Hi all, I'm new to the forum but have been around the photography block a few times. A Nikon D7100 is my latest purchase, I also have a D5100. The 7100 came with an 18-200mm zoom that I really like. My wife wants to add a telephoto zoom with a little more reach and understands that using our tripod with the new lens will be the norm. I have used YouTube to sample the:
Sigma 120-400mm
Sigma 150-500mm
Sigma 50-500mm
Tamron 200-500mm
Nikon 80-400mm (the original, not the newer out-of-my-budget version)
I have tentatively eliminated the 50-500mm as the zoom range adds to the size, weight, and cost, and is not necessary for our purposes. Also falling out of top consideration is the Tamron solely due to a lack of optical stabilization. The original Nikon 80-400mm had a rather poor reputation for image quality and focusing speed. All three of these are still in the mix, just at the bottom of the bowl. I can certainly be influenced by those of you who may have found any of these to be a good choice.
Regarding the Sigmas, there seems to be a point where the exterior finish on these lenses changed from a coarse, non-slip, blemish-magnet texture to a smooth finish typical of Nikon and other OEMs. Is this just my imagination based on poorly resolved Youtube videos?
Image quality and price weigh heaviest on my decision (looking for the sharpest bang for the buck). Support with a tripod or monopod 99% of the time is understood. Our selection will not be used for sports/action photography. Most subjects will be still or nearly still, outdoors, with suitable light. Seeking the most shallow possible depth-of-field will be an occasional goal, so using the lens at or near its widest aperture at all zoom ranged will happen. AF speed is not a key factor. Some video work will be involved.
Your recommendations/experiences are appreciated.
Thanks,
Jon
Sigma 120-400mm
Sigma 150-500mm
Sigma 50-500mm
Tamron 200-500mm
Nikon 80-400mm (the original, not the newer out-of-my-budget version)
I have tentatively eliminated the 50-500mm as the zoom range adds to the size, weight, and cost, and is not necessary for our purposes. Also falling out of top consideration is the Tamron solely due to a lack of optical stabilization. The original Nikon 80-400mm had a rather poor reputation for image quality and focusing speed. All three of these are still in the mix, just at the bottom of the bowl. I can certainly be influenced by those of you who may have found any of these to be a good choice.
Regarding the Sigmas, there seems to be a point where the exterior finish on these lenses changed from a coarse, non-slip, blemish-magnet texture to a smooth finish typical of Nikon and other OEMs. Is this just my imagination based on poorly resolved Youtube videos?
Image quality and price weigh heaviest on my decision (looking for the sharpest bang for the buck). Support with a tripod or monopod 99% of the time is understood. Our selection will not be used for sports/action photography. Most subjects will be still or nearly still, outdoors, with suitable light. Seeking the most shallow possible depth-of-field will be an occasional goal, so using the lens at or near its widest aperture at all zoom ranged will happen. AF speed is not a key factor. Some video work will be involved.
Your recommendations/experiences are appreciated.
Thanks,
Jon