Ideal LENS for Birds photography

[svilas25]

Dear Friends,

Now,this is to request you for your advise on updating my existing gear of Photography.

I own

Nikon D7000 DSLR with Nikon DX AF-S VR Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED Lens,
Nikon ED AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Lens,

I feel that my Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR lens does not give required magnification for long distance Bird photography.

I am confused with regards to purchase of Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR after reading various reviews on Internet.

I sincerely request for your advise on above matter.

Thanking you with regards.

Vilas Sali, Mumbai-INDIA
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[scootermcq]

This one is better:
AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR from Nikon

Now, if you are still breathing, does the 80-400 look any better? I have tried this lens, and I love it. I imagine it will be my next purchase. Yes, the focus is a little slow for birds in flight, but for stationary birds it is a wonderful lens.

[jdepould]

500 or 600 are the top two choices for birding, possibly with teleconverters.

The 80-400 is probably a pretty good option, or the 200-400.

[svilas25]

Thanks a lot!

[mishu01]

300mm f/4 AF-S + 1.4 TC is a good, portable and affordable option.

[sk66]

I usually use a Sigma 300-800mm as it's fast and long (well, fast for such a lens). If I had a crop body I would LOVE the 600mm f/4 (add a 1.4TC). For budget minded I would look at the Sigma Ex HSM 500mm f/4.5 a great lens for the money. I had an earlier non HSM version and there are times I regret selling it.

The 200-400 f/4 is nice, but I just use my 70-200 f/2.8 VRII with a 2x TCIII and I get good results. 400mm is acceptably long for a crop body, but rather short for me and IMO the "beginning" focal length for birds either way.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by mishu01

300mm f/4 AF-S + 1.4 TC is a good, portable and affordable option.

That's a good suggestion for a crop body. It'll be an effective f/5.6 with the TC but not the end of the world or anything. And it will be an effective 450mm without the TC on the crop body.