70-200 w/ TC or 300f4?

[wrexel]

Hi guys

I believe that most beginner avian-shooters would start with either of these two lenses if they are using nikon equipment. I am considering a TC-17e with both.

a) AFS70-200mm f2.8 VR
b) AFS300mm f4

Both lenses weigh about the same, focus to the same min distance but the 300mm lens is much cheaper. Main advantages to the 70-200 is that I can use it for double duty as a portrait or a sports lens (I dont do much of both).

I am not in a hurry to get either lens since I have to save up for them. Any opinions would be much appreciated!

Wrexel

[Arthur]

Hi guys

I believe that most beginner avian-shooters would start with either of these two lenses if they are using nikon equipment. I am considering a TC-17e with both.

a) AFS70-200mm f2.8 VR
b) AFS300mm f4

Both lenses weigh about the same, focus to the same min distance but the 300mm lens is much cheaper. Main advantages to the 70-200 is that I can use it for double duty as a portrait or a sports lens (I dont do much of both).

I am not in a hurry to get either lens since I have to save up for them. Any opinions would be much appreciated!

Wrexel

Hi Wrexel,

If you're just shooting mainly portrait or sports, these lenses would be fine. But I personally find that these lenses are not suitable for birding because of the reach is too short.

If you intend to only going for nikon lenses, I would strongly recommend the AF300mm f2.8 + 2XTC which give you an effect range of 600mm f5.6 without sacrificing much of AF speed. I believe there are some selling 2nd second at Peninsular Plaza at $4K++...check it out.

If your budget allow, go straight for at least a 400mm and above coz reach is very important for bird photography.

For cheaper alternative, you might want to take a look at tarmon or sigma. Some of our bros here uses these brands of lenses and produced stunning photos.

Cheers

[wilis128]

hi wrexel..

another combo that you may consider is sigma 120-300 f2.8.. cost slightly more than the 70-200vr... but coupled with 2x tc will give u 600mm at f5.6, with ok AF speed.

i'm using the same 120-300 for sports..

[Garion]

Hi guys

I believe that most beginner avian-shooters would start with either of these two lenses if they are using nikon equipment. I am considering a TC-17e with both.

a) AFS70-200mm f2.8 VR
b) AFS300mm f4

Both lenses weigh about the same, focus to the same min distance but the 300mm lens is much cheaper. Main advantages to the 70-200 is that I can use it for double duty as a portrait or a sports lens (I dont do much of both).

I am not in a hurry to get either lens since I have to save up for them. Any opinions would be much appreciated!

Wrexel
Hi there Wrexel,

From your two choices mentioned, I would recommend the AFS-300mm f4, with the TC-17e. It would give you a combined focal reach of 510mm. 2nd hand copies can be had at below 2k.

However, if you can afford it, I would strongly advise you to go for a longer lens. As Arthur and wilis128 had suggested, the AF-S 300mm f2.8 or Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 are good choices. Coupled with the 1.4x/1.7x and 2x TC, it gives you a very flexible lens system, with max reach of 600mm at f5.6. Another alternative would be a Sigma or Tokina 400mm f5.6. Good reach and great for flight shots.

[joeyao]

You might also want to consider the AF VR 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED. Sumit's images from this lens is testimony to its capability as a birding lens.

[wrexel]

Hi thanks all (Arthur, Wilis, Garion, Joe) for your comments...

Garion, are you referring to the AFS 300 f2.8 VR? That is a 7-8k lens which I can definitely cannot afford. Dont think i will ever consider a lens of this price unless I were making money off my pictures. ;) Forgot to mention that my budget is around 2-3k. Thanks for the suggestion tho. I agree that 200mm is a bit short for birding - the birds look really small through the viewfinder at 10m even with my 210mm - however I was thinking that a TC-17E would give me a 340mm lens, dunno if this would be sufficient. I did see many pictures of birds using this combo and they are really sharp and have beautiful color.

Joe, I definitely considered the AFD80-400 VR as an option. However, this lens would be my all in one travelling/birding lens (willing only to have one long telephoto in my kit) and I was concerned with the slow AF remarks most people have made. This plus the fact that I am using the D70 and not a pro body like a D2H/X made me hesitate to get this lens. I have seen Sumits pics tho and they are GOOD!

I am not too familiar with Sigma's range of lenses besides the Bigma. I did hear that they have a new 70-200 APO HSM lens though which sounds interesting..

Will see how it goes since I am no hurry to get the lens yet. I will wait if any 300F4 lenses pop up in CS BnS... Thanks again

[leedan]

Since we are on lens choice, can i asked if the AFD80-400VR is any faster as in focusing then the AF 70-300G and what is the price of this VR and is there anyone planning to let one go?

[Garion]

Since we are on lens choice, can i asked if the AFD80-400VR is any faster as in focusing then the AF 70-300G and what is the price of this VR and is there anyone planning to let one go?Hi Daniel,

The AFD 80-400mm VR has faster AF speed than the AF 70-300G which is an entry level lens. I think one goes for around 2.5k+ brand new, and 2nd hand probably about 2k?

You can get in touch with one of our members, kei, I believe he wanted to sell his 80-400 VR some time back.

[wrexel]

Glad to hear that the 80-400 is faster. I have tried the 70-300G and boy is the AF slow... :)

[Garion]

Glad to hear that the 80-400 is faster. I have tried the 70-300G and boy is the AF slow... :)Hi wrexel,

So, did you decide on which lens to get liao? ;)

[wrexel]

i am saving up for the AFS300 f4 with TC.... :)

[ccplim]

i am saving up for the AFS300 f4 with TC.... :)

Do take note that AF speed of 300mm f/4 + TC is not really very great ;)

[Garion]

i am saving up for the AFS300 f4 with TC.... :)Good to hear that, hope you can get your dream lens soon. :)