I have a couple of lenses that overlap to some extent, but each has limitations:
80-200 f/2.8 old, relatively slow AF (Nikkor AFD 80-200 f2.8)
70-300 f/4.5-5.6, faster AF plus image stabilization (Nikkor AFS VR 70-300 f.45-5.6)
Shot from a tripod, the 70-300 is better than I thought, but I'm wondering if it's lack of speed is going to be a huge issue.
If it matters, i'm going to photograph eagles (largely from boats) on a tour to Alaska. Space is limited and I can really only take one of these lenses.
Of these 2, assuming decent light, the 70-300 with the AF and VR should be ok. In a boat situation, you'll need the VR, especially if you're trying to hand-hold. Do some good hand-holding practice before, if possible.
Any chance you can rent a 500 VR?
Have a great time!
Thanks Sandy,
I looked into rental, but that's dreaming a little too much. I sort of blew the budget on the tour and travel costs. I have to make the best of what I have available to me.
Pete
Posted by Mia McPherson on January 27, 2012 at 7:40 AM
Pete,
The 70-300mm VR would be my choice between the two that you mentioned. I always use mine handheld and skip using a tripod and get sharp images. In Alaska I carried a longer lens for birds and wildlife but for you it will depend on how close the boat will get to the birds.
Posted by Dan Roberts on January 27, 2012 at 8:29 AM
What camera body are you shooting? If DX format the 300mm will likely be adequate. With typical Alaskan weather and max aperture of 5.6 you'll be shooting it wide open much of the time unless you really crank the ISO. Even with DX the 80-200 will be short unless you use a TC. For BIF shooting the VR doesn't add much because you need your ss up anyway(some argue that VR actually degrades IQ if used at ss faster than 1/500).
Hope you enjoy your visit.
Posted by Jim DeWitt on January 27, 2012 at 5:52 PM
I'd note in passing that there is all manner of useful advice for nature photographers visiting Alaska over at the Alaska Regional Forum.
Without knowing more about the kind of boat (fishing boat? 4,000 passenger boat?), when and where, it's hard to make useful suggestions, except to note there is often low light (clouds, fog) and bigger boats spook birds.
Discussion
6 replies80-200 f/2.8 old, relatively slow AF (Nikkor AFD 80-200 f2.8)
70-300 f/4.5-5.6, faster AF plus image stabilization (Nikkor AFS VR 70-300 f.45-5.6)
Shot from a tripod, the 70-300 is better than I thought, but I'm wondering if it's lack of speed is going to be a huge issue.
If it matters, i'm going to photograph eagles (largely from boats) on a tour to Alaska. Space is limited and I can really only take one of these lenses.
Thanks, Pete
Any chance you can rent a 500 VR?
Have a great time!
Sandy
I looked into rental, but that's dreaming a little too much. I sort of blew the budget on the tour and travel costs. I have to make the best of what I have available to me.
Pete
The 70-300mm VR would be my choice between the two that you mentioned. I always use mine handheld and skip using a tripod and get sharp images. In Alaska I carried a longer lens for birds and wildlife but for you it will depend on how close the boat will get to the birds.
Hope you enjoy your visit.
Without knowing more about the kind of boat (fishing boat? 4,000 passenger boat?), when and where, it's hard to make useful suggestions, except to note there is often low light (clouds, fog) and bigger boats spook birds.
Pete