michael_bisset1

Thought I would let you know what I have decided to do for now. This is probably just the first of what will be a number of decisions. I have gone with the cheaper option and the one that gives me the most versatility for now in term of landscape, wildlife and backup for my trips overseas. I have traded in my old D300 and some studio equipment that has been unused for many years. The has paid half the price of a near mint condition D500 which had only been lightly used (5300 shutter actuations). When the 500mm f5.6 pPF arrives, this will give me a great combination for birds in flight and wildlife at a distance. I did not go for the D850 because I would have had to sell my D810 (which I love) and It would have left me with only one ‘up to date’ DSLR body. I am not ready to go mirrorless as the cost performance benefit for me is not there yet, but this could easily change in a few years time. I was interested in the suggestion that the the 200-500mm f5.6 might be a better buy that the f5.6 prime and that I should sell my 80-400mm zoom. I hope to do some more safaris and for this, the 80-400mm is a great range as some of the animals are quite close. Where this lens was not so good was when the animals were further away and I hope the D500 and 500mm prime will fill this gap so my 2 bodies and 2 longer lenses will compliment each other. I would like to thank everyone for there thoughtful suggestions. My next adventure is in March 2020 when I am travelling to Chile where I hope to see some amazing landscapes in Northern Patagonia and with a bit of luck catch a glimpse, and photo, of the elusive puma.

I do in fact have a D300 which only comes out of the box when I am on overseas trips and need a backup. The potential attraction of option 2 is that a D500 would be a good upgrade and would be a significant step forward for wildlife photography. Interesting speculation in posts about future new Nikon products and whether something significantly better than the D850 is going to come along soon. It way make sense to take a small step first (option 2) and when things are clearer (could wait for ever !), to also consider option 3 a D850 or option 4 which is probably a high spec mirrorless body. There is also part of me that thinks that everything that I potentially need is already available. Perhaps the ‘grass isn’t greener on the other side’ and DSLRs and present glass are more than enough to meet my future photographic requirements. I am very much enjoying everyone’s comments.

I have the newer G version.

I already have a Hasselblad 503CW with 50mm, 80mm and 150mm. Getting the new digital back might be nice in my dreams but I suspect it is not a financially viable option for landscape.

I am looking for help with a decision that ultimately only I can make but would be interested to know what other people would do. I am a keen amateur, with an interest in landscape and wildlife photography. I am very happy with my landscape setup but it is with wildlife where I feel my equipment may need updating. Landscape equipment: Nikon D810 Nikon 16-35mm f4G Nikon 50mm f1.8G Nikon 70-200mm f4G Wildlife equipment (as move plus) Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 The combination of D810 and 80-400mm has served me well on a safari in Africa and on a trip to the Galapagos Islands, where the animals are fairly close, but I have noticed that at the long end the images are not tack sharp and my hit rate could be better. With birds in flight and animals at a distance it is not up to the job. In Scotland where I live, otters and deer keep there distance and may be 'out of reach' with my present equipment. I accept that my personal photographic and bushcraft skills are an important factor as well. I have the new Nikon 500mm PF on back order but am unlikely to receive it for a number of months. My question related to my camera body and whether this needs to be changed or complimented with a more wildlife orientated body. My options are: Keep my present D810 Keep the D810 and compliment it with a D500 (new or used) Sell my D810 and buy a D850 Pros and Cons: Options 2 and 3 would cost the same while option 1 is clearly cheaper. Options 2 and 3 include a much improved auto-focus systems in the D500 and D850 for wildlife photography, compared to my present D810. Option 2 gives me 2 cameras with complimentary benefits, (D810 - landscape and D500 - wildlife) Option 3 gives me one camera that could potentially do everything ! I should also say that I would not want to upgrade the D850 (if that is my option) with a battery grip and that the f4, 500m and 600mm Nikon lenses are completely out of my price range. Which option would you go for 1,2 or 3 or perhaps I am missing something and there is a better option. Thanks for your help. Michael

