SafariGirl5
newbie
Reged: 31/05/2009
Posts: 1
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Hi All
I need advice please! I am about to purchase a D90 but cannot decide on which zoom lens to buy. I want a fast, good focal length which will help me to capture good action shots of the wildebeest migration crossing on the mara. I just can't make my mind up, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. My pocket isn't huge so something costing £2K is out (unfortunately!). This will be my third trip and I want to improve on earlier photos taken with a s9600. So am seriously upgrading.
Many thanks everyone
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deddard
addict
Reged: 11/03/2008
Posts: 462
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I can't give specifics - there are loads of options depending on what you are willing to carry (such as the sigma 50-500 or 150-500 IS)
The one thing that is to your advantage is that in the Serengeti you won't need a superfast lens, as the D90 has the same sensor as the D300 which is good in low light or at higher ISOs.
Secondly there will be plenty of light there - combine this with the ISO capabilities and your choices are a bit wider than they otherwise would be.
I think you should seriously consider the dust proofing on some of the lenses. I have the Sigma 150-500, and I think it's probably a better bet than some others (par for the course - the more the lens costs, the better built it usually is) but check with some of the others on here, as I ain't been to Africa!
Another possibility would be something upto 400mm as long as it's aperture is fairly low (5.6 max) as you could then take a teleconverter as well.
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nspur
addict
Reged: 20/07/2005
Posts: 534
Loc: Derbyshire
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I would recommend the Sigma 70-200 EX HSM f2.8 plus a teleconverter, probably the 1.4 times. That will give you a field of view equal to 420mm on film/full-frame. If you need more effective range you can always crop your image but the migration is sufficiently panoramic that 200mm plus a TC could be the best option.
Personally I would take my Nikkor 80-200m f4, a manual focus lens, plus a 2 times teleconverter but I don't think that would meter on the D90 (it does on my FujiFilm S5).
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Nick
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Straightarm
Reged: 02/05/2001
Posts: 1158
Loc: Exiled in the Beautiful South
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Quote:
I would recommend the Sigma 70-200 EX HSM f2.8 plus a teleconverter, probably the 1.4 times. That will give you a field of view equal to 420mm on film/full-frame. If you need more effective range you can always crop your image but the migration is sufficiently panoramic that 200mm plus a TC could be the best option.
I think that's too short
I would suggest that even with a cropped camera 400mm is needed.
Have you thought about hiring a lens rather than buying outright?
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Simon
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Mat Gallagher
WDC Deputy Editor
Reged: 02/04/2009
Posts: 27
Loc: London
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Unfortunately you really do get what you pay for with long lenses and there's no real substitute for serious glass. However, there are a few options with Sigma being your best bet on the whole. Their 150-500mm f/5-6.3 is definitely one to consider, as is the slightly cheaper 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6. Alternatively if you want something fast either the Sigma or Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses are a good option and by adding a 2x converter you will still get an f/5.6 aperture and an equivalent of 600mm, though no image stabilisation.
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