[quote=zumarose]

"So I figured I might as well start working with full frame now and get really used to it. Is my thinking flawed? If not, what would be a good quality but not too crazy expensive full frame Nikon camera that I could keep and use for a long time? I only need the body. I also have reservations about the additional weight a full frame would bring to my camera bag. So I don't want to go super heavy.

Will the lenses I currently use with my d5200 work? I have the Nikon 18-200 mm zoom, the Nikon 1.8 35 mm prime, the Tamron 90 mm, and the Tokina 11-16 mm."

I have a very similar collection of lenses (except the 35mm, instead have a 50mm) and have considered switching to full frame several times. However after trying out first the D800 and a few years later the D810, stuck with the DX line. So I would suggest renting a full frame and seeing if it is worth the extra cost (you would have to sell quite a few pics to make up the difference, especially if you need to replace the two DX lenses in your collection, the 18-200mm and the 11-16mm) as well as increased weight versus getting say the D7200 which will play very nicely with your lenses. For example, attached is a photo taken with the Tamron 90mm and the D7200

D7200 and Tamron 90mm

Some considerations in addition to those already suggested such as testing them out at a camera store and seeing which handles better in your hands:
1) Are you close to anyone who has a DSLR so that you can learn from them, ask questions and/or try out their lenses before purchasing?
2) Do you plan to shoot raw or jpg? If raw, which software do you plan to use?
3) What are you currently shooting?
4) What kind of wildlife do you envision shooting? Birds would need longer lenses. So what type of budget are you thinking? And how much weight are you willing to carry? If the heavier lenses (even a Sigma or Tamron 150-600mm) you may also need a tripod and head so this will also cost more (assuming you don't already have these).

Thanks Bob!

Funny, I aways think the opposite, that if I just had a different lens (faster, longer, etc) I could get a better pic! When I bought the 11-16 Tokina f/2.8 Pro DX II lens in 2013, there weren't so many options as now. Not sure what I would buy now. It is nice to have the wider option of this lens but the f/2 would help on some night shots. For example, when trying to get a photo of this moving polar bear, I wanted a shorter exposure but needed the longer exposure to get enough light so the f/2 would have been nice. I ended up trying to paint the polar bear with a flashlight. Not the sharpest details on the bear.

Thanks Chez and Mrs. Chez! The problem with looking at photos, it wants to make you go to more places! If you like polar bears and don't mind the cold, the Churchill area is phenomenal. I have gone now 3 times, each time to a different place. There are now several lodges near the Hudson that you can stay at (for a price) and be really close to the polar bears.

I think you did just tell Chez about the bear jams! They happened to us as well and that is probably one of the reasons they have the platform there so you can go up and sit down and be out of the way of the bears!
I happened to turn on the web cam the other day and I am pretty sure it was this same mom, though now it looked like there were only two cubs. They were near the water and she was fishing. She has distinctive ears, so I am pretty sure it was her.

Yep a lot depends on what you want to use it for! If trying to shoot at night (ie. aurora, night sky, etc), one might want at least f/2.8 or even faster glass! I bought the 11-16mm and was glad I got this wide since on my DX camera (the D7100) I could barely get as much of the sky as I wanted.

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Chez: Also are there any areas with benches around to sit on. Could be a really long day if we have to stand all day. Thanks for any ehlp.[/quote]

Yes Chez there are at least two areas with benches. The first is about half way from the walk to the platforms from where the float plane drops you off, just past the bridge. You go up on a platform area and you can sit down. Often there are grizzlies snorkeling there and you can watch and try to photograph them (probably need the 600m for that).
The second area is smaller and before the path where the Ranger stands and blocks those without permission to go to the second platform area (the falls area). You are facing the woods and away from most people (and the river). You can wait there and the Ranger will come get you when your number is up if you let them know you are there. When we were sitting there, a mom with cubs happened along, lay down for a nap and then a male came and the mom had to defend the cubs (sent them up a tree). I could photograph them with my iPhone then, it was that close! (but happened very fast and probably unusual). So bears can be anywhere and any distance, have point and shoot handy, even walking on the trails (the bears use them as well). Have a great time!
ricardo
https://www.flickr.com/photos/60519499@N00/albums/72157671316314736

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