Nikon/ Nikkor Lens

Location : Theydon Bois. Essex

Hi,

Looking to replace my Tamron 28-300mm glass that I use with my Nikon D50. Reason - Im sure my images would be sharper with a Nikon lens and perhaps looking for a bit more reach.

Looking for recommendations on which lens. Would be used for air shows, spotting (Hall, Heath, Marham and Coningsby) and the annual trip to the Mach loop.

Budget is a bit restricted. I like the look of the Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8 G IF-ED VR but way over budget!

So looking at the Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4 D IF-ED. Or the Nikon AF 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 D ED VR Any one use / know these lens?

Image quality is a priority over reach so could always add a teleconverter to the prime on the odd occasion I need it.

Thanks for your advice / views

Brian

Moderator Location : Between Coventry and Leicester

Go for the 300mm prime.

Subject: Re: Nikon/ Nikkor Lens 2009-03-25, 06:52

Hi Brian,

I have been the owner of both these lenses, but today only retain the 300 / f4 - which is a very nice lens.

I sold the 80-400mm because I personally found it sadly lacking if auto-focus speed. Unfortunately it does not feature AF-S and this is a big draw-back when shooting aviation. Also, near the 400mm end it tended to be somewhat soft in terms of resolution. There have been rumours circulating all last year that Nikon are going to release a new version of the 80-400mm in 2009, featuring AF-S. So far there has been nothing but this particular lens is badly needed to compete with the Canon 100-400mm, so chances are it will come eventually.

I hope this helps.

Regards

Johh

Moderator Location : In a layby

Brian you might have difficultly trying to find the Nikon 300mm f4. I know MikeB is after one and has been told theres a 2 month back order delay! Shocked

Location : Nottingham Spotter Watch Member : No

Can't help with it being Nikon as I use Canon gear, but I have a Tamron zoom, and my other half has a Sigma one. (Can't remember what lenses they are exactly but they're something like 70-300)
I definatley think the Sigma one is quicker to respond to fast shots than the Tamron - I've used both lenses on my 450D, so you'll probably find the same when you switch to the Nikon lens.

Subject: Re: Nikon/ Nikkor Lens 2009-03-25, 11:17

get the 300mm f4 either the af-d or the af-s both tack sharp, ive just got my af-s and absolutely love it :)

Subject: Re: Nikon/ Nikkor Lens 2009-03-25, 11:23

Are you specifically looking at the rental costs or are you talking about buying?

What is your budget?

Admin Location : Bristol, UK

graham cherry wrote:: Brian you might have difficultly trying to find the Nikon 300mm f4. I know MikeB is after one and has been told there’s a 2 month back order delay!

As Graham has said, I'm currently after one and received a phone call on Monday from the company that I had ordered from, telling me they had a two month back order!

Seems to be the case with most places, I've spent the last few days trying to find somewhere who has one in stock and isn't stupidly priced! I'm waiting on a call back from Bristol Cameras who are finding out how quick they can get me one!.

300mm F/4 seems the only way to go, especially seeing as I've been told that coupled with a 1.4tc there is with no loss in image quality or focus speed. I did consider getting the 80-400mm but due to the lack of AF-S it isn't really an option.

Mike

Location : Theydon Bois. Essex

Thanks for all your replies.
To answer Jingernut Are you specifically looking at the rental costs or are you talking about buying? Looking to buy but think will hire one for the trip to Wales in May. Make sure I like it.

What is your budget? Yet to be agreed (or mentioned to the Mrs!!) but around the GBP1,000 depending really on the feedback I got from you all.

Thanks again realy useful information.

Location : Clps

I have used the 80-400mm for nearly ten years on both film and digital and it works very well, having no trouble locking on to fast jets. It is rumoured to be due for an update soon.
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/253-nikkor-af-80-400mm-f45-56-ed-vr-d-review--lab-test-report
http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod152.html

The 300mm f4 is a quality lens but has no VR.
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/228-nikkor-af-s-300mm-f4d-if-ed-review--test-report
http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod153.html

Another lens to consider is the Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR which is much cheaper. http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod203.html

Prices have shot up recently.

Location : Burton on Trent Spotter Watch Member : no

My wife has both, a Tamron 28-300mm an Nikon 70-300VR, and there is no contest the the long end, with the Nikon being lots better. The Tamron is ok as a walkaround lens though.

Alan (M0TFT)

Location : Burton on Trent Spotter Watch Member : no

Hmmm don't remember posting twice!
Oh well blame it on the Guiness!!

Al

Moderator Location : In a layby

M0TFT wrote:: Hmmm don't remember posting twice!
Oh well blame it on the Guiness!!

Al

A good excuse as any! Ive removed the other post for you 8)

Admin Location : Bristol, UK

Just heard back from Bristol Cameras; he can get one in stock within 7-10 days and requires a 10% deposit. I will be poping down tomorrow to place my order!.

Mike