Wildlife Photography lens question..?

Question by Noctis BR: Wildlife Photography lens question..?
So im going to start shooting wildlife photography and I was recommended to get a Nikon D40 and a 300mm lens… only problem im having is finding a good cheap beginers 300mm lens.. I know it has to be auto focus and a telephoto… which one of these seems like the better choice?

http://www.photographyblog.com/index.php/weblog/comments/tamron_70_300mm_lens_for_nikon_d40_d40x/

http://sigma4less.com/Product.aspx?ProdID=1568

Also, is there anything im not looking for in the lens that I should. If anyone knows an a good 70-300mm lens for like $ 200 please send me a link, Thanks for the help all!

Best answer:

Answer by fhotoace
The cost of wildlife camera gear is the same as those who shoot sports.

Long lenses are expensive, especially fast ones like the 400 mm f/2.8

The lens you should save you pennies to buy, is the Nikon 70-300 mm VR, but it is $ 550

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/449088-USA/Nikon_2161_70_300mm_f_4_5_6G_AF_S_VR.html

You should be able to find a good Nikon 70-300 mm ED lens for under $ 200, but it will not autofocus on your D40.

There really is no such thing as a “beginners” lens. Lenses are really your investment and should last for decades and you will be replacing your camera every three to five years to catch up with new technology. Having to buy the same lens length twice is frankly a waste of money.

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