What lens will give me more "umph"?

[TAMMY]

I still have a lot to learn about my camera, but I'm feeling like I just can't get close enough when shooting birds using my 70-300 lens. What would be a good budget friendly option that would get me closer, or offer sharper images from a distance?

[J. R. Weems]

Tammy~ I believe most of us struggle with this problem, I know I sure do. One thing you might try, might be a conversion lens or otherwise known as a telephoto extender. Not sure of your equipment, but "Kenko' makes one that will communicate with Nikon, to a point- something their OWN extenders do not. They can be found in three sizes, 1.4X, 2X & 3X-- the 1.4 should work, as well as the 2X, I have and use both with my 70/300 now and then. With some lenses, you may be required to manual focus. Kenko's PRO 300 DG line, is what you would want, should you move in that direction. I used my 1.4 on my 80/400 the other night at the football game. Here is a shot from across field. Not bad I think, all considered. :)

http://www.fototime.com/0DDB93CF1E60801/standard.jpg

[TAMMY]

Thanks, J.R. I have only had my camera a short time and I'm sure many of my problem areas will improve as I learn more, but I knew I needed tools to get closer. This sounds like a much more economical solution than a whole new lens. I will look into it.

Nice shot, by the way. I have so many blurry shots of my boys with their sports. They are grown now....guess I'll have to get better at this in time for grandkids :)

[Heavens Thunder]

Tammy you will do fine, and J.R. gave you a great idea for close ups ! Grand kids are fun and enjoy them . J.R. nice shot of Football players on the field.

[J. R. Weems]

Tammy you will do fine, and J.R. gave you a great idea for close ups ! Grand kids are fun and enjoy them . J.R. nice shot of Football players on the field.

THANKS! The young man in the photo saw me on the sidelines and as his Moms birthday was this coming week, ask if I might take a photo of him and his younger brother, also playing. I gave him about 6 double matted prints a couple days later. Got a chance to use my new Logan 750 matt cutter. LIL, as always, was sure right about it. Works like a dream. THANKS LIL!!! :thumbsup

[Diamond Lil]

You are welcome J. R. I'm just happy you are satisfied!

Tammy, J. R. is our resident Nikon expert and knows more about their lenses than anyone I know. You are in good hands.

[TAMMY]

You are welcome J. R. I'm just happy you are satisfied!

Tammy, J. R. is our resident Nikon expert and knows more about their lenses than anyone I know. You are in good hands.
He has been very good to me, and helped a ton already. I don't think I'll run out of questions any time soon...lol

[J. R. Weems]

He has been very good to me, and helped a ton already. I don't think I'll run out of questions any time soon...lol

TAMMY, I am afraid Lil is being way too kind. I just hope I don't run out of answers. Helping is what we are all about here. I sure need all I can get.:) :o

[Diamond Lil]

Oh yes! Did I mention J. R. was humble as well as brilliant?
:)

[Michael Hetrick]

Tammy~ I believe most of us struggle with this problem, I know I sure do. One thing you might try, might be a conversion lens or otherwise known as a telephoto extender. Not sure of your equipment, but "Kenko' makes one that will communicate with Nikon, to a point- something their OWN extenders do not. They can be found in three sizes, 1.4X, 2X & 3X-- the 1.4 should work, as well as the 2X, I have and use both with my 70/300 now and then. With some lenses, you may be required to manual focus. Kenko's PRO 300 DG line, is what you would want, should you move in that direction. I used my 1.4 on my 80/400 the other night at the football game. Here is a shot from across field. Not bad I think, all considered. :)

http://www.fototime.com/0DDB93CF1E60801/standard.jpg

I agree with JR. A barlow is the only real option unless you want to spend a ton of $$$.