d90 telephoto lens choice

[OZAmateur]

i have a D90 with the 18-200mmVR2 lens.
im looking for something with bigger reach, primarily for sporting events, airshows and nature photography.
i understand that i should probably be asking for 3 lenses for the best for each but i can really only justify 1 lens.

my question is 2 fold...first should i consider a teleconverter...which one, why and what are the benefits/negatives when attached to my camera and lens.
i understand that they give extra reach, are cheaper than a lens (generally) and in the negative increase aperture, thus slowing down the camera.

as for lens im looking at a number of options and would like your feedback from your experiences.
first up nikon 70-300vr, ($500)
sigma 50-500 os, ($1700)
sigma 150-500 os, ($850-900)
sigma 120-400 os. ($750-800)

all have stabilization and sit at about f4-6, so they're not super quick, but i cant afford the super quick f2.8 lens.

from what ive read within the forum, members with each of the above lens all swear by them, but my confusion lies in which one would be best for me, or do i go with a teleconverter?

[wolffman]

Don't go with the tele, it just won't work on your lens
I have the nikon 70-300 vr and it's great on my d90. Any longer than 300 on a crop sensor and you will probably need a monopod at least so your stabilization isn't as needed. I can happily crop the middle portion of a good image at 300 to make it look like a longer lens. Is the sigma 120-400 constant f4? I would consider that one as well

[kiwi]

300 f/4 with 1.4 or 1.7 TC ?

[OZAmateur]

with the prime lens is it fixed at 300, meaning i have to move towards or away from the subject? does adding a teleconverter give me zoom, or just extend the zoom by 1.4x or 1.7 etc?

[kiwi]

300 is fixed focal length. You can't zoom using the lens. You have to move your feet to change the view. Adding a 1.4 effectively goives you another 40% magnification.

[OZAmateur]

ok, cheers.
i think that i would prefer a lens that offers the flexibility of zoom.
also looking into the price a bit more i would almost contemplate the nikkor 80-400mm in place of the sigma 50-500...prices are comparable.

[kiwi]

Zooms are handy.

Is your nickname short for Oz Amateur ? It's spelt wrong, Rick can change that if that's the case

[ving]

i have the sigma 150-500. works really well for what i use it for. i have only used it once for sport tho and that was baseball. heres a link to the thread of the shots. they turned out ok for a non-sports shooter

http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?65008-down-at-the-local-diamond&p=658712#post658712

[umajo]

i also have the 150-500 and love the lens and can hand hold as well which is a bonus

[OZAmateur]

Zooms are handy.

Is your nickname short for Oz Amateur ? It's spelt wrong, Rick can change that if that's the case

hahaha yeah it is......rick can you please fix...i didnt even notice.

[kiwi]

youll need to PM him.

[OZAmateur]

ive got a bit of an update and i guess a further question.
im not keen on getting the 50-500, would be looking at either the 150-500 or 120-400.
i have also noticed in the sigma range in the f4.5ish range they offer about 3 or 4 varieties of lens that go out to 400 and 500..ie the 135-500.
the specs all look the same...has anyone had any experience with any of these lenses and what are the major differences?
all i can see for now is if i want to go to 400mm or 500mm, the lens are pretty much the same as far as i can tell other than that?!

[RRRoger]

I found the Sigma 150-500 to be a very excellent lens but needing a monopod to keep it steady enough at the long end.
We shoot with a D3 (stronger focus motor) and Nikkor 80-400 at MotorSports Events.
It is fast enough and easy to hand hold.
For my D90, I used the AF-S Nikkor 70-200.

[OZAmateur]

further update...ive decided that i will go for the 150 - 500mm.
it gives me more options and if the majority of my shots are say 200 - 400ish they are inside the best performing ranges for this lens and i think i will be very happy. even shooting out to 500 sample pics look good, and with some practice i think will be more than good enough for me.

now just gotta wait for a quality second hand one to come up online, or a great deal on a new lens

[lyuliana]

I have the nikkor 70-300mm vr with my D90. it's a great lens. i satisfy with the result . its very sharp and give a good bokeh.

[peterb666]

As you already have the 18-200 VR, I cannot see the point in getting the nikon 70-300vr as there is too much overlap.

Any of the Sigma lenses you have listed should do fine.