All of your posted images are really good. You do, however, realize that you can post more than one image per post so that we don't have to look thru close to 20 posts to really enjoy your work....???

I was there 8 weeks ago and have images of those two young GBH 3 or 4 days form hatching. They were so weak then, they could hardly stand to be fed, but they had that "crazy" head look even then!! Nice shots!!

In no order....

MT SHOOTER.... a shadow on his upcoming trek/adventure
Ch_canon
Steve Perry

Great shots Richard, A couple of things hit me:

1) 2500 was the ISO identified on the second image. Is there a history
of high noise on your D850 at that ISO range? On my D7500, I don't
get significant noise at ISO 2500

2) EXIF data shows on the second shot that it was shot at 800 mm.
How far away were the birds, and how much cropping did you use?

3) Your info shows you are in Indidana... did you take these images in
the state, and if so, where???

I guess when I looked closely at the images, I did not so much see noise as a very shallow DOF with an already "dim" background" that just bled off into a dull bokeh. But that is what my untrained eye saw. Others may see it differently.

Thanks

This is well said regarding trust. My number of members here who comment on my posts is about 10. They are also the members who's comments and posts I seek out. The qualities that I appreciate in them(in order) are:

Knowledge/experience
Willingness to share their critiques with in depth analysis
Kindness
Ability to articulate often difficult subjects effectively
My desire to emulate the results they get (I want to see their work
posted here too).

Most of my "trusted" posters here know who they are as I have reached out and thanked them individually thru PM. Those who tend to "blow up" images ("start from scratch", "your equipment is inferior",
"full frame is the only way", etc.) vs. critique them, I just block and never see the negative comments again.

SO, Thank you to all who post, and all who comment with the intent to be helpful and kind.

I always enjoy your images! The best of your best are awesome

Wow, I really liked the image. I love your enthusiasm, and am struck at the comments you received. Why would someone take a moment of their time just to dump on someone's happiness. There are some grumpy people here.

Just keep shooting and I am sure that your results will bring you the happiness you desire.

I would have a special "full moon" for those grumpy gus'

I don't think you could go wrong either way. My suggestion is to make your decision sooner rather than later as both cameras will have a learning curve relative to your D5300. I decided on a used D7500 when I upgrade it for my D3400. I am extremely happy! I hope you have safe travels and good shooting

Head over to Honeymoon state park just north of Clearwater. Lots of nesting birds of prey... Look at my Flickr page linked below for examples

16x20 from a quality lab.... NO PROBLEM
Check this out.... ISO 12800.... had no other choice.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/142486771@N06/30700033298/in/datetaken-public/

I knew I was pushing it... and NO, it is not my best work... but a very usable image...I have this printed to 10x12 and is hanging in my barber's shop.

I am amazed at how often people are timid in using the ISO available to them. It seems to me that the big marketing used in camera sales are MP and ISO. This is similar to the HP race in cars/trucks/motorcycles. Newer camera bodies can, and are designed to use ISO at numbers that many of us shied away from just a few years ago. My D3400 gave me acceptable images at up to 3200 if I used it properly. I think my D7500 is even better!!
Here is a link to some images shot at high ISO:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-571903-1.html
I know they are not perfect, and pixel peepers will complain, but I much prefer a bit of background noise vs. a shot that looks less than sharp. You can see below the gear I use. As always, downloads are the best way to view images....

I recently upgraded from a D3400 to a D7500. I was looking at the D7200 very seriously and I am sure I would have been happy with that body, I just got a GREAT deal on a used d7500. I find that with the camera having the lens drive built in, there is a TON of great legacy glass available at really low prices. If I was a macro guy, that is the way I would go. Upgrade to a D7200 now as they are very inexpensive vs. the features you will get (look used and refurbed). I LOVE my D7500 and the ability to really use the knowlege I have acquired in the field with the controls that are available to me. Then take some time looking at used macro lenses that do not have internal focus motors (legacy glass)for really great buys on macro lenses. Just my $0.02

Sorry Mate, No whales in any of the Great Lakes. Because of your geographic location, I am sure on a map they look large enough to be salt water bodies. There is an abundance of nature and wildlife opportunities, but be aware that February and March in those areas can be COLD. The scenery/landscape along the north shore of Lake Superior is amazing. Think Duluth MN, north to Grand Morais, MN. Best of luck

My bad... and I cannot edit the title. Thanks for the correction

Another dreary day here in Southwest Indiana. Looking thru some of the images that I captured in FL at Wakodohatchee in late December. Thought I'd share this one. As always, much better downloaded

(Download)