Tamron 28-105 2.8

[Watchin]

I can well understand the tank pricing !!
I've got at least one in that category, but after using it for 3 years I wouldn't
trade it for a dozen other lenses ! (It's the 17-35 AFs f2.8 Nikon...
wonderful lens on ever count IMHO!)

I'm looking around for a make of lens to try for an extra long tele >300mm
f4 or better, to be my wildlife lens. I don't want to spend a fortune on it
(a Nikon one is $2K or more, even used) as it won't see everyday service.

It sounds like my original ideas of find one that fits, try it and return if it
isn't what I like; is going to be the way to go.

I've also used Vivitar (do they even exist anymore??), Sigma, Tokina, and
Samyang/Phoenix lens over the years. Of course I've used the camera make
lenses for Minolta, Mamiya, Nikon, and Rollie. Of all the "off brand" I've only
found 1 (a Vivitar One 100-300 f3.5) that I considered a real good lens. All of the
others had several failing points, some I could live with / some I couldn't.

I currently have a Tamrom 2x AF-Nikon converter which I would rate as barely
OK for occasional use if I absolutely have to. It's main failing is edge/corner
softness and inability to hold a heavy tele "properly".

It's interesting that you mention the focus issues (Tony), what reading I've
done on "off brand" lenses seems to indicate that very few of them have
the focus SNAP of a manufacturers lens. For my everyday lenses I only use
AFs Nikons now, gotten spoiled, but I've found a couple of AFd lenses that
perform acceptably. For my current search I've kinda accepted that it'll be a
hunt focus lens.

John - what would you consider a good price for the 17-50 f2.8 ?

[mattchase]

I just did a quick search and there really aren't any 3rd party telephoto prime lenses available! The only one that is not Nikon is one of Sigma's high end 500mm lenses (for $4200!).

There is the Nikon 300mm f4 lens for $1125. Have you considered that lens plus either the 1.4x ($410) or 1.7x ($420) teleconverter? That would give you either a 420mm f5.6 (1.4x) or 510mm f6.3 lens (1.7x), and would be a tad under $2000 after shipping and taxes. I guess that is in the realm of a small fortune, eh? You could always just start with the lens for $1125-ish and go from there. I'm not sure how much luck you would have finding a used one, I'm sure Nikonians are like Canonians and hold onto their good primes forever.

How are the noise levels with the D200? If they aren't too bad at ISO 400, 800, or 1000 then the above lens with the 1.4x would be a nice combo for the majority of daylight hours. But it might struggle to allow the shutter speeds needed for dawn and dusk use, depending on what type of creature you are shooting.

[Watchin]

I have the new 70-300 f4-5.6 AFs VR Nikon. So I suppose a 1.4x might
get me close to what I'm looking at... I'll have to do some research on
the Nikon converters, like I said I've tried the Tamron (supposed to be good) and am not very pleased.

Yeah I looked at the long zooms and the primes, start at the price of
a used Harley and go up. Hell I'd take the Harley! There are a couple
in the <1K range but the ratings I've seen don't look to good.

Oh well, another for the wish list I guess.

As for the D200 and noise, so far it seems to be acceptable up to 800,
and with little after processing you can get a bit more. For what I'm thinking though I think any noise is too much.

Thanks for the help Matt and John, let me know if you see anything.
John let us know how the other lens works out.

[Talvan]

Greg, I will be getting the 17-50 2.8 after I get the 70-200 2.8, and that is a couple months off yet. The going price for the 17-50 2.8 is about $450 new. I have heard great things about it though.

I got the 28-105 Tamron from KEH, and it had a 14 day return policy so I sent it back and traded it for a new tripod and ball head. I had originally sent them my Manfroto 3058 legs and 3047 head for the Tamron 28-105 as the 3058 was just to heavy for uses. I should have my new 3021Pro legs and my new 488RC2 ball head Tuesday. I tell you, KEH is an awsome place to deal with. If you call up there to try out some lenses talk to Grant, he is real nice.

[JoePhoto]

*OT*

Greg - not sure if you've ever seen any of my old bird photos, but just about everything was shot with the Nikkor 300mm f/4 AFS and a 1.4x tcon. It's a stunningly sharp combo and with the only negative to using a tcon is the bokeh takes a hit with certain backgrounds. Though without the tcon, the 300/4 has amazing bokeh with razor sharpness.

You'll unfortunately hate your 70-300VR after using the 300 prime.

Check your PM.

[JoePhoto]

John - skip the $450 17-50 and budget the Nikkor 17-55 f/2.8 or better yet the Nikkor 28-70 f/2.8. Trust me, there is not really a 3rd party equivalent that is as aharp at every focal length and every f-stop... especially the 28-70... amazing optic.

[Talvan]

Yea, right now I am concentrating on a new bag and the 70-200.

[JoePhoto]

Cool - you know I've never steered you wrong.

[Watchin]

John I think you'll love the 70-200 !! I used one in NH the fall after they
came out, wish now I'd spent the money... wife woulda kilt me but still :{)
The 3021 is an excellent pod, I've got the smaller/taller brother the 3001.
When you need leg cover/pads, get black foam pipe insulation from Home Depot
it works GREAT, mine is 3 years old and still work/looks excellent;
not bad for $4 and 5 minutes with a razor knife!!

Joe - I would LOVE to get a 300 f4 with a tcon, except I don't have ANY free
cash right now. I did until Friday, but an emergency root canal and cap took
care of that... poof gone. I didn't know a molar could have 5 roots...ARGH mine did
2 hours in the chair, I'm still typingggg with a lispppp :{o
Thanks for the PM !!
BUT you gotta stop raining on me... I really like my 70-250 VR (I don't
count the last 50 anymore...) do you think a Tcon 14II would work with it?

[JoePhoto]

Greg,

Sorry man! I didn't mean to rain on your 70-250VR (heh!) You know I'm a lens snob!

I think you'll find that a Tcon won't work on it because I believe the glass will actually hit when you zoom out to 70mm! Check your lens manual though.

By the way - wipe up the drool by your computer and tuck your bottom lip back in! Sorry to hear about the root canal. o u c h !

I didn't want to completely pimp it in the forums, but my 300/4 & Tcon combo is up for sale. PM if interested.