Fast Nikon Sport lens

Harrison's have excellent customer service and prices are 'reasonable' but sometimes you can get some relative bargains.
 
If you can live with similar apertures the Nikon 70-300 AF-P VR focuses fairly fast. I am impressed with the image quality from this £300 lens.
 
snerkler said:
Harrison's have excellent customer service and prices are 'reasonable' but sometimes you can get some relative bargains.
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I just use Harrison's on my last purchase, bought a used Fuji 56mm f1.2 for £600 (brand new is around £770-850). Lens looks like new when I got it so I'm very happy, also they come with 12month warranty on used item too.
 
snerkler said:
Agreed, unless they plan on swapping to FF at some point.
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I use the MK1 version on my previous D700 and D3. No problem at all on those FF body in terms of quality. I guess using newer bodies like D750, D5 and the almighty D850 might see some differents.
 
No plans to swap bodies at the moment, and if i did it would probably be to another DX.
Whilst the 70-300 is a small step up, i dont think its enough of one to really justify it? - correct me if im wrong.

I would be better off spending a bit more and trying to pick up a 70-200 f4 for a noticeable jump.
 
badboy1984 said:
I use the MK1 version on my previous D700 and D3. No problem at all on those FF body in terms of quality. I guess using newer bodies like D750, D5 and the almighty D850 might see some differents.
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It's the vignetting on the VR1 with FF, no issue with sharpness etc (y)
 
snerkler said:
It's the vignetting on the VR1 with FF, no issue with sharpness etc (y)
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I see now, when I use the MK1 on my FF bodies, I was only shooting slow movement sports like running etc, and subject is always in the middle of the frame so I wasn't looking at the edges for vignet lol.
 
Hertsman said:
Whilst its a step up from the 55- the 70- is not in the same league as a 2.8 or f4.....
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Have you used one for motorsport

It's in the same league price wise either, when I shot Motorsport using a D300 I was very happy with the quality of the images, you don't need f/2.8 to shoot motorsport plus 2.8 lenses get heavy when you're lugging them about all day
 
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Completely agree, but i think its an amazing lens to use!
Thats why im leaning more toward the 70-200 f/4 as its cheaper and still produces great images in comparison to the 55-300.
I just dont think the 70-300 is enough of a jump and i know if i buy one, 6 months down the line i will be looking at the 70-200 f/4 anyway!
 
I have both the Tamron 70-200 f2.8 VC G1 and the Nikon 70-200 f4 and they are both amazing, fast sharp and consistent. I use both for motorsport, although typically the Nikon more as it's much lighter and takes a TC, whereas the Tamron G1 doesn't work well with any TC I've tried, it really messes up the AF.

I have used both the 1.4x II and 2.0x III Nikon TCs with the Nikon f4 and they both work really well, the 2x does slow the AF down a fair bit but it is still quite good.
 
I see what you mean with the 2.0x TC. I was only planning on using the 1.4x anyway, IF i find i need the extra reach. 280mm would be enough for most places.

Great info though thanks @Toggerman
 
Just to throw something else into the mix... a second hand Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 D. It's about 2, maybe 3 generations "old" and doesn't have any fancy VR equivalent. However, I picked mine up for less than £600 and it's pretty sharp for a zoom, even at f/2.8 (especially at the centre). It needed a bit of AF tuning on my camera, but was within "scope" and now focuses well.

I had to look for a couple of months before finding the right one at the right price, but it's a cracking value long lens. I also added a Sigma 1.4x TC which turns it into 170-420 f/4 with still ok sharpness, especially at f/5.6 and up.
 
pjm1 said:
Just to throw something else into the mix... a second hand Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 D. It's about 2, maybe 3 generations "old" and doesn't have any fancy VR equivalent. However, I picked mine up for less than £600 and it's pretty sharp for a zoom, even at f/2.8 (especially at the centre). It needed a bit of AF tuning on my camera, but was within "scope" and now focuses well.

I had to look for a couple of months before finding the right one at the right price, but it's a cracking value long lens. I also added a Sigma 1.4x TC which turns it into 170-420 f/4 with still ok sharpness, especially at f/5.6 and up.
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I did suggest this along with sigma 100-300mm f/4 which is also cheap... but OP seems to prefer the Nikon 70-200mm option. I'd personally go with either Sigma (which ever version is affordable).
 
I would prefer a VR feature but im very wary of the mixed reviews on the Sigmas. Alot are saying theirs are de-centered etc.
 
I use sigma 70-200 f2.8 before I got my Nikon and the sigma is pretty good. The problem is when you tried the Nikon one you will always want the Nikon one, ended up selling the sigma for Nikon. Plus at that time I was doing some outdoor sports stuff so I need something that is weather seal as well.
 
weather sealing is advantageous but if im at a motorsport event its because im a fan, not being paid to shoot. So if its starts raining i can always put the camera away!

I will just wait and see what appears on the classifieds and how flush i am feeling!
 
nick16 said:
weather sealing is advantageous but if im at a motorsport event its because im a fan, not being paid to shoot. So if its starts raining i can always put the camera away!

I will just wait and see what appears on the classifieds and how flush i am feeling!
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Don't a lot of the fun shots happen int he damp / rain though?
 
nick16 said:
weather sealing is advantageous but if im at a motorsport event its because im a fan, not being paid to shoot. So if its starts raining i can always put the camera away!

I will just wait and see what appears on the classifieds and how flush i am feeling!
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I was selling my Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR1 last week when I moving to Fuji system. No one was interest at all, so i sold it to MPB.
 
