I just went down to our local library and had these book forwarded to our library from others so I can preview them before I buy.

I just purchased my D7100 with a sigma 18-300. My next addition will be a back packing tripod but knowing nothing about tripods. I need to have some guidelines on what makes one better than another. I would like to spend no more than $200 since I just bought the camera/lens.

One hungry Red Shouldered Hawk. Our neighbors had their Saint Bernard eaten by coyotes when it wondered down into the canyon. It was fortunate that you where in the right spot at the right time so you didn't have to utter those words to your wife.

The only way we found successful was fence in the entire coup from all side and top. Our outside dog was helpful. If it was a Great Horn Owl. Different story. They love to eat skunks but also will eat cats. We've had them chase our cats right to the porch before they cats entered house.

I'm glad you shot him with a camera and not a gun. Federal offense for using a gun. Picture remains me of my high school and college years when I had my Falconries license. I had many interesting shots using my old Minolta 101. I'm giving away my age. Still have that old camera.

Excellent shot and composition! Thank you for sharing your talent with us. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I asked the same question that you post. After taking everyone's advice and my own research. I select the D7100 separately and then I purchased the Sigma 18-300mm from a different on line store. Prices vary -shop around. Buy the camera you want and then the lens you want to match. I'm happy with my selections. I don't think that the kit camera is the way to go. Be happy and select what you want dealing with cameras and lens.

Thanks for the link

Thank you for your advice

I appreciate everyone's help in my question with my D7100

Thank you for the link and info

My D7100 just arrived. My question deals with activating or not to activate D-Lighting in shooting menu? What are the advantage/disadvantage of turning it on or off? I looked at varies you tube sites for setting up the camera but finding different and conflicting suggestions but not with explanations why for D-Lighting

Which tripod do you think you might add for your new lens? Bye-the-way I agree with the above statements regarding lens selections and that it is a positive new addition to your camera family

I had the same question as you (Rowls1) posted. After several months of research and asking the same questions on this site. I switched from a canon to the D7100 with Sigma 13-300mm. This was my rational-Yes the new D7100 or as it might be called D7200 will have new technology but with new technology come higher price. The D7100 will hold up better in the environment that I live in-Pacific Northwest. Which in turn longer life of the camera. I purchased the D7100 refurnished from http://www.cameta.com/index.cfm?fa=display.search&page=1&keywords=refurb%20d7100 as jerrc41 posted. It has the same warranty as a new camera. I then went over to B & H photo and bought the Sigma 18-300mm because I didn't want to change lens all the time like I had did with the canon and its two lens. I use my camera for travel, family, and wild life. Look around and research what you buy. A lot of the kit packages have good prices but you need to investigate the lens that comes with the package. The most important advice I can pass along is-Do your research and you will be happy with the camera you will finally purchase. Be sure to put the camera models in your hands before purchasing them and not strictly based upon price or what others suggest that you buy.

Thank you for sharing these outstanding pictures! You have provided a new visions in what I can achieve through experience and by viewing excellent pictures like the ones you have shared with us. :thumbup: