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New Zoom lens? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Hughv
- Start date
Pitvar
Well-known member
Depends on your budget but I've had two copies of the NIkon 70-300 VR lens when I was starting out - both carefully bought from ebay and still a lens I rate for being lightweight and usable. Otherwise I now much prefer prime [non zoom] lenses for birding use - maybe a second hand 300mm f4 Nikon [older model] might work for you? I had one of the early models of that lens for a while and it was very sharp. Hope that helps.
ericbowles
Well-known member
If you are going to buy from eBay, be sure you are okay with having to get a lens repaired. Normally eBay is just fine, but the two most likely repairs on any lens are the VR and the AF.
You might take a look for used lenses at www.Keh.com. They are very reliable, grade very conservatively, have a reasonable 15 day return policy, and have been around for a very long time. They also repair lenses and cameras.
The 70-300 VR is a very good choice for a reasonably priced zoom lens. It is one of the best lenses for the money made by Nikon.
You might take a look for used lenses at www.Keh.com. They are very reliable, grade very conservatively, have a reasonable 15 day return policy, and have been around for a very long time. They also repair lenses and cameras.
The 70-300 VR is a very good choice for a reasonably priced zoom lens. It is one of the best lenses for the money made by Nikon.
Duke Leto
Without habitat, there is no wildlife. It's that s
I don't know the 3100 but I doubt that the body has a built in af motor to drive the earlier 300/4 af-d, which is a shame cos it was a cracking lens with an odd 82mm filter size.
ericbowles
Well-known member
Only the current 300 f/4 AFS will work with current Nikon teleconverters. The older versions are good lenses, but they require older models of teleconverters if you choose to go that route and want reach beyond 300mm. Older models do not work with cameras like the 3100 which lack a motor drive - only the AFS lenses will auto focus with those models.
flible
Well-known member
I also have a D3100 and I have been looking around for along time and found that my best option for a good zoom lens is a Sigma 150-500mm. I have used a few times and it works very well. On ebay you can sometimes get them for £500 which is about $767 which is a very good price for a zoom 500mm lens.
I agree, it's probably the ideal first bird lens and maybe all you need. I would advise saving up and getting it new from a shop where you can check it's a sharp copy with your camera.
There are lots of examples on the oldest pages of my Flickr photo stream site on the first link below.
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I have a D3100 and Sigma 150-500. Recent photos taken with this combination are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/18276798@N07/sets/72157629587532376/with/7159831440/
The lens is sharp at 500mm at f8 but gets soft if you go wide open. I'm happy with the lens but long for a Nikkor lens.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/18276798@N07/sets/72157629587532376/with/7159831440/
The lens is sharp at 500mm at f8 but gets soft if you go wide open. I'm happy with the lens but long for a Nikkor lens.
Hughv
Where's that bird?
Amazon has this lens new for $969.00
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-150-500...ameras/dp/B001542X64/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
I love the photos DJ posted, and I may just go for it.
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-150-500...ameras/dp/B001542X64/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
I love the photos DJ posted, and I may just go for it.
ericbowles
Well-known member
A friend on Nikonians just made a long post about a comparison of the Nikon 200-400, Tamron 200-500, and Sigma 150-500. Based on his comments, the Sigma is remarkably good and his preferred choice over both of the others when you consider cost. Not quite the quality and speed of the much more expensive Nikon, but very good compared to anything in the $1000 price range.
The only concern with the 150-500 is build quality - and that should not stop you from buying the lens. The Sigma has had a few more reports of issues than other lenses. That is to be expected as both VR/OS and AF are the most common repairs to any lens. Sigma is a well known brand with a reputation for standing behind their products and a network of independent repair shops that can handle problems.
You may be thinking about extending the reach with a teleconverter. The Kenko Pro 1.4 teleconverter is the only one that physically fits and produces reasonable results, but even that is a real stretch and requires great light and impeccable technique.
The only concern with the 150-500 is build quality - and that should not stop you from buying the lens. The Sigma has had a few more reports of issues than other lenses. That is to be expected as both VR/OS and AF are the most common repairs to any lens. Sigma is a well known brand with a reputation for standing behind their products and a network of independent repair shops that can handle problems.
You may be thinking about extending the reach with a teleconverter. The Kenko Pro 1.4 teleconverter is the only one that physically fits and produces reasonable results, but even that is a real stretch and requires great light and impeccable technique.
Although the kenko 1.5TC fits and is a good converter, in any light it degrades the image too much to be of any use. Your camera may also loose autofocus. I tried several times to make it work but cropping the 150-500 always produced a better image than with the kenko added. I think converters are really designed for pro lenses. So don't count on that. The 150-500 on it's own is a really good starting lens.
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