I am on the same level, a hobbyist since I was in my twenties. Now I am retired. I evolved with my camera gear to a D810, which I have currently, and love this camera. I also have Sigma 50mm 1.4, Tamron 70-200 f2.8, Tamron 24-70mm f2.8, and a few other lenses. I carry also a Nikon SB900 speed light.
I am proud of my gear, and love them dearly. Just got back from a tour in Europe, and took the above mentioned gear. All the places we visited was infested with Cell Phone photographers. I do shoot with a Cell phone also, (iPhone 14 Pro), which takes beautiful pictures, but my D810 does a better job for me. I use the cell mainly to capture the GO Tag info of where I am, D810 does not have a GPS. I noticed also, that most people referred to me as a professional when they see my gear,but I do explain that I am just a hobbyist.
I do not have the income to upgrade to mirrorless, smaller cameras, etc., so I am pleased with what I have.

So Good. Was in a trans listening to this.

I do have a few questions to ask of all you knowledgeable guys here, but before I do, let me say this. We were always told to learn how to shoot Manual and stay there for most of our shooting. With today's Cameras, the technology is so good, why not allow the Camera to do most of the work for you? Once I have gotten my head around "how to use my D810", I always Float my ISO, and use A priority most of the time. This allows me quickly to change my aperture, and exclusively use the exposure compensation to change my exposure if needed. I also float my ISO in Manual by setting my High and Low ISO points in camera. This way, I have more time to think of composition and what is in the foreground and background of my image. I am not knocking Manual, most newer photographer needs to learn about the "Exposure Triangle" and manual is a must for this purpose.
Now my questions. I will be in Rome for 3 days. With so much to shoot there. How will you set up your camera to be this most efficient? Will you shoot most of the time with wide angle or medium telephoto? I know the D810 is a bit heavy based on today's standards, but that is all I have. I am also taking 50mm 1.4, 24 - 70mm 2.8, and 70-200mm 2.8. Any comments, and/or recommendations will be appreciated.

Welcome. any Wide angle Lens?

Thanks so much. This was over an above very help full.

I do have some boxes of old negatives of my kids while growing up. Kids are all older and have their own kids now.
I was reading this, but no one recommend what negative Scanner to get. Any recommendations?

Are you willing to sell the Tokina SD16-28Fx F2.8 separately? If so give me a price.

USSA ??? Can you send me their info.
Thanks.

I am traveling in the next week, and I need some insurance for my Photo Equipment. I need some recommendations as to how I can get this done quickly. One of my local Insurance company asked me to tale all my equipment to a photography store and get an appraisal done, before I can get insured. I do not have the time to do this. Can you help, or recommend what I should do?

Welcome. I am transplanted from Toronto Canada, now in Sunny South West Florida.
Nice to have you on board.

Tell me about this lens (Tokaina 11-20mm). What are your experiences shooting with it? Any pro /cons you will like to share?
I am thinking of getting this one.

Yes, the reason why photographers are paying the high prizes for these cameras. I realized that, a few years ago when I paid the price for my D810. These cameras are advanced in all sort of ways, and do give you a better quality picture. Having said that, skill, and learning about your specific brand of camera helps tremendously. I believe the old adage "You pay for what you get". Good luck.

How about this comment:-
All Circular polarizers, I have seen so far, including B&W and Singh-ray, are made up of 2 polarizing glass stacked together and one rotates while the other remain fixed. Why is this one made with only one glass element? Any idea, anyone?

Thanks for your detailed explanation. I do appreciate. I am retired now, and I do have to look at my budget. the reason why.

The reason why I like this forum. Your recommendation is most likely what I will go with. It is just exactly what I need.
Thank you and Happy New Year.