Wildlife on a budget

[stevefizz]

I think the Tamron usd 70-300 is great. iv had it six months, just about every shot is sharp and in focus. For wildlife though i could with 400 or 500mm
I'm using it with a Nikon d3100

I have been looking at the Sigma 50-500 os
Would this be a good replacement?
I'm on a budget so i would need sell the Tamron to buy the Sigma

I'm not sure what to do
Help please
Thanks

Steve

[inkista]

Yes, the "Bigma" is a popular lens choice for wildlife/birding photography, particularly among Nikon shooters. Just make sure you get a version with HSM (Sigma's name for AF-S) so you have autofocus. You may also want to look at the 140-400 OS HSM, and the 150-500 OS HSM. They're all around the same price range.

Take into account that the 500mm lenses are less easy to handhold, and are likely to require a tripod, and possibly a special head, like a Wimberly.

Another alternative, which isn't as good, but is a lot cheaper, is to consider getting a 1.4x teleconverter for your 70-300. You'll probably lose some or all autofocus capability, though, using one, and it will be softer than the bare lens.

[sk66]

I started with the 50-500...it was great for the money. It's supposed to be better than the 150-500, no idea why but that's the general consensus. At f/6.3 they are a bit slow but good with decent light. Forget TC's on those lenses...a crop generally works as well/better.