Telephoto thats sharp?

Helium_Junkie

Helium_Junkie

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Matt
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Howdy :)

I am looking to replace my nikkor 70-300 f5.6-6.5 With something that can get sharper images, the quality on this lens really seems quite poor to me.

I was hoping for some recommendations for a nice long range lens which is known for being high quality, and that could be upgraded with a teleconverter in the future and still maintain decent quality.

A 200mm would be fine if it stands up well to a teleconverter, I'd be hoping for a 400mm end result.

Problem is, I dont really want to spend more than £300 on the lens, and then buy the converter with a future pay check.

So, is my dream lens possible? Somewhere between 200 and 400 with good quality sharp images?

IS/VR would be nice too :) I have a Nikon D80.

Thanks :)
 
I think you're going to struggle with that budget, If I was you i'd be looking at something like the sigma 70-200 f2.8 which would take a tele converter quite nicely, but is way over your budget.
 
ok, thanks for that :) So is it the teleconverter requirement that pushes the budget? Whats the best likely solution for a telephoto with decent quality that I should think about for £300, or is it a complete impossibility?
 
Is the wide aperture a good identifier of a better quality lens when it comes to telephoto?
 
yes. f2.8 means big diameter glass, which needs to be optically superb, and this generally means they excel throughout the f stop range.

remember a teleconverter will rob a stop or two and will affect image quality.
 
Hmm. I was hoping for a 2 step plan to greatness :p I had a feeling it would be a long shot.
So then, any telephoto recommendations for the £300 mark?
Much obliged :)
 
Im in the exact same position as you, with similar budget, but im looking for a canon 40D, have my eye on the canon 70-300 IS for £350, but im on the fence in regards to its cost, and obviously that lens is no use to you with nikon :(, you thought of buying from warehouse express? Im pondering a better lens and using there 1 year interest free option (pay it off in large chunks over a year, avoiding any interest on the cost)
 
JPS said:
It's the f2.8 that makes it expensive, not so much the teleconverter.
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True but if you want to use the Tele converter you really need a fast lens to start with as putting a 2x converter on an F4+ lens will not only give you a slow lens to start with but I believe you'll loose the ability to auto focus.

Sorry I can't be of more help with this one, I know very little about nikon lenses hens the sigma recomendation as I know it's a good one.
 
Thats approximately 2 and a bit times my budget, is that the next step up from the cheap and cheerful zoom?
 
The 70-300 VR is in your budget, got one myself. Nice and sharp and the VR is excellent.
 
Wile E. coyote said:
The 70-300 VR is in your budget, got one myself. Nice and sharp and the VR is excellent.
Click to expand...

probably the best option for your budget after looking around, won't give you 400mm as it's not compatible with a TC. I'd be tempte to save for a 70-200 f2.8 but it's your money!
 
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=44899

My vote would be for the 80-200 2.8 AF Nikkor, you will be able to pick up a used one for £300 for the push pull type, 20-30% more for the newer versions. I have used it on my D70s, D200 and now the D300 and works excellently with all of them. Not easy handheld as it is a very sturdy lens, but with a fast aperture it allows fast shutter speeds to have a chance of good quality focus.

My recent picture using this lens from the Whipsnade visit this month further down the link above. A few others were posted too in Storks and Lions sections of the visit.
 
I would agree about the 70-300mm vr. I have it myself and am struggling to let it go, even though I bought the 70-200mm 2.8.
Its great value and produces great bokeh.
 
HJ
Just to put a different slant on things it is also about your technique and doing eveything you can to capture a sharp image at source. Put your lens on a tripod and compare the results to those hand held. Keep the speed up at the long end of your zoom. consider using a monopod. For sure expensive glass will give sharp results but only if you use it properly.
Hope this helps :)
 
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