For a monopod, go with a tilt-head only with an ARCA type quick release clamp for your lens or camera body..Make sure that the MOUNT will NOT come loose from the Monopod!
I have the Tamron 70-300 VC, and chose it over the Nikon . Both lenses tested very comparable, but the Tamron can be had for around $350 USD..a real bargain with incredible vibration control!
Search out Sue Rex Michael on Face Book..She has produced some INCREDIBLE sunset shots from Sarasota!
Get the D500, and don't look back..You will not need to!! The best crop-sensor camera available from ANY manufacturer!
"bkyser" has brought up some excellent points, However he references an 80" print for a D700 as a 24mpxl camera, whereas the D7000, while a great camera, has but 16pmpxl's..A small point, but worth mentioning..I'm just curious as to how far back from that 80" print must one be to fully recognise the individuals?
Yes..I understand how they can make "billboards" from cellphone pix...
Another "PLUS" on Crop sensor cameras is "apparent reach", that is using 600mm on a crop sensor camera is like getting a 900 mm reach for your photo, as long as you do not need extensive cropping in a given photo. I have had (for over a year!)and LOVE
my crop sensor Nikon D500/Tamron 150-600mm G2 for bird and wildlife photography..Which is not to say that I would not LOVE to have a D850 Nikon to go with it!!
No..There are 2 separate 4tb drives in the unit, mirroring each other! ..You can fit a WHOLE lot of images on 4TB net!!
I'd go with a Western Digital 8TB My Book with WD red drives and RAID 1 for redundancy. This would give you 4 TB net, with the other 4TB creating "mirror" copies of the other drive, so that if one drive fails, it will be re-built by the 2nd drive.. WD red drives are considered to be the BEST for longevity (if not the fastest!) This unit is available from B&H and others for around ..It works on usb 3, and can be swapped to another computer should you upgrade your system..I storee ALL of my RAW files and TIF images on this type of drive! ( think of this as being able to keep your "negatives"!!) This unit is available from B&H and others for around 329 USD..A REAL bargain IMHO!!
I'd go with a Western Digital 8TB My Book with WD red drives and RAID 1 for redundancy. This would give you 4 TB net, with the other 4TB creating "mirror" copies of the other drive, so that if one drive fails, it will be re-built by the 2nd drive.. WD red drives are considered to be the BEST for longevity (if not the fastest!) This unit is available from B&H and others for around ..It works on usb 3, and can be swapped to another computer should you upgrade your system..I stoe ALL of my RAW files and TIF images on this type of drive! ( think of this as being able to keep your "negatives"!!)
I 've used a Tamron 150-600mm G2/Nikon D500 for over a year, and couldn't be happier with the results I'm getting..You're looking at around $1300 for this lens, which is considered at least on par with the Nikon 200-500, or the Sigma 150-600 Sport..(HEAVY!!)..The Tamron is the lightest of this group, and coupled with the 6 year warranty. it was a no-brainer for me. I would advise using it with a gimbal head on a tripod, or at the very least a good monopod. Can also be hand held for short periods.. The VR on this lens is INCREDIBLE! (Tamron calls it "VC"). Should work GREAT with your D7200!!
I've had my "G2" for about a year, and it is truly AWESOME..Especially so, coupled with my Nikon D500!
If you have a crop sensor camera (APSC), I purchased a Tamron 70-300mm VC which has served me very well..It will give you an effective reach of 105mm to 450mm which should be great for your purposes. Works GREAT, and can be had for less than $350 at last check..Also comes with a 6 year warranty assuming you buy it from a USA authorized source.
I would get a D7200 in your situation..Similar to the D7000, but 24 megapixels. Very well-built, and should suffice for all your needs.. Prices have been dropping fast on this great camera..Be sure to go for a USA version, NOT an import. The D3000 series of cameras are lighter, and much slower with less features...I would sell BOTH of your other 2 cameras. for the D7200, and get some "glass" with any money you have left over.
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Just my 2 cents on this lens HERE from personal experience, take a LONG look at the TAMRON 150-600mm G2.. I've owned one for about a year, purchased with my Nikon D500..GREAT combination, and the sharpness, build quality, and VC on this lens is INCREDIBLE for hand-held, monopod, or even gimbal-headed tripods.. I did lots of research prior to purchase and it certainly paid off for me in spades!! This lens has performed flawlessly since it was taken out of its box, and has features NOT offered by others, with tests that I've read showing IQ on par or better than the Sigma "Sport" (and a LOT LIGHTER as well!!).