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Thread: Nikon BIF Recommendations

  1. #1
    James Graham
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    Default Nikon BIF Recommendations

    All you Nikon shooters out there.
    Looking for lens recommendations for BIF pics. Currently use 200-400/f4 which is a bit heavy
    and 80-400/f4 which is uneven at best.
    I use D300 and D700 camera bodies.
    All comments welcome.
    Thanks.

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    400/500/600 vr lenses, size depending on the reach you need. I shoot with a 600 and 1.4 tc here in NEw England, but if I lived in FL, I think a 400 2.8 with a 1.4 and a 1.7 would be a great combo.

    For a lot less $ 300 f/4 works with the 1.4. Some people like the 70-300 but I think it is too short.

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    Quote Originally Posted by James Graham View Post
    Looking for lens recommendations for BIF pics. Currently use 200-400/f4 which is a bit heavy
    Assuming you're healthy, the more you use the 200-400, and lighter it will become (as you can stronger).

    and 80-400/f4 which is uneven at best.
    Well, if that's the case and if it has to be Nikon lenses, then 70-300, 70-200, and 300f4 will be your options. The last two you can use TC on. If you don't print out your photos big or don't print your photos at all, they could all be good options (especially the last two). Then of course they're not so good when the birds are far away.

    Actually, there's the 300f2.8. One pound lighter than the 200-400 and shorter. It may not looks like much but it's actually much more maneuverable than the 200-400.


    Incidentally, Nikon used to have a 400f5.6 back in the film days.
    Last edited by Desmond Chan; 01-15-2011 at 11:33 PM.

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    BPN Member Chris Ober's Avatar
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    moving to gear forum
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    Normally, a 600m f4 for long reach, a target aiming device/lens, a Wimberley type head, and a sturdy tripod.

    500mm f4 is also Ok. 500~600mm could be a good range for tracking the birds. 500mm can be hand-held. 600mm~800mm is for longer reach. You have comprise by your own practice of shooting birds. That is, the shorter the range the better the tracking (and for hand-held), the longer the range the better the reach.

    The cheaper option is a Sigma 800mm f5.6, a Induro or benro or photoclaim (Wimberley clones) head.

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    If you really feel that the 200-400/4 is to heavy for BIF, then your best option would be the 300/4 AFS with or without the TC-1.4 II. I used that combo before getting the 300/2.8 VR.
    I also use to own the 400/2.8 VR and sold it for a 500/4. The 500/4 feels like a feather compared to the 400/2.8.

  7. #7
    James Graham
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    Default Thanks!

    Everyone's advice has been excellent... Thanks!

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