Lens help ?

[BF Hammer]

Yeah, I did not want to open that can of worms about mirrorless. Basically we are at the end of the road for new DSLR camera bodies. When current inventories are gone, it is mirrorless bodies with Z-mount lenses that are left.

So if I were starting new, I would walk past the discounted DSLR gear and pick up a Z series camera and begin with stuff Nikon will be building from now on. We are into the 3rd generation of mirrorless bodies now and they are competitive with everything out there.

That said, for bird photography your D7500 is also a fine choice and will work well once you select the right lens.

 

[ifrarrow]

If it's in the budget you may want to go longer maybe a 200-500 or 100-600. I use a 70-300 (my longest) it is what I would call a backyard lens. I only occasionally photograph birds but think longer would be better. Maybe some of the birders will jump in and comment.

I’m thinking ahead here now. Yes in a very short time I’ll want to move on from the 300mm zoom. It was mentioned that a 600mm or longer will be needed. Who makes a longer lens that doesn’t cost as much or more than my camera ?

 

[BF Hammer]

Here are reviews of the Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm lenses mentioned. They pretty much are equivalent to each other and it mostly comes down to brand loyalty it seems for choosing which. I had some Art series Sigma lenses and like them, other people have history of using Tamron and like them.

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Review

Looking for a Sigma 150-600mm lens review? Read on to find out what we uncovered in our objective optical lab tests.

www.imaging-resource.com

Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 SP Review

Find out if the Tamron 150-600mm lens is right for you.

www.imaging-resource.com

Nikon's 200-500mm is a close as they compete with these two. https://www.imaging-resource.com/lenses/nikon/200-500mm-f5.6e-ed-vr-af-s-nikkor/review/

Used prices here.

https://www.keh.com/shop/tamron-a011-150-mm-600-mm-f-5-6-3-full-frame-sensor-telephoto-zoom-lens-for-nikon-f.html

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM C (Contemporary) Lens for Nikon F-Mount {95} with TS-71 Tripod Collar/Foot

The Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary (Sigma part# 745-306) is a super-telephoto zoom lens for full-frame Nikon cameras. It's perfect for any long-range photographic situation one may encounter. Designed with one FLD and three SLD elem

www.keh.com

https://www.keh.com/shop/nikon-200-500mm-f-5-6-e-af-s-ed-vr-autofocus-lens-95-1.html

 

[Dawg Pics]

When this initial phase is over I'm going to look back and think, did I actually ask those stupid questions. )

They aren't stupid questions. All of the information with regards to being a new photographer can be overwhelming. Unless you have been shooting Nikon for a few decades, you won't know about all of the older lens types. Some of the older lenses can be used, but you won't be able to autofocus with them. This page from Nikon has some definitions at the bottom of the page.

AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR | Interchangeable Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

The AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR is a 300mm telephoto prime lens, designed for full frame DSLR cameras. The lens is ideal for photographing sports, nature and wildlife.

www.nikonusa.com

 

[ifrarrow]

Welcome!

What types of subject will you be photographing?

My recommendation is you go with a 70-300 instead. See information here: https://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/n...-lens-reviews/nikon-70-300mm-f45-56-af-p.html

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR would be a good choice if you want to stick with the 55-300.
You want AF-S which means it has an internal focus motor so you wont need to manual focus. The VR is vibration reduction which helps keep the image sharp.

See guide to Nikon abbreviation: https://petapixel.com/nikons-lens-abbreviations/

If you are not adverse to buying used you can save some money. Here are two.
https://www.keh.com/
https://www.mpb.com/en

This would be my first time out using my Sigma 150-600mm C lens. All the eagle action was happening on the far bank of the Wisconsin River that day. The other photographers were out with 200mm and 300mm lenses and pretty much did not even try much. Again, the straight JPGs.

View attachment 413060View attachment 413061

Then forward to 2022 after I had upgraded body to a D750. The Sigma then started to shine for me.

View attachment 413062View attachment 413063

Beautiful