moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

Thanks--But I am quite happy with the photo as shot and PP'd. I simply meant that it didn't reproduce well on the forum, and I need to figure out how to make it look on the forum as it does on my monitor.

You did OK, but it really looks better than that. Of course, that's all in the eye of the beholder. :)

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

I'd rather get the shot, and worry later.

My brother took his 5D mark III or whatever Canon calls those, and a brand new 70-200 IS, latest version, out for a paddle in his new Kayak. He's an excellent and experienced photographer, not so much with the boats. Long story short, wave knocked him over, no insurance, lost both--(or come to think, one may have survived, but anyway...)

I'm a big believer in getting the shot, and having insurance.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

Checking LR info, 1/1250, f8, ISO 1000, 18-300 set at 300 on D7100.

Hand held, aperture priority.

wings42 Loc: San Diego, CA

I do intend to buy the lens soon.

eloi11 Loc: Glasgow, Scotland

Had one for nearly two years now excellent IQ and rarely off my D90. Yes, it is a bit heavy so invest in a good broad strap.

Nuclear13 Loc: North Lauderdale, Florida

Debbie. I am an avid amateur photographer & being the nut job that I am I bought the D4 when it first came out. When the 18-300 first came out there was a $300.00 rebate so I pounced on it. This is one nut job that isn't sorry about doing it. Like Romanticif16 & Boney, I love the lens. Gives me sharp picture wither it's set for 16 or 300mm. The great thing about the D4 is that you can use both FX & DX lenses on it. When using a DX lens, the area that is not in the picture is gray in the viewfinder so you actually see what you are getting. The 18-300 replaced two lens that I would be carrying around. While the combo is heavy & alot of times I use both hands holding it when I'm walking around, the pictures that I get are well worth it cause they are excellent except when I screw up focusing properly. I have even used a 2X teleconverter on it with no problems where as when I try to use it on my 80-400 lens I have a ton of problem trying to focus in both auto & manual.

lxu532 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Debbie, I have one & absolutely love it. I agree it's a little heavy but it doesn't really matter to me. It's a permanent fixture for my D7000. I recommend it highly.

riverlass Loc: northern California

Hi Debbie. I have this 18-300 lens. I use it almost exclusively on my D5100 camera. It's a little heavy and was almost a $1000. but I have never regretted the investment.
I walk and hike with it a lot so I bought an Optech sling which is the answer to carrying the weight of the camera and lens. I have a good tripod. It's sharp from 18 to 300mm and I hardly ever take it off my camera except for my macro work when I use my 105mm prime lens.
I would highly recommend this lens.

dpardue Loc: Nashville, TN

Well I think I'm about sold in this lens. Thanks.

wings42 Loc: San Diego, CA

Just ordered the lens and hood from Adorama. They had both in stock and are preparing the shipment to go out. My thanks to "dpardue" for starting this thread and everybody who participated for giving me the clarity to just do it.

A bit of philosophy: I came close to dying about 5 years ago from bacterial pneumonia. For decades before that I avidly took photos with a succession of "bridge" cameras and had wanted a DSLR but just couldn't justify the expense for a "hobby". The brush with death made me realize that photography wasn't "just" a hobby. Photography is something I need to do, especially photographing birds and other critters.

After a lot of research I bought a Nikon D5100 with two kit lenses. I used it for two years before buying the Nikon D7000. Hiking and walking daily is as important to me as photography, so the thought of a huge lens and a tripod never appealed to me. With my Nikon 70-300 lens I could get some good bird shots, but missed many great scenery/architecture/gardens/water falls and river/etc shots. and especially missed many closeup shots of insects, spiders, and other critters.

This 18-300mm lens will allow all the above (until the next best thing comes along. Maybe the Nikon D7200 or D8300?).

We're not promised tomorrow and we can't take it with us. Now is the time to make the most of the moment and follow your passion.

riverlass Loc: northern California

Amen to this, Wings42. Seize the day...

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

Good post. I think you'll be very happy with this lens. A little bump in ISO goes a long way...

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

Similar experience last June. Was back less than a month after one of my many mission trips to Africa and began running a high fever. Tested for everything from malaria to who knows what and finally was rescued on the 8th day of 102.5 and above fever in the emergency room when they recognized it as pneumonia that had already killed two guys here in Austin in their early 60's like me. All the while, a brand new D5200 was still unopened in the box, waiting for me to learn it. I'm convinced that my reignited passion for nature and other photography genres is a side benefit of my brush with death. Since then, I've clicked off more than 10,000 images, been through a few lens upgrades and been back to Africa twice. It's a lot easier to decide to spend money on a lens I really "need" these days and I'm glad to wake up every morning. Glad it worked out for you too.

dpardue Loc: Nashville, TN

Wings42 - I hear you and I say live everyday to the fullest. You and everyone else on here has helped me make my mind up. I'm going to order it. Happy Days my friend.