Lens Thoughts?

[scootermcq]

I might have a few bucks to throw at a lens in the near future, so I am thinking about replacing my Tamron 200-400 with something a little sharper.

I am bouncing around the idea of getting a nice large aperture lens and using a teleconverter to extend the reach, rather than getting another "super zoom" This would give me a great lens in the 200mm range, and still not exceed f/5.6 when I use the teleconverter.

Here is what I was thinking:

SIGMA OS 120-400MM F4.5-5.6 APO DG is $1100 on it's own.


SIGMA 70-200 F2.8 EX HSM II is the same price, I gain a motor for speed of focus, loose stabilization. I could grab a 2x teleconverter and make it a 140-400 f5.6, but have a fairly fast lens for everyday use.

What are other people's thoughts on this? Am I just nuts and better to stay with OS and a lens that is native to 400mm?

[inkista]

How much are you in love with autofocus speed/accuracy and sharpness? Because that's what's going to take the hit with a teleconverter--especially a 2x one. On a zoom.

My advice is, if you plan on using the tc only as an occasional thing, and you're willing to take the image quality hit, then get the shorter lens and TC combo. If you're just doing it to get cheaper telephoto and you plan on shooting with the TC on the lens a lot of the time, forget it. Stay with the 400.

[scootermcq]

Thanks... I probably would end up shooting with it alot, so I guess I will stay with the longer lens....

[Aegea]

The Sigma 150-500 has been getting reasonable reviews, and it's around $1000. I'm toying with the idea of getting one myself.

[kirbinster]

If you can live with a slow lens (as you are suggesting) why not get a Nikon 70-300 VR? Its a fairly sharp lens, gives you 300mm of reach, has VR and is a less cosly option.

If you want a really good lens go for the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 AF-S VR (version one) used. You can pick one up in the $1,400 to $1,500 range and it is a killer lens. It will give you images that are sharper by digitally enlarging than you will get from the 400mm lens you are talking about or the other with a TC. Take a look on Flickr at pictures that have been taken with this lens - it is one of the best lenses made.

[inkista]

I think it may just come down to sucking it up, and saving the bucks towards an 80-400 VR, (although honestly, at that pricepoint, Nikon should update it to be AF-S).

[scootermcq]

I actually ended up with the Sigma 120-400 F4.5-5.6 APO DG OS with HSM...

Seems pretty decent, and I do always have a 2 week return policy if I am not happy with the images...

I do hope that I will be happy with it though, as I was about $1400 walking out the door with filter & tax.

I guess time will tell

[Aegea]

Hope that works out well, please let us know how you like it, particularly how sharp it is at the long end.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by inkista

I think it may just come down to sucking it up, and saving the bucks towards an 80-400 VR, (although honestly, at that pricepoint, Nikon should update it to be AF-S).

Even the Canonites are saying it!

(We're expecting a 100-400 or 100-500 AF-S VRII sometime this year)

[scootermcq]

Seems to work ok....

I think I will be happy with it.