Barry Clemmons Photography

<p>By the way, one thing I forgot to mention for my set-up is that you will need an Arca-Swiss lens plate for the 200-500mm as well. RRS also sells these, but so do other manufacturers.</p>

<p>I use the Really Right Stuff MH-01 Pro Head with Standard Screw-Knob Clamp.</p>

<p>I have used the Gitzo GM5541 monopod with my D7200 and 200-500mm lens, but to be honest I have been shooting handheld for most of my shots. Granted, this is for short periods of time. In between shots I just hold it by the lens foot. For longer periods of time the monopod would be my choice though.</p>

<p>I'm sure most of you know this but if you register your camera bodies and lenses on Nikon's site, it creates a record of your gear along with the serial numbers. You can then print it out and keep in a safe place at home or in your wallet/purse in case you need the serial numbers to report a theft.</p>

<p>If you are concerned about the shutter count and have the budget, you might also consider a new D610 body. It is 24mp and is now selling for $1297.</p>

<p>Is this buffer size reduction shown in any of the manuals? If not it should be as a warning to those who use the Auto ISO feature.</p>

<p>And here is the BIF shot.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is the photo using the TC1.4 III</p><div></div>

<p>When the 200-500mm was first announced, the initial reports looked very good but at the time it did not entice me to purchase one since I already have the first version of the 200-400mm VR lens as well as the 600mm f/4 lens. After reading more and more positive reviews I decided to order one after the first of the year. I do a lot of bird photography this time of year while they are migrating through and there are no leaves on trees. I normally do this with the 600mm mounted on a gimbal and large tripod. When I see interesting birds out the back windows I grab the setup and take it on the deck. I have missed many shots because the setup is bulky and heavy and takes a moment or so to get it set up. I have always wished to have something I could grab quickly and shoot handheld. When I first put the 200-500mm on the D7200 I used a monopod but removed it after the first couple of days. I have been shooting with the 200-500mm now for about six weeks handheld with very good results, even though my original intention had been to go back to the 600mm after a week or so. Is it as good as the 600mm? Of course not, but you wouldn't expect it to be based on the price differential. First of all the AF isn't nearly as fast as Shun has pointed out and tends to hunt occasionally based on the light. BIF results also aren't as good handheld vs the 600mm/gimbal combo. What I like is that I can just grab it by the foot and start shooting immediately when I see birds in the backyard. And the results are very good. I also tested it using the lens with the TC1.4 III and was pleased with the results, but keep in mind that you need very good light with that combo. I am posting a photo without the TC here and will follow with a photo using the TC1.4 III. I will follow that with a BIF shot handheld as well. As I stated, the 200-500mm will not replace my 600mm f/4, but my 200-400mm may be getting a little more rest than normal.</p><div></div>

<p>Well Shun, you were correct that the introduction of the D500 would probably cause XQD prices to come down. Just checked online and both Adorama and B&H have 64 GB (2933) cards for $99.95. Other sizes are also on sale.</p>

<p>+2 for what Andy said.</p>

<p>If there are indeed 80K D500 preorders in the U.S. alone, that would lend credence to the notion that the reason for the delay is to prevent people from reselling the initial shipment for a significant markup as has happened in the past with other products.</p>