Sorry, but we do not live in a Democracy. We live in a Representive Republic, and this law was forced through behind closed doors against the will (75% of Americans disapprove) of the people that were supposed to be represented.

A democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on what's for lunch.

Bill

Of the 4 you inquired about, I only have experience with 2, the Nikon D7100 and the Canon 70D. I have the 70D and my sister has a D7100.

Either one of these will do what you want, and after handling each, I would really be hard pressed saying that one feels better or is easier to use than the other. Only difference I find is slight difference in control locations. They are the same size and weight, you can change all exposure parameters without having to go into the menu, and you don't have to remove the camera the eye to make and see changes.

Bill

Wife had a T5i, I have a 70D, daughter has a D5200, and my sister just got a D7100. Every one of them take great photos.

I personally like the feel and controls of both of the Canons over the D5200/5300. However, after messing with the D7100 (my sister actually let me touch it), I found it to be exceptionally intuitive, very similar to my 70D, and if I were going to have any crop frame besides the 70D, it would definitely be the D7100.

Bill

18-135 IS STM is a great lens for the 70D. I got one from 42 St. Photo in a White Box for 329.00. This lens came with a full USA warranty. Be careful however, as some white boxes are grey market and don't have the USA warranty. Also when dealing with 42 St. Photo, you will have to be firm is saying no to the extras they might try to sell you. They get pretty aggressive in trying to tell you what you need.

On Amazon I have also seen this lens advertised in a white box for 379.00. Also with USA Warranty.

Bill

For the price you are talking, you can go up to the 70D. 1399.00 with an 18-55 and 55-250, bag, extra battery and SD card at Sam's Club.

I have a 70D and the wife has a t5i. The 70 is more advanced, but also bulkier and heavier. Both take very good photos and have all the features most people will ever use.

Bill

AARP never saw a far left idea that they did not like. Pro Gun Control, Pro Obamacare, etc. I certainly don't want any of my dues going to such causes. Feel the same about union dues.

I'll save my dues and just apply the money to any discounts I could have realized. My beliefs and values are worth more than a 10% discount at Super 8.

Bill

I got the 600 for the same reason. Don't need it, probably will never use all the features, but if I do need it I will have it. Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

Bill

I have 55-250 is and it is a little soft as well as not nearly enough for the shooting situations you are describing. I am currently looking at a Tamron 150-600 or Sigma 150-500 for wildlife and birds.

Bill

This is a private school, privately funded, and they can make any rules they want, provided they violate no laws, whether we agree with them or not. If you don't like their rules, get out, but it is really none of our business how they run their business.

By the way, it doesn't seem to me that they are pushing their views beyond their own little circle. They don't require or push for dress codes or anything else on any of us, just on the people that CHOOSE to go to their school.

Bill

I had the same issue. Decided that the 600 would do all the 430 would do plus so much more. The 600 was only slightly larger and a few ozs. heavier. Price was only about 150 more new.

I opted for the 600. It will do what the 430 does, but the 430 will never do what the 600 does. I don't really need all the features now, but who knows where my photographic interests and needs will go. My thoughts have always been that it is better to have and not need than to need and not have.

Bill

High road to Taos, Rio Grande Gorge Bridge just out of Taos, Enchanted Circle (Taos, Red River, Angel Fire, Taos.) Torquoise Trail (Highway 14 Alb. to Santa Fe). Bisti Badlands. Chama area (steam train, mountain vistas, wild life.)

Bill

I have a 70D with an 18-55 kit, 55-250 kit, 18-135 is stm, and a 50mm 1.8 prime.

I find that I hardly ever take the 18-135 off of the camera.

Bill

At least it's now 1's and 0's and not film. Makes it easy to justify lots of test shots.

Bill

In my current photography class, the instructor deals with this. One of our toughest assignments has been a family portrait. He requires at least 3 people for this assignment.

Took me 50 or 60 tries with my 2 year old granddaughter is the pic., and it was just one kid.

One of his suggestions for dealing with kids is to let them hold the camera, shoot a few shots and understand what is going on. Might work for you.

Bill

If I were going to be restricted to one lens, it would be in the range of 18-135/140 depending on whether you have a Canon or Nikon.

I have an 18-135 f3.5-5.6 IS STM on my 70D that is seldom changed. I find that it is good for just about everything I do. Use a big telephoto on occasion, but very seldom.

Bill