[APML] Choosing a 300mm lens...

[eric raeburn <eraeburn@pacbell.net>]

I'm in the market for a 300mm lens for a Nikon camera body.  The f/2.8
is not a possibility at this time, so I'm planning on the f/4, but would
like to get people's opinions of some alternatives.

The requirements: sharp images free of chromatic abberation; a tiny bit
of degradation in the corners MAY be acceptable if it can be removed
with only minimal cropping; a rotating mounting collar is highly
desirable.

Comments on these alternative choices (or anything else relevant) would
be appreciated:
1. Off brands like Tokina, Tamron, Sigma.
2. Nikon zoom lenses (70-300 or 70-400).  These are f/5.6 at max f.l.
   Is that way too slow?  Are there other problems with zooms?

Note that this inquiry is primarily in regard to optics rather than
the mechanics of mounting; I'm aware that these things are subject to
flexure.

Thanks,
-Eric Raeburn

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