Thanks for the links, Jerry; as always, you do your research. I have actually seen a few of these sites but will do more reading. I was hoping to see something about my suspicion that the lack of filters on the D810 may cause a moire situation perhaps rendering the LensAlign approach inappropriate for that camera. I am probably wrong and just had a bad day when I was trying to check the AF tune.

Greetings,

Has anyone used the LensAlign on a Nikon D810? I am having trouble focusing on the LensAlign pattern and I thought that it may be due to the lack of any filters in the D810. I have used the LensAlign on a D300s and a D800 with decent success.

I have also posted this on their site but thought I'd try here too.

BTW, can anyone recommend a better way to fine tune AF on the D810?

Thanks in advance.

You're right although I do use the 300 2.8 with the 1.7x for 510 mm with really good results.

I have learned this as well -- and it takes discipline, as you know. I find that the quality of my photos are inversely proportional to the distance from the subject. Obviously the closer you are, the less focal length you need. This is part of the reason for my seemingly stupid indecision; ie: perhaps a 500mm is a better choice over a 600mm lens; it will force me to narrow the distance to my subject. (It will also save $$ and weight.) Distance to subject is probably a more important consideration in improving image quality than is a longer focal length prime lens.

(Tilting toward the 500. :))

LMAO :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Thanks imagemeister. Went to your website -- BEAUTIFUL photos!! You really get great results with the 300 + 2x! Like I said elsewhere, I have a long way to go.

Do you also use a medium format camera bird shots?

Thanks CJC2. I am curious what your opinion of the Sigma zoom will be. I should wait to see the reviews on that one.

Thanks for this -- he is a great photographer and his work does inspire me to do better (I have a long way to go)

Since the Tamron 150-600 is a new lens, I would like to know what he used for most of his work. In any case, I think you are suggesting a long zoom. I had a Nikkor 200 to 400 for a while and was not happy at the long end, which is where I used it most of time. (Not meant to insult anyone -- the 200 to 400 IS a great lens, just not for me.) I understand that the Tamron is a bit weak at the long end as well (Typical of such zooms I guess.)

Thanks for your response Birdpix, I appreciate the input. It is a tough problem but having saved my pennies, I need to relieve my GAS. :)

I am also leaning toward your gut feeling on the 600mm. You are also right about the rent/ test idea.

The Sigma zoom is another good idea which I did briefly entertain but after some thought decided to stay with the prime Nikkors. I will check in with MTShooter as suggested.

Thanks again.

Greetings,

After having read many pros and cons, I would really appreciate the hands-on opinions of fellow hogs; people who have used these lenses to photo BIF and other fast action, and who have specifically used them with teleconverters. Currently I am shooting with a Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 on a D810, primarily using a TC-20E III and a TC-17E II. My BIF results with the TC-17E II is excellent and is pretty good with the TC-20E III. Shooting stationary subjects with the 300mm + TC 20 combination produces very, very good results – I am happy with those – but I shoot mostly BIF. Now I am seeking improvement at the 600mm range and farther, therefore considering the new lens.

I am working on improving my technique to correct the slight softness with the 300mm + TC 20E combination BUT the cause MAY be more the result of using a teleconverter in which case I need to stay with a 600mm plus a new TC 14E to get max range and sharpness. Of course my human nature will force me to put the TC 17 and TC20 on the 600mm lens so I am wondering how those results will be – can I really get a sharp BIF photo at 1200 mm, f/8? Anybody happy with their results using this combo?

The D810 is supposed to autofocus down to f/8 BUT I do notice the autofocus already slowing down with the TC20 on the 300mm f/2.8 bringing it to only f/5.6. Accordingly, I wonder how even a half- stop increase will affect autofocus. This is important when I think about limiting myself to not using the TC 20E at all and not going out that far. This would bring the choices to the Nikkor 500mm with a TC17 or the Nikkor 600mm with a TC14 for 850mm and 840mm respectively with only ½ stop difference in favor of the 600mm. (I do not want to spend $12000 on the new 400mm f/2.8 lens, but would that be a smarter choice for 800mm using the TC20 at an f/5.6, same as the 600mm plus TC14?)

Thanks in advance.

Thank you Sailorsmom; you have given me my answer. The answer is that apparently most photographers are soo happy to be published, they would give it away for nothing or close to it. I think that your work has more value.

You’re right; Adobe did not dream it up. Actually digital delivery of “boxed” software has been around for a long time. I have been buying the downloaded, “boxed”, version of TurboTax for many years. Now you can also do your taxes on their site and pay as you need it. There are countless other examples including most of the software you download to your phone. Again I was too subtle on my point, sorry but I will not explain now – splitting head ache. Bye

Thanks for your informed response -- I appreciate it.

Congratulations!! I am happy for you but I have a question which I hope does not detract from your success:

Why do publishers pay so LITTLE for a photograph?? It does not seem to matter how good the photo is, they just do not value it above $25 or $35. Should we photographers hold out/ ask for more payment?? Scarcity will increase value.

While the two items listed in your reply are not comparable, I get your point: we can’t predict how any price will increase.
Unfortunate for you, you cannot lease a loaf of bread.

Perhaps I was too subtle in making my point; and that is, IMHO the cost of leasing the software will eventually cost more than buying – same as for cars, etc. It may not be today, but it will be tomorrow. Once the CC system is established you will not be able to find the boxed version.