Need more reach for less than £500!

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Chasing Myths

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I need a little more reach for birding, the way I see it I have two choices but am unsure of which to take - ideally I would like over 400m but have a tiny budget!

Out of the two which would give the best result do you think?
Nikon AF-S 55 mm - 300 mm - F/4.5-5.6 plus a x 1.4tc

Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS
 
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Not sure that Nikon zoom will function with a TC ........ AF will be difficult
 
I did think that the siggy may got a vote or two, to be honest I wasnt 100% sure if the TC would work and hoped someone would say - what is the reason for this? Ive not used a TC before...
 
The Nikon won't work with a TC.

When I owned a Nikon 70-300 VR and a Sigma 150-500 I actually preferred to use the Nikon and crop rather than use the Sigma.

If you really want mega length then a Nikon V1, FT1 and 55-200VR is worth a look, could be had for £350ish
 
Not sure if Nikon is same as Canon, but from what I have read the AF is unreliable at F8 on crop cameras.

The 1.4x will push the 55-300 out to F8 at maximum magnification.

Dave.
 
I have a Nikon J1 already and did think of that as an option but was concerned the smaller sensor would limit how much I could throw the background out
 
Dave Semmens said:
Not sure if Nikon is same as Canon, but from what I have read the AF is unreliable at F8 on crop cameras.

The 1.4x will push the 55-300 out to F8 at maximum magnification.

Dave.
Click to expand...

Not just that, it physically won't fit (I believe). Generally DX (crop) lenses don't work with TCs, nor does the FF 70-300 VR which is another option.
 
A cheap option for good consistant "birding" shots is not really possible

As you presumably have a Nikon DSLR, if you can get a used AF-S Nikon 300mm f4 plus TC14ll within your budget ........ that would be your best bet

Failing that I would look at one of these "super" bridge type cameras, but you may (always) be disappointed with the IQ
 
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I have the Nikon 70-300 VR and have been really pleased with it (especially given the price). It depends what you want it for... I've tried photographing birds with it and unless you are close to the subject it can be a bit frustrating without that extra reach (and it definitely doesn't take the TC as mentioned already). I get a really nice bokeh with it though! Here is an image I took with it a while ago. ss 1/125th f/5.6 at 280mm. I was standing about 20ft away...View attachment 17384
 
Thanks for all the posts, has certainly given me something to think about and a few additions worth considering.

Lovely image Rob:)
 
you can use a TC on the 70-300VR (and other consumer lenses). You have two choices - modify a nikon TC or get a third party like the kenko.

That said, I wouldn't bother. I have used a (modified) nikon TC14 on my 70-300. IQ was poor and it was VERY slow at AF. I got much better results but just cropping.
 
Thanks for all the info - it looks like the siggy or tamron equivalent is the answer then!

Image seems nice and sharp Damian!
 
BillN_33 said:
A cheap option for good consistant "birding" shots is not really possible

As you presumably have a Nikon DSLR, if you can get a used AF-S Nikon 300mm f4 plus TC14ll within your budget ........ that would be your best bet

Failing that I would look at one of these "super" bridge type cameras, but you may (always) be disappointed with the IQ
Click to expand...
Budget is £500, a used afs will be £650 give or take. Tc would be more than £100.

What camera do u have? Long winded maybe, but a d300 is £300, a used 300mm f4 af (not afs) would be similar, maybe a tad more, so say £700, sell your camera for £200 and hey presto (will not work if you have a d40 lol)
 
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