Whatbird.com

Alright, so here's the deal. I found a used Nikkor 400mm f3.5 EDIF Ais for $1400. I also found a used Nikkor 300mm f2.8 EDIF Ais for the exact same price. The 400 weighs 3kg (
6.5lbs) and the 300mm weighs 2.5kg (5.5lbs). So is the reduction is weight and aperture worth the loss in focal length? Any experience with either of these lenses?

 

Thanks for the help! 

 

 

BTW: I have a Nikon D5000.

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I have no experience with either lens but line of thinking is, longer is better.

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I have seen Nikon 300mm 2.8 auto focus lens for about the same price as the AIS lens you quoted. I looked for 2 years before I finally bought a Nikon AFS 300mm 2.8 lens and I ended up paying $2500 for it. That is half price of a new lens. I personally think you would do better with the 300mm 2.8 lens and then spend another $200 for a teleconverter. If you bought a 1.4 teleconverter, your camera/lens combo would become a 630mm f4.If you purchase the 400mm and put a teleconverter it would be a 5.6 lens, I think. I have been very happy with the 300mm and now I never even use my 400mm. Now, this is my opinion, so, take it for what its worth. My 300mm 2.8 lens is really sharp on the focus. Both lenses will require a tripod/bipod.   

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Southwestern New Mexico

I have a 400 f3.5, useing it on a D300 It will work on P just fine, but with a tel converter if I don't run it at wide open, say f8 with a 2X it will over expose even in manual mode. I don't know why it does this. The foces is very fine, it's in or out with just a bump, but it does take sharp pic's, not so sharp with the converter on, but thats normal. Right now my main lenes is a 200 to 500 AF Tarmon and it weighs haft what the Nikon does. Wish I would have spent another $100 and got the Sigma with VR.

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Kurt

Goose:

Alright, so here's the deal. I found a used Nikkor 400mm f3.5 EDIF Ais for $1400. I also found a used Nikkor 300mm f2.8 EDIF Ais for the exact same price. The 400 weighs 3kg (
6.5lbs) and the 300mm weighs 2.5kg (5.5lbs). So is the reduction is weight and aperture worth the loss in focal length? Any experience with either of these lenses?

 

Thanks for the help! 

 

 

BTW: I have a Nikon D5000.

without question I would purchase the Nikkor 300mm f2.8 EDIF

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Birds high above in the trees Serenade the flowers with their melodies - Line from the song "A Lovers Concerto"

My photo gallery http://thekiwi.org/photography/index.php

I've got zero experience with either.  That said, I agree with kiwi and raptrlvr.  Buy the 300mm f/2.8, and then buy a TC-17 for it.

bought the 300. Thanks for the help!

 

Now to teleconverters: 

 

Is the Kenko Pro DG 300 1.4x any good?

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Lifers: 134

Recent additions: Black-throated Green Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Great Horned Owl
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That is the teleconverter I have. Works great for me.

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Southwestern New Mexico

Goose:

bought the 300. Thanks for the help!

Congratulations!  Now let's see some photos! 

Ha! Hopefully I can get some soon. Unfortunately I am away for the summer, but my parents are coming to visit me over the 4th and I told them to bring it

 I'm gonna try it out at Wheeler NWR in Huntsville, AL. Anyone been?

 

Oh yeah, and I bought a manfrotto tripod to go along with my shiny new lens. I already spent so much, why not just add a little extra!

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Lifers: 134

Recent additions: Black-throated Green Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Great Horned Owl
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Goose:

Oh yeah, and I bought a manfrotto tripod to go along with my shiny new lens. I already spent so much, why not just add a little extra!

What did you get?  My current tripod is useless (cheapo brand from Best Buy).  Let me know how you like yours.  I've been thinking of getting one, but the choices seem particularly endless for tripods (especially if you buy legs & head separately).

It's a Manfrotto-Bogen 190XPROB. Max load 5kg (11lbs). Aluminum 3 section.

 

I'll keep you posted!

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Lifers: 134

Recent additions: Black-throated Green Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Great Horned Owl
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I think I looked at those legs, but with the walking I do, I'll probably end up going carbon fiber.  What head are you getting for it?

I already bought a head for my manfrotto monopod, so I'll just use that. It's a standard tilt head. Maybe I'll upgrade to a ball head if I really think it needs it. I wanted to go carbon fiber, because that would certainly help on long walks (now I get to carry close to 11lbs of assorted equipment for a mile or two!) but $300 is a bit much for me. Besides, I need the exercise!

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Lifers: 134

Recent additions: Black-throated Green Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Great Horned Owl
Favorites: Osprey, American Kestrel, Reddish Egret