For most images you won't notice a big difference between raw and jpg. Images with a lot of color changes, such as a sunset, will benefit from raw, but images shot in decent light with the proper exposure will not benefit much at all.

My suggestion is to shoot jpg until you get more familiar with the differences, or better at post processing, or want to spend more time post processing since most images won't differ by that much.

With the new DX lenses available I don't see any reason to shoot full frame. I've had many Nikon digital cameras over the years (including the D100, D300 D3, and D4s) and I'll put the d500 up against any of them. the D500 image quality is nearly the same as the D4. In fact I bought the D500 as an upgrade to my D7200 and liked it so much I sold my D4 2 weeks later. You can pair the D500 with the Nikon 16-80 and get wide angle images just as sharp as you will from full frame. I've been shooting digital since it started and film before that and i generally shoot over 10.000 images per year

I was a full frame snob at one point as well, but the D500 opened my eyes. The crop factor is a big advantage over full frame when shooting skittish subjects. It is smaller and lighter so it is more portable, a nice factor if you walk around with the camera looking for shots or wildlife. The D500 is slightly noisier than the D4 but is is also sharper because it has no anti aliasing filter.

My advice would be to buy the D500 unless you need more resolution, which shouldn't be necessary unless you're a professional photographer. The D500 is more camera than any amateur needs.

If you are in the NJ area there is a very good camera store in Brick NJ called The Photo Center. They are quite knowledgeable and their prices are generally as good as B&H. Their phone number is (732) 840-1333.

I recently purchased the Nikon 16-80 for a trip to eastern CA to photography Alabama Hills and Mono Lake. I was very impressed with the lens and pleasantly surprised how sharp it was. If you'd like to see the images they're on my site www.kirmsphotography.com.

It looks like the panel is docked to the palette.
Grab the panel by it's tab and drag it away from the dock to make it a floating panel.
You should now be able to move it wherever you wish.

The D7200 is a nice upgrade from the D7100 for any reason, but it may not fix your problem. Are you having the same problem with all lenses? If so it is probably the camera. If not, it is probably lens calibration.

Have you tried calibrating your lens? You can purchase a calibration target for much less than a new camera and find videos on how to calibrate on www.youtube.com.


If you were thinking of upgrading I'd suggest the D500 (which is a big upgrade form the D7200). If you're happy with the D7100 (except for the sharpness) I suggest calibrating first.

I’m heading to Bosque del Apache NWR in January. I’ve previously been there a few times and love photographing the wildlife and scenery.

We generally shoot the ponds on the way to the main entrance and do the loops inside the park. We also photograph at Ladd Gordon NWR.

Does anyone have any other favorite spots we could try?

I have a second home in Murrells Inlet and photograph that area quite extensively. If you're into nature photography you must go to Huntington Beach State Park. There are many opportunities there. You'll find many alligators, several types of herons and egrets, eagles, ospreys, clapper rails, wood storks, shorebirds, and possibly Roseatte Spoonbills (they were there 2 weeks ago when I was there last). There are also many songbirds. Try to shoot near low tide. Morning and end of day are best.
I have several images from Huntington Beach State Park on my web site www.KirmsPhotography.com. Click the Murrells Inlet link on the home page if you'd like to see them.

I have a second home in Murrells Inlet and photograph that area quite extensively. If you're into nature photography you must go to Huntington Beach State Park. There are many opportunities there. You'll find many alligators, several types of herons and egrets, eagles, ospreys, clapper rails, shorebirds, and possibly Roseatte Spoonbills (they were there 2 weeks ago when I was there last). There are also many songbirds
I have several images from Huntington Beach State Park on my web site www.KirmsPhotography.com. Click the Murrells Inlet link on the home page if you'd like to see them.

I have a D500 and shoot with many different lenses. For sports and bird photography I've found that changing the AF-C priority selection to "Release and Focus" yeilds a higher percentage of keepers. It may take a fraction longer for the camera to lock (you probably won't notice) but you should get much better results.

You can find the setting in the menu under Custom Settings > Autofocus > a1.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

I have my hotels booked and unfortunately I only have 4 days in the area, and it seems like too little time to see everything. I'll make the best of my time following your suggestions. Your replies have given me a great boost and I'm looking forward to the trip to the Eastern Sierra mountains.

I'll post my images to my site www.KirmsPhotography.com when I get home from my visit.

Thanks again for your input.

Thanks for your input. I have the trip mapped out with the spots I'd like to shoot. I based it on Gary Hart's article in Outdoor Photographer. I'm flying into Las Vegas and driving to Lone Pine on day 1. I'll then work my way north to Bishop and finally to Lee Vining.

I'm planning a trip to the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in September. I'll be in Lone Pine 1 night, Bishop 1 night, and Lee Vinning 2 nights. I have mapped out some photo spots but I'm considering hiring a photography guide at each spot. Does anyone know of any photography guides in those areas?

I use the Tamron 150-600 on my D500 quite often. I carry it on a Black Rapid strap that I sling over my shoulder (not around my neck). I adjust the length so the camera hangs the same height as my hand while I walk. This allows me to hold the foot of the lens to take some of the weight off my neck and shoulder.