Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · Photo Gear Discussion

Lens Upgrade

Discussion

8 replies
Posted by Mike Thirkell on April 25, 2013 at 6:30 PM
I am currently shooting with a Nikon D300s and a Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens. I have been using this combo for about three years now and am looking to upgrade to a faster sharper lens. I know a Nikon 500mm f4 or nikon 300mm 2.8 would be perfect, but for right now, those are out of my price range. I'm looking to get something between 400 and 500mm in range. I am shooting birds and wildlife. Can anyone suggest a good lens or lens teleconverter combo?

Mike
www.mtnaturephotography.com
Posted by Charlie VanTassel on April 25, 2013 at 6:42 PM
I know that some bird photographers have done very well with the Nikon 80-400mm f4. Check out Mia for one example.

http://www.photoportfolios.net/portfolio/pf.cgi?a=up&ns=1&pi=LIA&CGISESSID=95b93311f252783ef002c94542885bb6&u=22595
Posted by jack jaeger jr on April 25, 2013 at 9:31 PM
Use the Sigma and just save your money until you can afford the 500 prime you wont be sorry. I did it took a few years no regrets.
Posted by Elizabeth Arellano on April 26, 2013 at 12:07 AM
How heavy is the 500? I had considered the 300mm.
Posted by SandyRichardsBrown on April 26, 2013 at 3:02 AM
Mike, Charlie's suggestion of the 80-400 is a good one, PLUS there is a new version of the 80-400 just released that solves some of the original problems with speed, etc. See this recent thread:

http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=74400&CGISESSID=df1640c1391abcf5497dfbef38254bea&u=21967


However, your Sigma is a good lens. In your place, I'd save and save until I could get a 300 +TC or 500.

Sandy
Posted by jack jaeger jr on April 26, 2013 at 11:25 AM
The 500 is heavy but the results are of this prime are unmatched for wildlife.
Posted by jack jaeger jr on April 26, 2013 at 11:35 AM
If you plan on backpacking with this lens than the 500 is probably not the right one for you unless you are very fit and have a lot of extra room. You should rent both and make your decision based on your own result and how you intend on using it.
Posted by Mike Thirkell on April 28, 2013 at 11:27 AM
Thank you all for the input, I really appreciate it !!!
Posted by Nate Chappell on April 28, 2013 at 12:36 PM
Sigma also makes a very good fixed 500 F4.5 lens. The cost is about 5k new - expensive but less than a Nikon prime and much sharper than the Sigma zooms. You can pair it with a 1.4x tc with the newer Nikon bodies. I wouldn't bother with buying a Nikon 80-400, there's not much difference between that and your Sigma.