Advice please with lens telephoto zoom choice

[Spooky]

Hello

Just found this forum and think it is great. Spent the last 4 hours reading posts.

I am pretty much a newbie. I have a D70 and the 18-70mm kit lens and am still very much learning theory and how to use the camera.

I got a Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 the other day (for about $225) but after using it a couple of times I realise the limitations of shooting hand held at 300mm. It also hunts quite a bit while focusing especially in the shade. I have a tripod but not always going to be able to use it.

I want a bigger zoom lens (than 300mm) for wildlife, cricket and general holiday landscape shots that will cover everything beyond the 18-70mm lens.

I am keen on VR lens because of the better hand held ability.

The only two options I can see in Nikon is the 80-400 and the 70-200 VRs with a 2x teleconverter.

What would be the better bet?

I gather when I make my decision I should go through birddog to make the acquisition.

Any help appreciated.

[pippin88]

From all I've read you'd only want to use a 1.7x TC on the 70-200VR. It's a nicer lens, but this combo will cost you a fair bit more than the 80-400VR and won't have quite the same reach.

[Oneputt]

My longest lens is the Sigma 50 - 500 which works well with the D70. I have used it hand held but you need really good light so that you can up the shutter speed, otherwise you will need a good tripod.

[fozzie]

Spooky - welcome to the forum . You find this place a great source of information, humor etc and look forward to seeing your post (s) and pix (s) soon.

Hello

Just found this forum and think it is great. Spent the last 4 hours reading posts.

I am pretty much a newbie. I have a D70 and the 18-70mm kit lens and am still very much learning theory and how to use the camera.

I got a Sigma 100-300mm f4-5.6 the other day (for about $225) but after using it a couple of times I realise the limitations of shooting hand held at 300mm. It also hunts quite a bit while focusing especially in the shade. I have a tripod but not always going to be able to use it.

I want a bigger zoom lens (than 300mm) for wildlife, cricket and general holiday landscape shots that will cover everything beyond the 18-70mm lens.

I am keen on VR lens because of the better hand held ability.

The only two options I can see in Nikon is the 80-400 and the 70-200 VRs with a 2x teleconverter.

What would be the better bet?

I gather when I make my decision I should go through birddog to make the acquisition.

Any help appreciated.

If you decide to get the 70-200VR (f/2., best suited with TC-17E11. It will then give you reach of 119-340. A number of members have this combination and . I am one such member. This lens is sharp and fast as a stand alone and only loses out marginally with TC-17EII IMO. Yes this combination it will cost you more than the 80-400VR (f/4.5-5.6), so you need to examine it for yourself and then make a decision like all of us.

ta ta for now,

[Onyx]

Spooky, hello and welcome to the forums. If you think initially spending 4 hours reading on here is a long time, you'll surprise yourself how much time you'll spend each time you logon from now on.

You better make do with your Sigma, cos stocks of either the 70-200 or 80-400 are very hard to come by - even if you're willing to pay full retail prices.

[dooda]

FYI, I found 70-200 VR at my local Lens and Shutter. Haven't noticed lack of them here for some reason. That's only one store though, I'll check some more and see. (I don't know why, it's not like I have the money to buy one.)

[johndec]

FYI, I found 70-200 VR at my local Lens and Shutter. Haven't noticed lack of them here for some reason. That's only one store though, I'll check some more and see. (I don't know why, it's not like I have the money to buy one.)

How many have they got and how much do they want for them?