Zoomlens recommendations?

[Bjoern Drabeck]

Hi all,

I have a Nikon D80, and so far only a Nikon 18-200 VR II lens with it. So far has served me well. Today or tmw I will hopefully receive my Sigma 50mm Macro lens (and soon hopefully also extension tubes), but I am now wondering what I should go for, if I wanted a telephoto lens with a better reach to take more photos of birds and generally wildlife.

What recommendation would you give me, if I wanted something that is affordable as well, what should I look for? What range should I go for? 300? 200-400? Nikon lenses, or are the good Sigma or Tamron ones as well? What are your personal experiences (good or bad), and what would the price tag be? (only roughly, I can still look up the exact prices, just so I can see what range you are talking about).

Thanks and kind regards,
Bjoern

[Robert O'Toole]

The 200-400 would be great for wading birds, general nature and wildlife.

There are a few good previous threads on lens recommendations for reference:

Lens Preference 400 F2.8 vs 500 F4

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ead.php?t=8498

Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS vs. 500mm f/4L IS

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ead.php?t=6696

Nikon 300/2.8 VR + TC's vs Nikon 200-400

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ead.php?t=3658

Tamron SP AF200-500mm F/5-6.3 Di LD (IF) - Any Comments?

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ead.php?t=1050

[Bjoern Drabeck]

The 200-400 would be great for wading birds, general nature and wildlife.

There are a few good previous threads on lens recommendations for reference:

...

Thanks Robert, I will check those threads out!

[Alfred Forns]

Something to consider if money is an object would be the 300 f 4.0 On the corp cameras with a 1.4X becomes 570 !!! Very good performer and have been using as my over the shoulder lens along with the 600 VR !!!

[Alan C. Paine]

Hello,

Could I get some reactions, good or bad, on the Sigma 50-500 zoom? I have chnace to pick one up and am interested in what people think

Thanks,

Alan Paine
Madison,WI