[jimb]

I am considering parting with my Sigma 150-500 as I am after a walkabout lens which is lighter and less conspicuous. Having spent some time trawling the internet it appears that the AF-S is the best bet combined with the 1.4 t/c although the older lens still has plenty of admirers. Which is the better lens for BIF and for handholding ?. The Sigma is a lovely lens at f8-f11 but I think I will be stepping up in IQ by going for the prime. The body I am using is a D200.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[RJM]

I think you would do better (and cheaper) for BIF by replacing the D200 with either the D300s or D7000 or wait for the D400. Their AF is/will be more advanced by an order of magnitude(s) and FAST AF performance in the lens and camera are the KEY factors for BIF pics.

I made the "mistake" of trading in my 150-500 on D90 for the 300 f2.8 +2xTCIII and the lens did NOTHING for my BIF pics on the D90. Once I switched to the D300s EVERTHING about my bird photography improved markedly.

[Aegea]

I have the AF version on a D90. It's adequate for BIF for slow and predictable birds like geese, both with and without a 1.4x TC, but quicker birds like swallows are very difficult. The focus limiter (which the AF-S version does not have) helps a bit. The BIF shots on my Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54311838@N00/

were taken with this lens, usually with a non-reporting Tamron 1.4x TC. Its main weakness (other than slowish focus) is a tendency to CA on out of focus highlights.

No experience with the AF-S version.

[jimb]

RJM - Thanks for the advice re the change of body, something I had not considered. I will check this out.
Aegea - Thanks for the comments re the AF lens. You have some cracking photos with this lens and loved the dragonflies as well - very impressive.

[Remirath]

Hi jimb

I disagree regarding the body, if D200 gave you good shoots, maybe would be better buy a 300 f/4 plus a Nikon TC. I´ve a good friend who have amazing shots with this config. The only reason to switch your D200 for a D300 or the newest D400 (only a rumour for now) would be the low noise on high ISO

His gallery

http://www.flickr.com/photos/efemedos/

[JSER]

Will someone please do a table that shows non birders what things like BIF mean, I know now, I finally worked it out but there are some like me who dont, thanks.

[Remirath]

Birds In Flight :)

[JSER]

Originally Posted by Remirath

Birds In Flight :)

Yes I said I know that, ("I know now, I finally worked it out") but a list of abbreviations would be helpful

[Duke Leto]

Originally Posted by Remirath

Hi jimb

I disagree regarding the body, if D200 gave you good shoots, maybe would be better buy a 300 f/4 plus a Nikon TC. I´ve a good friend who have amazing shots with this config. The only reason to switch your D200 for a D300 or the newest D400 (only a rumour for now) would be the low noise on high ISO

His gallery

http://www.flickr.com/photos/efemedos/

Not saying a D200 isn't a worthy body but the step up to the D300 is massive, noise, metering and especially AF accuracy and speed. its was worthy upgrade by Nikon.
If you can get a warrantied used D300(s) its worth getting