Which lens?

AndyJ1980

AndyJ1980

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Hi guys,
I'm looking to extend my lens range up to 400mm/500mm for wildlife and sports photography. The question is which lens? I have a budget of up to £1000 (can extend to £1200 at a push).

I've narrowed it down a bit to these three lenses:
Sigma 100-300mm f/4.0 EX DG HSM
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD Lens
Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM

The first 2 in the list I'd use a teleconverter (1.4x for the Sigma, which I already have, and 2.0x for the Tamron), whereas the Sigma 150-500mm I wouldn't have to.

If I'm truly honest, I prefer the Tamron as I get a nice range both with and without the converters, and a better f stop.

I have a Nikon D60, with the standard 18-55 VR, 35mm 1.8, and Tamron 70-300mm (this I could sell post purchase of the other Tamron lens) macro lenses.

Cheers,

Andy

PS. any further ideas on different lenses are greatfully accepted
 
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What about the Nikon 300 f4 with a TC? Just about in your top end of budget. Or do you want zoom only?
 
was thinking about the zoom function to purely decrease the number of lenses I have to carry (yes, I am that lazy :lol: ).
now off to read up about the Nikon 300.....:coat:
 
AndyJ1980 said:
...Sigma 100-300mm f/4.0 EX DG HSM
Click to expand...

This is one cracking lens - well recommended for wildlife - have owned it as well - used it with both the siggie ex apo 1.4 & 2x TC's...

It would come well under your budget for a used version & under still if you purchased it new...
 
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just had a little browse..... it seems like most people went for the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM for my camera, and on that basis I'm gonna disregard that lens (so I don't follow the crowd) :lol:
 
markyboy.1967 said:
What about the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 and its a zoom. Great lens and takes a tc likes its not there. My second choice would be the Nikon 300 f4.
Click to expand...

well out of my price range unfortunately
 
Dan (djaphoto) seems to be looking at selling a Nikon fit Sigma EX APO IF HSM 100-300 f4... Sigma 100-300mm f4 ....
 
AndyJ1980 said:
just had a little browse..... it seems like most people went for the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM for my camera, and on that basis I'm gonna disregard that lens (so I don't follow the crowd) :lol:
Click to expand...


Most people on finding their hand in a fire will withdraw it. Following the crowd is not always a bad thing. ;)
 
I've had Sigma's "bigma" (50-500 not the newer version) & it was one hell of a lens too lug around - after a while I sold it & got the Siggie 100-300 f4 EX DG.....


edit:

Forget that as the 50-500 wasn't mentioned at all in the OP :bang:
 
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Trig's said:
I've had Sigma's "bigma" (50-500 not the newer version) & it was one hell of a lens too lug around - after a while I sold it & got the Siggie 100-300 f4 EX DG.....


edit:

Forget that as the 50-500 wasn't mentioned at all in the OP :bang:
Click to expand...

pmsl! I did look at it, but it is a hefty piece of kit so thought best of it
 
markyboy is right....the Sigma 120-300mm with 1.4xTC will give you the best deliverable compared to the other lenses mentioned; it's streets ahead in terms of IQ against the 150-500mm OS and 'Bigma'. Non-DG versions do indeed sell within your price range, though you may want to factor in getting a replacement tripod collar so it can double as a carrying handle (the improved, bigger version is only on the DG models).
 
I wouldn't even consider the 150-500, its too slow, to bulky and heavy.

100-300 siggy followed by the tamron 70-200
 
cheers guys, I'm gonna try out the Sigma 100-300mm f/4.0 EX DG HSM,
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD, and the Sigma 120-300 f2.8.

will let you know what I choose

Andy
 
For image quality Nikon 300mm f4 + 1.4TC = 420mm f5.6, or + 1.7TC = 510mm f6.7.

300f4 + 1.7TC ISO3200


300f4 no TC but wide open at f4
 
AF on the D60 is only guaranteed for f/5.6, not saying it won't focus after that point, it just might take a while, so I might knock the Sigma 100-300mm on the head (same goes for the Nikon 300mm) :(

still gonna try them out, inc the Nikon 300

cracking pics Martyn, thanks for posting them up :thumbs:
 
AndyJ1980 said:
AF on the D60 is only guaranteed for f/5.6, not saying it won't focus after that point, it just might take a while, so I might knock the Sigma 100-300mm on the head (same goes for the Nikon 300mm) :(

still gonna try them out, inc the Nikon 300

cracking pics Martyn, thanks for posting them up :thumbs:
Click to expand...

According to Nikon's blurb on the 1.7TC it should not work (AF) with any of my f4 lenses ... but it does
 
AndyJ1980 said:
just had a little browse..... it seems like most people went for the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM for my camera, and on that basis I'm gonna disregard that lens (so I don't follow the crowd) :lol:
Click to expand...

Now that would be a pity as it's a cracking lens.
My 2 nd choice would be a 70-200mm f2.8 you can pick up a mint s/h VR which would be well with in your budget :) also works well with 2x
 
iancandler said:
I wouldn't even consider the 150-500, its too slow, to bulky and heavy....
Click to expand...

It's not actually bad to lug around. It has the advantage over most other large lenses of having a decent sized handle/tripod attachment.

I have lugged mine around all day with no problems.
 
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