kevinmiller

Just started using my D300 again, mostly with a 50mm to keep the weight down. Unloading Anchovies, Monterey Municipal Wharf.

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I bought a D810 about a year ago, but I still use my D300 very often. I'm very pleased with the images from the D300. In my opinion, the D300 is a great buy right now for someone looking for a great used camera and don't mind the DX format.

I know you're asking about camera bodies, but as a landscape photographer with FX body, have you considered the Nikon 14-24 2-8? I bought one for my D810 and could not be happier. I do use a D300 as a backup/alternate to my D810.

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:

1. Keep my present D810
   
2. Keep the D810 and compliment it with a D500 (new or used)
   
3. 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 just got an old D90 body and need a recommendation for a mid-range zoom. I know that the 18-55mm kit lens is pretty good but I rarely shoot family photos indoors to have a need for the wide end. I need something that's more suitable for portraits so that's why I am thinking that an old zoom lens from the film days would be better. Any recommendations for an used zoom lens in the 28-80 or so range? My budget is $200.

I have a 35-105 AF that I use on a DX D300 and a FX D810. I'm very pleased with the results on both bodies and find myself using this lens more and more. Best of all, the 35-105 AF can be purchased at a bargain.

What do you see when you shine a flashlight through it?

I have tried this, and it looks normal to me.....I may be overlooking something.

<p><strong>There's been a lot of owners</strong>, on this site and other photo sites, that had their D300 go completely <em>"DEAD"</em> for no apparent reason. I'd like to hear from <strong><em>YOU, </em></strong>if you had this problem, repaired it thru Nikon Service Center, what it was contributed to, how long have you had it back, and any further problem? Mine's at Nikon now. With less than 100 shots at 5 week. My serial number is <strong>3159521 </strong>I like to know if camera serial nos. are close? Read a lot about the trouble, just not about the fixes...........Thanks</p>

I bought a D300 new in 2007, and I still use and love it. I've never had an issue with mine, but I recently picked up another nice one for a few hundred bucks (included Nikon grip and lens). My point being, there are some great deals out there on the D300 if you need a replacement.