Affordable but nice 400mm option for Nikon?

[RomNYC]

Hey guys. I'm still new to this hobby and was wondering if you could recommend a 400mm lens for my D60 that doesn't cost an arm. I am no pro and there is no need for me to get professional equipment yet. Just something to get me closer to the action at HoBe for example.

When I look at basic Nikon lenses, I'm always surprised that you can get a 70-300 for a few hundred bucks, and as soon as I look into the 400mm range, prices go nuts immediately...

Any help?

[steve1840]

I'm not a Nikon user, but my friend is and he's been looking for something in that range. I think your least expensive option is the Sigma 120-400 which is around $1000 through B&H. The next least expensive is the sigma 150-500 for about $1060. I'm not sure how the quality is for those, but they appear to be the least expensive. I'm sure though that one of the Nikon users on here could help you out better.

[Derf]

Canon user here...
just wanted to say, good luck

[RomNYC]

Thanks Steve, I was looking at the Sigma 120-400 as you were posting. It does look appealing price-wise.

[moose135]

Canon user here...
just wanted to say, good luck
We're all counting on you...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmHeP9Sve48

[wunaladreamin]

Hey Rom, I use the Siggy 120-400 on a D200/D100 and although it gets a little soft from 350-400mm, I've not been disappointed. It takes a little getting used to but once you find its sweet spot, you'll be golden.

[Derf]

Shirley you can't be serious?[/URL]

[URL="http://www.google.com/search?q=sherlie+you+can+be+serious%3F&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#"] (http://www.google.com/search?q=shirley+you+can+be+serious%3F&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=2yB&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=ivns&source=univ&tbs=vid:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=ddWMTcjdGZCugQfCs5WfDQ&ved=0CCcQqwQ)

[MarkLawrence]

I am serious - and stop calling me Shirley...

[MarkLawrence]

If you don't really need a 400mm and a 300mm will suffice, have a look at the Tamron 28-300 (it runs around $650) - I have that on my Nikon D200/D50 - sweet lens because it never comes off the camera...

[Derf]

Actually my vote is the Tammy 70-300VC THAT IS THE BEST 300mm is lens for under $1500 and it is only $450!!!!!

See this post
http://nycaviation.com/forum/threads/39114-New-Lens-I-want!!!-Tamron-SP-AF70-300mm-Di-VC-USD-Lens?highlight=tammy (http://nycaviation.com/forum/threads/39114-New-Lens-I-want%21%21%21-Tamron-SP-AF70-300mm-Di-VC-USD-Lens?highlight=tammy)

[RomNYC]

Thanks you guys. I see that I have a lot of options to study!

[megatop412]

The Sigma 150-500 is acceptably sharp at 400mm. Plus it goes to 500mm.

I have a D40x and needed something that went beyond my 70-300mm AND that had a focussing motor in it without requiring me to take out a small consumer loan *cough, 200-400mmf/4cough*

3rd party was the only way to go unless I wanted to manual focus. Had enough of that in my film days. One shoebox full of soft/blurry plane pictures is enough.

[cancidas]

i have a used 80-400 VR that i might consider selling as i don't really use it anymore. i've had it for about 5 years but it's still good as new. PM me if you're interested.

[gonzalu]

Unfortunately, Nikon lacks a high quality, inexpensive 400mm f/4 or even 400mm f/5.6

The Nikon choices are 400mm f/2.8 over $9,000, the 200-400mm f/4 for over $6,000 or the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D for over $1,500

all are excellent choices but there is nothing affordable in the high quality side. The 80-400 will serve you well, just look at Mark's photos from our local crew. Unless you plan to use edge-to-edge detailed frames, you can safely get the lens or any lens that does not have excellent edges since in our hobby, we mostly care about the center of the frame (generally speaking of course)

[megatop412]

Rom- do NOT get the 80-400 unless you want to be manually focusing it- your D60 can't turn the screw. I was looking at getting it because I also have a D70s body, but I found the Sigma for a lot less money and it works on ALL my bodies

although the Nikkor IS a fine lens....

[gonzalu]

William, GOOD POINT!!!! this is a really sad turn of events for Nikon users that now they have to pay attention to the missing body focus motor on some of the newer cameras.

Once all the lenses have been converted to AF-S this worry should go away as most cams are compatible with the Auto Focus motors in the newer lenses.

