evannorth

<p>I have recently started using the nikon 200-500vr on both the d7100 and more lately the d7200 after about 3 years of ownership and heavy use of the 300f4 ed af-s and tc14eii plus 1 years ownership and heavy use of the sigma 150-600c.<br> For close quarter birding I can honestly say that the nikon 200-500vr is my current lens of choice.<br> It equals my 300f4/tc14eii combo in its image quality and beats it hands down in its flexibility (although the former combo is far better for smaller critters like butterflys and dragonflys), when compared to the sigma c it still comes out on top in every aspect.<br> With its light weight and excellent vr the 200-500vr is looking more like a godsend every time I use it.</p><div></div>

<p>i currently use the nikon d7000 and d7100 both gripped with a number of lenses for nature related shots. my fave being butterflys and dragonflys and some birds now and again. with either a sigma 150 or the nikon 300f4 af-s and tc14ii converter. <br> i am thinking of getting more in to birding and an considering the sigma 150-600 contemporary.<br> the question is, is it worth getting this lens or should i stick with the 300 f4 and tc combo and simply crop my images?</p>

<p>the question i would ask would be about the reliability of both lenses.<br> an ever increasing number of tamron users using the nikon mount are having problems with the lens freezing and refusing to focus unless released and reseated in its mount.<br> only time will tell re the new sigmas but i am keeping an eye on the sports and contemporary and disregarding the tamron because of its issues despite seeing very nice results from it.</p>

<p>if you are going for photos of butterflys/reptiles i would look for a used non os sigma 150mm. <br> my other fave setup for the d7000 and d7100 is the nikon 300f4 af-s with the nikon tc14ii.<br> the later set up will allow me to "fill the frame" with an average uk sized dragonfly or one of our larger (for the uk) butterflys from its minimum focus distance of 3 feet. it doubles as a great birding lens too.<br> ok, so its over budget, lacks vr and is on the large side but it is a setup well worth having. it takes a little while to master it and get the best results but when you do you will get superbly sharp results. </p>

<p>the 60mm f2.8d is great macro lens on a budget. going for a song on the used market.<br> the 105mm f2.8d is another good choice.</p>