No affordable bird photography lens by Nikon.

First, I would tell anyone who is thinking of taking bird photos that even with the "cropping factor" associated with DSLR's, 400mm. is about the minimum focal length that is practical in the field.

Second: no one would argue that a $500 lens is going to be the equal, ultimately, of a $7,000 lens. The latter is better-built, faster, and optically superior. But there is such a thing as "adequately sharp for one's purposes." Someone pointed out that the resolving power of a DSLR isn't high enough to distinguish detail past a certain point. I think this is true. Once you have a lens that is "adequately sharp" and you utilize optimal long-lens technique, you will find that the *practical* difference for *most purposes* between a "decent" lens and a "super" one is not as great as it would seem were you shooting fine-grain film.

As I stated in a previous post, I often use my 80-400mm. VR zoom for bird photography. Particularly once it is stopped down a bit (say to f8), it gives results that I have found to be quite sharp, quite satisfactory. I also own a 500mm. Nikkor (the one I just sent off to Nikon for repairs, sigh). It's a superb lens, and when I enlarge photos greatly I can tell that its resolving power is a BIT better for digital photos than the 80-400mm. zoom.

But the fact is, the difference is really pretty slight. One would have to enlarge the image significantly and then look closely at very fine detail to really see the difference. My point: the 80-400mm. zoom is quite adequate.

Let me add that when one starts shooting digitally, learning how to use post-processing programs like Photoshop becomes really important. For bird photos, learning how to use sharpening features (whether Photoshop's or via a plug-in) is hugely important. You have to endeavor to sharpen enough to make your fine feather detail look crisp and detailed, but you don't want to oversharpen, which makes the bird look kind of embalmed and unnatural. I'm not saying I'm any kind of master at this, but I have come to say that judicious use of "unsharp mask" can make an already good bird photo look terrific.

I would also be interested in a 400mm AFS. That would be light and great for bird photography with a 1.5 crop DSLR. A price under 1500 USD would also be nice.

Come on Nikon...

<I>KL IX , feb 04, 2005; 04:12 p.m.: "When you switch to C, can I have your 400/5.6?"</I><P>

KLIX, if you're interested, I have a mint 400mm/5.6, with caps, filter, and case. I don't use it enough (i.e., once a year) to justify keeping it. Let me know if you're interested.

Well, this has been an interesting discussion. A few comments though:

armando roldan - I will try taking pics of larger birds...ha ha

KL IX - when you get my old lens chipped can you also install the AF-S? That would indeed solve my problem!

Lee Hamiel - Are you a Nikon emploee? You sure seem to take this thing too seriously!

Vivek Iyer - how many pop cans to one 300/4 AF-S? Maybe I'll start collecting them.

Arnab Pratim Das - not sure you can shoot a wild turkey with a 50mm. Have you tried?

Ady

How about the 80-400 VR? I got a used one from ebay for less than 1000$ and it works wonderfully. Especially hand-held.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80400vr.htm

http://www.bythom.com/80400VRlens.htm

Ady, Read this and ask Christopher :-)

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00AuMW

Just a thought. We are all here suffering equipment angst and obsession. The answer for

me was not to focus on equipment but to focus on B.I.R.D.S. I already know that for all

situations my suggestion won't work but for me it has. I suggest learning more about the

birds and thier behaviors. Then learn ways to get closer. The person who suggested the

50mm was correct. He is sitting quietly and lets the birds get closer to him. Don't stand

there with a huge lens and tripod and expect a wild animal to get close to you. Try getting

low to the ground. Wear camo to blend in. Blinds are now very cheap from Outdoor world.

Let the birds come to you. The original post said he was a bird shooter but no indication

of woodland or waterbirds. So if you let them get closer you should be able to use the

300mm f4 AFS or older ED version which I picked up for 399 at KEH. With a Tamron 1.4

teleconverter is produces images that are good enough to sell. It's great to have and be

able to afford good equipment but it needs to be combined with stalking and cover to

become a good "predator" of bird shots. Stay low, be quiet and let nature come and visit

you.