@badboy1984 thats just called sods law!

I wouldn't be in a place to buy now with an impending holiday, but perhaps a couple of months down the line yes.

@Eloise yes they do, you have to be lucky to be in the right place at those times. i tend not to stand with the crowd on the popular crash corners though!
Im not ruling out an f/2.8, but i think the f/4 is more in my budget and is better suited to my skill set whilst im still developing. It will still offer a great improvement over the 55-300 f/5.6 - 6.3
 
nick16 said:
I would prefer a VR feature but im very wary of the mixed reviews on the Sigmas. Alot are saying theirs are de-centered etc.
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If you're shooting motorsport you don't need or want vr , I've had many lenses over the years 70-300 70-200vr sigma 70-200 nikon 80-200 push pull which was the sharpest lens I've ever owned , I even shot superbikes with it , the only thing it really struggled with was coming towards you at 160mph

All these lenses were bought used and my ownership cost was next to zero , my advice would be to scour the classifieds and buy there
 
wack61 said:
If you're shooting motorsport you don't need or want vr , I've had many lenses over the years 70-300 70-200vr sigma 70-200 nikon 80-200 push pull which was the sharpest lens I've ever owned , I even shot superbikes with it , the only thing it really struggled with was coming towards you at 160mph

All these lenses were bought used and my ownership cost was next to zero , my advice would be to scour the classifieds and buy there
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Why don't you want VR with motorsport?
 
I never used it , fast moving objects just made blurry photos with it on
 
wack61 said:
I never used it , fast moving objects just made blurry photos with it on
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Have to agree with you, VR just seems to slow the focusing for fast moving object, I rarely use it on any of my lenses
I use a MK1 70-200 that I've had from new with my D7100 & D7200, can't fault it on recent visits to Brands Hatch for bikes and trucks
 
wack61 said:
I never used it , fast moving objects just made blurry photos with it on
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You don't need it with fast shutter, but for slow shutter pans 1/50 and lower I find I get better results with it on tbh.
 
I used to get a strange effect with it on, like the frame was jumping about, don't have any VR lenses since I changed to Canon, can't really say i've missed it
 
wack61 said:
I used to get a strange effect with it on, like the frame was jumping about, don't have any VR lenses since I changed to Canon, can't really say i've missed it
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Depends on the lens I guess. The 70-200mm VRII has two modes, normal and active so maybe this helps.
 
I had the VR1 , I also had a 300 2.8 which was like carrying a sledgehammer about with the body on :D
 
a quick update. Was at brands hatch recently and found myself shooting at 250mm+ more than i thought i would!
A real spanner in the works now.
 
Looks like it! - As long as it focuses quickly as alot of the shots at 250mm+ are cars coming towards or moving away from the camera.

Is there much difference between the older and newer versions of the lens? Apart from the newer version looking much smarter.
 
I believe there are 4 version
1) EX HSM - the original, soft wide open at 300mm but improve stopped down to f4 and beyond
2) EX DG HSM - Same lens with DG coating
3) EX DG OS HSM - new improved optical formula with OS. Sharper at 300mm wide open still not quite a match for dedicated 300mm prime
4) DG OS HSM Sport - latest and greatest, supposedly sharper than the 3rd version (despite having a similar optical formula), compatible with the sigma USB dock
 
Thanks for clarifying that @nandbytes

Whilst i can get a 300mm prime in good condition for reasonable money, and certainly cheaper than the no4 listed above, it does limit my options for shooting.
If a substantial amount was shot at 300mm then i would certainly consider one, but i think the 120-300 opens up more locations around the circuits i can shoot.
 
Have just stumbled across the following - Sigma 100-300 F/4 EX DG IF HSM.

Inexpensive and covers the range i need. With a better fixed aperture than the current f/5.6 - 6.3 i have now.
If i wanted extra distance, a 1.4 TC can be obtained to give me just over 400mm at something like f/5.6
Im sure i would produce better photos than my 55-300 nikon.

Is this something that would be suitable for me? Does it focus fast enough?
Even if its an improvement over my previous lens it will help me get some shots i want!

I think @nandbytes recommended this lens early on in this thread.
 
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yes I did indeed. The focussing is fairly decent with the HSM version. I wouldn't say its fastest around by latest and greatest standards but its no slouch either.

I don't shoot cars but I have shot action with much slower lenses, so it'll probably do fine if you can use it well.
 
Im just trying to weigh up the cost of the lens vs How often it will be used vs results it will give.
And find a happy medium.

Im aware most will give better results than the 55-300. The natural step up is the 70-300, but hopefully i can obtain something better still.

Thanks for the help :)
 
if you need lens speed, 100-300mm is a good start. Its a lens you can easily shoot wide open and get sharp shots. Its also very affordable, one stop down its better than 70-300mm from Sony or tamron (I haven't used nikon equivalent so can't comment there). All in all its a very good budget option that now hits well above its selling price IMO.
 
I think it would also be a sensible step. I dont believe i need f/2.8 really. f/4 is perfectly acceptable.
It would be best to hone my skills and learn to use the extra light it would provide before looking to splash out and newer and more expensive lens.
 
The sigma 100-300/4 is a good lens and focuses fast. But it seems to have quite a bit of variability, if you go that route I would make sure it can be returned/exchanged. In good light I quite like my 80-400 VRII... it's a joy to use compared to the 120-300/2.8. It's both much lighter/smaller and it's more flexible.
 
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