NIKON :: Lens Enquiry

Hi everyone,

I am after a lightweight telephoto lens that can be slung off my shoulder with a spare body attached (at present the D2Xs – but may get the D300 as it’s a little lighter and smaller). It will be used in conjunction with a D2Xs with a 500mm f/4 attached plus a 1.7 TC.

It will serve two purposes;

1. As a back-up
2. For grab shots, i.e. when the subject is too close for the 500mm

The set-up will be hand-held.

I am thinking about the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED. Any advice about the quality of this lens or any other recommendations are appreciated.

Also thought about the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 APO EX IF HSM DG & Sigma 100-300mm f4 EX IF

Many thanks,

Hi Paul

I use a D2X and a D300. The 300 is about the same weight as the D2X when it has the grip and extra batteries attached.
How about the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR with a 1.4TC?

Regards

Tony

Hi Tony,

I have the 70-200mm but don't like slinging it over the shoulder with a TC on. So I'm looking lens that doesn't require one (and as an add bonus can extend if needed!).

Hi Paul,

I have a 300 f4 AF-S for exactly the reason you've stated. I have had some excellent results, it might not be the quickest at focusing, although it's definitely no slouch, but it is fantastically sharp. It's a very versatile lens; you can use it with a 1.4TC and still get very sharp images but the AF does start to hunt a little, it is also a very good macro lens for insect work especially when paired with extension tubes.

Mark

Hi I have a sigma 100-300 f4 ex for sale, paul one of my mates has a 300f2.8 sigma hsm ex dg he wants to sell.

Phillip.

Hi Paul

I have a Sigma 120-300 2.8 on Ebay at the minute. Great lens optically and I really liked it for bird work with the Sigma 2x converter. I really needed something that would cover insect work and was light enough to take hill walking, etc. Like you, I am now looking at the Nikon 300 AFS f4, which I reckon will fit the bill. The Sigma zoom is a great lens but all that extra glass means weight.

Malcolm

What Tony neglected to say is that, since he's had the D300, he hasn't used the D2X in anger!!
The Sigma 120-300 is a tad too heavy to sling over the shoulder on a strap, although the 300 f/2.8 is quite a bit lighter and a fine lens. The 100-300mm f/4 does fit your requirements though.
I don't know the Nikkor 300mm f/4, so can't comment.

There is always the Nikkor 200-400mm f/4!

Ian

Its a shame Sigma no longer make their excellent 400mm f5.6 APO MACRO, it was about as good as the 400mm f5.6L. It was also rather light and had a close minimum focus distance so was great for bugs and such.

I'm looking at a similar thing Paul, once i have sold some of my lenses. I'm torn between the Nikon 300mm f4 and the new Sigma 120-400 OS.

I have the Sig 100-300 f4 too Paul. Depending what you're shooting, a zoom will give you the flexibility. Never tried the others so can't compare but I find the IQ good enough for my needs.

Des

Thanks guys,

I am going with the Nikon 300mm f/4 (for lightness and focal length). Was torn whether to get the Sigma 100-300mm f/4 though. The Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 is just far too heavy for my requirements (just checked out it's weight ). As for the suggestion of a 200-400mm f/4 - I ready have one that I switch between 500mm f/4, and that weighs over 3kg+.

The D300 looks doable without the battery pack when lightness is required!

What Ian negleted to say was that I havnt used the D2X NOT because the D300 is better, the first reason is that its nice to know how a new camera performs, second the D300 has better ISO levels at 400 and thirdly my D2X is with Nikon undergoing a hot shoe repair and service!

Tony