Greetings, All -

I am planning to retire in a year and will have more time to devote to my photography. I realize I am opening a 'can of worms' but am seeking input from fellow 'Hoggers'. My equipment is old and starting to fail - I have a Canon 40D and an older Tamron 28-300, and a Canon EF IS 75-300. I will be starting fresh and, even though I like Canon, I am open to other brands.

40 years ago, I borrowed my aunt's manual Minolta SLR for photos of my new son and halfway through the first roll knew I had to have a 35mm. My Aunt died and left me an old life insurance policy of $7000 and I thought what better way to remember her than with a camera. I photograph WWII aircraft in flight, Birds Deer and other wildlife, grandchildren, landscapes, High school sports, and an occasional wedding. I would like something that could focus and balance lighting well for aircraft in flight - somewhat slower f-stop so the props spinning but not stopped yet that would keep the plane in focus and light balanced for various lighting conditions. The other concerns are weddings and group shots in lower light. I am concerned about graininess at too high of an ISO that the new cameras have.

I am considering a Canon 5D Mkiv, a Nikon D850, and also considering Mirrorless. I am not yet at the stage to use all the features on these but hope to be. That said, are there other, less expensive cameras that might fit the bill? Canon 80D or??? Nikon___? Other suggestions that might fit the bill and leave more money for glass?.

I plan to buy within a year - my apologies for the long missive, but many responders want details.

OK, I know it's a photo site, but if the good people here can give me a couple of ideas of wildlife areas to visit. My sister and I are arriving on the 12th Jul at LAX for 5 weeks, and this is her holiday so the route she has decide on is basically LA, LV, Kingman, Jerome, Phoenix, Tombstone, Yuma.
I'm interested in mainly birding areas ( I would like to tick off the road runner).
We have to be back in LA the last 6 days or so as our nephew is an Author and is there for a book signing fair.
Would Nogales on the Mexican side worth going to as a walk over day trip?
If I don't answer, its because I am currently in Costa Rica moving between areas when I can as there is road blockages here.
So thanks in advance.
Take care
Spike your hair

I am looking for a case for my NIKKOR 200-500mm. The case will mostly be for storage & transportation, but I will sometimes use it for carrying the lens while hiking. (yes, I know it is big :-)

I have looked at several cases and narrowed it down to two cases. 1. Tamrac Arc Long Zoom Lens Case model T0337-1919 or 2. Lowepro Lens Case model LP36307. There are plenty of reviews for the Lowepro case, but virtually no reviews for the Tamrac case, probably because it is a relatively new case. So, I would really appreciate it if anyone has that case and can give me some input. BTW, I am not adverse to getting a different case, but these 2 seemed to be good choices. Both companies make quality products & I have owned bags from both.
Unfortunately, the closest store that carries the Tamrac case is about 100 miles away from me, so it is not practical for me to look at them in person. Any help in comparing these cases is appreciated.

Any ideas for easy ( portable, light, travel-friendly) solutions to stabilise a camera in a boat that’s moving on the sea ? Despite avoiding taking my full frame heavier DSLRs and lenses, I opted to take a Sony RX 10 mark IV. Very poor keep rate. Even when the boat slowed down or stopped it was rocking because of the waves. Really difficult to get tack sharp photos because of camera shake. A tripod would be very impractical (May not even be allowed). Ideas? Advice? Also is there a practical solution that works even for the heavier cameras and lenses?