WTB: budget telephoto lens ($400)

Posting for a friend who is looking for a telephoto lens for birding. She currently uses the non-IS 75-300 lens which she wishes to upgrade. Not sure if there are any 300/4's, Sigma 50-500's or 150-500's, etc for a bargain price. But I figured I'd ask.

Please include price shipped to Ohio in your message!

Thanks!

If looking at Canon mount I'd strongly suggest the 300 f/4L non-IS. They can be found used in the 400-450 range but don't pop up that often since they are old.

Almost positive I'm going to sell my Sig 150-500. Have not used it much last couple of yrs. as I've been "married" to my 300+1.4 TC lately. Also going to buy Sig 150-600.
Not in position to address right now as preparing to move back north for summer, but I bought new and it will be complete and in excellent condition. I had in my mind $500. but might meet at $450.
Should be able to be more precise in about 10-12 days. Plus include some pix.

I have a Sigma 150-500 OS. It does have a tiny bit of fungus on the glass. I will let it go for cheap. Have box, soft case, and everything that came with it. Bought new from B&H. PM if interested.

birder_herper wrote in post #17934078
Posting for a friend who is looking for a telephoto lens for birding. She currently uses the non-IS 75-300 lens which she wishes to upgrade. Not sure if there are any 300/4's, Sigma 50-500's or 150-500's, etc for a bargain price. But I figured I'd ask.

Please include price shipped to Ohio in your message!

Thanks!

Heya,

Depends on the birding, but maybe consider a 300 F4L non-IS. They're all over ebay around $500 or so, and that's what I would use for general birding with an APS-C sensor. For perched birds, a longer softer slower zoom would work out too (old Sigma 500's). But if your friend cares about birds in flight, a shorter, faster lens is going to be the way to go, and in that budget, it's the 300 F4L non-IS.

Good luck!

Very best,

I think her options are very limited unless she manages to shoot behind a blind. You want something in the 400mm+ focal length. At 300mm, even on a crop body, you are still close enough to startle the birds. Shooting them in the feeders is doable.

Hey there. If you are still looking, I have a Sigma 50-500 that I purchased on this site a few years ago. In great condition. Selling for $500. If interested, feel free to message me or respond here. Good luck.