I'm afraid to go raw . . . Largely because I know it will create extra work for me as post processing will be required. I'm generally quite pleased with my high quality jpegs. However as I get more into things, I may try raw+jpg and test the waters with the raw.
I'd go with the Tokina because a F2.8 is definitely an advantage over an F4.
I'm really impressed with my Tokina 11-16 on my d5500. Pictures are super sharp. . . Great for wide landscapes and interiors.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-443335-1.html
I would think the 18-300 would cover just about any situation. Everything from moderate wide angle to moderate telephoto. My 5500 has a 18-270 Tamron on it about 90% of the time. It mostly depends on the kind of shots you lean towards. If you don't need the longer telephoto, I've heard that the 18-105 is a good walk around lens.
It's recommended to ALWAYS format the card in the camera because often the computer and camera formats are not the same. . .
I would build it myself . . . Have done so in the past, and it's not very hard . . . Just purchase the case and components and start plugging things in, make sure to get a large enough tower to allow for extra cooling and future upgrades . . . OR . . . Go to a custom computer shop and have them build it and set it up for you.
On my nikon, I can set single point focus, but can change the selected point using the multi-selector button. . . .
My tip . . . I'm retired Air Force and always have access to get on base. If you have base access or a friend who can take you on base . . . The best time to get photos of aircraft flying is usually the day prior to the airshow as they usually have a full "dress rehearsal" of all the flying acts on the day prior to the show. We Air Force members always considered it our private air show . . . On the day of the show we usually had to work helping direct traffic, crowd control, or running our little squadron concession stand selling hot dogs to the crowd. . . .
For me it all boils down to what I can afford. Everybody wants the latest and greatest . . . I upgraded from d3300 to d5500, if I could have afforded more I probably would have gone with the d7200 ( but I do really like the articulating touch screen on the d5500). I think the latest and greatest in the DX world Is probably the d500. While the d810 is probably one of the best in the FX line of cameras. I see either one of those as possible future upgrades after I save a bunch of pennies. I've learned that you get what you pay for and to always to buy the best you can afford. The d5 will probably always be out of reach for me unless I win the lottery . . .
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-443335-1.html
I upgraded from the d3300 to a d5500 . . . The articulating touch screen is what sold me on it . . . However, it lacks some features and abilities that the 7200 and up have. My next upgrade will probably be a d500, but a lot of pennies will need to be saved before that is possible. Right now, I'm very happy with the d5500. . . .
Yep, the little buggers don't want to sit still for me to take their picture. I've decided to take up birding, nature, and landscape photography as some of my retirement activities. So far I've identified 4 species that frequent my back yard. Looking forward to warmer weather (0° here now) to get out for some photo opportunities. . . .
OK, I have a nikon 40mm micro (macro) f2.8 . . . If I put extension tunes on it will my focusing distance be closer or farther. It focuses 1:1 at about 5 inches which is fine for flowers, but I'd like to be able to back off a bit for insects. Camera body is D5500 (DX) . . . Thanks . . .