DSLR vs. cell phone is akin to sail boat vs. power boat. Generally speaking, sailors are more into the journey, motor guys are more interested in the destination.

In addition to all the above, Great Sand Dunes National Park. Rent an Jeep and do the Mendota Pass primitive road. I did not have to pay for a photo pass at the Taos Puebelo but was told to photo residents only with permission. Most did not give it. If you are into astrophotography there are a number of tours available out of Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Regardless of where you go in the region, you will not lack opportunity.

I still have and use my Nikon F4S. I will continue to do so until it becomes completely unfeasible economically. Years ago I used to take Polaroids to verify composition of a photo and then shoot with a Minolta SRT-101, which I wish I still had. Sometimes I do the same thing now just for fun, several digital shots to verify output and then shoot with film to the best setting. We're all different, but for me the challenge and fun of photography is to get the best possible image straight out of the camera. I do not post process, although certainly those that do create fantastic images. But for me that is a different skill set that I admire but do not wish to pursue.

Post office charges $13.65 to ship this item from NYC to OH. $11 seems pretty reasonable. Keep in mind that with new items from most OEMs the seller is obligated to honor manufacturers acceptable pricing. If the seller believes there is enough margin to absorb shipping and still make a profit that is their choice. With used items there is no floor to pricing so margins are much tighter unless the item is rare. How did the $800 price compare to what you could find of similar quality on eBay?

Here in West Michigan it seems the sky seldom cooperates with astral events. Keeping fingers crossed.

and for what it's worth, the song is Total Eclipse of the Heart

How cool would it be to have a Canon body circa 1959 to go with it. Heading out to buy a MegaMillions ticket now!

My 1989 SHO had 161,000 on it when it was totaled.
My 1992 SHO has 131,000 on it, I drove it to work today.
At 247,000 miles I gave my nephew my 1997 Explorer, it is still being driven.
None had more than normal maintenance while in my possession.
Worst car I ever owned was a 1994 Pontiac Bonneville.

Back in my day, First On Race Day

At the end of the day it's a matter of preference. I always buy refurbished or used from a reputable source.

I used to always buy new but the general quality of items today is so high that it doesn't make sense to me to pay extra for the equivalent of that new car smell. But we're all different. I appreciate the people who insist on new items, especially when I need a low mileage certified car that was leased!

2 years ago I bought a refurb 750 from Cameta Camera. Has performed flawlessly. When Nikon announced a recall I called them, gave them the S/N, and they told me it was serviced when refurbed. Came with a 90 day Nikon warranty and 1 year Cameta warranty. It is listed at $1399 but out of stock. If you can be be patient and wait for the next shipment that gives you $150-$300 or so for an extended warranty or more glass.

Here is the link to Nikon teleconverter compatibility.

https://cdn-5.nikon-cdn.com/Assets/Common-Assets/Images/Teleconverter-Compatibility/EN_Comp_chart.html

As someone else noted, they don't work with the 28-300.

I would get a 70-200 2.8 and match that with a converter. That is what I am doing.

It does mean carrying another lens for wide angle, but I have noticed that my 28-300 does not go wide enough for me on the short end any way and will probably get the 24-85 or 24-120.

Check out this link.

www.astronomyadventures.com/

We highly recommend it. If you go to the Taos Pueblo be sure to ask permission before photographing residents or they will be offended. I had several decline, and one wanted me to get him a soft drink first!

The Georgia O'Keefe museum in Sante Fe, sunset pics from the roof of LaFonda hotel in SF, Taos ski valley, Kit Carson and Millicent Rogers museums in Taos, the Ghost Ranch if you have the time.

I lost a roll of film while on a trip through Germany. Luckily my wife bought lots of postcards!

I have had a refurbed D750 from Cameta for two years. It is a better camera than I am a photographer. Absolutely love it. My 28-300 zoom is on it 80% of the time.

If you do Great Sand Dunes NP and the Medano Pass road is open, do the jeep rental. Did it last summer, wildlife and photo ops galore.

http://pathfinders4x4.com/