I'm super-new to the world of bird/wildlife photography, and my current setup (thanks to brilliant advice from @salukfan111) consists of a 200 f/4 Nikkor-Q on a modified TC-16a mounted on a D7100 (That works out to 320mm@f/6.4 not considering the 1.5 APS-C crop factor, which if applicable, would put it at 480mm@f/6.4). I tested this on a beach for the first time this weekend, got some nice pics, and think I'm hooked. Now it could be simply NAS, but I'm craving a lens for more reach and hopefully better IQ. I know it won't be the 300 f/4.5 non-ED, because I tried that lens some time ago and found it simply too big and heavy to be practical for me (40oz, vs. 18.5oz for the 200 f/4 Q) as I prefer shooting handheld as opposed to using a tripod. Would appreciate if y'all could weigh in on what I think are my options under $300:
a) Ignore NAS and suck it up - Current setup can't be beat for weight and IQ under $300.
b) Man up and get a longer, heavier prime (Is the 300 4.5 ED-IF (480mm@f/7.2 with modif TC-16a) the best option for the money? Or are there better options under $300 and 50oz)
c) Get a zoom that's acceptably sharp at the long end. (Is the 70-300VR the best option here? Although I've read its soft at 300mm)
d) Other options? (Suggestions welcome. Thanks!)
a) Ignore NAS and suck it up - Current setup can't be beat for weight and IQ under $300.
b) Man up and get a longer, heavier prime (Is the 300 4.5 ED-IF (480mm@f/7.2 with modif TC-16a) the best option for the money? Or are there better options under $300 and 50oz)
c) Get a zoom that's acceptably sharp at the long end. (Is the 70-300VR the best option here? Although I've read its soft at 300mm)
d) Other options? (Suggestions welcome. Thanks!)
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