Tha D810 is a great camera, I shoot mostly natural history subjects and landscapes. I also use the D850 and the two cameras are very similar, you really can't go wrong with either one. The D850 has some added bells and whistles which can be useful if you need them. The added pixels are the main reason I pickup the D850 when going out in the field. If I don't need that I am fine with the D810. I'm sure others will stress the importance of some of the differing features offered by the later model. One feature worth noting is the focus stacking mode, which will only be compatible with Nikon lenses that have a built in focusing motor, not the screw drive type. I myself prefer to do any stacking in the field manually anyway so the D810 works just fine for that as well. Stacking in a studio under controlled conditions (no wind) would be a different story. The autofocus on the D850 seems a little better as well. I am certain you can take outstanding images with either one! Best of luck with whichever one you choose Peter.

Very nice work Merry, looks like a great spot for butterflies.

With Mc 30 or remote wireless release first press puts mirror up, second fires shutter on my D850. I'm not sure how you are getting the shutter to fire with one press in mirror up mode? It operates the same as my D810. If you keep the mirror locked up for an extended period of time it will then fire the shutter and the mirror will drop, without pressing the shutter button a second time. Maybe that is what your referring to?

The latest version of Ligthroom 6 will support the Nikon D850, it is what I use. The version is 6.14

That is a wonderful park for photography Dean and you did a great job capturing it. It's also a good place for photographing whitetails.

Beautiful shot Greg

In northern Pa and southern NY the fall color is not happening this year. Unfortunately all the excessive rain this year has caused a fungus that makes the leaves turn brown and fall off. We have many sugar maples on our property which are normally beautiful, this year no color and it is same way all across the northern tier of Pa. I would recommend you check on specific areas before traveling there. Good luck

Listen to this mans advice and you will see the greatest improvement in your photography. Renting a lens to try it in the field is a wise choice, purchase the best lens and camera that your budget will allow and that is best suited to what you are photographing. Make sure you have a gimbal head and solid tripod. Many people use top of the line equipment and produce low quality work because they do not practice the suggestions of martinfisher. The easy part of being a natural history photographer is buying equipment, then the work begins transporting and setting up blinds so you are in position when the light is right, learning where to find your subjects and if your shooting birds learn when to shoot so they have best plumage, if your shooting orchids learn where to find them and when they bloom then be ready to shoot them when most of the buds are open but before the insects start to eat them or the first blooms start to deteriorate. There is often a very narrow window of time to get the shots you want, learn to be proficient with the equipment you have. I have seen many folks always changing equipment for the latest greatest thing on the market and they never learn to master what they are shooting with and miss many opportunities. Martinfisher has given you very good advice in telling you to learn how to get close to your subjects. I wish you the very best in achieving your goals.

I have used both 400mm/2.8 and 600mm/4 lenses for wildlife work. I no longer own a 500mm or 600mm lens, the 400mm/2.8 has provided the highest quality images with more versatility than the longer lenses. I shoot Nikon equipment, however it makes no difference we are talking focal length here. My 400mm/2.8 with a 1.4 TC was as sharp as a 600mm prime by itself giving me 560mm/f4. Personally I view the 400mm/2.8 as a much more versatile lens. I would strongly agree with others to rent each lens and see for yourself which you prefer, everyone I know that did that ended up with the 400mm. Best of luck to you

2 and 5 would be my choice

Benezette Pa. is the place your asking about, it is close to me and I would suggest if you decide to go there this time of year go during the week. The weekends are extremely crowded. If you would like some specific areas to photograph elk PM me, there are many spots where you can avoid the masses and get nice shots. If you just want to watch elk and go for a wagon ride then the elk center is fine. If you attempt to photograph there be aware of the tripod police, who will tell you that your tripod legs can only be open as wide as your body.

Beautiful shot Bob.

I have used Gitzo 3 and 4 series tripods for years and they have been workhorse tripods. This year I purchased a RRS TVC-33 with the leveling head and use it for everything from 12 lb lenses with gimbal head down to macro work. Great tripod and if it holds up over the long term like the Gitzo's I would say because of fit and finish and machined parts not castings it is probably the nicest available. It is expensive but what is well made always is.

You obviously have a PHD.

I can believe that Dave, as this is the first year since 1995 that the squirrels cleaned off seven apple trees that were loaded with apples. Normally we have issues with deer and bears but never squirrels before.