Recommend a lens for a D40x please

1963bus · #1 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 09:47 AM

Hi [yep, me again]

I didn't buy Connor either the Tamron 200-500mm or the sigma 170-500mm as I feel he wouldn't have been happy with the results of either, I had planned on getting him the Sigma 150-500mm or the "bigma" but after letting him try the bigma with either a monopod or a tripod attached it was just to heavy for him to carry far.

Now change of plans, we are considering a smaller zoom or prime + a tele converter hoping to get somewhere near the 500mm but haven't the foggiest what to buy.

Budget could be up to £400-500 for both items likely to be second hand, we would like to get this purchased before Christmas if poss so help/advice greatly appreciated.

Kind regards
Brian.

RichBrew · #2 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 10:14 AM

Brian,

I would strongly recommend the 300mm f/4 AF-S Nikkor, although finding a second hand example is going to be difficult as people tend to keep hold of them - they are that good. As it is an AF-S lens it is fully compatible with the D40x (as all AF-S lenses will be). It also focuses down to around five feet, so close-up photography (not macro) is an option with this lens.
I still have mine, even though I bought the 300mm f/2.8 VR version two years ago. With either lens I don't hesitate to shoot wide open, and image quality is excellent. Either lens will take a x1.4 TC with no discernible degradation of image quality.
Although you want to buy a lens before Christmas, my advice would be to wait until you can stretch your budget a bit further.

RichBrew

1963bus · #3 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 10:17 AM

Many thanks for the quick response, really appreciated and I'm off to see if I can find one

1963bus · #4 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 10:27 AM

Hi again.

Well cannot find any of those on evil bay so don't even know what they go for second hand

seem to be plenty of these though

Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G AF-S VR IF-ED Lens

Is this lens any good?

RichBrew · #5 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 10:29 AM

No problem!

If you do manage to find one, don't be put off by the fact that there's no glass element visible at the lens mount. This is normal and is just the way the lens is designed.
To add to my original post: the lens is a pro-spec optic, and built like a tank (metal barrel). I take mine out when I want to travel light. There are some that say the lens collar foot is too flimsy (it's not), but in my experience with the lens it has never caused any problems when used correctly.

RichBrew

RichBrew · #6 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 10:42 AM

Brian,
I've no experience with the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G AF-S VR IF-ED lens, but reviews I've read put it above all the other 70-300 Nikkors. I've also heard glowing reports from users of this lens, but I would be careful about using zoom lenses with converters. Image quality may not be up to your expectations.
It does, however, have VR, which can be useful - although not infallible.

RichBrew

1963bus · #7 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 10:46 AM

Hi Mate

While I've got you here

does using a sigma teleconverter mean you lose the auto focus on the lens? I know this would put Connor off.

Thanks
Brian.

Boddie · #8 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 11:09 AM

I reckon I'd go for the Bigma and forget about teleconverters. I know what a Canon'll produce with the Bigma and reckon you'd be better off with this on your Nikon

1963bus · #9 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

I reckon I'd go for the Bigma and forget about teleconverters. I know what a Canon'll produce with the Bigma and reckon you'd be better off with this on your Nikon

Hi Andrew

I have the "bigma" this lens is for my 13 year old who finds that to heavy to lug around, looking for light weight options that'll still produce

Cheers
Brian.