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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Nikon D300 and telephoto lenses
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Showing posts 1 - 9 of 9, (reverse)
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 03/30/2008 09:05:35 PM · #1
Hello,
I currently have a D80 with the Nikkor 18-200mm VR and the Sigma 10-20mm and I'll shortly be upgrading to the D300. Along with the new camera I also want to get a new telephoto lens for wildlife photography. I'm looking for at least 400mm and wondered if anyone could advise on which would be the best lens to get IQ wise. Can afford around $1k to $1.5k.

With the D300 having really good noise levels at higher ISOs, does that mean I wouldn't have to worry so much about having stabilization built into the lens?

It also seems like Nikon and Sigma are due to bring out newer versions of older telephotos so would it be better to wait a while?

Thanks for any help,
Mark

p.s. Be great to hear from D300 users as to how you're getting on, particularly wildlife photographers and what lenses you use.
 03/30/2008 09:15:25 PM · #2
I'm not much for wildlife but 70-200 VR works great for me and I don't need anything longer. I hear good things about 80-400 as far as sharpness but it is very slow at focusing.

Message edited by author 2008-03-30 21:16:45.
 03/30/2008 11:15:35 PM · #3
In the price range you gave the only real choice is the Nikon 80-400 VR. It is bit of an old model (Auto Focus but not AF-S) that they may someday upgrade but right now it is the only lens in that price range that offers quality. With a monopod and VR you can do pretty well with it.

I have owned the Tamron 200-500 but it is considerably slower and no VR.
 03/30/2008 11:28:52 PM · #4
Look at the Sigma 50 - 500 zoom. I do a lot of wildlife photography with mine. A monopod works well with this lens. However I use a bushhawk shoulder mount instead. This allows me to follow flying raptors.
 03/30/2008 11:40:39 PM · #5
Originally posted by Nikolai1024:
I'm not much for wildlife but 70-200 VR works great for me and I don't need anything longer. I hear good things about 80-400 as far as sharpness but it is very slow at focusing.


I am using the Nikkor 80-400mm VR with my D3. Yes autofocus is slow , but no complaints on sharpness. As for the slow autofocus , you can always compensate for this weakness. Really it is not too bad, I have done panning shots on birds , yesterday I was shooting an F1 race car (not stationary , it was really moving) - no real issues.
My advise is to get the VR lens , it really works & coupled with the excellent ISO performance of the D300, you can have the big advantage of maximizing your DOF.
03/30/2008 11:58:23 PM · #6
Thanks for your comments. Actually I was just looking at the Sigma 50-500mm and the new 150-500mm they've got coming out with OS....wonder how much that'll be. The 50-500mm is a good price, but no OS and very heavy, but then I guess that is to be expected with any 400mm+ telephoto. The Nikon 80-400mm does look like a good choice too, but I wish I knew when an updated version was coming out otherwise knowing my luck, I'll get one and then the next day, the updated AF-S version will be announced!

...ummmm decisions....
 03/31/2008 12:10:21 AM · #7
I have the 80-400 VR and really dig it. I shot some surfing earlier in the year.. (havent edited the shots to post yet) but was very pleased with how sharp they were. Would be stellar for wildlife as well in my opinion.

I looked at the sigma 50-500 but opt'd for the VR.. no regrets.

Good luck with your decision.. perhaps rent a lens to test sometime.. then you will know for sure what works for you.
 03/31/2008 12:45:59 AM · #8
I have the 80-400VR and though pleased will replace / upgrade it as soon as the cashflow allows. In your circumstance, I'd suggest you buy the 2X teleconverter from Nikon that is compatible with the 18-200MM you currently own. I looked on the Nikon compatibilty matrix and unfortunately they do not list the 18-200 at all so I cannot confirm compatibility but would check it out prior to sinking money into the 80-400. If you are looking at going long and want to shoot wildlfe, go prime and consider even a 300mm focal length as the quality will forgive your need to crop down your image. The 80-400 is old technology and does quirky things due to the screw type focus mechanism. Its noisy and slow to focus in low light. I've had some great results from mine but am challenged to get a "Tack Sharp" image without some fussing around in post processing. When shooting wildlife, speed and sharp are the operative words. Hope that helps.
 03/31/2008 02:47:36 AM · #9
I tried the 80-400VR and the Tamron 200-500, which isn't too pricey yet has yielded some excellent shots. I would prefer to have VR, otherwise I just shoot a bit faster and use a monopod and that works fine. You cannot put a TC on the 18-200 due to the rear element being so close to the mount.
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