a 300 2.8 is a handful - I use a Tamron 16-300 most all the time (not for portraits) and easily enlarge to 20x30 - on a trip I pair that with the Sigma 8-16 - not much they can't h handle
My D500 currently wears the Nikon18-300mm lens most of the time, and always has the Nikon MB-D17 battery grip attached.
While this configuration may not be everyone else's "cup o' tea" due to it's weight and size, it works well for me.
gary8803 wrote:
Thank you everyone who posted to my Costa Rica Post. I went the less expensive route I decided to get a Dslr not a mirrorless camera.
I got the Nikon D500 and the Nikon 200-500mm 5.6 lens
I made this choice because I like the feel of the DSLR better then the Mirrorless I have big hands. I read a lot of good reviews about the D500 for wildlife paired with the 200-500 lens plus I have experienced how well the Nikon D3 worked for me a few years ago.
Yes a Sony A1 would have been nice or a Canon R5 but the cost was not worth it for me after I started to think what my purpose was fun photography. Out of my $10000.00 budget I still have $7500.00 left to buy other thing I may want.
So thanks again for the advice that you all presented.
Gary
Thank you everyone who posted to my Costa Rica Pos... (
show quote)
Although I wasn't one of your advisors and do not shoot with that combination or brand even, from several different online photo platforms, consistantly, the people who are getting what I consider the best critter shots I see are shooting with that combo you got and surprisingly they are mostly females, so be proud, brave, and manly because it's now all up to you.
The best news is that Costa Rica children--from kindergarten on--learn the benefits of conservation, the treasures of jungles and mountains. So the plethora of birds and animals, the tiniest orchids and the most magnificent trees are all yours. Except for a few smugglers on the coast (most not Costa Ricans), this is a paradise not only for you but for all the earth's creatures. By the way, take your time taking shots of the sloths.They are very patient.
gary8803 wrote:
Thank you everyone who posted to my Costa Rica Post. I went the less expensive route I decided to get a Dslr not a mirrorless camera.
I got the Nikon D500 and the Nikon 200-500mm 5.6 lens
I made this choice because I like the feel of the DSLR better then the Mirrorless I have big hands. I read a lot of good reviews about the D500 for wildlife paired with the 200-500 lens plus I have experienced how well the Nikon D3 worked for me a few years ago.
Yes a Sony A1 would have been nice or a Canon R5 but the cost was not worth it for me after I started to think what my purpose was fun photography. Out of my $10000.00 budget I still have $7500.00 left to buy other thing I may want.
So thanks again for the advice that you all presented.
Gary
Thank you everyone who posted to my Costa Rica Pos... (
show quote)
Good move. Always a good idea to buy what you’re most comfortable with.
Congratulations on making a decision. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new camera system. Please post some of your new pictures. 😀
I think you made a good decision. Now you have $7,500.00 for more glass!
Don
Great choice in my view. Congrats
The D500 is my choice for wildlife. Also have the D850 but still favor the D500. I own the 200-500 and the Sigma 150-600 contemporary, and favor that lense over the 200-500. That being said, the 200-500 performs well.
Your like me Gary, i also like the look & feel of a larger DSLR over a smaller mirrorless camera and you'll be happy about the longer battery life of a DSLR...Newer technology isn't always the best technology.
As others have suggested, having at least one other lens with a shorter focal range would be a good complement to the 200-500. The D500 is DX format, so your choices could be among the lighter weight DX lenses. My recommendation would be to pick up the DX 16-80 f2.8-4. This is one of the best DX lenses out there, very versatile, and for some weird reason Nikon has discontinued it. The other usual DX recommendation is the DX 35mm f1.8, which has excellent IQ, is lightweight and dirt cheap. Enjoy the trip!
gary8803 wrote:
Thank you everyone who posted to my Costa Rica Post. I went the less expensive route I decided to get a Dslr not a mirrorless camera.
I got the Nikon D500 and the Nikon 200-500mm 5.6 lens
I made this choice because I like the feel of the DSLR better then the Mirrorless I have big hands. I read a lot of good reviews about the D500 for wildlife paired with the 200-500 lens plus I have experienced how well the Nikon D3 worked for me a few years ago.
Yes a Sony A1 would have been nice or a Canon R5 but the cost was not worth it for me after I started to think what my purpose was fun photography. Out of my $10000.00 budget I still have $7500.00 left to buy other thing I may want.
So thanks again for the advice that you all presented.
Gary
Thank you everyone who posted to my Costa Rica Pos... (
show quote)
Enjoy your new camera and lens.
Mundy
I agree that a moderate but flexible zoom would be a good addition. I bought a 24-120mm f/4, intending for it to be an alternative "informal" lens for my D850. It serves that purpose nicely, but has actually ended up serving mostly as an alternative to my 17-55mm f/2.8 on my D500. Found it used, but like new for $425, and had to buy my own hood from KEH for another $25.
Looks like another big GAS attack got handled very nicely
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