Which Nikon zoom

markyboy.1967

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Mark Molloy
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Im looking around for a zoom lens for my Nikon.At the moment i have a 300f4 which gets used most of the time, im trying to buy an 80-200AFS.I would like to add a zoom to these just for a walk around, ease of use type lens. It needs to be ok with wildlife/birds etc. Im looking for either a 70-300 VR or an 80-400VR--I know there is a big difference in price but its the zoom, focal length and the VR which i think would make things easier.Anyone any opinions on either of the above in terms of sharpness, focus speed etc.

Also thought about the Sigma 120-400, 50-500 and the 150-500--are any of these worth the money.

I dont always want to carry a monood around so the VR or OS would help with hand held shots.
 
Hi, can't comment much on your situation other than I think you need a 400+ lens for what you are describing. I have the Sigma 120-400 and I am very pleased with this so far, although I have only had it for a couple of months. I use mine with a Nikon D60.
Hope this helps a little.
Mike
 
80-400 is not the fastest lens to autofocus, however, if you adjust your style for that shortcoming, it is a great,relatively, small zoom.

I either prefocus or switch it to manual focus.
 
Yip i just read that the 80-400 Nikon is slow. The Sigma 120-400 is a possibility but still like the 70-300 Nikon idea as its cheap and has the VR.Any others to consider which focus quickly and have around 300mm or more. Remembering i have the 300f4 and tc for my main outings
 
Don`t dismiss the 80-400 for that one fault, it is a very good ,sharp lens and the range makes it a very good all rounder.It is compact and easy to carry around or stuff in bags for holidays etc.

If I could only take one lens somewhere, I would take this one.
 
Of the 3 Sigma lenses you list, the 150-500mm OS would be the one I'd pick. The Nikon 70-300mm VR is a lot smaller and lighter, but for reach, it's the Sigma. If you don't want to carry a monopod, you might try the $1 Image Stabilizer?
 
Don`t dismiss the 80-400 for that one fault, it is a very good ,sharp lens and the range makes it a very good all rounder.It is compact and easy to carry around or stuff in bags for holidays etc.

If I could only take one lens somewhere, I would take this one.

Its a little shorter and fatter than the 70-200 and prob a touch lighter, the zoom is terrible for sports but ok for everyday use and i would expect it to be fine for shooting birds, it is very sharp if you use it within its capabilities, heres a moon shot using it

400m on a tripod @ f8 iso 200
 
All the pics on my racepics site (in sig) were taken with it.

WOW thats the most intensive watermarking i have ever seen!!! LOL :nuts:
 
Psssssst:

Flash doesn`t like the 80-400.......:thumbs:
 
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