D500 or 105 f2.8 macro (Page 2): D500 with cheaper extension tubes for now.

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

Les Brown wrote:

I have a D7200 and have been into BIF, but I'm interested in macro. For Christmas and my 80th birthday my family will spring for either a Nikon 105 VR f2.8 macro or a D500 body. I have a 200 - 500 and a 70 - 200 kit, and a wide angle kit. Your opinion would be appreciated. The cost is not the issue.

D500 with cheaper extension tubes for now.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Les Brown wrote:

I have a D7200 and have been into BIF, but I'm interested in macro. For Christmas and my 80th birthday my family will spring for either a Nikon 105 VR f2.8 macro or a D500 body. I have a 200 - 500 and a 70 - 200 kit, and a wide angle kit. Your opinion would be appreciated. The cost is not the issue.

It depends on what you feel you need more. If you favor the wildlife over the macro??? You could always sell the 7200 & put the money torward a macro lens.

home brewer Loc: Fort Wayne, Indiana

I used my d500 on many hikes and vacations until I got the d850 and some FX 2.8 lenses. The d500 is a great camera when used with good glass.

WJB Loc: Salisbury, MD

PixelStan77 wrote:

Let the family get you the Nikon 105 VR f2.8 macro and you treat yourself to the D500 body. That is what we call a win win.

That's what money is no object would do for me, but what about a D850?

KLambar Loc: New Jersey

I vote the D500.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Les Brown wrote:

I have a D7200 and have been into BIF, but I'm interested in macro. For Christmas and my 80th birthday my family will spring for either a Nikon 105 VR f2.8 macro or a D500 body. I have a 200 - 500 and a 70 - 200 kit, and a wide angle kit. Your opinion would be appreciated. The cost is not the issue.

Would your family care to adopt me? I have whatever photo stuff I need for the present but am in need of Parker Brothers or Fox shotguns and maybe a 4 weight bamboo rod with an appropriate reel for my hunting and fishing needs.

As for your specific question your interest in macro photography would still be on hold. Your D7200 would work just fine though for macro with the 105 f2.8 Micro lens. Yes, I have heard the D500 is one sweet camera but do you honestly think your photographs would be that much better using a very similar camera to one you already own?

Good luck on your choice. Remember what your goal was, macro photography.

Dennis

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

(I have all that I will speak of)
Go the 500 which will give you much better opportunities for BIF. Then, to start looking at macro either get a Nikon 10.5mm fisheye or Nikon's 40mm macro. The 10.5 won't give you the 1:1 that the 105 will but you can get within an inch of your subject; they will be a minimal investment to see if you do like and want to do macro extensively and of continued use if you do decide to spend the money for the 105.

Canisdirus

Buy a reversing ring and flip the wide-angle for your macro photography. (manual mode, but that's macro anyway)
Get the new camera body for BIF.
Win/win

warrenvon Loc: Ellicott City, MD

imagemeister wrote:

I vote D500 with an extension tube or high quality 2 element close up lens for the 70-200 .....
.

exactly the answer that I'd have put forward!
I use extension tubes on my 80 - 400 zoom lens and love the results.
The upgrade from the D7200 to the D500 in just too much to let go when considering your bent towards BIF.

JennT Loc: South Central PA

I use both together--and LOVE the combination!

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

Congratulations on your birthday. I loved my Nikon D300 and waited for its successor then I started having shoulder pain. What I’m saying is try the camera, it could be too heavy. You may eventually downsize the camera.

wetreed

Without doubt go with the D500

salikenphoto Loc: S.E. corner of British Columbia Canada

Les Brown wrote:

I have a D7200 and have been into BIF, but I'm interested in macro. For Christmas and my 80th birthday my family will spring for either a Nikon 105 VR f2.8 macro or a D500 body. I have a 200 - 500 and a 70 - 200 kit, and a wide angle kit. Your opinion would be appreciated. The cost is not the issue.

Well if I was in your boots I would want the lens! I have this lens and it is one of my favorites.

old poet

Thanks for all of the great advice, and compliments to my family. They are great, particularly my wife of 58 years.

no12mo

Les Brown wrote:

I have a D7200 and have been into BIF, but I'm interested in macro. For Christmas and my 80th birthday my family will spring for either a Nikon 105 VR f2.8 macro or a D500 body. I have a 200 - 500 and a 70 - 200 kit, and a wide angle kit. Your opinion would be appreciated. The cost is not the issue.

Take the D500. There's always next year - or Christmas. Just put out a strong hint and don't make Santa Clause's naughty list

Alan