Advise on 70-300mm vr

[bryan71]

Being new to digital photography i am using on my d80 the 70-300mm vr.I have mentioned i fancy the sigma 50-500mm.But i do like nikon don't know should i get rid of the 70-300 for the sigma or should i just buy a teleconveter.Any advise would help thanks bryan.

[David Hyde]

Hi Bryan
I admit I am not familiar with the 70-300mm VR zoom but I would think very carefully before trading it in for the Sigma 50-500mm. Firstly, how much do you use the VR feature? you will certainly need to use a tripod (or other support) with the Sigma to get good images. Teleconvertes are useful but work best with faster lenses. I find negligable drop in quality with Sigma's 1.4x converter either on prime or zoom lenses.
My advice would be to keep the very useful Nikon lens and look to add something like the Sigma 170-500mm zoom. Failing this by a 1.4x converter (always useful) an put up with the 420mm (300x1.4) maximum foacal length.
Another alternative is to buy a used nikon 500m f4P they can be had for about the same price as a new Sigma 50-500mm. (although you will probably need to upgrade your tripod and head). Stunning quality if you are prepared to manually focus.
Hope all this helps. Good luck.
David

[David Hyde]

Hi Bryan
It's me again!! - I have just read your earlier posting where you were asking much the same question. If you are keen on wildlife photography and still have the 18mm-200mm VR lens this is the one I would sell, particularly if money is still tight. The advice you got last time was sound. Buy the 1.4x or consider the 175-500mm sigma (or both).
Good luck again,
David