need a new telephoto lens

racefan · April 2, 2011

well i posted a pic of an eagle that was blurry, well figured out what the issue was....its my lens. so my question is im looking to get a new lens but im not sure what to get, my local camera store said i should go with the tamron 70 - 200 (http://www.tamron-usa.com/lenses/prod/70200_di.asp) but the lens that i have now is a 135 - 400. i like the ability to really zoom in on my subject. the tamron is an apeture 2.8 which is nice and the 200 - 500 tamron (http://www.tamron-usa.com/lenses/prod/200500mm.asp). i like shooting eagles and sporting events, mostly auto races and air shows. Any help or suggestions would be great...........Thanks

ThatCanonGuy · April 2, 2011

Hmm... 135-400, that's interesting. Can you post a picture of it? I've never heard of it. Your camera and budget would also be helpful.

racefan · April 2, 2011

i dont have a pic of the lens right now and i really dont want to spend more then a grand if at all possible but i dont want to go cheap either

racefan · April 2, 2011

not my lens but this is what it looks like..

http://www.kundrotas.com/2011/3/xz/DSC_0380.JPG

ziggy53 · April 2, 2011

If this is for the Nikon D90 in your profile and if you are looking in the 400-500mm focal lengths I can recommend:

Nikkor 80-400mm, f4.5-5.6D ED VR
Sigma 150-500mm, f5-6.3 DG APO OS HSM
Tamron SP 200-500mm, f5-6.3 Di

Of these the Nikkor is the best (IMO) and costs the most. It is half-again more than your budget but I think you would find it the most satisfying. At 400mm you will find it very suitable at f8 and f11.

The Sigma 150-500mm appears to have replaced the Sigma "Bigma" 50-500mm, which was a fairly good lens that again required a lot of light and smaller apertures (in my experience with the lens). The Sigma 150-500mm now benefits from stabilization but the recommendation for smaller apertures still stands. You should be able to find it selling new at just above your budget.

(Edit: It looks like some venders still have the Bigma OS in stock but for more than the Nikon 80-400mmVR.)

The Tamron does not have stabilization, but it is just inside your budget new. It does have the poorest showing at the long end and even stopping down doesn't help that much.

You might find some worthwhile discussion here:

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=99063
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=99843
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=130249
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=135264

racefan · April 2, 2011

thanks every one choices to make.....i hate it...lol

Harryb · April 2, 2011

An excellent lens that would fit into your budget is the Nikon 300 f/4. I've used it for years with excellent results. When you have more $ you can increase its reach with the 1.4 TC or the 1.7 TC.

IMHO, Nikon's 300 f/4 is one of their best lens bargains. You can read a review of the lens here http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/228-nikkor-af-s-300mm-f4d-if-ed-review--test-report

racefan · April 3, 2011

This really sucks trying to figure out what lens to get, the tamron 70 - 200 i used at my local camera store was really nice, it had a fast auto focus and its a f2.8 which is nice. i would really like the reach of a longer focus. he said to get a teleconverter but thats another 400 + on top of the cost for the lens.

Im looking for something that has a fast auto focus, a lower f stop and takes sharp pics. theres way to many to try to choose...

ImageX Photography · April 3, 2011

racefan wrote: »

This really sucks trying to figure out what lens to get, the tamron 70 - 200 i used at my local camera store was really nice, it had a fast auto focus and its a f2.8 which is nice. i would really like the reach of a longer focus. he said to get a teleconverter but thats another 400 + on top of the cost for the lens.

Im looking for something that has a fast auto focus, a lower f stop and takes sharp pics. theres way to many to try to choose...

The 70-200 is not going to get you that far out. Certainly not for Eagles. If you have patience and are resourceful, you can find good deals out there. I found(and bought) a 3 month old Sigma 50-500 OS for $980. It's a great lens but needs good light. I bought it for motorsports and air shows. If you like to "zoom" in on your subjects, I do suggest a focal length longer than 200mm.

racefan · April 3, 2011

i like the abilty to zoom right in on my subjects if im really wanting to. Ive read so many different reviews and post on lenses its driving me nuts. I just need to find something before i go to the Indy 500 at the end of May.
ImageX Photography love the pics of the blue angles, thats what i like to shoot to, if they ever come back to where i live.

ImageX Photography · April 3, 2011

racefan wrote: »

i like the abilty to zoom right in on my subjects if im really wanting to. Ive read so many different reviews and post on lenses its driving me nuts. I just need to find something before i go to the Indy 500 at the end of May.
ImageX Photography love the pics of the blue angles, thats what i like to shoot to, if they ever come back to where i live.

In my opinion, a 70-200 is a very moderate telephoto lens. I don't think it will reach out as far you want... even on a DX body. HAd you not mentioned "eagles", I might say different. A 70-200mm is just not going to get you all that close to the Indy cars either. A 500mm lens will do much better at that.

If I were you, I'd probably get a 70-200 2.8.... just because every photographer should own one. Then, go for "real" telephoto of at least 300mm. I would also recommend renting a 50-500mm (or 150-500mm) like mine for the Indy 500. See how ya like it first. It will surely get ya some great shots... as long as it's sunny out. Good lenses are expensive so renting is always a smart thing to do before you buy.

The Blue Angels are awesome.

