I was sold the 16-85 5.6 as a package with my D500 IN ERROR. The store gave me the wrong lens - in wrong used box. Tried to exchange with no luck. I wanted the 16-80 because faster. However I am happy with the 16-85 for now. 16-80 2.8 seems overpriced when not packaged. Have some autofocus issues with the 16-85, but the store says the problem is with the D500 body, not the lens. Comments welcome.

Thanks to everyone for their valuable input. The result seems is that TC's reduce quality and in many cases mess up the autofocus. Since the D500 AF is particularly sensitive and difficult to set because of many variables, this is a special problem. Many of you said I would be better off with a longer lens instead; thanks for the good advice. Investing is good body and lenses and compromising quality is not an acceptable result. Matter closed.

Hi All;
I need feedback regarding TC use on zoom lenses. Some say huge loss of quality and complications on compatibility; I have input from sales clerks, not professional photographers, hence this plea.
I have a Nikon D500 with two zoom lenses, a FX 28-300 VR and a DX 16-85 VR. The FX lens paired on a DX body is already up to 450 focal, so is using a TC 1.4 useless and compromising quality?
Thanks in advance for your comments.

To Thomas 902:
THANKS for the infor. Very valuable for me in learning my D500 body characteristics.
However, you have caused me a little buyer remorse. As a matter of fact, I traded the 18-300 DX for the 28-300 FX at the encouragement of the sales staff at our local camera shop in Milwaukee. It was said that the FX was better glass for the D500 plus getting the advantage of 1.5 times the focal length of effectively zoom of 42-450. Adding the 16-80 DX was said to fill any void .... which is the action I took trading one DX lens for a FX and a DX. BTW, I seldom shoot sports. Mostly vacation scenes. Thanks again. ~~~ Jim.

To CO:
Your advice is very helpful. THANKS. I was confused on the "focus/ release" options and I think I have it straight now.
The D500 is very versatile with more options than I am accustomed. This is my fourth DSLR (D40, D80, D5300) over 11 years and clearly the most complicated. Very appreciative of your assistance.
Jim.

I could use a little guidance.
I am having difficulty with focus on my D500. It is inconsistent, with roughly only half of the images acceptable. There are so many settings on the body that have caused this amateur confusion. I have tried several variables of settings with limited success. BTW, the lens is a Nikkor DX 16-80 zoom which is marketed as a special "paired" lens for the D500. I also have a Nikkor FX 28-300 zoom and the problem also exists.
Does anyone else have a similar problem and have any ideas?
Thanks, everyone.
Jim in Wisconsin.

Hi Rick;
I traded my D5300 for a D500 and I am very happy with the decision. I looked at the D750 and D7500 in my research. For a DX format, the D500, with extremely high iso, seems the best way to go - battery is on promo and free. I pair with a 18-300 zoom which means I carry only one lens. Advantage of D7500 is less weight if that is important.

I like the original trinity first outlined by mas24. No overlaps, very organized. If I wanted to lug around lenses, those would be my choices. However my personal favorite is NOT a trinity; it is the 18-300. Just one lens. Reasonably lightweight; perfect match for my new D500, my 4th DX body. I don't enjoy carrying around lenses as most of my photos are travel/ scenery. For portraiture, I have borrowed/ rented the 18-140 and it is excellent for that purpose; slightly sharper than the 18-300. These are both DX lenses; camera store owners tell me that using a FX lens on a DX camera is a waste of money. Therefore, my trinity is the 18-300. 18-140, and a 18-55 "kit" lens that came with my now-traded D5300 and I kept because I have several 52mm filters going back decades of film cameras (remember the ftn) and it is fun to play around with special effects.

I agree with comments from TERANZ. If you can afford it, and don't mind the extra weight, go for full frame (FX) with accordingly full frame lenses. Therefore, the D750, or the soon to be released D850, would be the way to go. Otherwise, the new D500 as the highest level DX was my recent upgrade choice. Matched with the 18-300 DX zoom, I never carry extra lenses so a little extra camera weight (heavier than the D5300 I traded) is ok. I also was drawn to the extremely high ISO capabilities of the D500 which provides for numerous low-light situations. My choice may not be the best for others as my images are mostly vacations: portrait and scenery. Hope this helps you. My 3 cents.

I recently traded a D5300 for a D500 and pleased. I have borrowed a D7200 and find it a bit heavy to lug around, but I like the dual card slots. The D500 is pricey and has features many amateurs may not use. For your purposes, the D5600 sounds like the best bet.

I have a D500 traded up from a 5300 a month ago. While I am not ready for FX format yet, the D500 is an incredible camera. Paired with a 18-300 DX zoom, it is all I need for now for lightweight travel not needing to carry multiple lenses. The D500 high ISO is terrific. !!! Worth the upgrade for my purposes for now.

Dear linicka - Do what you wish and what works for you. Just communicating my experience and results of research including exhaustive consumer reviews.
Fact is, H-P has horrible reviews as a brand in general; their appeal is that they are cheaply priced. Maybe .... 8 yrs ago H-P was better quality.
I agree with you paper quality is critical. My experience is same goes for H-P brand paper; it's not very good. I prefer Kodak (who also manufactures the Office Depot brand, slightly lesser priced).
Suggest you look up "Sears mentality of retailing" a phrase coined by college marketing professionals. Summarily, it means discounting price 25% and discounting quality 50% only works for a little while.

Yes, 8X10 is the max size and quality is excellent. However, suggest a laser printer for non-photo printing; no need to waste color cartridges on taxes or other documents.

I have looked at and read reviews about several photo printers. The best for me was the Canon IP series. Lexmark, now only marketed commercially, is excellent as is many Epsons designed for photos. Keep away from ANY of the H-P's .... really crappy and no good for photos. Cheap price and cheap quality. You get what you pay for.

I am very pleased with my Nikkor 18-300 zoom. Lightweight, and no need to change lenses; great advantage for travel. Retail new $999.00. Use on a D500.