Nikon 70-300mm affordable Upgrade

RaglanSurf

RaglanSurf

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Quick question for the good folks on here.

My partner has been using my Nikon 70-300mm 4.5-5.6 VR when we go out in the countryside tp take shots of the Kites and wildlife, with a 1.4 TC attached she can get reasonably close on her Nikon D3500 but always wanted a bit more reach, I picked up a Sigma 150-600mm recently that obviously gets her closer but it's a bit of a beast. Is there anything about the weight of the 70-300mm but with a little more reach without breaking the bank?
 
300mm F4 PF with 1.4tc gives you 420mm and is not much heavier - if any.

Check out the Tamron and Sigma 100-400’s. Heavier than the 70-300 but not as heavy as the 150-600.
 
Has she tried a tripod and ball head ??? I use one with my 150-600 and its so easy to use, and saves on the arms as well.
 
Nikon f1.8 said:
Has she tried a tripod and ball head ??? I use one with my 150-600 and its so easy to use, and saves on the arms as well.
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Tried with a tripod but it was too cumbersome, will try it with a monopod and gimbal and see if thats better. I think its just too unweildy.
 
The 'obvious' light weight long reach outfit is M43 - that's probably the only way to get a long telephoto without the mass.
 
RaglanSurf said:
Quick question for the good folks on here.

My partner has been using my Nikon 70-300mm 4.5-5.6 VR when we go out in the countryside tp take shots of the Kites and wildlife, with a 1.4 TC attached she can get reasonably close on her Nikon D3500 but always wanted a bit more reach, I picked up a Sigma 150-600mm recently that obviously gets her closer but it's a bit of a beast. Is there anything about the weight of the 70-300mm but with a little more reach without breaking the bank?
Click to expand...
Hi, which of the 150-600's did you buy? The Sport model is significantly heavier than the Contemporary. A friend of mine bought the Sport version for the "perceived" improved IQ but soon traded it in for the Contemporary and can't tell the difference - except that his arms don't ache as much :)

I use the 150-600C on a monopod with gimbal and find it quite easy to carry and use. It certainly eases the strain on the arms when keeping the focus point on a bird waiting for some anticipated action to happen.
 
If you really want cheap, you might consider a mirror lens, in particulare the Tamron AD2 500mm, which is usually easy to find under £100.

More difficult to use than a more modern lens but very light and not at all bad optically. I use mine on everything from a full frame Nikon to M43. Use it with a monopod and it's surprisingly sharp...

Crow in a tree 500mm E-PL5 P6200014.jpg
 
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Bristolian said:
Hi, which of the 150-600's did you buy? The Sport model is significantly heavier than the Contemporary. A friend of mine bought the Sport version for the "perceived" improved IQ but soon traded it in for the Contemporary and can't tell the difference - except that his arms don't ache as much :)

I use the 150-600C on a monopod with gimbal and find it quite easy to carry and use. It certainly eases the strain on the arms when keeping the focus point on a bird waiting for some anticipated action to happen.
Click to expand...
It is the Contemporary verosion, I think the monopod and gimbal route might be worth a try.
 
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