and 300 f/4, I'd guess it works great. Takes the 1.4 TC well, also.

regards, and have a great time in NZ. You're going to enjoy it,

Jim

Click to expand...

Thanks Jim. I'm still torn between the 300 and 120-300. The 500 was mentally packed up and ready to go however I'll get one of those other lenses in the next week or two and then it may be a tougher decision if the IQ is as good as the Sigma 500mm. More flexibility whilst touring NZ. Decisions, decisions ....