I do it for the challenge that wildlife and nature offers and the ability to create an image. While photographing there have been challenges around every corner you never really know what you might see.
I am in the no filter group. I have been shooting since the mid 70's. Never had a lenses scratched and never used a protective filter. If I would have a reason to I would use a clear glass filter Nikon makes one or Hoya or B+W. but as I stated I really see no need for a protective filter.
Send it in to Nikon. Ask them to clean and check the camera settings and up dated the cameras programs. I send mine every two years and it costs less than 80 dollars. would tell them what happened and request a cleaning.
I use the 7100 with the 150 -500 Sigma for bird and nature photography. They do great just spent a week at Ocean City and Assatque Island. I managed to capture a night heron and green headed heron. As the Sigma lens equals some of Nikon lenses.
Oh I forgot they are oil spots according to Nikon.
To capture the moment in nature along with the light and colors. I have always had an interest in photography,
I had the very same issue with my 7100 after about 250 photos (broke arm just after receiving camera in fact it was last year at this time). Called Nikon it was covered under warnity was told to box up the body and send it to them. They repaired the body and returned it. Have not had any problems since. There is a form on the Nikon web site that you must fill out but if you call them they will email you a copy. It took 2 weeks.
It just takes a little time and patients and a few dunkings. Actually it is a lot of fun and you get some real surprises.
I agree with not going larger than 5.6 but it is better than not getting the picture at all.
I usually start with a 20 or 24 mm wide angle lens add an 2 or 4 ND filter with and a polorizing filter. I set the camera for anywhere from 1 to 3 sec exposure and cover the eye piece with tape or a cloth that I carry with me. I seem to never be able to find that little eye piece cover when it is needed actually the cloth or tape works better for me not as hard to remove as the eye piece cover.
I use a Kenko pro 300 teleconverter on my Nikon 70-300mm which the Nikon teleconverters do not support on. It does a great job when you need that extra reach and have had no problems.
I have taken the 70-300 mm on many trips with great success, but go a little wider than 35mm. I would consider either a 20 or 24mm for landscapes. Just my 2 cents.
Go with the Nikon 105mm f2.8 you will not look back.
Wildlife(deer, fox, antelope, etc), Birds, Flowers and Landscapes.
Umberala covers when they are usually where you enter a building just pick up a few and wire tie them on the legs.