Another question for the Pros.

[fyrffytr1]

As I get older and can't enjoy a lot of the things I did, even 10 years ago I am leaning towards getting more into wildlife photography and i am thinking about upgrading my camera and adding a telephoto lens to my bag. Right now I am using a Nikon D5200 with about 4500 shutter clicks on it. I have a DX55-200mm, a dx 18-55mm and an newer FX 105mm macro lens. On the dx camera it is about 150mm.
I am seriously considering the Sigma !50-600mm FX as my go to lens for wildlife and I plan to purchase it first as I can use it with my present camera with an effective length of 250-750mm.
Maybe, with in the next year I will try to up grade the camera to a Nikon Zseries. IF I could I would get the Z7 today but it is not in my budget.
And that brings me to my final question, Would you have any problems buying a used lens from a reputable dealer. A new Sigma is selling for $939 with a 4 year warranty against defects and workmanship. I can get a used one rated 9 out of 10 for $549 with a 90 day warranty.
I haven't gotten into pricing the Z cameras too much because I am not at the point were I am ready to buy one.
Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

 

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[RGINN]

I can't wait to see pics you post, fyrffytr1. As far as buying used anything, I would try to go with locally owned brick and mortar stores, if there is one in your area. I know people who buy things online and no problems though. We had one in Breck, he sold new and used, backed up everything he sold, and was a crack photographer himself. (Like every place else a normal person would want to shop at up here, he went out of business. I think they sell really expensive European handbags at that location now.)

 

[fyrffytr1]

I can't wait to see pics you post, fyrffytr1. As far as buying used anything, I would try to go with locally owned brick and mortar stores, if there is one in your area. I know people who buy things online and no problems though. We had one in Breck, he sold new and used, backed up everything he sold, and was a crack photographer himself. (Like every place else a normal person would want to shop at up here, he went out of business. I think they sell really expensive European handbags at that location now.)

The closest camera store is about 100 miles from me. Heck, the closest Best Buy is 70 miles! I have looked at Market Place to see if there is anything available locally, but no luck.

 

[RGINN]

Gettin to be the same way up here. I tried to buy a tent online, but my shipping address is different than my mailing address, my phone says I'm calling from Dillon, my computer says I'm in Denver, and my answering machine is in Spanish. They wrote me off as a scammer.

 

[Mason Jarr]

As I get older and can't enjoy a lot of the things I did, even 10 years ago I am leaning towards getting more into wildlife photography and i am thinking about upgrading my camera and adding a telephoto lens to my bag. Right now I am using a Nikon D5200 with about 4500 shutter clicks on it. I have a DX55-200mm, a dx 18-55mm and an newer FX 105mm macro lens. On the dx camera it is about 150mm.
I am seriously considering the Sigma !50-600mm FX as my go to lens for wildlife and I plan to purchase it first as I can use it with my present camera with an effective length of 250-750mm.
Maybe, with in the next year I will try to up grade the camera to a Nikon Zseries. IF I could I would get the Z7 today but it is not in my budget.
And that brings me to my final question, Would you have any problems buying a used lens from a reputable dealer. A new Sigma is selling for $939 with a 4 year warranty against defects and workmanship. I can get a used one rated 9 out of 10 for $549 with a 90 day warranty.
I haven't gotten into pricing the Z cameras too much because I am not at the point were I am ready to buy one.
Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

I've bought used lenses with good results at fredmiranda.com You have to pay a membership fee to buy/sell there, but that keeps the scammers away. Also, look into the Nikon 200-500 zoom telephoto. It's a pretty nice lens for around a grand.

 

[fyrffytr1]

Well, I bit the bullet and bid on a Nikon Nikkor 200-500mm lens on E-bay. For the first 5 days and 23 hours of a six day auction I was high bidder at $515. In the last hour the bids jumped, but I lucked out and got it for $15.00 under my high bid. The seller said it had only been used twice. When it arrived, if I didn't know better, I would have sworn it was brand new.
Now, I have to wait for the pollen to stop before I dare to take it outside!

