Landscape - Aperture or Manual priority, Portrait - Manual priority, Action - Shutter priority.
I have the 24-120 f3.5-5.6G IF ED AF-s VR lens, and am happy with it. It is my workhorse along with my 70-200 VRII. Currently on Amazon, they are listing at $250 - $299 new. For $100, I would grab it in a heartbeat!!!
The build of the camera (magnesium alloy and carbon fiber) along with waterproofing and dustproofing is a nice upgrade from the D-610 as well.
Charlotte is actually at a lower elevation than the Smokies and will be later for fall color (October Wk 4 or Nov wk 1). If you are planning on spending your time in the Greater Smokey Mountain park at the higher elevations, then mid October vs late October would be better. Cades Cove is a great place to visit in the Park, as is Mt Mitchell State Park, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, north of Asheville near Burnsville. I would plan on visiting the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, and then take the Blue Ridge Parkway from Ashville, to Mt Mitchell, then on to Grandfather Mountain and Blowing Rock NC. Enjoy your trip
But is it better to take of photograph of a mule with a prime or a zoom lens???
Thanks to both for your reply.
I am a Nikon user and recently bought an EM 10 to have a small travel camera. With Nikons, it is best to turn off the image stabilization on the lens when using a tripod. What about using a tripod with a camera like the EM10 with the 3 axis stabilization built into the body? Will that improve or have a negative affect on the results?
Well there you have it!!! You now have your answer...
I have been to Alaska with my 80-400mm and wished I had something with more reach for the Wildlife. The eagles are awesome, and if you really want to catch some action shots, you will need that 150-600. I would not hesitate to bring that. In addition, the 17-55 will serve you well for the landscape shots. It is an awesome place to be a photographer!!! Have fun...
$800 is high for a used d-7000, you can get a new one for that price. Amazon is currently advertising them used starting at $639. The d-7100 just started shipping a couple weeks ago. You will see the d-7000 price drop even further in the near future.
The d-300s is starting to age a bit, but is a nice step up from the d-200. Also, I think the d-7000 is a great buy right now, as prices have dropped since the d-7100 just came out. If you want to stretch a little on price and step up big time, look at a used d-700 full frame. It is an awesome camera.
Does she like shoes and handbags???
I just received my new D-7100 (body only) from Roberts Camera yesterday, to use as a back up to my D-700. It is a great camera, and no need to wait. I had it shipped to Pittsburgh and did not have to pay sales tax, only $13 and change for shipping. Roberts is as competitive as the major places, and gets the initial deliveries. I recommend them.
I just recently sold my 80-400 and purchased the 2X converter. the picture quality of the 70-200 with the TC is comparable to the 80-400, you get 2.8 out to 200mm and 5.6 from 201 140-400mm which is the same as the 80-400, and with the TC, by camera bag is a lot lighter!!!