Making the next step in telephoto lenses?
I'm currently using a Nikon D7000 with an 18-105 kit lens on it. I have used the 70-300VR on it many times as a close friend has one and we share lenses all the time. The problem I find is that I don't have enough reach on the 70-300. I'm very into sports and nature, specifically birds, photography. I have thought about a teleconverter but I'm not convinced about it yet. I'm not sure what kind of budget I'm looking at yet, but I have been looking at the 300, 400 primes, or the new 80-400 (possibly with a 1.4 teleconverter), or the 200-400. I know these lenses vary in price A LOT, but what are your takes on these lenses or combinations.
My only other concern is that some lenses are f/4s, so would they still work with my D7000 when combined with a 1.4x teleconverter? I know some don't autofocus at f8 on certain cameras, but would it still work? The 80-400 looks to be pretty nice considering it is fairly new, but would it still work on my D7000 with a 1.4x teleconverter? I'm not really good at figuring out the aperture when combined with a teleconverter. Any info is appreciated.
The next telephoto zoom is the 200-400 mm f/4 if you need a fast lens. Otherwise the 80-400 mm is fine, but telextenders are meant for just certain lenses and I think if you look on the Nikon website, you will see that of the two, only the 200-400 mm is recommended for use with certain lenses listed there
For the cost of the 200-400 mm f/4, you can get a 300 mm f/2.8 if you need the extra stop of speed.
Yes, 300mm doesn't quite reach it when it comes to birds. I'm telling you now, even 500mm won't satisfy you.
If you can afford this…
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/..._5_6e.html
Here are low optical quality lenses that offer exceptional reach. They all come in with T-mounts so be prepared to lose all automatic functions.