Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I agree, the Tamy is weather sealed where the Nikon isn't. I've been using one for over a tear and love it.

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

Keep the camera body and INVEST in superior glass. You may outgrow a camera body as your skills develop, but you will never outgrow a good lens. If you’re looking at telephoto, think about a Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens which will give you a “field of view” equal to 105mm - 300mm on your D3400 and excellent IQ. For economy check out a used copy of the VR2 version. That’s MY 5cents (no pennies in Canada).

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

I'll agree with a lot of Hoggers telling you to keep the D3200 and go for a good lens. The D3xxx, D5xxx and D7xxx all have the exact same 24.1 megapixel sensor so there's no gain, there. My friend and I both bought a new Nikon last year...he went for the D7200 and I opted for the D5500 for the reasons IDguy and several others mention. I think the real question is, "Do you find the capabilities of your D3200 too limiting for your skill level? I the answer is yes, go for the D5xxx or D7xxx series. However, if you aren't limited by the capabilities of your D3200, why do you need a camera with more bells and whistles you probably won't use or need?

foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

I have a D7200 and am learning to use and love it. I upgraded from the Nikon "antique", (first introduced in 2005), D70s. BTW, I have two D70s bodies, one mounted with current production a Sigma 105mm macro lens, and my first one purchased in 2006 mounted with a 18-200mm, f/3.5-5.6 DX lens of that period. While the D70s is way less technically advanced as the D7200 and its successors, both of these outdated D70s cameras produce very good, and in MHO excellent, images as long as I do my part. As someone has already mentioned, its not necessarily the camera as much as it is the ability of the user. Keep your D3400 and purchase a D7200 as well.

As far as being a Nikon snob, I am one as well. However, I feel that Sigma lens are top quality and when compared apples to apples in quality and pricing to a Nikon lens, the Sigma will win out over the Nikon in many cases, especially in price with quality being basically equal. Another thing to consider is that many of the Sigma lens are manufactured in Japan where most Nikon lens are manufactured in Thailand and/or China. I find it very hard to beat Japanese optics in quality and workmanship.

I purchased the Sigma 105mm macro lens over the Nikon 105mm micro lens based on much research which placed both of them being equal, or in the case of the Sigma, slightly better than the Nikon in a couple areas, and several hundred dollars difference in price. Just my 2¢ worth.

duane klipping Loc: Bristow iowa

You may be able to use it however using a DX of a FX body will create issues. If full frame is in your future get FX lens. Glass is your biggest investment.

As far as the 3400 goes it should do fine for you. If you are looking to upgrade nice condition D800's and up are now around 900. I got mine for that with a little over 10k shutter count. Not bad for a rig that cost around 3k new.

BebuLamar

The OP was looking for lenses of 500mm to 600mm and there is no DX lenses of that length.

OlinBost Loc: Marietta, Ga.

A few months ago I purchased a used D7000. With this camera I can use almost any lens and I get them used also. I now have quite a collection of good lens for my needs. Outdoors an extender will get me a lot without spending a lot on a really big lens. Good luck and compare various cameras to your needs. I will spend years leaning mine.

cfhelz45 Loc: The Villages, Florida

I just got a Tamron 150-600 G2 for my Nikon 7200. Looking forward to capturing birds.

uhaas2009

You said that the 3400 is your back up camera! If your p1000 is your main camera why do you want a big lens for 3400? Maybe it would be better to have a sec p1000? I asking because it’s easy to buy new equipment and be not happy with it. Remember the 3400 isn’t a bad camera ether.....

twillsol Loc: St. Louis, MO

I have the Sigma 150 - 600 Sport lens. Excellent lens, definitely worth the money. Do not know anyone that has the 150 - 600 contemporary. It is about half the price of the sports lens and probably a very good lens too.

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

what is the Sony RHX10-4l? i did a search for it and came up with nothing

Selene03

To the op: I vote with keeping the camera. I am not shooting with Nikon now, but I did in the past. I had a D3200, which was an ancestor to what you have now. It didn't have the features that more expensive cameras did, but I liked the iq from it a lot. I use what I think is more or less the Canon equivalent--the SL2 with a less expensive ff (fx in Nikon world) 70-300 mm lens with it in my kayak. I like the fact that it is light, cheap, and like the Nikon d3xxx series has excellent iq. When I had Nikon equipment, I didn't really have much expensive glass but I liked the 70-300 lens that came with my D600. I doubt if it was all that expensive. If you really want to get another camera, the d7200 is a great camera, but I wouldn't come to any conclusions about the quality of my old camera on the basis of what a bunch of internet forum people have to say (and I will include myself in that collective). Good luck with your purchase, whatever it is.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

I would invest in glass!

foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

Isn't the Sigma 150 - 600 contemporary made in China and the Sport made in Japan? Just asking.

fetzler Loc: North West PA

I agree with Alan. Consider the 100-400mm from Tamron and Sigma lenses