Beginner Best Nikon/Sigma Lens for aviation photography.

Messages
3
Name
Toby Cook
Edit My Images
Yes
I have just started out doing aviation photography and I feel my Sigma 300mm lens doesn't have enough range for what I want.

If you have any suggestions feel free to inform me.
 
Do you have DX or FX? 300 mm on DX is about 450mm equivalent. A lens that goes all the way to 600 mm (900 mm equivalent) may be tricky for aviation photography as I struggle with longer lenses pointing the camera the wrong way during displays...

I have heard good things about the 200-500 mm lens, cashback is available at the moment.

But one thing isn't clear - budget! no point us advising you to pay £1200 or more if your limit is £200....
 
The definition of best depends largely upon your budget.

Limited
Seek out a Sigma 'Bigma' 50-500 or a Sigma 150-500.

Higher
Sigma 160-600 Contemporary

Little more
Sigma 160-600 Sport

More still
Sigma 50-600

Lots
Nikon options.
 
The Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 is fine on a D500 (and D7200 also) for aviation work, light enough to handhold for extended periods.

GC
 
Do you have DX or FX? 300 mm on DX is about 450mm equivalent. A lens that goes all the way to 600 mm (900 mm equivalent) may be tricky for aviation photography as I struggle with longer lenses pointing the camera the wrong way during displays...

I have heard good things about the 200-500 mm lens, cashback is available at the moment.

But one thing isn't clear - budget! no point us advising you to pay £1200 or more if your limit is £200....

I have a Nikon D200
 
The Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 is fine on a D500 (and D7200 also) for aviation work, light enough to handhold for extended periods.

GC

:plus1:


at least the nikon will work in the future on nikon bodies
where the other lens's probably won't
plus its f5.6 through the full focal range

you've been warned
 
Sigma offer a 100-400 which I have seen used for this purpose.
I don’t have one but might try it for next season.
Tamron also offer the same zoom length.
Main benefit is lighter weight. They are not as heavy and not as expensive as the Nikon 80-400.
Is 400mm enough?
 
I had the Sigma 150-600 Sport and found the weight to be an issue for extended periods of hand holding. I sold it on and got hold of a Nikon 200-500 from these forums and have been very happy with it. You lose a bit of zoom, but get a lot lighter package and the constant aperture. I've been really happy with that as my choice.
 
I usedthe Tamron 150-600 after selling my Nikon f4 300mm. Great lens for the money, when I nailed a shot it was hard to tell apart from the Nikon - did have less keepers but that was due to panning at 600mm is harder than at 300mm!!! 200-500 supposed to be very good
 
I’ve used the Sigma 150-500. Sigma150-600c and the Tamron 150-600. For the price I think you’ll be happy with any of them.
 
Back
Top