phillips

<p>My suggestion would be to add a 1.4X TC. Denali affords a lot of chances for wildlife photography, and I wished for something with more reach than my 80-200 mm Nikon.</p>

<p>As a parent of nine children and sixteen grandchildren-My wife and I have been the subject of a number of such shoots.The latest group picture (32 family members) two weeks ago was taken on a bright, sunny afternoon with strong shadows-the wedding photographer scouted out a large tree, and we were all arranged with a shallow arc. She used a single, on camera flash. With grandchildren ranging from nine months up, she probably took about six shots in less than three minutes. Some locations offer some "naturals" for posing such as church steps. However you arrange the people it's important to keep the focal point to be your grandparents. Consider taking a few test shots with a few people to check on results before bringing the group together, There has been a lot of good advice on the photographic aspect-I would only emphasize keep it simple and within your comfort zone. At the time you're taking the pictures, the emphasis must shift from the equipment to the connection between you and the subjects. If you prepared well and generate a confident, happy approach to the taking of the pictures the joy will show up in the result.</p>

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<p>The flowers are out and so are the butterflies</p>

<p>My Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is on the D800 the great majority of the time for landscapes. At Yellowstone the extra length of the 16-85mm could be very useful. I'll second Dieter's suggestion about buying it used; that's within the budget you mentioned.</p>

<p>Our avocation is great at not closing doors to what we can do with it. As a 77 year old with a pacemaker, back surgery and the usual assortment of "experience" acquired infirmities my limitation is in my vision (not eyesight) or skill, not my physical abilities. My days of carrying my D800 with its trio of lenses and the Gitzo series 3 tripod on long hikes may be past, but I've found no shortage of landscapes within comfortable and easy walking distance for my Nikon gear. I'm not using some of my lenses as much any more, but my 85 mm f/1.8 for portraits, and my 105 mm f/2.8 Micro Nikkor for butterflies and flowers are getting a lot more use. My concession for travel is to purchase a Fujifilm X-T1 with an assortment of lenses with equivalent focal lengths to my trio of Nikon glass. I wouldn't sell any thing until you settle in as your photography interest evolves. Just keep enjoying this gift of photography.</p>