Which lens would you recommend ???

geoffj55 · 28-03-2009, 3:17 PM

Hi Everyone,
I have A Nikon D80 & was looking to buy a new lens to go on safari to kenya shortly.
I would appreciate your comments, (both good & bad!!)
on these which I may use a tele converter with as well.
they are:-
Sigma 120-400mm 4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM &
Tamron 18-270mm F3.6-6.3 Di VC
Or can you recommend any around this price ( £500 approx)

Thanks
GeoffJ

cmc · 28-03-2009, 4:35 PM

Hi Geoff, I use a Nikon 70-300VR on my D80 and think it performs really well, especially outdoors (I imagine you'll be using it in nice sunny weather in Kenya

)

I think even with the recent price-hike it falls within your budget.

geoffj55 · 28-03-2009, 5:17 PM

Hi CMC,
Thanks for that,
My main worry is the distance to some of the wildlife,
will a 300mm & Tele converter give the best results ????
Geoff j

Pirate!! · 28-03-2009, 5:50 PM

If you can find one, trawl for one of theese: Tokina AT-X 340 AF 100-300mm f/4 SD (IF) Look for the gold ring version. I don't think it's made any more, but if you can find one . . . and a Kenko 1.4x or 1.5x TC, you'll be just fine (so says me).

Yandros · 28-03-2009, 6:09 PM

How about hiring a Nikon 80-400 VR?

Martin.D · 28-03-2009, 7:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yandros

How about hiring a Nikon 80-400 VR?

Was thinking the same thing!

cmc · 29-03-2009, 6:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoffj55

Hi CMC,
Thanks for that,
My main worry is the distance to some of the wildlife,
will a 300mm & Tele converter give the best results ????
Geoff j

Hi Geoff, I don't know much about teleconverters I'm afraid but I am sure there are more knowledgable people than myself on here who'll be able to advise you on this...

jenufa · 29-03-2009, 11:10 AM

Sigma APO 170-500mm f/5-6.3 DG Lens will give you the distance you need on a safari.
Take a small bean bag with you to rest the lens on when you are in the vehicle to steady the shot.
You should be able to pick the lens up within your budget here on Fleabay.

Sigma APO 170-500mm f/5-6.3 DG Lens on eBay, also, For Digital SLR, Camera Lenses, Photography (end time 29-Mar-09 21:00:00 BST)

geoffj55 · 29-03-2009, 3:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmc

Hi Geoff, I don't know much about teleconverters I'm afraid but I am sure there are more knowledgable people than myself on here who'll be able to advise you on this...

thanks for that CMC

geoffj55 · 29-03-2009, 3:22 PM

Cheers for that PIRATE!!

Pirate!! · 29-03-2009, 3:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoffj55

Cheers for that PIRATE!!

Avast Ye! No problem. If reviews are anything to go by, a couple or alternates:

Sigma 100-300mm F4 EX DG (IF) and 1.4x EX DG teleconverter.
Sigma 50-500mm, though this is stopped-down heavily the longer to go (towards the 500mm range), so may not be 'all that' unless you have excellent light. I've read good things about it, but I would opt for the Tokina (if you can find one) or Sigma 100-300mm (if you have the £££'s) over it (subject to your budget).