What kind of pictures are you wanting to take...if you want Macro shots you'll need to use extension tubes. If you want a macro lens you'd do better to go with a prime lens - 50/60/85/90/105 mm lens but you'll have to choose which one you want.
Not sure there has ever been a 300mm macro. Longest reach I can think of off the top of my head is around 180mm, there could be more. Now there are a number of telephoto (and shorter focal length) lenses that have a close focus ability and can do close to 1:2 macro. As Ja-9 asked, what kind of photos are you looking to take? I use a 50-200mm (normally with an 1.4x TC) to do close up shots of stuff that will not let you get close or that 1:1 macro will not show the entire thing.
I wanted a lens that I could use for both bird and insect photography. So I was hoping to find something up in the 300mm range for shooting birds and at the same time good enough for Macro. But after looking around, as Kobba said, not too many lenses out there like the one I just posted. I'm looking around DPC for photos taken with that specific lens, or perhaps this one.
Your actually talking about 2 different lens to be honest. You can use the Tamron 16-300 BUT you have to have extension tubes for macro work and you won't be as happy. Because it's usually long n bulky. I've done it a few times more because I wanted the "distance" between myself n my subject. True dedicated prime macro lens you get a 1:1 ratio which IMHO is a true Macro lens. Anything else is being made to fit.
Now as a long zoom lens for wildlife. I think you will be very happy. Not so much for the bugs. Good news is for the amount of $$ your talking about you can get both (might have to buy used). But check out KEH.com for that.
I'm getting ready to buy the Tamron 150-600mm for my birding shots. My 70-300mm just doesn't have the reach I wanted (I've out grown it)...but I'm still thinking about getting Nikon 80-400mm as well. The last to replace my 70-300mm the 150-600mm to add reach.
I have never shot Nikon so can't really be much help in picking a lens. In my opinion 300mm is not long enough for bird photography. Yes it will work, but getting a bit more reach would really help. Sigma and Tamron both have pretty good zooms that go from 150-600mm (Sigma also has the 150-500 which is about $250 cheaper). I hear that the new Tamron 150-600 is a great lens. I had the Sigma 150-500 when I shot Canon and thought it was a good lens for what it was.
As Ja-9 suggested, look at used. I have gotten to wear I buy most of my lenses used now, can save a lot of money that way and typically get a bit more lens for your money.
Sigmas 150-500mm currently new is $799 (rebate). Used around $400 ish. Tamron 150-600mm (only available new as of now) $1089. Sigma also has a 150-600mm one for sport (stupid expensive) and one for wildlife for $1069. Talked extensivly to my local camera shop (excellent shop I'll add) I compared the 150-500mm to 150-600mm almost identical in length n weight...I'd want the extra 100mm!!! I was told that the Sigma 50-500mm although is a good lens has to much range that I'd be happier with the Tamron 150-600mm. Again I'd buy used from KEH.com
I would go with Janine's choices for birds. She knows of which she speaks. For bugs, I'd look at a used Tamron 90, or an older Nikon 105mm AF-D. Both are excellent lenses that will do exactly what you want for $3-400 used.
I have a Nikon 60mm f/2.8 (bought on eBay for $260) and a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 (older version paid about $250 on EBay). Happy with both. My Nikon 50mm f/1.4 broke...miss that lens...sigh. Footnote don't ever use one of the reversing rings...mine got stuck on the lens and although we were very careful when taking them apart the side of the lens (black barrel) cracked...deep sigh. But lesson learned...cha chink!!!
I don't think the Tamron 16-300mm can be beat...it's amazing. And I'll have to get the 80-400mm used. Can't afford a new one.
Used sounds good to me too. Haha. As for Macro, I would think you'd have to be pretty far from insects and such, or they'd fly away. I'm a bit surprised how low some of these Macro lenses zoom.
Or for macro you could get some ext tubes or reverse a 50mm on the front of your camera
That's pretty handy.
I'm going to go try B and H for that 150-600mm Tamron.
one other big advantage of buying new (when you can afford it) is that you get the full warranty. Thats why I'll be buying my other lens from KEH.com because they have a short warranty that I get when I purchase from them. kind of nice. I think I can also purchase a longer warranty if I wanted to.
Warranties are always a plus with such delicate and expensive equipment. So far, I couldn't find anything used at B and H and I can't find one on Ebay for under $800. So I'm considering the Sigma you mentioned, for half that price. Concerned about going handheld with it though, probably a shaky lens.
Warranties are always a plus with such delicate and expensive equipment. So far, I couldn't find anything used at B and H and I can't find one on Ebay for under $800. So I'm considering the Sigma you mentioned, for half that price. Concerned about going handheld with it though, probably a shaky lens.
I made a decision. I'm going with the one I first mentioned. I really wanted something around 500mm, but 300mm is enough for me, living in the city and all. This thing would never have to come off the cam. It does everything. I just wonder about these extension tubes I'm hearing about.
I got mine from Amazon...I just know that they have the connectors so my lens will still focus...you can get a stack of 3 for $30 n UP!!! Don't go cheap and DO NOT BUY A REVERSING RING...that was how I ruined my 50mm
