What lens do you recommend for wildlife shots?

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Bill16

Senior Member
Hi all! :)
I'm looking into possibly getting into shooting wildlife, but this is not a subject matter I'm experienced with. I've been loving checking out the squirl shots I've seen posted, and we have a bunch of squirls around my area, so this is one type of wildlife subject I'll likely be wanting to shoot. But opportunity will dictate any other subjects I imagine! Lol :)

So for starters, since I'm disabled, I need a lens that won't require me sneaking up on a critter like a cat stalking a mouse! Lol You know something I can stand back and use, more like a sniper type idea! :)

Cost is a huge concern, so if you know of a lens that's both good but also cheap to reasonably cheap, that would be great! :)

I'd appreciate your help very much! :D
 
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Bill16

Senior Member
My 70-300mm is an older version without vr, and it's not super sharp at high focal length. But yes right now it's the closest lens I have to a wildlife lens.

Yes I have been thinking about possibly getting a reflex lens. But I am hoping to find something better if possible. I know that is a tall order when my wants are bigger than my wallet. Sigh........

But I'm hoping somehow I'll be able to get some kind of good lens, because I figure this will be a pretty important lens for me. As the Nikkor AF 105mm f/2.8 D is for my macro interests. So I need a good go to lens for wildlife, somehow.
 
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Bill16

Senior Member
I'm hoping to find something so I don't have to get so close for a shot that looks close up. But a newer version of the 70-300mm I have, a vr version lens is also something I'm considering.
 
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Bill16

Senior Member
Hey thanks buddy, but I'll have to save up for any lens I get. But that sounds like a great price. I haven't looked recently, but I think they were running about $600.00+ so $400.00 is a real bagain if the lens is in great shape! :D

hrstrat57 said:
Hey Bill check Nikon USA I think I saw the VR version of 70-300 under $400 last night.
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FastGlass

Senior Member
Gee Bill the lense that is reasonable for what it is, is the Tamron 150-600. I know it's not something within your budget but boy the smile on your face it would create.
 
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hrstrat57

Senior Member
Bill16 said:
Hey thanks buddy, but I'll have to save up for any lens I get. But that sounds like a great price. I haven't looked recently, but I think they were running about $600.00+ so $400.00 is a real bagain if the lens is in great shape! :D
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I passed on a mint copy of 70-300 VR FX a couple weeks ago for $300.

Holding out for the 70-200 VR 2.8 I // have a lead on a pro wants to get the II and will cut me sweet deal.
 
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Bill16

Senior Member
Wow that does look like an awesome lens! But your right about the cost! Lol The only chance I'd have getting one of those is if someone was willing to be very nice and sell it to me on payments I could manage! Lol The chances of that are about zero to none! Lol :D

The Nikkor AF 80-400mm might be doable though if the used prices stay down. It's running from about $500-$750 right now on eBay. I might be able to save that up in a reasonable as mount of time 6-8 months likely if I hold off on saving up for my FX Nikon. :)

But that tamron looks awesome, and if you recommend it I know it must be awesome! :)

FastGlass said:
Gee Bill the lense that is reasonable for what it is, is the Tamron 150-600. I know it's not something within your budget but boy the smile on your face it would create.
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Bill16

Senior Member
Yes I just looked and they are cheaper than I thought. So I might replace my old version someday, even if I go for a better lens for wildlife! :)

hrstrat57 said:
I passed on a mint copy of 70-300 VR FX a couple weeks ago for $300.

Holding out for the 70-200 VR 2.8 I // have a lead on a pro wants to get the II and will cut me sweet deal.
Click to expand...
 
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Bill16

Senior Member
After thinking about it for awhile, I have decided I'm not going to buy another 70-300mm lens. I think I will save up for the Nikkor 80-400mm lens unless someone has a different lens they think is better for a similar price range. :)
I made this decision with the fact I can't really afford to buy two lenses at similar focal ranges. I may even get rid of my 70-300 once I have a better lens. :)
 
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