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08/24/2009 03:42:47 PM · #1 |
hi
I want to buy a lens to take photos of birds and wildlife.
I am considering the Sigma 150 - 500 mm f5-6.3 or the Nikkor 300mm f4, no VR.
I am concerned that Sigma lens will not be sharp in zoom mode or that I will struggle to take photos with the 300 mm due to camera shake?
Any experiences regarding these issues?
Regards
marna |
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08/24/2009 03:59:20 PM · #2 |
Hi Marna, I had the Sigma 150-500mm for Pentax. It\'s a heavy brute, but can be handheld. Prolonged use, I would suggest a monopod or tripod.
Results were pretty sharp and perfectly acceptable, although on the Pentax K20D it did seem to overexpose by 1/3 to 1/2, but nothing too drastic.
Here is an untouched jpeg, just resized:
And this is 100% crop from same photo:
Good value lens. I would like the Nikon 300mm myself, but money is a bit short, so I may have to go to the Sigma 120-400mm, it has good reviews. It would even better if Nikon hurried up and released the AP-S 80-400mm VR II version.
ETA: Just a quick note, this is a White Rhino, not a really overexposed Black Rhino :))
Message edited by author 2009-08-24 16:33:02. |
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08/24/2009 04:13:15 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by tinkie2010:
hi
I want to buy a lens to take photos of birds and wildlife.
I am considering the Sigma 150 - 500 mm f5-6.3 or the Nikkor 300mm f4, no VR.
I am concerned that Sigma lens will not be sharp in zoom mode or that I will struggle to take photos with the 300 mm due to camera shake?
Any experiences regarding these issues?
Regards
marna |
Marna,
I shoot canon, so i can't really tell you anything specific about the lenses (i've never used the sigma either) but I just recently picked up a 400mm f/5.6 with no image stabilization, and it can definitely be used hand held, although i prefer to have a tripod. i would think with the f/4 300mm you should probably be fine when it comes to camera shake, but it would probably be worthwhile to try the lens out first at a local store if possible. at f/4 you'll be able to shoot faster than i can with my 5.6. and if you have to, you can always bump up the ISO too. i don't have experience with the the sigma lens, but my experience with zooms in general is they are considerably less sharp than my prime. that might not be the case here, but it's definitely something to consider. |
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08/24/2009 04:22:25 PM · #4 |
Tx
I also think that the 300mm will be better performing but in Africa wildlife is still very much wild and I am concerned the zoom might be inadequate.
I also have a 1.4 teleconvertor, but it looses 1f-stop if used.
I cannot afford anything more than $1500
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08/24/2009 04:25:29 PM · #5 |
| FWIW, 300mm is a little short for most wildlife work on a FF camera. You really want something in the 500-600mm range. You may find that 300mm works for your particular situation. You also may find that the 300/4 with a 1.4x converter is an option. |
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08/24/2009 04:27:10 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
FWIW, 300mm is a little short for most wildlife work on a FF camera. You really want something in the 500-600mm range. You may find that 300mm works for your particular situation. You also may find that the 300/4 with a 1.4x converter is an option. |
Agreed, plus you will only lose one stop with the converter and still retain the prime sharpness!
ETA: Just checked out the Nikon 300mm and as you said, no VR so you will be in monopod or tripod territory. The Sigma has OS which is supposed to be pretty good, although I never had a chance to find out with the Pentax version as it doesn't have the OS due to the camera having IS built in.
Message edited by author 2009-08-24 16:30:58. |
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08/24/2009 05:10:09 PM · #7 |
| Although a great lens the Nikon 300mm f4 will end up way to short, even with a 1.4 TC, at least IMHO. I shoot a D300 with a 1.5 crop factor and use the Nikon 80-400 VR and consider it just long enough and still wish it had a bit more length at times. Even with the VR I almost always use a monopod, if for nothing else for comfort weight wise. It is rumored that the AF-S version of this lens will be otu this year but then again it has been rumored for years. The older AF system is a bit slow in lower light but works ok most of the time. If in fact the AF-S version does come out I would expect the price to drop on used Nikon 80-400's pretty fast which could help if money is an issue. Now if it is not then we should be talking the Nikon AF-S 500mm f4 VR or the Nikon 200-400 f4 VR! |
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08/24/2009 05:17:57 PM · #8 |
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08/25/2009 12:32:26 AM · #9 |
Hi
I see your point and agree the 300 mm will not work.
Is the sigma lens sharp enough for my purpose. Anybody out there that is using it and that are satisfied?
regards |
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08/25/2009 04:27:49 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by tinkie2010:
Hi
I see your point and agree the 300 mm will not work.
Is the sigma lens sharp enough for my purpose. Anybody out there that is using it and that are satisfied?
regards |
Well, I have shown you what the Sigma 150-500mm lens performs like at 500mm on a Pentax camera. The photos are straight from the camera with no adjustments or sharpening. I don't know exactly what you are looking for in terms of sharpness etc, but I think you will agree they are not too shabby. |
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