For upcoming Photosafari I wanted to test long range with the lenses I have. Unfortunately the Tamron 150-600mm didn’t make it to me with the first deliveries of the Nikon-Version lens so I needed to see what could compare with this.

Tested with D2x and D3 which will be my first choice of cameras for the safari. The D800 will mainly be backup and close up usage.

Nikkor 200-400/f4 lens

I used this lens on both cameras and tried Kenko 1.4 and Nikon TC17II converters. With this equipment the equivalent focal length could be very flexible.

  • D3 without TC –> up to 400mm
  • D3 with Kenko 1.4 –> up to 550mm
  • D3 with Nikon TC17 –> up to 650mm
  • D2x without TC –> up to 560mm
  • D2x with Kenko 1.4 –> up to 780mm
  • D2x with Nikon TC17 –> 975mm

So should be enough without crop. Unfortunately the D2x didn’t convince during the Helgoland trip.

D3 without TC

The Kenko had problems with vignetting. All in all quite decent. I assume the Nikon TC14 is better.

D3 with Kenko 1.4

The Nikon TC17 really surprised me. Quality is very good using the converter. The range of 650mm is enough for a safari and I hope it lets me get over the non-available Tamron.

D3 with Nikon TC17

 

The D2x didn’t perform as good. However, having not such bright sunshine during worst hours for photographing, might help (I will definitely try the camera in July).

D2x without TC

D2x with Nikon TC17

 

Sigma 500/f4.5

My old Sigma 500/f4.5 APO will also see some Africa in July. I tested it without any TC also on Helgoland.

With this lens, the equivalent focal length would be

  • D3 using Sigma 500/f4.5 –> 500mm
  • D2x using Sigma 500/f4.5 –> 750mm
  • D2x with Sigma 500/f4.5 and Kenko 1.4 (not tested) –> 1050mm

Sigma 500 with D3

Sigma 500 with D2x

 

Conclusion

I plan to use the following combinations:

  • Nikon D3 with Nikkor 200-400 (Nikon TC17 if needed for distance or close-ups)
  • Nikon D2x with Sigma 500 as secondary camera
  • Nikon D800 with Tamron 70-200 (for close-ups and area shots)