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Archive 2012 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500

  
 
BrianJarvis
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


I'm looking for a good all around big zoom lens. Other than Zoo Animals and the various birds in my yard, I'd like the flexibility to shoot airshows and birds in flight. The BIF and Airshow probably rules out the Nikkor due to its slow focus but from what Ive read it's sharper than the sigs which is a +. I know most peoples preference is the 70-200 plus 2xTC or but that is out of my budget since the VR is a must and I'm not interested in a prime because as I mentioned above, I need/want flexibility. I welcome your input.


Feb 08, 2012 at 09:55 PM
FortyOneSixty
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


Its a shame you want a zoom because the 300 F4 +1.4x TC is really the best bang for your buck when it comes to IQ and AF speed.

The 80-400 has the best IQ and its AF speed isn't horrendous, just might not be fast enough for some BIF.



Feb 08, 2012 at 10:14 PM
lxdesign
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


70-300VRII?


Feb 08, 2012 at 10:17 PM
BrianJarvis
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


lxdesign wrote:
70-300VRII?



I'm already getting that one, but I also want a bit of extra reach and you can't fit a TC on the 70-300



Feb 08, 2012 at 10:19 PM
BrianJarvis
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


FortyOneSixty wrote:
Its a shame you want a zoom because the 300 F4 +1.4x TC is really the best bang for your buck when it comes to IQ and AF speed.

The 80-400 has the best IQ and its AF speed isn't horrendous, just might not be fast enough for some BIF.



I really want VR since I don't use a tripod all that often.



Feb 08, 2012 at 10:24 PM
BrianJarvis
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


I'm open to all other suggestions, I just want to stay away from Primes for now.


Feb 08, 2012 at 10:57 PM
Jammy Straub
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


If you're shooting with a D80 like it says in your profile get a newer body with better AF and higher MP. Crop your 70-300VR.

Or maybe check this guy out
http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/296-tamron-af-200-500mm-f5-63-di-ld-if-sp-lab-test-report--review



Feb 08, 2012 at 11:36 PM
BrianJarvis
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


Jammy Straub wrote:
If you're shooting with a D80 like it says in your profile get a newer body with better AF and higher MP. Crop your 70-300VR.

Or maybe check this guy out
http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/296-tamron-af-200-500mm-f5-63-di-ld-if-sp-lab-test-report--review


I will be replacing the D80 this year with either the D7000 or the D300 replacement assuming it ever get released this year



Feb 08, 2012 at 11:43 PM
cohenfive
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


i've had good experience with the sigma products i have used, took the old 80-400os to tanzania and it performed well. i have heard nothing but good things about the 150-500os as well, and that would be my choice in the price range. the only other thing i might consider would be a combo of the 70-200vr1 with a tc 1.7 or the new tx 2.0...but that would be pushing the price range. if you got the 150-500os you would have enough money left over to get something like the sigma 10-20 which is also a good value lens...good luck!


Feb 08, 2012 at 11:52 PM
MichGoBlue
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


Does the Tokina 80-400 have VR/VC/OS? I had not heard that as yet and have been considering several of these lenses as well.

I almost got a 150-500, but the owner told me it would not be good for BIF or Sports due to pretty slow AF. Have not tested it myself though.



Feb 09, 2012 at 12:06 AM
galenapass
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


BrianJarvis wrote:
......but from what Ive read it's sharper than the sigs which is a +.


I thought the Sigma 120-300 had great reviews?

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=381&Camera=9&Sample=0&FLI=1&API=3&LensComp=625&CameraComp=614&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=3&APIComp=2



Feb 09, 2012 at 12:08 AM
MichGoBlue
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


He has the 120-400 listed though . . .


Feb 09, 2012 at 12:22 AM
galenapass
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


WHoops.


Feb 09, 2012 at 12:45 AM
Chris S.
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


I voted for the Nikkor 80-400 because I have a very high regard for mine. However, whether or not that means it's right for somebody else is a big leap. The lens is very sharp, in its sweet spot, and has great bokeh. For zoo animals and animals in your backyard, look no further. For air shows, I think I'd do fine with this lens--though I'd probably use it on manual focus, which I prefer on all lenses. I've done some BIF with mine, and find my MF ability to be return adequate results. The lens' autofocus capability is not up to my manual focus approach, but but does work OK for big bigs such as hawks and herons. That said, I decided a while back that if one wishes to be a BIF specialist, the appropriate gear is very expensive. For me, BIF is an occasional shoot, not a passion, so I decided not to center my gear choices around BIF

So though I consider the NIkkor 80-400 an outstanding lens for the money, it may or may not be the one for you. By the way, it's also a plumb wonderful portrait lens. For tripod mounting, I'd recommend replacing the Nikon foot with the Kirk.

Cheers,

--Chris



Feb 09, 2012 at 03:06 AM
NightOwl Cat
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


I used a rented Nikon 80-400 at an airshow, first time I'd shot an airshow and the shots were great. I used the focus limit switch to keep it from trying to focus too close during the flights.

Now if I could get over my NMFAS, I would save up and get a used one for sure.



Feb 09, 2012 at 06:46 AM
BrianJarvis
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


Chris S. wrote:
I voted for the Nikkor 80-400 because I have a very high regard for mine. However, whether or not that means it's right for somebody else is a big leap. The lens is very sharp, in its sweet spot, and has great bokeh. For zoo animals and animals in your backyard, look no further. For air shows, I think I'd do fine with this lens--though I'd probably use it on manual focus, which I prefer on all lenses. I've done some BIF with mine, and find my MF ability to be return adequate results. The lens' autofocus capability is
...Show more

I too would only shoot BIF on occassion, most would be stationary or slow moving with the exception of air shows but I can track them fairly well across the sky



Feb 09, 2012 at 08:52 AM
Kingfishphoto
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


Before anyone discounts the Nikon 80-400 VR zoom- better look at the BIF work that Morris does on the nature form.
Harry Palmer



Feb 09, 2012 at 09:01 AM
chupacabra31
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


Don't forget the Sigma 300-800.


Feb 09, 2012 at 09:43 AM
chupacabra31
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


Kingfishphoto wrote:
Before anyone discounts the Nikon 80-400 VR zoom- better look at the BIF work that Morris does on the nature form.
Harry Palmer


+1 I did not know he used that lens! Sweet!



Feb 09, 2012 at 09:44 AM
BrianJarvis
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Big Zoom Choices under $1500


Kingfishphoto wrote:
Before anyone discounts the Nikon 80-400 VR zoom- better look at the BIF work that Morris does on the nature form.
Harry Palmer



Can you provide a link to some of his photos/threads?



Feb 09, 2012 at 10:34 AM
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