I know I know another lens thread

[Josh_Houchin]

I am trying to find a good lens to accompany my new D7100 for fly fishing and bird hunting shots. I would prefer to get a Nikor lens but I only have a budget of $300-400 after buying the body. I need to get the most I can out of the $400 until I can afford to upgrade. What are ya'lls thoughts on this Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3?

 

[Designer]

What is in your lens stable now?
What shots are you not getting now?
How likely and how soon will the budget increase?

 

[jaomul]

Those superzooms are handy but are a compromise in optical quality. I suggest you buy the d7100 with the kit lens (18-105mm vr nikon). this should be about 200 onto the price over a body only purchase. I would then hold onto the other 200 and add to it until I could afford either a 70-300vr nikkor or a Tamron 70-300mm vc (secondhand). The 18-105mm gives a great variety of focal lengths to start with. Its a pity to buy a d7100 and hinder it with a very average lens. The superzoom will be just that

 

[Josh_Houchin]

What is in your lens stable now?
What shots are you not getting now?
How likely and how soon will the budget increase?

1: I just switched from Sony to Nikon so I have nothing in my lens stable at the moment. I gave my old body and lens to my mother so selling them is not an option.

2: I am hoping to get some in flight shots of pheasants or grouse flushing in front of the dogs.

3: I should have the money saved for an upgrade by November.

 

[Josh_Houchin]

Those superzooms are handy but are a compromise in optical quality. I suggest you buy the d7100 with the kit lens (18-105mm vr nikon). this should be about 200 onto the price over a body only purchase. I would then hold onto the other 200 and add to it until I could afford either a 70-300vr nikkor or a Tamron 70-300mm vc (secondhand). The 18-105mm gives a great variety of focal lengths to start with. Its a pity to buy a d7100 and hinder it with a very average lens. The superzoom will be just that

I have already purchased the body. Nikon had a refurbished 70-300 VR for $300 but I didn't jump on it fast enough...
There is a 70-300mm on the buy or sell portion of this page. If it's there on Wed I will probably jump on it, but I was just curious about this Sigma.

 

[jaomul]

Those superzooms are handy but are a compromise in optical quality. I suggest you buy the d7100 with the kit lens (18-105mm vr nikon). this should be about 200 onto the price over a body only purchase. I would then hold onto the other 200 and add to it until I could afford either a 70-300vr nikkor or a Tamron 70-300mm vc (secondhand). The 18-105mm gives a great variety of focal lengths to start with. Its a pity to buy a d7100 and hinder it with a very average lens. The superzoom will be just that

I have already purchased the body. Nikon had a refurbished 70-300 VR for $300 but I didn't jump on it fast enough...
There is a 70-300mm on the buy or sell portion of this page. If it's there on Wed I will probably jump on it, but I was just curious about this Sigma.

I think you will find that Sigma gets good reviews for what it is. Most don't recommend these for anything other than a one for all convenience lens. Having said that nice pictures are of course possible with these lenses, they are jack of all trades, master of none so to speak

 

[TheLost]

I'd keep looking for a Used or Refurbished Nikon 70-300VR for ~$300 (~$350 refurb). It should do everything you want.

 

[Designer]

What is in your lens stable now?
What shots are you not getting now?
How likely and how soon will the budget increase?

1: I just switched from Sony to Nikon so I have nothing in my lens stable at the moment. I gave my old body and lens to my mother so selling them is not an option.

2: I am hoping to get some in flight shots of pheasants or grouse flushing in front of the dogs.

3: I should have the money saved for an upgrade by November.

The 70-300VR sounds like a good choice. As for capturing flying birds, find out what the birders use. I think they would recommend a tripod or monopod, but I'm guessing that you won't want to carry that around in the field.

 

[BillM]

The 70-300 does a really nice job for a small price with birds in flight handheld as long as you have a little light, no need for a tripod. The tripod-monopod is more for the really long lenses. But I am not a pro so this is just my opinion. I took this with a 70-300 VR

 

[Josh_Houchin]

Great shot Bill! I think I have found a used 70-300mm VR that fits my budget so I am sure that's the way I will go. I typically do not carry a tripod in the field but I am certainly not averse to it. I always wear a bird vest in the field and the tripod could easily strap to the back of it, the only issue would be getting set up prior to the shooter walking in on the point, but with a good dog that should not be an issue. Please excuse the poor point and shoot photos.

 

[goodguy]

Another vote for the Nikon 70-300mm VR
I got mine used for 280$, get it and you will love it.
Dont bother your time with super zooms like the 18-250mm, these are handy to own but you pay in picture quality and a camera like the D7100 which has the capability to produce very high quality pictures you need good glass to fulfill this potential.

 

[ulrichsd]

I own both the sigma and Nikkor. IMO the sigma is at best inconsistent and feel that it's weakest point is probably the telephoto at min aperture 6.3 i don't think the autofocus is as accurate. The Nikon is definitely a sharper lens and faster autofocus. That said i do like the sigma for my casual family photos and just carrying a single lens it is handy.