ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

After becoming very comfortable with my D500, I recently decided to dip my toe into the FF world by picking up a pre-owned D810. For birding, i have the Nikon 200-500, the Nikon 300 PF (and 1.4 TC), and the Tamron 100-400, all of which I love. I’m wondering if and how to use two cameras for birding? If we are in a single location (not hiking), my instinct would be to mount the heavier combo (D810 and the 200-500) on my tripod and use the D500/300 PF for handholding for BIF opportunities. Or, is trying to use both more trouble than it’s worth? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

jwm1944 Loc: Maryland

that would be perfect!

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

The biggest stabilization factor is making sure you use the tripod mount on the lens. I've used my Alpha 850 & A7RIII with a Tamron 150-600 hand held successfully.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Use both just to experiment. It'll be fun and you'll get interesting different perspectives. Merry Christmas.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Hi. I'm assuming this is for your upcoming trip to N.M.? I've shot with two cameras often but there is always a downside to this. I have the D500 as my primary camera and had a D800, which was recently repaired (or so I thought). I've also shot with both Nikon lenses, although it was a 500mm PF. When shooting with both I'll have a harness or secure chest strap to hold the second camera. Note that, as you know, the D800 is very slow for continuous shooting, Nikon says "at approx. 5 fps in FX format at full resolution, and up to approx. 7 fps in DX format at approx. 15.4 MP...." I would definitely mount the 200-500 but I'd probably use the D500 and make that my primary setup. I'd use the D800, in crop mode, with the 300PF for hand holding to get that quicker shot or a "one-off" shot. In the end you'll have to experiment and decide. Try it on your first shoot out and see what is comfortable for you. I know that after using the D500 for birding and then attempting to use my D800 as a secondary backup I found that the D800 was incredibly slow. But, it could be that my camera was not fixed as it should have been; a discussion with Nikon is in my future. I did also try the Z7 with the 500mm PF but found the camera could not hold focus as needed for the quickness of bird photography. I'm taking all three cameras on an upcoming trip to Klamath Falls, OR to photo eagles. I'll try them all in different ways!

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

Good advice. The D810 was a very last minute decision, and I not even sure that I will have it in hand by the time I go to NM. But I will have many options to play with. All good. You are one of the fortunate ones to have the 500 PF. One my wishlist, for sure, as is Klamath Falls.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Rented the 500PF for that trip only to see if I wanted one, although I am on the BH list. I've got friends who found the lens at various camera stores, just not sure if I want to own it. My first trip to Klamath for eagles. With a guy named Bob Fletcher. Just hoping the birds are close enough to make me happy!

Pistnbroke Loc: UK

D810 not (as) suitable for birding as the D500 ..not enough POI teleconverter bad idea/

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I think your best option is to simply give it a try and see if the set up works for you. In photography, nothing beats actual experience.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

Right. I understand that the D810 is not the latest and greatest, and know most of the nuances involved. I am not familiar with the term “POI”. What issue or spec are you referring to?

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I sometimes carry two systems. System 1, Nikon D500 with a 200-500 5.6 lens. This combo is very comprehensive in giving me an effective angle of view of 300-750 mm.
If I carry a second system it is the D850 with the Nikon 500 5.6 lens attached.
If I carry both I have a spider system that puts the D850/500 5.6 on my hip while I carry the D500/200-500 5.6 in my hands.

I also have two other systems that work a little differently. Sony a9 with 200-600 attached. I also just got the Sony a6600 that will give me and effective angle of view of 300-900 mm. OUCH!!!!!
But right now I do not have a second Sony lens to put two systems in play at the same time.
I do not like changing lenses in the field so I will for now probably just carry the Sony a6600 with the 200-600 lens attached. I will be setting up the a6600 menu to mirror my special settings on the a9 for better tracking of birds in flight.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

Yokes, you carry all this? I hadn’t considered walking with two rigs, but I’ll keep that in mind once I settle out my favorite combinations. Thanks for your suggestions.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

The spider system really makes if quite easy to carry the second camera on your hip. I do not do this often but most of the time I am on board walks and do not travel far. I am blessed to be in an area of Florida that has many preserves to choose from without having to walk far.
If I do want to go on a long walk, I only carry one lens, usually a zoom for flexibility.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Why not just use the 200-500 for everything. I have two bodies - and a 100-300 F4 plus a 150-600 Sigma Sport. the 100-300 stays home. The 150-600 is either on my D800 or my D810 - and I also leave my tripod home. I believe the Sigma is 1.3 lbs heavier than the 200-500 - which is still fine for hand holding. I often take 3-6 mile hikes in the woods or on beaches with the lens on a sling strap and use it as my walk-around lens.

I have tried using two cameras in the past, when I had a bigger heavier 600mm lens but it was a royal pain.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

Thanks for the comment. For an extended walk, i agree that a single camera/lens combo is the way to go. This was my only option before I complicated my life with this second body.