You can do quite nice "macro" shots with a tele. I used to use my Canon 100-400 MKII at 3 feet or farther. The DOF is really nice because of the focal length. While not a "true" macro, it looks almost as good in my opinion and is easier to get more of the subject in focus with the background still blurred. I use my Nikon 500mm pf now if I don't have the Sigma 105 handy but close focus distance is right at 10 feet so it isn't as easy to use as the 100-400 was.

Why is it when someone asks a simple question on UH that people start over-explaining, arguing, etc. The poster just asked a simple question. Here's my answer. I've had 4 ranges. 70mm, 105/100mm/150mm and 180mm. For me (and this is just "me"), the 105mm is my favorite all-around macro. Why? Because the 150 and 180 are very heavy. Yes you can get farther away from your subject but you can also use a 1.4 extender on the 100/105mm and lose only 1 stop of light. Slower AF is not usually a problem since most macro shots are done with manual focus anyway. My 150mm and 180mm lenses were great but heavy so hand holding was not nearly as easy as the 100/105mm macros. I do understand the dof conversation argument but in my experience, the higher the focal length, the less dof I seemed to have. I could get a sharper bug at 105mm than I could with the 180mm for example without having to focus stack. I don't understand the scientific explanations for this. I just know in my own experience, it is/was harder to get more of the object in focus with the higher focal length macros. However, the images from those macros are still stunning! I would say you'd be happiest with a 100/105mm macro as it is a wonderful all-around lens and easy to handhold.

I guess I figured it out. When I attached the 70-300P lens, the VR in the menu grayed out so I guess the camera is smart enough to know the lens has a switch. Cool!

I have a question. I am new to Nikon -long time die-hard Canon user. I just purchased a D7500 to get familiar with the brand. The kit lenses are...um...not what I would want to shoot with and have built in VR with no on/off switch so VR is turned on and off via the camera menu. I purchased the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR AF-P lens today. It is supposed to be much better than the kit lenses. So far I would have to agree. However, it has the VR on/off switch on the lens. So my question is, if the lens has a VR switch on the lens, do I need to turn off the in-camera VR switch or does it not make any difference. I know the camera does NOT have VR. That is not the issue. I have looked through the manual and online and can find no suggestion as to whether the camera VR menu option should be turned off when a lens with the physical switch is attached. Any help would be appreciated.

By the way, I'm really liking what I see out of the D7500. Next step is the D850, 24-120 and 200-500 for starters!

I think what he meant was being able to add that voice information automatically into the EXIF info, not just a voice memo. It could be very simple. Say words like "Church Rock," "Sedona Arizona," "With Mary." That shouldn't be too hard to incorporate into an Exif. It would have to be simple words. Of course GPS can do that somewhat but just give coordinates. If you have English set for your camera, then an English language dictionary could be included and you could simply say short words to add to the Exif.

Well, first of all, ALWAYS copy your files to more than one location if they are important! I always copy my SD/CF card to an external backup drive first just in case. This is my "Negatives" drive just like if I'd had them developed and kept all the negatives. I also never format my cards until I'm sure all of the files are backed up. Then I import them to Lightroom. Then I ALWAYS check to make sure those files (jpg and Raw) are on my computer drive before I even think of formatting the card(s). If you always follow this rule, you won't run into that problem ever again. I also learned this the hard way!

Thanks all!

Do NOT forget to go to Glacier Point. Many people skip this trip because it is 17 miles off highway 41 -the south entrance through Yosemite. Glacier Point is 8,000 feet in elevation and gives you the most incredible views of Yosemite valley below and Half Dome. It is an extra hour round trip (30 minutes each way for 17 miles!) but worth every minute of the trip! Here is a shot of suicide rock (as I like to call it) at the top of Glacier Point with Yosemite Falls and the valley 4,000 feet below. To the right of this is Half Dome and Vernal and Nevada Falls. If you want to check out some of my Yosemite shots, go here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/53665936@N07/albums/72157632589131390

Patrick

I'm sure you'll still hsve a lot of water at the end of July. There was over 30 feet of snow this year and Tioga pass won't open until later this month. Have a great time!

Still should work for years though unless Microcrap forces everyone to move to Windows 11 or 12 and makes all old software obsolete. Hopefully the "run in compatibility mode" would still be available.

I will probably go with NANPA myself as my home insurance just doesn't cut it. The membership is $100/year so you have to add that into your quote. My quote for up to $20,000 of coverage was, if I remember, $350. It was $350 for $15,000 as well so I figured why not go for the highest amount of coverage for the same price just in case I add a new body or lens? $450/year is a LOT for me but much cheaper than replacing all my gear and it would take years at $450/year to equal how much I would lose in one bag alone!

I carry 4 with me at all times. Haven't run out yet but on a long trip with no charger, I think I'd have to buy several more just to be safe. Another problem is cold. If you are in a cold environment, the batteries will go quicker unless you leave them in your pocket to stay warm. I do a lot of astrophotography as well and that really sucks the juice out of batteries!

Hopefully you will Don. this year has been absolutely spectacular!

3000+ images on one battery??? Man, I am lucky to get 500-1000 images tops! I do a lot of bird shooting though and am always on AI focus or AI servo which does eat the batteries.

Thanks Adrienne!