Second body for wildlife photography

Jim,

Yes....there is no way in this lifetime that I would be able to afford the VR version (or even the AF-S) version of that lens. I'd rather compensate for that by concentrating on support and technique.

My initial comments were based purely on the Sigma 150-500 with OS mounted on a monopod. In all fairness to the lens, I was shooting from a constantly bobbing boat. That notwithstanding, shutter speeds were less than 1/250 s and that is a problem under any circumstance. I am really not comfortable shooting wildlife action at speeds less than 1/500 s. With the monster 300mm f2.8, even that would be pushing it I think.

And yes...I have no intention of using the 300 2.8 without a gimbal head and a solid tripod, especially since mine has no VR.

My long term idea is to shoot with 2 bodies (one of which will always be the D300): one with better high ISO performance to which I can pair the AF-I 300mm; and pair the D300 with the Nikon 70-200.

The Sigma is a a gem of a lens and absolute bang for the buck.....but it is way too slow.

I hear you on the high ISO performance, but the examples I saw at ISO6400 with the D3S really surprised me....and I don't intend on ever going beyond ISO3200.

http://photographylife.com/nikon-d700-d3-vs-d3s-high-iso-noise-comparison

Thanks.

Avi