I very much appreciate your humor Graham.

Don't feel bad ecar. I recently sat on the phone for an hour after going through all menus then on hold to get a technical person who could answer a few questions about a Canon projector I was considering purchasing. Of the the four simple questions, all required him to go to engineering to get answers which half the answers were not correct anyway as I latter confirmed after purchasing it.

I was not impressed. But that seems to be the norm in present times from my experiences.

[quote=via the lens]Was that response to me? I'm always concerned about spending money as I want to spend it on something that I will actually use: I've used all of my current gear a lot. I don't buy gear just because it's new or others have it, but instead to take the best photos that I can, which I am passionate about.[/quotVery

Very sorry to hear of your loss, one of life's hardest times, especially when sudden and unexpected.

The lenses you are asking about will enable you to produce the work you are passionate about, just consider the additional weight associated with solid tripods and gimbal mounts that are also a necessary part of the equation.

I also had the 5.7 version and recently upgraded to the latest Lightroom 6 1.4 version which I believe will be the last of Adobe support for the stand alone version. I gained some bug fixes and HDR and Panorama capabilities as well as some new cameras supported such as the Nikon D850.

I have used Nikon equipment since 1972 and have used all the focal lengths you list except the 200mm, in both the older series and most of the newer series lenses. When I receive a lens I test it. I have not seen the same results with any zoom compared to prime lenses. That said I have received new Nikon lenses and returned two before getting a sharp one. (prime lens) You have to test your lenses and do not be afraid of purchasing used. My 400/2.8 is one of my sharpest lenses and that was used. I am seeking the highest quality I can get in my images and yes that gets expensive. The brighter viewfinder image and ability to shoot in low light are major issues for me. The new series of Nikkors are fantastic lenses. I can not say enough good about the 300mm 2.8, even with a 1.4 converter it is a great lens. Zoom lenses offer much convenience and for many are a wise choice, there are many nice photos posted on here from zoom lenses. You have to shoot and test side by side and decide for yourself when you see the results. As long as I am able to carry the heavier faster lenses that will be my choice. As with many things in life we give up one thing to get something else, it's a personal choice. I also like being able to isolate my subject as you have mentioned I have sent two images from the 300mm 2.8 for you to view. Good luck with your choice and enjoy yourself via the lens.

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[quote=usnpilot]I bought a new Dodge 3500 Ram

Tri-Flex Fuel Truck. It'll run on either hydrogen, gasoline, or E85.



Had to go back to the dealer yesterday because I couldn't get the radio

to work. The service technician explained that the radio was

voice-activated.



"Nelson", the technician said to the radio.



The radio replied, "Ricky or Willie?"



"Willie!" he continued, and 'On The Road Again' came from the speakers.

Then he said, "Ray Charles!", and in an instant 'Georgia On My Mind'

replaced Willie Nelson.



I drove away happy, and for the next few days, every time I'd say,

"Beethoven", I'd get beautiful classical music, and if I said,

"Beatles", I'd get one of their awesome songs.



WeYou ll, yesterday, some old lady ran a red light and nearly smashed into

gentlemen, The Democratic Leader and former speaker of the House

....Nancy Pelosi".

You can't possibly be referring to the most effective, and well spoken legislator in congress can you?

Great job, I really enjoyed seeing that!

To add to Susan's comment, Apple has also decided to remove connections on their laptops which are needed on a professional machine. It's all well and good to incorporate the newest fastest technology however when someone has to travel and actually use it in many different venues they should not have to carry a case of adapters to make commonly available connections. A good design would provide for both until one is obsolete.

great photo

I would consider renting a gyro stabilizer for the evening if highest quality is a concern. If you shoot some images with and without you will be amazed.

Last fall I upgraded my computer to a Dell XPS 15 with the 4K display as I prefer the portability of the laptop for my needs. I have used it extensively since November for photo editing and assembling presentations with music and effects for various groups, and it has performed great. There was no comparison dollar for dollar and image quality wise with the Mac or anything else in the way of a laptop I could find. This machine has the highest specs offered as it is available in many configurations, if you decide you want a laptop do yourself a favor and compare the XPS 15 4K display and the Mac retina side by side, in this instance I feel you get much more in terms of processing capability and display quality for less money. My honest opinion.

If no screws are missing or loose it is most likely just a loose spanner nut that would retain the barrel to the internal housing which holds the lens elements. If the lens is under warranty send it back if out of warranty any good camera repair shop should be able to fix that easily. Always ask for an estimate so you don't get unpleasant surprises.

When God has a plan it really doesn't matter what doctors say.