Another what (wildlife) Lens thread.
Discussion
Hi all,
I have recently got a Nikon D7200 which I feel is slightly better than my MK1 Nikon 80-400. So I'm looking to upgrade and have narrowed down to three options-
MK2 80-400
Tamron 150-600 (or sigma variant)
New Nikon 200-500
Another outside option is getting a 300 prime and adding a TC to it but I prefer the versatility of the zoom lenses.
The 80-400 is 500g lighter than the other two which is good for me because I'm normally on foot and walking quite far, but it's lacking at the long end.
The Nikon 200-500 is going to be a good lens I think, but it is fairly big and quite heavy to be carrying around all day.
The Tamron has fantastic zoom range but is heavy and maybe IQ is going to be not as good as my other two options.
I will be carrying the lens and camera with me for quite some distance sometimes and won't have a tripod or monopod so handheld shooting is the norm. So VR is helpfully. Planning on photographing all sorts of wildlife in all sorts of conditions. From shoreline seagulls to Munro red deer! (Hopefully!)
I was just wondering if anyone can offer their opinions on my options or add any personal experience of these lenses? Or suggest something else? Many thanks for any replys.
I have recently got a Nikon D7200 which I feel is slightly better than my MK1 Nikon 80-400. So I'm looking to upgrade and have narrowed down to three options-
MK2 80-400
Tamron 150-600 (or sigma variant)
New Nikon 200-500
Another outside option is getting a 300 prime and adding a TC to it but I prefer the versatility of the zoom lenses.
The 80-400 is 500g lighter than the other two which is good for me because I'm normally on foot and walking quite far, but it's lacking at the long end.
The Nikon 200-500 is going to be a good lens I think, but it is fairly big and quite heavy to be carrying around all day.
The Tamron has fantastic zoom range but is heavy and maybe IQ is going to be not as good as my other two options.
I will be carrying the lens and camera with me for quite some distance sometimes and won't have a tripod or monopod so handheld shooting is the norm. So VR is helpfully. Planning on photographing all sorts of wildlife in all sorts of conditions. From shoreline seagulls to Munro red deer! (Hopefully!)
I was just wondering if anyone can offer their opinions on my options or add any personal experience of these lenses? Or suggest something else? Many thanks for any replys.
I haven't handled all of these but both Bigmas and the Tamron are big lenses to hand hold especially for long periods. I don't think I'd fancy it though they do seem great options, IQ wise and offer good value.
No idea about the 200-500, has it even been reviewed yet? Maybe worth waiting before deciding.
The 80-400 looks great but I guess seems a little tame in reach terms next to the other options. Does seem to suit your needs better than the others though.
I know you're not keen on primes but the new 300mm f/4 is a very light, compact lens. That teamed up with a 1.4x could be quite a good option. Without the TC, I'd be surprised if any of the others get close in terms of IQ.
One last curve ball. Have you thought about a used Sigma 120-300 2.8 and either a 1.4x or 2x TC? Never used one but a fascinating option.
No idea about the 200-500, has it even been reviewed yet? Maybe worth waiting before deciding.
The 80-400 looks great but I guess seems a little tame in reach terms next to the other options. Does seem to suit your needs better than the others though.
I know you're not keen on primes but the new 300mm f/4 is a very light, compact lens. That teamed up with a 1.4x could be quite a good option. Without the TC, I'd be surprised if any of the others get close in terms of IQ.
One last curve ball. Have you thought about a used Sigma 120-300 2.8 and either a 1.4x or 2x TC? Never used one but a fascinating option.
Gad-Westy said:
I haven't handled all of these but both Bigmas and the Tamron are big lenses to hand hold especially for long periods. I don't think I'd fancy it though they do seem great options, IQ wise and offer good value.
No idea about the 200-500, has it even been reviewed yet? Maybe worth waiting before deciding.
The 80-400 looks great but I guess seems a little tame in reach terms next to the other options. Does seem to suit your needs better than the others though.
I know you're not keen on primes but the new 300mm f/4 is a very light, compact lens. That teamed up with a 1.4x could be quite a good option. Without the TC, I'd be surprised if any of the others get close in terms of IQ.
One last curve ball. Have you thought about a used Sigma 120-300 2.8 and either a 1.4x or 2x TC? Never used one but a fascinating option.
HiNo idea about the 200-500, has it even been reviewed yet? Maybe worth waiting before deciding.
The 80-400 looks great but I guess seems a little tame in reach terms next to the other options. Does seem to suit your needs better than the others though.
I know you're not keen on primes but the new 300mm f/4 is a very light, compact lens. That teamed up with a 1.4x could be quite a good option. Without the TC, I'd be surprised if any of the others get close in terms of IQ.
One last curve ball. Have you thought about a used Sigma 120-300 2.8 and either a 1.4x or 2x TC? Never used one but a fascinating option.
Thanks for your reply. I will certainly look into a the 120-300 and the 300 prime. I suppose it comes down to weight, although I think I'll be investing in a Black Rapid strap no matter which lens I get. Thanks for your reply, and certainly food for though.
Remember the 200-500 is a whole other (lower) class than the 80-400mk2. its going to be a cheap consumer lens, but STILL retail at close to twice the price of the sigma 150-600C.
And also constant f5.6
The sigma 150-600c is a pretty sweet lens , had a play a few weeks ago, good price, not too heavy but a solid lens, you can use the dock to fine tune the focus, honestly why look past this.
And also constant f5.6
The sigma 150-600c is a pretty sweet lens , had a play a few weeks ago, good price, not too heavy but a solid lens, you can use the dock to fine tune the focus, honestly why look past this.
I have the Nikon 80-400mm Mk2 and it is pin sharp, I've also found out that while I'm out I can take sharp close ups and crop in with quite good sharpness which means I'm not having to get the macro lens out all the time. I have used a 1.4x converter on it, but find that I can crop in so well that I don't use the converter now. The 80-400mm is sharper than the Tamron and Sigma 150-500mm lenses, but they do seem good value, but I certainly would swap my 89-400mm for either of them. I'm using the lens on a D7100 so it's 35mm equivalent is 120-600mm.
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