jliane Loc: Washington state

I bit off more than I could chew buying a Tamron 150-600mm lens less than a year ago. I have put it on my camera, a D5300, fewer times than the fingers on one hand. It's just too heavy for me and I'm not using it. I am ready to send it back to Adorama and am thinking about sending in my D5300 also, along with all accessories, to trade for a D7200. I will keep my Tamron 18-300mm lens. I also have a Canon SX50. I shoot a little bit of everything including birds, wildlife, landscapes, family, trips. Does that sound like a reasonable trade? I may have to fork over a little more $ for the 7200 depending on how they value my 5300 and big lens. Both are in excellent condition. I'm thinking the 7200 will give me better low light shots at faster shutter speed for birds/wildlife if I need it. Other suggestions will be appreciated, if the above sounds like a dumb idea. Many thanks--I love this site.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Have you tried using the 150-600 on a tripod, esp with gimbal head. I can hand hold it when I have to, but usually brace or use fences, railings, posts, trees etc. It works very well that way. You won't get what you are expecting for it as it goes on sale for less than $1000, a couple places have it for less than $900 because Tamron is giving a total of $120 in rebates.

jliane Loc: Washington state

Yes I have a decent tripod, Benro, but I find that I simply don't want to haul it around. Most of the time, I'm hiking and don't want to take the time to set up a tripod, nor do I want to hike with the extra weight. I know I will probably take about a 30% haircut selling it or trading it, but I'd rather put the money toward something more worthwhile to me. Thanks for the encouragement however.

JohnTxNC

Gee, I just googled the lens and your camera and I would hope that there would be enough value that you would not have any out of pocket money. Although, Adorama, will see your lens as used, where as an independent buyer, may see it as a "deal of a lifetime" and scoop it up from you! I also looked at the D7200 and it seems to be a really nice unit.

It's like buying a new car on a trade. Always get that best and lowest price on the new car and then introduce your trade ... not that Adorama works like a dealership, but that lens should bring you top dollar since it's had little use.

Good luck!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

We have a section here for selling equipment. You might post your equipment here and see what kind of bites you get.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Ok, so it's too heavy...and you also want to trade the 5300 in for a heavier camera...um, what am I missing?

SteveR Loc: Michigan

The lens is a lot heavier than the camera.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

I get that...but if someone is already concerned about weight (and size), why would they want to go to a larger camera, or even stick with a traditional dslr. If they don't want to carry a tripod around, then the OP should consider something entirely different.

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

here is the link to sell

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-6-1.html

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

A monopod would help. And there are some good ones that are designed to also be a walking stick for your hikes.

However the 150-600 is pretty big and heavy for hikers.

Due to my interests I would keep the 150-600 for use when not hiking and get something like the Tamron 16-300 for hiking. On your crop frame Nikon that would give you 24-450 equivalent which is even good for birding and wildlife under most conditions. That lens and possibly a small compact prime around 35 mm of f/2.8 or so or even a macro f/2.8 would cover 95%+ of what you would run into while hiking, or anywhere else for that matter.

jliane Loc: Washington state

about 1/2 lb. I don't plan to keep the long lens.

jliane Loc: Washington state

I have thought about a macro lens instead.
Do you think I would gain much advantage moving from the 5300 to the 7200. I know--1/2 lb heavier than what I have now.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I shoot Canon so don't really know Nikon. But the 7200 is the top of the heap for Nikon crop sensors at this time. And it has a focus motor so you can use older AF lenses without their own motor.
You might consider the 7100, only about 2/3 the price of the 7200 and nearly as good. Better on video focus and a couple other things.
The difference would cover about 2/3 the cost of the 16-300 lens. Both 7100 and 7200 are weather sealed which is also a plus for a hiker.
Compare them here: http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D7100-vs-Nikon-D7200/detailed

On sale for Christmas D7100 with 18-140 lens 999.95. Body alone 699.95 and a Tamron 16-300 499 after rebates.

I have been researching, Sigma has a 28-300 that is just a little bit sharper than the Tamron 16-300*. But the Tamron is weather sealed (good for hikers), has better AF and better stabilization. Also a bit less money.
I have a gift card from when KEH's buyer was at the local camera store buying used gear that would just about cover the 16-300. I am tempted. I have a Tamron 10-24 so with the 16-300 I could do almost everything (in good light) with only two lenses and my 7DII. Then I only get out the 100-400 or 150-600 for special projects. And my 24-105L then gets to stay on my 6D for general purpose/walk around.

* two different reviews said the difference is only enough to bother the pixel peepers for anything except huge prints.

jm76237

Good luck with that - they will offer you about $150 for your D5300.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Maybe just get a lens like the 16-300 and use it on your present body until you are ready to upgrade.