I've now made my purchase. I bought the Gitzo 2 series Traveller Kit (GK2545T-82QD) which is comprised of the GT2545T tripod and the GH1382QD head. The tripod has a load capacity of 12kg (26lbs) and the head has a capacity of 14kg (31lbs). They fold into a very compact package which is 44.5cms (17.5in) long and has a total weight of 1.84kg (4.0lbs). The centre column only needs to be extended by 1 - 2 inches to get the camera eyepiece at eye level (I'm 5' 7"). Picture of tripod and head folded: Redirect Notice I've used it so far for landscape work and am very impressed with how sturdy it is. I've added the assembly hook D0703.05T and the spirit level GLEVEL2 which with fit onto the foot of the centre column. I've done some trials with my Nikon 80-400mm lens and the tripod and head seem to support it well with no difficulty. It works reasonably well with the ball head but I have also purchased the Jobu micro gimbal bullhead adapter BMG-M1 and the 1.5in offset plate ADPT-M1 and am pleased to say that this balances my lens which has the replacement Kirk foot NC-80-400, perfectly. With the 1.4x teleconverter added it also balances well. I will not be using it seriously for wildlife until July when I am off to Katmai to photograph bears. I will send you a final post then to let you know how well it works. This is a very expensive option (over $1000) but if it works well for the next 20 years it will be a good investment. While it might be a bit of a compromise for wildlife photography, I am already finding that because of it's small size and low weight, that it is now almost always attached to my daypack when I am out walking.

<p>Thanks everyone for their comments. The 2 tripods I mentioned are both carbon fibre. I was planning on taking a Gitzo GM2541 monopod which I have and which should work with the 80-400mm lens. I have a D300 body as backup. I do have a beanbag but until now had not thought of taking it.<br> Some of the waiting for bears is done while sitting and the Gitzo GT2542T tripod which under normal circumstance might be a few inches too short may end up being just right. I'm 5' 7"<br> Life is full of compromises and my aim is to be able to take everything in carry on, to be happy carrying everything in the field and to do the best to support my lenses. I may be asking too much !!</p>

<p>I do a lot of travelling and am keen on shooting wildlife. My kit is Nikon D810, 16-35mm, 24-120mm and 80-400mm with 1.4x teleconverter. In recent years I have shot wildlife in Botswana and in the Galapagos Islands handheld, with good results. In July I am going to Alaska to 'shoot' bears at a wilderness lodge and because there might be a lot of sitting around and waiting, most blogs that I have read, recommend you take a tripod. <br> I am torn between a Gitzo 2 series traveller tripod with Arca Swiss P0 head (with Kirk mount to be added) and a Gitzo 3 series systematic with Kirk BH1 head. I have Kirk mounts on camera and long telephoto. The traveller is portable and would fit in carry-on luggage but may be a bit small for the 80-400mm. In contrast the systematic is well suited for the bigger lens but would have to be checked in and I am concerned that its size might deter me from using it for day hikes and landscape work that requires a bit of walking.<br> Welcome your thoughts as both about the same price. The choice is between small and more portable and big and more sturdy.<br> Many thanks<br> Mike</p>

<p>Thank you everyone for your helpful responses. The cheapest reasonable option is to buy a second hand D300. With more money a D7100 would be a good buy. A further option that is certainly not cheap but might cover every base is to get a second hand D800 and while on safari there is the option of using it in DX mode for long shots. As the camera will be used for much more than just safari this might be the most versatile option as landscape is my favourite genre. <br> The challenge will be to get this past my other half!<br> I will perhaps wait a little to see if any new models come along in the next 9 months which might fit the bill.<br> Thanks</p>

<p>My present camera is a Nikon D300 and for a safari trip next year to Botswana I now have a new Nikon 80-400mm AF-S lens. Everyone seems to advise that the backup of a second camera body is required.<br> I don't want to spend too much money on an expensive body and have come up with two cheaper alternatives. One is to buy a second hand D300 for about £300 or get a new D3300 for about £400. (£1=$1.68) The advantage of the first option is that the battery and CF card will be identical. The latter option will give me a sensor with 24MP but I do not know how well the D3300 will focus the lens.<br> I would welcome peoples opinion on these options. <br> Thanks<br> Mike</p>