Nikon Wildlife/Birding lenses

mporter012

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Nov 25, 2012
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383
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Fort Collins, Colorado
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I snagged a D7100 in a pretty good deal and want to start doing some wildlife work. I have the 18-140 kit lens, but 140mm is still pretty short. I'm a hunter, so I'm pretty skilled at getting close to animals.

With the D7100 having the ability to use older Nikons, I could go that route, but I've read mixed reviews on using older film lenses on sensors, but its technical jibberish that I don't understand.

I'd like enough resolution to print as big as I can, at least 17x22. I could sell some of the lenses I have, and move up, but either way, I don't think I could go much higher than $500. I'm open to suggestions.
 

Two23

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Jul 4, 2010
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660
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South Dakota
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8x10 Format
Nikon 200-500mm VR is a no-brainer for what you want to do. Used ones show up on ebay.

Kent in SD
 

Sirius Glass

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Jan 18, 2007
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You will need at least a 350mm lens, zoom or fixed length.
 

Sirius Glass

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Jan 18, 2007
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I have a 500mm lens which I can attach a 2X extender for my Hasselblad. That is equivalent to 312mm and 614mm in 35mm cameras but it is so heavy it requires a tripod.
 

Paul Howell

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Dec 23, 2004
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Scottsdale Az
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Tokina 400 5.6 AT-X, somewhat slow, but sharp, I have one in Minolta Sony A, I know they were offered in Nikon and Canon Mount, I paid around $100 for mine. Sigma also made a 400 5.6 that runs around the same price. Other option is MF 400 third party lens, rebranded Soligar, Star, and others, I dont recall who make it, sharp but contrast suffers as it only single coated. Most are 2 elements in 2 groups. I have a Soligar 450 F 8 version in M 42 that I use on Sony E with adaptor, Pentax K5 with K mount adaptor and Sigma SA with 42mm adaptor. There were also 500mm made as well, but seems to be softer than the 400mm. I would not pay more than $50.00 for any version. Last option is MF Vivitar 600 reflex, S1 F8, under your price point, don't know how well it will do with a sensor. Any sins are in the corners that will not show on a cropped sensor.
 

benveniste

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Joined
Nov 1, 2007
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Multi Format
If your budget can extend to $800, Adorama is currently having a sale on Sigma's 150-600mm f/5~6.3.
 
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