Dilema...

[mex]

Do I keep my Sigma 500mm f4.5 (DG) or trade it in against a Nikon 300mm f.2.8 VR II and use my TC2e III with it?
I predominately shoot birds using a monopod and now and again a tripod.Would the IQ be that much better using VR lens and the TC as opposed to the prime? I have read no end of reviews on 'tinternet and many of them are quite conflicting.
Your opinions please.

 

[mex]

I put this in the wrong forum,now moved.

 

[markyboy.1967]

If your Sigma is a sharp copy then i would keep hold of it.The Nikon 300 VR II is in a class of its own however adding the tc will degrade IQ and slow down your AF. If you were adding say a 1.4 or even the 1.7tc then i would opt for the Nikon every time however even though the 2x tc III is a massive step up from the old version it still has its effect...Keep the 500 Sigma unless going for a different tc...

 

[mark richards]

can't comment on the new nikon 2.8, only owned the older 2.8 one before the AFS...bloody sharp lens, even with converters, a good bit sharper than my sigma 120-300 2.8, I never use the vr on the lenses i got.. when i use a monopod, I never seemed to need it...
like you i have tried most lens combinations ,but would love 400mm 2.8 ..mark

 

[Deleted member 34016]

surely if you use a 2x TC on the lens you'll loose the AF function or am I wrong in thinking that???

I shoot a sigma 150-500mm with a sigma 1.4 TC and it gets good results and I still have the AF function, although I usually shoot using manual focusing


Les

Ps Nice Avatar

 

[mark richards]

surely if you use a 2x TC on the lens you'll loose the AF function or am I wrong in thinking that???

I shoot a sigma 150-500mm with a sigma 1.4 TC and it gets good results and I still have the AF function, although I usually shoot using manual focusing


Les

Ps Nice Avatar

yes Les, it still auto focuses with 2x on.. mark.

 

[Steve-T]

A top review which considers your questions is here http://mansurovs.com/nikon-300mm-f2-8-vr-ii-review

 

[mex]

Cheers for the replies guys, I am still undecided as I have'nt been in to rent one for a day.The review (thanks by the way) is very interesting reading and sheds more light.