Good idea. It's time to go through everything anyway. Thanks.

For Gx8 with Leica/Panasonic 100-400 mm lens users: It seems that since I updated to the latest lens and camera software (which was to improve sharpness among other things) my images aren't as sharp and clear. My technique hasn't changed. Anyone else experiencing this or seen any other complaints about this? I'm really wishing I hadn't been so diligent about updating. Thanks.

I turned off instant review on my cameras but do bring up an image from time to time to check for exposure and ISO.

Texas here I come :) Thanks for the information.

You are right. Many suspicious people just waiting to prove someone is trying to take advantage of them and then there are the ones who think everything should be sold at rock bottom prices for them and are quick to point out where you can find the item cheaper. I don't see that happening at other sites. Folks if you don't like the price or item for sale simply move on.

Why did you buy new equipment? Not totally satisfied with the Sony? Just curious. Love the beaver shots.

Wow- it would take me a year, if not longer, to find that many different birds to photograph. And they are all at the water-although not shore birds- interesting. Who would have know Texas to have such a variety of birds! Are they permanent residents or seasonal? Well done.

I use a Peak Design camera strap too. It's a bit on the pricey side but very comfortable and secure. I thought the strap was a little on the bulky side until I used it. It isn't bulky at all but very fluid. It is wide however. And it supports my large lens. It is easy and quick to adjust the length of the strap while it is in place-first time I've ever been able to do that. It can attach to the camera lugs leaving the tripod plate free. It does not have a separate slide strap for the camera to slide up and down (separate from the main strap) but the whole strap itself moves quickly (if you have it on the slide side). I like it well enough to buy the Peak Design Lite for my Fuji X-T2 with its smaller lenses. And I have quit looking for better straps- that says a lot.

I have this combination and I have nothing but good things to say about it but if the OP is looking for a budget camera this is not the one.

I was going to suggest the em10 mark 2 too. I had the em10 and recently looked back at some pictures taken with that and all I can say is that camera was underrated and undoubtedly the mark 2 version is even better. And priced at 499.00.

Too bad about your trip to the Galapagos! Too much $$ invested to end up disappointed.

There maybe a third option to consider. Instead of a 16-300 or 18-300mm lens what about taking a 70-300 mm lens and then add a small prime wide fast lens for those inside (and outside) low light situations. The super zoom will likely be a slow lens. The small prime will add very little weight and volume to your bag and might prove valuable. And it will be a much less conspicuous choice for street photography. The 70-300 mm lens will be optically better (and smaller) than the super zoom. Or if you are set on the super zoom, still add a fast, wide prime. I don't have Nikon equipment so I can't speak to the Nikon 18-300 mm lens but I have a Tamron 16-150 mm for Micro 4/3 and it has been a decent lens. Have a fun trip.

Also don't park in a public fee area without purchasing the permit. It's a 50.00 fine. How do I know :) You can purchase an annual pass for 30.00 and you will have plenty of opportunity to get your money's worth.

I agree that it's an awesome picture Jack :)

Check out the Nikon 1 V3 with Nikon 1 70-300 (189-810 mm equiv) mm lens combination. The lens gets a 5 star consumer review on B&H Photo. Thomas Stirr at "Photography Life" has posted many images with this combination. It might squeak under your price limits and would meet your weight limits. Other than seeing Thomas's very excellent images, I know nothing about the system personally.