Have fun with your D7100 ajohnston3. Create some great images.
Do what you want to do. No right answer to your dysfunctional family.
Don't worry. Everyone is going to buy mirrorless, the latest craze. Also, Nikon users will buy Canon, Canon users will buy Nikon and Sony will enjoy profits from other divisions.
My saying is it is not the camera, but the person who visualizes something and creates a photo.
In today's world most people care about the latest and greatest and the the must have attitude.
I like Think Tank. https://www.thinktankphoto.com/. They make quality bags. What I have learned over the years that not one camera bag fits the bill. It depends upon what you have as equipment nd what you want the bag to carry. I have 3 different Think Tank bags that I use.
Arlene,
I think you will be fine using that tripod with that camera and lens. Just give it a sturdy test. I lived in Bound Brook for many years. If I lived closer, I would check that tripod out for you.
Don't be dismayed. They are a reputable company. It is like what you think your car is worth and go to Kelly Blue Book On Line. You will it and get a value. The same process that KEH uses. Then you take the car to the dealer and get a lower value. All you got is a ball park figure from KEH. Check out what Ebay is selling it for and consider selling it on Ebay.
Not a great idea. An upgrade is to a D810
Arlene, What I would do is set up the tripod at the distance you want to use it. Then I would lean on the section where the camera goes. If it feels solid, I would use it. What you did not tell us what camera and lens you will be using on this tripod. That is key.
I have a Tamron 10 - 24mm and like it very much. No complaints. If you read the reviews you will drive yourself crazy unless you see a pattern in comments. I believe lots of those bad reviews are written by the competition.
Jim, If you have Nikon lenses and want to dabble in film use those lenses on a Nikon FM2 that you can get on Ebay for about $200.
If you are serious about dabbling in B&W consider a Rolleicord. I started in 35MM B&W and when I went into a 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 (Rolleicord Format)
The Rollei comes with a Xenar 75mm f3.5 lens. My 2 cents.
Post Processing is always important. Minor difference between those is important. Minor difference is not very important when we speak for super performance prime lenses. Minor difference here means that the Sport lens will be good but contemporary not as good. Seems the difference is same as Sport version and the Tamron. Tamron is good on the dead center even at 600mm but too soft 15% from the center until f/8.0-11. Wide open performance here is critical.. I ordered Sport because when i have 6.3 at 600mm i want to work at 6.3. Not close down to f/8-11. This is too dark when using in winter time for wildlife. Even for Full Frame camera. Working perfect at 6.3 means 1 stop slower iso and in winter time this means 3200 and avoiding 6400. Or 1600 avoiding 3200 witch is good. When i look the MTF`s i believe both will be almost equal on crop sensor camera in the center. On Full Frame will be difference in the corners or 20% from the center. Also sport is better built witch means better value for long term period. When i buy lens i think i will use this lens at least 5 years from now. I don`t need plastic lens. 1000$ more for better build and optical performance is good deal when you plan to use this lens in harsh conditions for long period of time. Of course if you want just own some supertelefoto C version and the Tamron are far better deal. Is not about witch lens are better is about who are you and how do you plan to use this lens. If you plan to use it hard....1000% less now maybe will mean 1000$ more tomorrow. Sport is as far as i know and read best supertele vario lens in todays market. That is why I bought the Sport. It lives up to my expectations.
I recently bought the sport. My rational was the additional ED glass and elements. Also for the dust sealing. I look upon it as a long term investment. It is an amazing lens. I even tried it hand held with excellent results.
It is bargain compared to my friends 600MM Nikon lens for $9,600.
Phil, I would call them and ask if you want to buy one. Be careful when they tell you it has a warranty. The question is it a USA Nikon Warranty. The issue is USA Product with USA Nikon Warranty. Old story, if its to good to believe watch out.