Sharpest Long Lens for the Money?

[stetsonlaw]

I currently have a D7000 and 70-300VR.  I am in the market for a longer lens and have around $1,200 to work with.  I want maximum sharpness.  My thought was a Nikkor 300f4 and Kenko 1.4X which will be about $800.00 total.  Any other thoughts / suggestions?

[jgunning]

Are you looking at an older used 300mm? A new one is around $1300 by itself.

Make absolutely sure you get a US version. Nikon will not service it if it's a grey market lens. Horrible customer service, but that's how it is.

The 300mm f/4 would be a very good choice, optically it is an excellent lens. There is one problem you should be aware of. The older versions (prior to about year 2000) of this lens have a very badly designed tripod collar. It flexes terribly and it is very difficult, if not impossible, to get critically sharp images from a tripod. The newer versions have a beefed up collar and may be better. The 80-400 shared the same collar and had the same problem. Without looking it up, I believe there are aftermarket collars available that solve this problem.

I don't know how well the Kenko converter performs, but if you can swing it, I would get a late model Nikon converter. When I was looking to buy I was advised to get the Nikon version. You can use it with confidence that it will work properly on any Nikon tele (or other lens for that matter)into the future.

[hunter58]

Here's a good read about Nikon Lenses

photographylife.com/best-nikon-lenses-for-wildlife-photography

[stetsonlaw]

Thank you for the replies. I am going to go with the 300mm f/4 plus the 1.4x teleconverter on my D7000. Higher than I originally budgeted, but the reviews across the internet seem to favor this combo for the money.

[Rich]

Hi Stetson..........I have a suggestion if you haven't made your purchase yet. Try a rental first. It's a fairly inexpensive way to get your hands on a lens or two to help in the decision making process. Good luck

[degasgonedigital]

Sigma 150-500..

[Ira Runyan]

Since you posted this inquiry, a new lens has come out that has got to be the sharpest lens for the lowest cost. It's the Tamron 150-600mm lens. I received one last week for use on my Canon 7D and I can tell you that it is a real game changer in the 3rd party lens market, with a very low price of $1069.00.  I don't think you can go wrong with this one.

They have been shipping the Tamron 150-600mm for Canon for about a month now but they are in high demand and must be pre-ordered as no one can keep them in stock. I think the Nikon mounts are going to be shipped by the end of this month.

Look at my recent posts to see some shots taken with the lens. Information on the lens and links to reviews can be read on this forum at Tamron's 150-600mm lens