grahamfourth

I use a Nikon D7200 and a 70-300mm AF-S lens for wildlife photography, especially BIF. The results have been fair at best, as either focus is not achieved quickly enough, or the background, not the bird, is selected as the focal point. I can either upgrade the camera or the lens, but I don’t have the money to do both. It seems like my best option is either moving up to a D500 or a 300mm f/4 PF. I have done much research on both, but real-world experience from more experienced photographers is always invaluable. Can anyone recommend the lens or the camera as the next logical upgrade? Thank you in advance.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Consider the Nikon 200-500. Great for BIF. I have it and it is great. I use it with a D800

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

The D500 is an excellent choice, I would choose the camera for now.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I use Canon gear but I have heard the D7200 is a good body. The D500 is a great body. But if teamed with that 70-300 it will not get anywhere near its potential.
So I would say upgrade the lens now. Have you considered the Tamron or Sigma 150-600s or 100-400s?
The Tamron 150-600 G2 is currently the highest rated of those choices from Tamron and Sigma in the reviews I have read done by wildlife photographers in the field. One guy, no I didn't keep a link to the article*, hauled all four of the 150-600 models into the field and did comparison shots with the same body.

* This review reaches the same conclusions. https://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=19903

I used to own the Tamron G1 and now own the G2, I use it mainly with a Canon 80D off a tripod. My 7DII has the Canon 100-400L mkII (with and without 1.4x) and a pistol grip on the tripod collar for walking about doing hand held shots.

In fact the pistol grip is very useful for hand holding, and they only cost $15-$30 on Amazon or Ebay. There are high end pistol grips with triggers one the grip and cables to connect to the camera. Leaves the other hand free for zooming etc.

Bill_de Loc: US

Before choosing between camera or lens watch this 12 minute free video by Steve Perry. You might find a hint or two that will help. If you like the video he also sells an e-book on Nikon Auto Focus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N_bzhJAKms

Steve is a member here and very accessible if you have questions.

If you really wanted to buy something now and twisted my arm I would recommend the 300 F/4.0. I have the D7200 and D500. While the D500 has its advantages I think the glass would show you more improvement. In the future you could add a 1.4x teleconverter.

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rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

What typical exposure settings do you use?

grahamfourth

Ultimately I try to set up the camera to have a shutter speed of 1/500 sec or faster so the BIF is not blurred. I also try to keep the ISO as low as possible to reduce the noise in the image. So I typically I set the aperture to 5.6 (the largest for this lens) and set the ISO to as low a value as possible that still produces a shutter speed of 1/500 sec (or faster). Auto focus set to continuous (AF-C). WB set to Auto. I hand-hold the lens. I am not sure if this is ideal, so any suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Do you use back button focus? It's great for focusing on flying birds. Also, auto iso is good because exposure changes as you follow the birds. Your d7200 is perfectly capable of great BIF images. If you want to upgrade I would suggest a longer lens. Your choice, though.

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

...I would go with the lens...but...I think your shutter speed is too slow...check out Ron Dudley... www.featheredphotography.com... his shutter speeds are usually over 1/2000...I’ve seen them sometimes as high as 1/5000 in order to get a sharp image...good luck with your choice...

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your camera is fine. You need / want a longer lens for wildlife regardless of body.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

If you go back to my earliest post on this site I used a D7000 and the Nikon af-s 70-300mm for all of my BIF shots. https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-99687-1.html. I now have several other cameras the D7200 included. No problem with the lens or camera to capture BIF. As mentioned you should check out Steve Perrys video about the Nikon focusing system. You camera is really a small computer and must be Programed correctly to capture BIF. Your knowledge of how the focusing system works is key to success. Also important is distance to subject, even the pros with the longest telephotos try to get within 30ft of the subject. It also takes practice, learning to pan correctly, using the light to your advantage, keeping shutter speeds high and ISO's low. Throwing more money at the problem right now won't help. Finding a mentor in your area to follow along and learn from is your best option. Once you learn the system, use your knowledge to then upgrade if you want. If you interested send me a PM with your custom menu settings on the D7200 and I will walk you thru the Correct settings to use to capture your BIF shots.

CO

I have the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 AF-S lens. It does have trouble with tracking birds in flight. I purchased the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 AF-S lens after it. The autofocus in the 80-400mm is vastly superior. I've been able to track birds as small as terns in flight with no problem.

The autofocus in your D7200 is up to the task. If you combine the D7200 with the 80-400mm AF-S lens you'll be tracking birds in flight with no problems.

RowdyRay Loc: MN

The D7200 is still a favorite camera for wildlife. It's definitely capable. That lens.....not so much. Look into a gently used first generation Tamron 150-600mm. Friend of mine was using that combo and kicked my butt.

Most newer cameras, if used properly, are more than capable of BIF. Sounds like you don't have the camera set correctly. A couple sample shots and settings would be very helpful. Pretty sure some of us can get you on the right track.

Always learn your camera and upgrade your glass first.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I think a better lens and longer lens would be the best money spent.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

I think the general wisdom is to go with a new lens. The 300mm PF with a 1.4 TC is my go to rig for handholding. If you prefer a zoom lens, The AF-P 70-300 lenses are incredibly fast and accurate. I have both the DX and FX versions, and it turns out that my copy of the DX is a bit sharper.

For tripod use, there are many comparisons available online reviewing the 200-500 vs Tamron and Sigma 150-600.