Suggestions for Nikon Lens?

[Don Hoey]

Originally Posted by Nogbad

I had thought obout the 105mm VR but had heard mixed reactions. Anyone else who has good comments re this lens I would be pleased to hear.

Nogbad

Mick V & PicMan use this lens. Results I have seen look good.

Don

[Don Hoey]

Having read your thread on Aviation Nostalgia then perhaps your requirement is for a lens longer than 300mm.

Don

[Nogbad]

Hi Don yes I am tempted to go for a 400 or poss 500 mm to help with the Aviation photo's. But may only get used in summer, and a bit concerned re handholding such a lrge lens.?

Had considered also taking some action photos say motorsports, quite fancy a trip to IOM TT next year (find a nice brick wall to hide behind!) So not sure how much use it would get.

Also I assume the cost for a larger lens would be somewaht more? I can always save a bit more and take my time and see if prices drop or if better glass appears.

Nogbad

[ollieholmes]

My advice for airshows would be to go for the 300 F2.8 lens with vr and if needed add a tc. Stephan could comment more on the lens as he uses it.

[Canis Vulpes]

I do use the 300 f2.8VR for airshows and aviation. I used to think 400mm was ideal for airshows but I then limited myself to 300. At 300 most subjects are still accessible but at a different point in the display. Sometimes I have to be patient and wait for the moment, other times leave something smaller altogether. A wide range zoom yields photo's all along a display whereas a 300mm prime offers to spots, one to the left and one to the right - that it!

The lens is very sharp and fast to focus and although large its fairly inconspicuous.

I went through the 400 or 500 phase but settled at 300, personal preference I guess.

[ollieholmes]

Have you thought of the 80-400mm lens? Again i have never used it but i have herd it sounds a good lens. Its a bit more flexible as a zoom compared to a prime but the quality and speed will not be the same.

[Leif]

Originally Posted by ollieholmes

Have you thought of the 80-400mm lens? Again i have never used it but i have herd it sounds a good lens. Its a bit more flexible as a zoom compared to a prime but the quality and speed will not be the same.

I have never owned any of these lenses but I always think images from the 80-400mm zoom lack the bite of images from the pro-grade lenses including the 200-400mm F4 AFS VR. To be honest my Sigma 400mm F5.6 APO Macro lacks the bite of my other lenses. I am sure owners will disagree.

[ollieholmes]

Again Stephan did have the 200-400 but i was speeking to him about it recantly and he commented that it was rather heavy for airshow work.

[Don Hoey]

Originally Posted by Nogbad

I will be able to afford a new lens in the next 3-4 months and wil have about
£1000- to £1200 to play with maybe a little more.

Nogbad

I think that lets the 300 f2.8 out of the frame also the 200-400.

As for the 80-400 I would hang fire. This lens has been around a bit and must be in line for AFS upgrade that might include revised optics.

Don

[Nogbad]

Hi Don what kind of money am I looking at? If its worth waiting and saving I will wait if the glass is worth it.

As you say probably best to hang fire and save the funds.

Thanks

Nogbad