Telephoto lens

[gy92gy95]

Hi, I am new to nature photography and considering the following lens for bird or animal shots:

1.Nikon AF80-400 f4.5-5.6 - I heard its AF is rather slow. And also could not provide extended reach beyond 400mm (not sure TC could help).
2. Sigma 50-500mm f4-6.3
3. Sigma 170-500mm f5-6.3
4. Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3

Obviously the best is the tele prime lens but it is way beyond my budget (max $3K).

Can anyone share your experience on these lenses. Or are there any recommendations of other lenses. Or are there websites that done some review on these lenses.

Thanks.

[longkangman]

#1 at 5.6 if you TC, I think not enough light to AF.

[Leong23]

Originally Posted by longkangman #1 at 5.6 if you TC, I think not enough light to AF.

I own a Tamron 200-500mm, it is quite light and can give relatively sharp image (of course can't compare to prime), that why it is sitting in my dry cabi now after i brought my prime.

Btw i don't recommand to add on any TC.

[Harlequin]

I've used the Tamrom 200-500mm before for a quick trip to the Arizona desert. AF is definately way slower even with good light as compared to my 600mm F4 prime. But sharpeness is surprisingly good and weight is light and hand-holdable.

Arthur(Newguy69) is the other 200-500mm user that I know of.

[gy92gy95]

Thanks for the comments. Look like the Tamron 200-500 is a good choice with limited budget.

[Nik-enduser]

I only have used the 80-400. under bright light, shooting at f11 yields very sharp and nice results. However, at lower light conditions, not such a great performer. AF is so slow that I shoot mainly at MF. To use the lens to its best, know the limitations and try to push it. Bokeh is also rather unpleasant at times, not so smooth as using primes. Then again you pay for what you get.

[lsisaxon]

Originally Posted by Nik-enduser I only have used the 80-400. under bright light, shooting at f11 yields very sharp and nice results. However, at lower light conditions, not such a great performer. AF is so slow that I shoot mainly at MF. To use the lens to its best, know the limitations and try to push it. Bokeh is also rather unpleasant at times, not so smooth as using primes. Then again you pay for what you get.

Seems like someone has got great results with the old 80-400 (same lens?) using D300 in this thread.

http://clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=341157