I have the 16-35, 24-120 and the 70-200 f/4 triad from Nikon and the 200-500mm f/5.6. The 16-35 and 70-200 are excellent and the 24-120 is very good. The 24-120 is a little soft wide open but it is very good between f/5.6 and f/11 at most focal lengths, if you shoot a lot of low light photography the 24-70 f/2.8 is a better choice, but the 24-120 f/4 is a very good walk around lens, it focuses quickly and accurately. The 200-500mm is a lot of fun, it can be hand held but I get the best performance from a tripod. As far as filters, get one 77mm polarizer, you will likely not use one on the 16-35 or the 200-500m which takes a 95mm filter and reduces the light on the sensor. For ND filters I would look for a 3 stop and 6 stop 77mm filter depending on how much control you need and buy adapter rings if you need them for other lenses. Your SB28 flash should work with the new camera so I might not buy the SB5000, it really depends on what you plan to photograph. I would probably spend the money you planned to spend on filters and flash for another lens, maybe a 105mm micro-nikkor to give you macro capabilities as well as a good lens for portraits. Enjoy your new camera!

Thanks for the heads up.

I have both the D7200 and the D750, the image quality between the 2 cameras is very close. The D750 has an advantage in low light, it can retain detail in the shadows up to ISO 3200, the D7200 starts to lose detail in the shadows around ISO 1200. 90% of the time you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the images produced by these cameras given equal lenses, but for those 10% of images where a larger sensor makes a difference, the D750 is the more capable camera. The D7200 does have a slightly larger buffer, so it is a better choice when shooting action.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

If reach is your primary concern, the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 is a no brainer. All of these lenses will give you good results and more reach than you currently have, but you can use the Nikon 200-500mm with your D7100 and a Nikon TC1.4 II or III, and it will give you a 700mm f/8 lens which will autofocus on your D7100. I use this combination with a D7200 and I am very happy with the results.

My advice is for you to think about how you would use a camera, you said taking family and grandchildren pictures, but here are some questions I can think of.

How often would you use the camera? Daily? Weekly? Once a month? 3 or 4 times a year?

Will you be taking pictures indoors? Outside? Distance from your subject? Will you need a long zoom? How much video will you shoot?

How about vacation pictures if you travel?

How much weight do you want to carry?

Do you want a camera you can slip in a pocket? Fit in a purse? One that needs a separate bag?

As you have seen from the responses you have received so far, there are any number of cameras that may serve you well. A camera that allows you to change lenses is very versatile, but it will quickly exceed your $1000 budget when you start adding lenses. If you are able to visit a store like Best Buy or a local camera store, I suggest you go and handle some different cameras, ask the salesman about the different features that fit your needs. You will discover that some fit your hands better, or the controls are easy for you to understand, you might even find one that is "just right."

Here are some more models to consider:
Pocket camera - Sony RX100 (there are 4 different models Mk 1 - Mk 4

Advanced cameras: Canon G series (several different models here)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100

These are just a few suggestions, take your time, the better you understand how you will use a camera the better a choice you will make. If you are unsure, it might be best to start with an inexpensive model and learn how and when you will use it. Best of luck in your quest and welcome to the Hog.

:thumbup: :thumbup: Gene is very knowledgeable on tripods, you can't go wrong following his advice.

Usually this discussion refers to lines of resolution, the new Canon 5DS sensor has 8000+ lines of resolution, most lens are not rated as capable of that kind of resolution, but that may be limited by our ability to print or measure such fine detail. In real life, how often do you photograph lines of resolution?

I think you have answered your own question. You said: "With everything in my backpack it is just too much weight for a woman." I would suggest you not take everything, take one body and one lens. When I go hiking my light kit is a D7200 with 18-140mm lens in a small holster bag, total weight about 3 lbs. If I find a great location, I can always make a plan and go back. If the weight of the 70D with one light lens is still an issue I would second the recommendation for checking out the SL1, it is a familiar system and you current lenses should work fine. Every hiker I know has to go thru their backpack periodically and remove unnecessary weight, taking everything is just too much.

The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 is a very good lens and produces very good results in the f/5.6 to f/8 range. For $300 it is a bargain and easy to recommend. The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is one of the best zoom lenses Nikon produces, it is noticeably sharper, but is that worth an extra $1500, only you can answer that question. I own the 24/120mm f/4 and enjoy using it, but I would love to have the 24-70mm f/2.8, I just can't justify the extra expense.

Internally the D3300 and D7200 both have the 24MP sensors and they both feature EXPEED4 processing. The D7200 has a better viewfinder, a vastly superior autofocus, a more robust, weather sealed body, and much more accessible controls. For myself, the ease of accessing the controls made the D7200 an easy choice. Controls such as white balance, ISO, quality, focus settings, exposure compensation, and bracketing can all be changed without entering the menu system. If you regularly use (adjust) these controls, the D7200 is the camera to select. In addition the D7200 has an in camera focus motor for older lenses and supports flash commander for off camera flash.

Since you are using the RRS BH-55, RRS recommends their MPR-113: 113mm rail as a solution. The cost is $55.

I think you answered your own question and if you're like most of us you won't have any trouble finding a use for the extra money. Just pick something you would enjoy from the many fine suggestions you have received.

I will add a vote for the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G. It does everything you want from a wide angle very well. Nikon got this one right!

:thumbup: :thumbup: I would have added some photos as well if I had been at home.