Thank you for your wishes. I should have included this information. Have ordered a used one and look forward to working with it. I have a D850 in terms of focal distances, for the product I am working on, I am taking tree pictures. Need two shots per tree a wide angle showing total tree and a close-up of leaves/branches. We shall see how it goes and I will report back.

thank you. It is appreciated.

Thank you I had a 24-70 when I bought the new camera but returned it. The other lenses I had worked almost as well without the extra weight. Going to order one of the 24-120s and we shall see. Thank you again.

Thank you. Exactly the information I was looking for. Will probably go with B&H just because that is my go to trusted retailer.

I had two D7100s. Traded one when I upgraded to the 850. Learning curve was big but a great camera once you have a little knowledge. When I damaged my 850 at the beginning of the lockdown I had to get somethings else (Nikon was closed for repairs). The remaining D7100 was just not what I wanted and went shopping, settled on the D500 and bought one. I would recommend the 850 just because it it more versatile and is a great camera. Depending on your budget, either will be great and you will get more than out of your 7100.

Finished an assignment using my old 24 -120 3.5 - 5.6. Thought it turned out pretty well but had a few issues. I was wondering about an upgrade. Read Ken Rockwell's review of both the old one and the new f4. He indicates that the old one is one of the worst lenses ever. Wondering about experience with the newer f4. Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you all in advance. My assignment was taking pictures in a forest. Full tree and then a close-up. These were the smaller conifers but more coming. Some of the pictures did have a focus problem prompting the upgrade consideration. Let me know what your opinions are.

COuld not have said it better myself.

I rarely use a tripod. With the proper lens and settings, I can get an accurate representation of what I am shoot of a high enough quality. This really includes panorama and almost dusk shots. But it all depends on what you expect and are going for.

Also sales tax requirements still vary from state to state (I did sales tax compliance nationally for a bunch of years). B&H sent a very nice and informative letter explaining why they had to charge (which we used as a model for our customers). They used to charge in Illinois but not down here in Missouri yet.

A company I used to work for was a supplier. They were always good to work with but drove a hard bargain. One of our artists (who brought them in as a customer) said if you ever get to NYC visit them. Happened a few years ago when I was stuck there and could not get home. Went to their store and was totally amazed. Beyond the helpful employees each display was a sight to see. Their on floor samples (at least for Panasonic and Nikon) included beginner products through the ultimate professional versions. Do get there if you are able.

I upgraded to the 850 from the 7100. I had previously upgraded most lenses to FX assuming that some day I would end up with a full frame. The others I sold after getting the camera. I still use the 7100 as a backup.

When I first bought the camera I went whole hog and bought the 24 - 70 and the 70-200 lenses. Liked them for the first few days great low light capabilities. I did have a number of issues getting them to focus and it was quite a task. Blaming my inexperience but before the 30 day return period was up, I returned them both. I could get better and sharper shots with one of the small lenses owned previously and decided to find a different one that I could use. Those were also quite large and heavy. Already had the 200-500 and really did not lug around two more.

I did buy the 20-300 and am pretty satisfied with it. When I need a lens to walk around with where I do not know what I will encounter, this is the one that comes along. It came in handy the other night when taking a sunset and a GBH who comes each night at sunset showed up. I had missed him a few times with my two lens set up.

Good luck with your decision. BY the way - I lived in Downers Grove for 32 years and my wife worked at Argonne for 35+. We retired earlier this year and the 850 was my retirement gift to myself. Now live in Missouri 2 blocks from a dam and a lake.


If I do know what I will encounter, I take my 200-500 and my 16 - 35. I primarily shoot birds and landscape and walk down to my lake most nights with these two on different cameras.

Thank you everyone for the replies (even the snarky ones - they were funny). I have used PCs for a long time - since 1985 in a corporate setting (we had the second one our $3.5 Billion company bought). At home I am on my 3rd one since 2006. Heavy video editing and recently photo editing 46,000 clicks since 3/2018. I have been infected only once by a virus - the AVG guys were quite upset with that. So I do believe I know what I am doing - as a home user.

I am going to get an estimate on my computer but will probably end up with a Mac. Last time I had similar issues (resulting from an automatic switch from win 7 to win 10 the tech pronounced it doa. He also suggested a Dell over an HP.

THANKS AGAIN. it is appreciated

I assumed this had been covered recently, searched and the discussions found were all old. I have been anticipating having to replace my computer (5 years old, booting slower and slower BIOS issues, etc). After doing some editing yesterday on my iPad I was impressed with the speed and ease of Lightroom editing RAW photos. Given this I began thinking about apple imac.

Looks like the buy in is higher but given the expected life and the speed might be worth it.

Wondering what others members who have done this have experienced and their findings and recommendations. Thanks for your help

I like B&H and Nikon used or refurbished. Have purchased from both with good results.

Thank you for the response. My vello is the wired version but as this warning indicates the + battery terminal is recessed (one of them). I tried to make it work but was unable to get any response other than what I was able to get. I will wait for tomorrow's new arrival and hope for the best. Thank you again for the response.