What is my best option?

S

Steven Merrett

New member
I decided to get new camera equipment in June 2012 and bought a Nikon D7000, 18-55mm, 55-300mm, prime 50mm f2.8, and later a Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 ultra-wide lens. I have taken 13,000 images 12,000 would be birds with my 55-300 zoom at f5.6.

I need to get a better edge for less as I am on a fixed income. I could go for a Nikon AF 80-400mm VR f/4.5-5.6D stabilised lens $1,358 - (17 elements) or a Nikon AF-S 300mm f4 D IF-ED Lens $1,132 - (10 elements) plus a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II $379 - 7 elements.

Both configurations have 17 elements and I have not mixed a zoom lens with a teleconvertor (is this possible l, I am told not).

Is my choice now versatility of a zoom Vs the prime and/or teleconvertor?
Have I overlooked something? can I get the 80-400mm and a teleconvertor?
Is image clarity an issue?

cheers
​Stevo
 
G

gqtuazon

Gear Head
With your choices, I would probably lean towards the newer 80-400mm lens. The 300mm f4 is no slouch but I am curious with the zoom lens since I have not tried it. Zoom typically are more versatile and this newly designed lens appears to be a great performer.
 
D

Deezey

Senior Member
I would also suggest the zoom. I also tend to shoot a lot of birds and wildlife and find zooms to be the way to go.

​Also the 80-400 is a very fine lens.
 
P

pedroj

Senior Member
Steven Merrett said:
I decided to get new camera equipment in June 2012 and bought a Nikon D7000, 18-55mm, 55-300mm, prime 50mm f2.8, and later a Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 ultra-wide lens. I have taken 13,000 images 12,000 would be birds with my 55-300 zoom at f5.6.

I need to get a better edge for less as I am on a fixed income. I could go for a Nikon AF 80-400mm VR f/4.5-5.6D stabilised lens $1,358 - (17 elements) or a Nikon AF-S 300mm f4 D IF-ED Lens $1,132 - (10 elements) plus a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II $379 - 7 elements.

Both configurations have 17 elements and I have not mixed a zoom lens with a teleconvertor (is this possible l, I am told not).

Is my choice now versatility of a zoom Vs the prime and/or teleconvertor?
Have I overlooked something? can I get the 80-400mm and a teleconvertor?
Is image clarity an issue?

cheers
​Stevo
Click to expand...

Welcome...

In the past a 1.7 converter would not work with a F4 lens [1.4 converter does]...If you go this way be sure they are compatible...
 
S

Steven Merrett

New member
Thanks to everybody on this poorly worded question. The Nikon AF 80-400mm VR f/4.5-5.6D stabilised lens it is!

My next concern would be is the following on the suppliers site correct?
"Usable teleconverters: TC-201 or TC-14A (Usable, but there is occasional vignetting)"

​The 2x sounds like a dream, it is really possible when I can afford that as well?
 
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