I currently shoot with a D7500 & D7200 bodies paired with my AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. Looking or a little more distance for bird photography and lighter. Anyone using this lense with a Teleconverter for nature related shooting. The other option is a AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, but pretty expensive. Opinions and input appreciated.
AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR
- Thread starter 06Honda
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Clovishound
Senior Member
Another option may be the 200-500 F5.6. It is a very sharp lens, IMO, especially for the price point. I have regularly seen it on sale for around $1050. In fact, it is on sale right now for $1059. Unfortunately, it is not a light weight, coming in at 81 oz. It does have VR, and on your crop frame bodies will get you out to an effective 750mm.
The 500mm PF is going to be the best option, but it comes with a price tag. I have a 300mm f/4 PF. It pairs very well with my 1.4x TC which gives a 420mm field of view and is a constant f/5.6. I also have a 1.7x TC which is hit and miss. That gives a field of view of 510mm with an aperture of f/6.7. BUT it is very slow to focus. So for flying birds, most of my images are out of focus.
@Woodyg3 didn't you have a 300mm PF paired with a 1.4x TC at some point? If so, how would you compare its results with the 500mm PF?
@Woodyg3 didn't you have a 300mm PF paired with a 1.4x TC at some point? If so, how would you compare its results with the 500mm PF?
I use the 300 PF with TC for insects, it gives me very close focusing distance. It's very sharp, but not as sharp as the 500 PF. It also focuses a bit slower.