 

[Mason Jarr]

Well, I bit the bullet and bid on a Nikon Nikkor 200-500mm lens on E-bay. For the first 5 days and 23 hours of a six day auction I was high bidder at $515. In the last hour the bids jumped, but I lucked out and got it for $15.00 under my high bid. The seller said it had only been used twice. When it arrived, if I didn't know better, I would have sworn it was brand new.
Now, I have to wait for the pollen to stop before I dare to take it outside!

I'm sure you'll be pleased with it. It's one of their best lenses for the price.

 

[fyrffytr1]

Darn if my first picture wasn't of three eagles standing together.I was so excited to get the shot and eager to get home and download it to post here. All three were in a row one behind the other, They stood like statues while I grabbed te shot, then I slowly backed away in hopes of no spooking them so others could enjoy the site.

 

[fyrffytr1]

In my excitement I forgot to post the picture. Be easy on me, this is the first picture with the new lens and it may not look just right.

 

[Mason Jarr]

In my excitement I forgot to post the picture. Be easy on me, this is the first picture with the new lens and it may not look just right.

Keep at it. That 200-500 is a sweet lens. I usually keep mine on f/8. It has pretty fast focusing for a zoom lens. Here's a loggerhead shrike I photographed at f/8. The background is nicely blurred.

 

[Chilli]

In my excitement I forgot to post the picture. Be easy on me, this is the first picture with the new lens and it may not look just right.

What type of eagles are they?

 

[: Michael-Robert.]

 

[sibbley]

I get most of my camera gear from B&H Photo/Video. They're in NYC and I'm in Pennsylvania do it's been all online purchases. I've bought several items in their used collection and have had very good luck with them. Their customer service has been excellent too. I have a local camera shop about 30 minutes' drive, but most of their prices are much higher than B&H.

 

[glass half fool]

I'm sure you'll be pleased with it. It's one of their best lenses for the price.

I get most of my camera gear from B&H Photo/Video. They're in NYC and I'm in Pennsylvania do it's been all online purchases. I've bought several items in their used collection and have had very good luck with them. Their customer service has been excellent too. I have a local camera shop about 30 minutes' drive, but most of their prices are much higher than B&H.

Do your home work and be certain you are dealing with a reputable company or person And know what you want and what they say they are trying to sell you are one and the same the same Ask if they have a return policy. And than ask yourself if the difference between a new one compared to a used 1 spread out over how long you expect to use it is really all that much over the amount it will used In other words if you pay $300 more for a new one but expect it will get a lot of use in the next 30 year that is not much If n the their had you only used it once or twice per year it would be better to get the used cheaper one It is a decision you can make The way it words for me is I pay more and than down the road see some thing that is much more to my liking and again buy the more costly one I suppose itis a medical condition similar to an addiction for which there is no cure JUST JOKING of course but I tell myself it is only money so spend it as you see fit

 

[pepperj]

Interesting thread and what works.
It's a hard to figure out what to buy, or what suites the budget, for what purpose one wants the camera for.
Everything seemed far away (cell camera not an option)
I was throwing around the idea of getting a better camera.
The body then the lenses = $$$.
I finally bought the Nikon P1000.
It's alright for my needs, the greatest thing since slice bread no it isn't.
It likes lots of light I have found.

This was from 800 feet away taken from the inside the house.
2 Ravens going at it.
Not the best shot, but the action is cool.

 

[Sandog]

In my excitement I forgot to post the picture. Be easy on me, this is the first picture with the new lens and it may not look just right.

Wow! They look so much alike, must be triplets.

 

[fyrffytr1]

What type of eagles are they?

Lowe's, but I heard they have been seen at Home Depot!

 

[fyrffytr1]

Interesting thread and what works.
It's a hard to figure out what to buy, or what suites the budget, for what purpose one wants the camera for.
Everything seemed far away (cell camera not an option)
I was throwing around the idea of getting a better camera.
The body then the lenses = $$$.
I finally bought the Nikon P1000.
It's alright for my needs, the greatest thing since slice bread no it isn't.
It likes lots of light I have found. View attachment 2138564 View attachment 2138565
This was from 800 feet away taken from the inside the house.
2 Ravens going at it.
Not the best shot, but the action is cool.
View attachment 2138566

I had a P900 but never could get a sharp picture with it, even on a tripod. I sent it back to Nikon and they said it was OK. I ended up giving it to my son.