I am shooting some races this weekend and will be using my 70-200 AND my 50-500. I can show you some comparison shots from the same event if you want. I do have on track access though so they won't be spectator type shots and maybe not a good comparison for you.

These are with a Nikkor 70-200 but I'm only 10-15 ft off the track.

racefan · April 4, 2011

well i came across guy here where i live that cleans and fixes lenses so i called a left a message, so hopefully he calls back and says he can fix it that would really be nice..fingers crossed..

ThatCanonGuy · April 4, 2011

Fix what? I don't think there's anything wrong with your Sigma, it's just low-end and does not provide fast AF.

racefan · April 4, 2011

ive had it for 5 years now, its always been a little slow focusing but the whole issue now is that the focusor sharpness from the lens is no good. I was told the elements could have gotten knocked out of whack, not sure how cause i have never dropped or hit any of my camera equipment at any time but i have used the living hell out of that lens.

racefan · April 5, 2011

what are the thoughts of this lens.......http://www.tamron-usa.com/lenses/prod/200500mm.asp

ziggy53 · April 6, 2011

racefan wrote: »

what are the thoughts of this lens.......http://www.tamron-usa.com/lenses/prod/200500mm.asp

As I mentioned above, it's in your price range but no stabilization and not as sharp at the long end as the competition, even stopped down.

Go with Harry's suggestion of the Nikkor AF-S 300mm, f4D ED-IF and 1.4x teleconverter for a good compromise between cost and utility with very good image quality*, or go with the Nikkor 80-400mm, f4.5-5.6D ED VR if you want more convenience and VR stabilization.

The Sigma "Bigma" can work at 500mm if you have good light and can stop it down. It's only available used. The Bigma OS is more money but user "ImageX Photography" found one used in your price range. Both versions have HSM, Sigma's best AF technology.

*Harry's image example for the Nikkor 300mm, f4:
http://behret.smugmug.com/photos/59380175-M.jpg

ImageX Photography · April 6, 2011

racefan wrote: »

what are the thoughts of this lens.......http://www.tamron-usa.com/lenses/prod/200500mm.asp

I've heard mixed reviews on that lens. If I were in your position and wanted the reach that you do, I would be going for the Sigma 50-500mm or the Sigma 150-500mm... no question. Both are proven lenses at a good price. The Tamron.... not so much. You can find a 50-500mm non OS Bigma for $700-800 and it's a good lens!! I think you would be very happy with it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sigma-50-500-mm-f-4-6-3-APO-HSM-Nikon-/130504065858?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item1e62a60342

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sigma-50-500mm-f-4-0-6-3-EX-APO-HSM-EX-Nikon-/180648336792?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item2a0f7add98

racefan · April 6, 2011

just not to sure about buying a used lens with out acaully seeing or trying in person and i think that is a big part of my issue..

ziggy53 · April 6, 2011

racefan wrote: »

just not to sure about buying a used lens with out acaully seeing or trying in person and i think that is a big part of my issue..

KEH, Adorama and B&H all make it a very easy process. If something is not to your satisfaction you return it, no problem. All you are out is return shipping and insurance.

The majority of my lenses are used purchases and I've had a few "duds". Returns were simple and I've always been satisfied with the transaction between these three companies.

ImageX Photography · April 6, 2011

racefan wrote: »

just not to sure about buying a used lens with out acaully seeing or trying in person and i think that is a big part of my issue..

I understand your concerns. I have bought many used lenses and have ALWAYS been 100% satisfied. You just need to buy from a reputable dealer or seller. If you buy on Ebay, your purchase is typically protected by Paypal if the auction item is not as stated. There's no way one can always afford to buy brand new lenses and almost everyone buys a used lens at some point. I know I do!

Nikkor 70-200 USED
Sigma 50-500 USED
Tamron 90mm USED
Tokina 11-16 USED
Nikkor 70-300 USED

Couldn't be any happier with all of them. It would have cost me 3-4 times what I spent in order to acquire those new. Just pay attention to who you are buying from.... and you'll save a small fortune.

racefan · April 6, 2011

Well i hate to do it but i need to take out a loan on my 401k to get the lens so im able to spend a little more then a grand but dont want to crazy...lol

HelenOster · April 7, 2011

ziggy53 wrote: »

KEH, Adorama and B&H all make it a very easy process. If something is not to your satisfaction you return it, no problem. All you are out is return shipping and insurance.

If you email me before ordering I can have some pictures of any unit that interests you emailed back to you.

All used items from Adorama come wih a 90-day warranty which includes a 30-day returns period.

If the item is found to be faulty within the first 30 days, we'll even cover the return shipping cost!

racefan · April 7, 2011

HelenOster...

can you send me some more info and pics on these three lenses..

http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20431233.html

http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20429159.html

http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20433548.html

thanks..

HelenOster · April 10, 2011

racefan wrote: »

HelenOster...

can you send me some more info and pics on these three lenses..

http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20431233.html

http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20429159.html

http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20433548.html

thanks..

I would need you to email me so we can email you back with the pics attached..................HelenO@adorama.com

racefan · April 16, 2011

well i went with the 70 - 200 2.8 and when the teleconverters comes in im gonna get one of them. any one think i would be able to sell my sigma, it would be nice to get something out of it then just throwing it away..

i just want to say thanks to every one for the help and input..

need a new telephoto lens

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