Newbie- looking for advise to upgrade lens

[Llew]

Totally newbie with buying camera gear

I visit the Mach loop regularly and could do with extra reach on the lens
I currently have a 50-300ml lens and would like to get 400/500ml
I’ve got a Nikon D90 and would like to hear people’s thoughts on potential lenses that I could buy within a reasonable budget

Many thanks

[blacksplat]

The Sigma 150-600 C is great value for money and will give you the reach you need.

[Llew]

The Sigma 150-600 C is great value for money and will give you the reach you need.

Appreciate that

Do you know if buying second hand is a decent option with that lens or is it risky

[daggerfan]

I have no hesitation in buying secondhand, as long as it's from a reputable dealer such as Ffordes, Wex, MPB and LCE. Other reputable dealers are available! Warranties are usually six months, but some dealers offer a year.

Read the descriptions carefully to know what condition the lens is in and what it comes with, such as caps, hood, tripod collar, case, maybe even the original box.

The Sigma zoom ring turns in the opposite direction to Nikon's own lenses, but most people probably get used to it easily enough. I didn't, which was the only reason I got rid of my Sigma 150-600! It all depends how accustomed you are to using Nikon zooms.

[B58Hustler]

I am somewhat perplexed by the need for reach at the 'Loop'.
Bigger IS better if you want a compressed front three quarter shot, but for a nice panned top side 'spluffy' pass at Cad West then 300mm on a full frame body is perfect. Or a 70-200 an a crop body.
I love my old Nikon 300f4 and those are cheap as chips. Or I would highly recommend the Nikon 70-200 f4. It's as sharp as the 2.8 and much cheaper. You don't require the 2.8 for aviation. It will be in a different league from your 55-300.
Just a couple of examples of images with the 300 f4 on a full frame body.
Good luck in whatever you choose.




F-15E by Jayson Cork, on Flickr




'Blackjack' by Jayson Cork, on Flickr




And the more compressed shot you will get with more reach, this is at 500mm on a crop body. I used to have a Sigma 150-600 Sport but the images just didn't 'ping' and now have a 500 5.6 PF which I love but in all honesty the 300 is my 'go to'.




Hawk by Jayson Cork, on Flickr

[Mike]

The Sigma 150-600 C is great value for money and will give you the reach you need.

Appreciate that

Do you know if buying second hand is a decent option with that lens or is it risky

Don't forget to reply to those members who have had the decency to reply to your questions during your quest to get to the magical 10 post mark.

[STN RAMP RAT]

The Sigma 150-600 C is great value for money and will give you the reach you need.

Appreciate that

Do you know if buying second hand is a decent option with that lens or is it risky

Don't forget to reply to those members who have had the decency to reply to your questions during your quest to get to the magical 10 post mark.

He has achieved his 10 posts in record time and will likley never post again

[Llew]

Apologies I did reply twice however got removed I don’t know why

[adamsh01]

I have a canon 100-400 & never gone above the 300 mark & that is dependent to where I am in the loop.
Dont forget you have a 1.6 crop which adds to your focal length.