Keta From Germany, joined Mar 2005, 444 posts, RR: 0 Posted (7 years 3 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 1798 times:
I'm a starter in spotting, and I'm planning to buy a digital SLR camera. Since I have an old analogic Nikon camera at home an lenses for it, I decided to buy the Nikon D50, instead of Canon EOS 350D or Nikon D70s (D50 is cheaper ), supposing the lenses fit in the new one (I still have to check that, but that's not the point). The thing is that the lens I have at home is a Nikkor AF 70-210. But as far as I have seen, most of the people uses lenses of 300-400 mm(?) focal length. If what I need is bigger lenses, shouldn't I rethink my purchase? Because if I have to buy a 300 mm lens, maybe it's better to buy one for a Canon, since in the (distant) future I may switch to the Canon EOS 30D (it's widely used by people here, isn't it?). So, is 70-210 lens enough for spotting? Thanks for your help!
Keta From Germany, joined Mar 2005, 444 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (7 years 3 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 1741 times:
Quoting 9VSPO (Reply 1): Only you can answer that! It all depends on how close you are to the aircraft.
Well, my main place for spotting will be MAD. I've been only once spotting there, and in only one place, but I guess planes will be passing at about 500-1000 metres from me. Maybe less in some cases.
I think I read a very positive review about that lens.
If it's long enough really depends on the airport.
Maybe you should have a look at photos from MAD on the site, and contact the photographers.
Peter
The only difference between me and a madman is that I am not mad (Salvador Dali)
SEAchaz From United States of America, joined Apr 2005, 216 posts, RR: 9 Reply 4, posted (7 years 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 1710 times:
If this is the lens I am thinking of then no reason it shouldn't work on a D50 and like Peter mentioned it gets good reviews. I started off with a D70 and a 70-200mm lens and it's been a great combo.
BrianW999 From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2003, 310 posts, RR: 6 Reply 7, posted (7 years 2 weeks 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 1572 times:
A Sigma 70 - 300 f4 - 5.6 telephoto zoom costs about £115 (160 euros) in the UK. I have one and am very pleased with it. It will give you just that little bit more flexibility.
Given that we are taxed to hell and beyond I'm sure you could get a better price.
AKE0404AR From United States of America, joined May 2000, 2534 posts, RR: 50 Reply 10, posted (7 years 1 week 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 1385 times:
Do get a real dramatic shot 200mm is a little on the short end but you still have some MP to play around with (cropping the image later on) even though this should not be your main technique, rather get closer to the airplane or buy a bigger lens.
Quoting Glennstewart (Reply 8): I love my Canon 70-200, and the Nikkor model is awesome!
I think we are talking about 2 different things here.....you are talking about the f2.8 version and he might use this one: "Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm f/4-5.6D"
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From Germany, joined Mar 2005, 444 posts, 
), supposing the lenses fit in the new one (I still have to check that, but that's not the point). The thing is that the lens I have at home is a Nikkor AF 70-210. But as far as I have seen, most of the people uses lenses of 300-400 mm(?) focal length. If what I need is bigger lenses, shouldn't I rethink my purchase? Because if I have to buy a 300 mm lens, maybe it's better to buy one for a Canon, since in the (distant) future I may switch to the Canon EOS 30D (it's widely used by people here, isn't it?). So, is 70-210 lens enough for spotting? Thanks for your help! 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
From Netherlands, joined Mar 2005, 3779 posts, 
From United States of America, joined Apr 2005, 216 posts, 
I'm sure you could get a better price.
From Australia, joined Jun 2003, 1124 posts, 
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