Nice bag; I bought one as a present for my daughter & she's really happy with it. I can see though that it might NOT really be suited to those of us wanting to pack long lenses. - In which case you're likely better off with a more standard Rucksack design.
In reply to "anybody else share their photography bug with their spouse": - Yes, - my wife.
I bought my first DSLR, - a Nikon D5100 about 21 months ago and have gradually been adding kit (including a Sigma 10-20mm lens & a Nikon AFS G ED 50mm f1.8 lens and 2 Nissin Di622 Mk2 Flashguns.
My wife has a Sony bridge camera with about 20 or 30x optical zoom, - but now she is hankering after a Nikon DSLR, lol. . . . I guess IF I can save for the Nikon D7100 she will get my D5100 - and I will STILL have some access to it.
. . . oh, . . . so that's what a "horny bastard" looks like?
Lovely sharp pic. . . . so you've actually got your hands on the new Tamron 150-600mm Lens??? Oh how I envy you - in the nicest possible way; (I'd love to get one to use on my Nikon D5100).
I don't know what lenses Canon makes as I shoot on a Nikon D5100 (crop sensor) DSLR, but I'd say of there is a good Canon lens that goes from 18mm - or 24mm tops through to around 70mm with a fast max aperture fo around f2.8 then that's the sort of specs you're needing. (I'd love a Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 but my budget wont allow it). :-(
I use 2 genuine & 1 aftermarket battery in my D5100; - no problems at all. . . . Having said that I must admit I have NOT checked for recent firmware up-dates for my camera.
(I also run 1 genuine & 1 aftermarket battery in my D3200 DSLR, again without problems.
You MUST however check on the non-genuine batteries as it should give you a compatibility list for the item on the vendor's website. (I got my genuine and non-genuine batteries from adorama and B&H Photo Video.
If you're looking at the older Sig 18-250 lens forget it. I have one on my Nikon D5100; - NOT a very sharp or consistent lens. I believe the newer version (with macro) is a bit better. However, bear in mind that just about ANY lens with that amount of zoom (including Tamron's 18-270 lenses) are going to be a compromise, - especially in that sort of price band. I know it saves changing lenses, but sooner or later you would likely become a bit disappointed with image quality - as indeed, I have become. I've found the Nikon 18-105 and the 70-300 a better option on my D5100, . . along with my Nikon AFS G ED 50mm f1.8 prime and my Sigma 10-20mm.
Sounds like the Nikon D7100 could be high on your list - If you do decide to drop Canon. . . . I have this theory though that Nikon will bring out a new model; (D7200???), towards the end of the year to supersede the D7100. IF they do then I hope they put a Vari-angle screen on it plus built-in WiFi & GPS.
Buy a Circular Polariser Filter that's at least 6mm bigger diameter than your biggest lens thread, (which you say is 58mm). - Which means I'd advise going for a CP filter of 67mm diameter. This will avoid you suffering vignetting when using it on your 58mm lens front. Buy stepping rings to suit your other lenses.
My first DSLR was a Nikon D5100, bought 21 months ago from adorama.com.
I'd previously shot on a Konica Minolta A2 bridge camera; (8 megapixels, 7 x optical zoom), but it was getting old & well used, noise at 800 ISO was horrendous & technology was moving on & I therefore wanted to upgrade to a DSLR.
I looked at a few models at the time, decided one of the deal-breakers would be a Vari-angle screen, and short-listed to either the Canon EOS600D or the Nikon D5100; - The Nikon D5100 won - for a few reasons, - including costing a bit less. Very happy with it.
I think for your D7100 you're likely better off going for the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 Lens. This is taking into account the 1.5 crop factor (in comparison to an FX body). The Nikkor 14 -24mm lens would give you the equiv of 21-36mm on your D7100, - would this be wide enough for you.
(The Sigma 10-20mm f 3.5 is reputed to be an excellent lens). Happy shooting.
Totally agree with you as regards refurbished items: had a refurbished Nikkor 18-105mm VR lens from adorama mid/late last year and a refurb Nikon D3200 DSLR with 18-55 VR kit lens from B&H Photo just before Christmas. Both items looked like new - and no problems so far.
I have a Sigma 10 - 20mm f4 - 5.6 EX DC HSM which I use on my Nikon D5100; - very pleased with it. I believe the
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM is even better but costs a bit more; (around $649.00 on adorama in November when I looked), hence I settled for the cheaper version - which still had great reviews.
I would say definitely go for the D7100. (I have a D5100 and often wish I could afford the D7100). It's got more facilities - including, I believe, an autofocus motor built into the body. One thing I deplore is that Nikon didn't see fit to include a Vari-Angle Screen on these models; - it's one of the facilities I really appreciate on my D5100.
PS: Lens choice: I'd tend to go for a better lens - or set of lenses. Sigma 10 - 20mm f3.5, Nikon 24 - 70mm f2.8 and Nikon 70 - 200mm f2.8 come to mind, plus something like the Tamron 18 - 270mm Din II LD as a good all-purpose lens, [the 3 previous lenses being quality optics - and "fast" lenses]. Good glass cost more money BUT it helps you make the most of your camera.