I have been looking fpr a telephoto lens (the focal length at least 300mm) that can be equipped with 2x teleconverter without losing the AF system (i.e. the speed of the combination must be at least f5.6). In other words, a telephoto lens 300mm f2.8 is required.
Nikon 300mm f2.8 is out of the question (the price tag is simply too high). Sigma 300mm f2.8 could be an option, but it is not available yet. I have been looking for an used lens, but without any success. I searched information regarding the actual release date of the lens, but I was unable to find anything. Does anybody know when the lens becomes available?
Ryder wrote:
Buy a used one or something like this. Especially good if budget is a concern.You might not want this one but they are out there ...
Pretty good idea. I checked eBay UK, Germany, and Sweden yesterday without any success, but I didn't think about the US. Usually traders in the US ship only to the US and Canada, but this one ships worldwide. The price tag is pretty high 1,350 USD, but on the other hand that is only about 1,000 EUR due to the current ratio.
Nikon 300mm f4 would bring only 90mm more (with 1.7x converter). Besides the speed would drop down to f6.8
jacko wrote:
Sami, I'm using the 300mm f4 with a TC17. I know it's not supposed to, but it does (f6.7 max aperture). Just a thought
Jack
Jack,
Does that work on your N80 too I'd expect that if it does it should also work on the D70 and D100... I expect that the AF on the D2 series cameras will work at lower light levels, but I may be wrong.
p.1 #10 · When Sigma 300mm f2.8 becomes available?
chemprof wrote:
Jack,
Does that work on your N80 too I'd expect that if it does it should also work on the D70 and D100... I expect that the AF on the D2 series cameras will work at lower light levels, but I may be wrong.
Gerald
You know, I haven't tried it. I'll snap it on and see, just for kicks.
p.1 #11 · When Sigma 300mm f2.8 becomes available?
According to the user manual of D1X, the speed of the combination must be at least f5.6 to enable the focus indicator. I assume that the same limit applies to the AF.
p.1 #14 · When Sigma 300mm f2.8 becomes available?
Sami. I have a Sigma 300mm F2.8 HSM EX. I have used it on an F5, F100 and now on a D70. I use it with the APO 1.4 and APO 2.0 teleconverters. A fine lens with excellent build quality. Maybe not quite the quality of the Nikkor equivalent but also not as expensive. I paid $5000 NZ about 4 years ago. On the D70 with the APO 2.0 converter the 900mm F5.6 equivalent is handy for wildlife.
I'd expect that if it does it should also work on the D70 and D100... I expect that the AF on the D2 series cameras will work at lower light levels, but I may be wrong.