Nikon Wildlife/Birding lenses

[mporter012]

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]

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]

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

 

[mporter012]

Nikon 200-500mm VR is a no-brainer for what you want to do. Used ones show up on ebay.

Kent in SD

Yea, that's a good options. As of today, it's out of my price range, but i can keep saving.

 

[mporter012]

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

That's what I was thinking. Generally, I don't like zooms, but in the case of active wildlife (I.e. Not elephants!), zooms have lots of advantages, because you can't move much or you spook the animals.

 

[Sirius Glass]

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]

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]

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

 

[mporter012]

Im selling the latest and greatest Nikon 600mm f4 FL
PM me if interested

Neil

When I get another $12000, I'll let you know.

 

[mporter012]

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

Thanks!