My first SLR was a Nikkormat that I purchased in Vietnam. All the guys in my unit shot either Pentax or Nikon, but I think it had to do with availability and the sign-out cameras were all Nikon Photomics. Years later I saw a Canon F1 on sale and jumped on it, never to change again. I shot the 10D and 20D for several years and now shoot the 70 and 80D bodies with a variety of L lenses. I have always been happy with sharpness and contrast and see no reason to switch. I went through a Minolta phase (they were excellent), a Leitz Minolta point and shoot, Rollieflex, Hasselblad, and Pentax 6x7. I also shot with Yashicamat, Mamiya, etc. All served their purpose admirably. I also had a Sony mirrorless that took great photos but had lousy battery life. There is just something about Canon that speaks to me, and I listen. Although, the Nikon 850 sounds like it might be worth a look, but as I always found with Nikon, I just can't afford it now that I am retired. Oh, well. Thanks for bringing up the question. It is great to hear everyone's reasoning. Sometimes I think the answer is what was on sale at the time.

This coming October I will be doing a three week driving tour of the Western US. I will be starting in Southern IN and driving to Jackson Hole, WY - from there to Salt Lake City - then to Moab - from there to Santa Fe- and then loop back to IN. Obviously, there are great photo ops at those main locations, but I am looking for some lesser known locations along the way in Missouri, Nebraska, Wyoming(from Cheyenne to Jackson), northern Utah, the panhandle of Texas, and Oklahoma. Any suggestions for you will be greatly appreciated.

I sincerely thank you for your input.