[sporky]

Just noticed this thread today, not sure how I missed it, so a bit late to add my lens to the mix. I currently use the Tokina 80-400 for Nikon and absolutely love it. Picked it up from B&H last year for about $550.

-Tad

[NLovis]

Canon user here...
just wanted to say, good luck

The price of a cannon 400mm isnt much diff derf. Ive been looking so I can finally get rid of any kind of limitation. Its going to be awhile before I join the rest in 301-400mm territory.

[Zee71]

Rom,

The the 80-400mm is a good lens when you have plenty of light, but it's a dog in low light and the auto focus keeps hunting around. Yes, it's a screw lens when it comes to focusing, and there may be issues with focusing when using it on a D60 as mentioned. My suggestion is to go to B&H with your camera and try the variety of lenses there. See what best suits your needs and see how the lens feels. By the way, before I purchased my Nikon 80-400mm lens, my other choice was the Bigma 50-500mm lens.

[Derf]

The price of a cannon 400mm isnt much diff derf. Ive been looking so I can finally get rid of any kind of limitation. Its going to be awhile before I join the rest in 301-400mm territory.

I never said that the Canon was any different, I have a 300mm for that exact reason. You can get a good non stabilized Tammy 70-300 for about $165 and your probably looking at $800-1000 for a 40mm for both bodies. I was just rubbing in that I am not a Nikon user with the "Canon user here" -nudge nudge wink wink

[megatop412]

I can't remember who it was during UN Week I met at the Mounds that was carrying a Nikkor 80-400VR mounted to a D300(mark it wasn't you it was an older gent). I overheard him telling someone who was asking about it that it works "just fine". On that body, I'm sure the AF speed is negligible and I think it has a limiter on it as well that can be used to speed things up. In good light at f/8 and 1/1000 and above, I'm sure the images would look excellent.

Dang, now I'm trying to remember who that was...serves me right for only coming up there every other month or so.

[fk6065]

Sigma 150-500 AF OS HSM in mint condition for sale, $875.00. Lense is very sharp, sorry no carry case but comes with filter (UV) Hood and both front and rear caps. I don't know if the AF is compatible on a D60, have been using it on a D300.

[NIKV69]

I can't remember who it was during UN Week I met at the Mounds that was carrying a Nikkor 80-400VR mounted to a D300(mark it wasn't you it was an older gent). I overheard him telling someone who was asking about it that it works "just fine". On that body, I'm sure the AF speed is negligible and I think it has a limiter on it as well that can be used to speed things up. In good light at f/8 and 1/1000 and above, I'm sure the images would look excellent.

Dang, now I'm trying to remember who that was...serves me right for only coming up there every other month or so.

"Just fine" is relative. If you want to get closer and think you will just be a casual shooter any of the above mentioned lenses will be fine but if you find yourself wanting to raise yourself to the next level you will find the 80-400VR limited. I was at Nellis couple of years back in good light and the action was just too fast for that AF. Can you make it work? I got some keepers but had to bin many more. Half the reason I went prime. From what I have read you may start with upgrading to a D90 or a D200 refurb so you get a better choice of lenses but if you feel you just want pics for your own edification than any of the lenses discussed would work.

[megatop412]

"Just fine" is relative. If you want to get closer and think you will just be a casual shooter any of the above mentioned lenses will be fine but if you find yourself wanting to raise yourself to the next level you will find the 80-400VR limited. I was at Nellis couple of years back in good light and the action was just too fast for that AF. Can you make it work? I got some keepers but had to bin many more. Half the reason I went prime. From what I have read you may start with upgrading to a D90 or a D200 refurb so you get a better choice of lenses but if you feel you just want pics for your own edification than any of the lenses discussed would work.

Very true, primes would certainly be best. With the recent markups that are sure to stick around for a while though, little chance of getting one of those. My last prime was the 135 f/2 but not able to do that sort of thing for a while. I'd LOVE to have the 300mm f/2.8.

[NIKV69]

Very true, primes would certainly be best. With the recent markups that are sure to stick around for a while though, little chance of getting one of those. My last prime was the 135 f/2 but not able to do that sort of thing for a while. I'd LOVE to have the 300mm f/2.8.

Wow that thing is monster, could you imagine that on the 1.4 TC? I wish I had 4000 laying around for it but I am itching for a newer body first.