Open to Suggestions

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vol

New member
It's quite a while since I shot Nikon so I am out of touch with the latest gear. I would welcome any suggestions as to what model would be good for birding.

You may see from my profile that I own a couple of Nikon antiques and I am here to seek advice on upgrading to a 16 megapixel dslr or other that is capable of fast, reliable, continuous focusing and can shoot high IQ BIF at 5/10fps.

On a quick look through the gallery I found some lovely bird photography by Marilynne that was very impressive.

Cheers,
Vol
 
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Dave_W

The Dude
What would be the main subject you plan on using your camera for or do you have a reason other than general photography? Also, what is your budget on a new camera?

And welcome to Nikonites!!
 
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vol

New member
Dave and Rod - Thanks for replying.

Budget: Optimistically no more than AUD1250.00

Aside from the above, weight would be a consideration.

Vol
 
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bordsmnj

New member
If one were to search they could probably find a deal on a new D7000 for a couple hundred less then a 7100, I'll bet.... if it's not too late.
 
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vol

New member
Thanks Bordsmnj, Bill and weebee :) I will take a look at the specs and reviews.
I look forward to contributing to Nikonites as soon as I upgrade from the D70s,
which has been in the cupboard since 2008!
dsc_3560.jpg

D70s @ 1/640 @ f/13 @ iso400 @ EV -0.3 @ 70mm (=105mm) September 2008
 
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BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
Given that you're interested in birds the advantages of the extra reach a DX sensor gives you are obvious. I agree that the D7000/7100 would near perfect. There are a ton of bird photos on my Flickr taken with the D7000 before I traded up to FX. I still throw the D800 into DX mode when I'm shooting birds in flight as it still gives me 16MP's and it helps keep the file sizes down since I'd be cropping a lot out anyway. I heartily recommend the Sigma 150-500mm to go with it. Lots of reach for small birds that don't necessarily want to get close.
 
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Dave_W

The Dude
If you can, why not go with the best - a D800? For birding it can't be beat because you can heavily crop down on distant objects like birds and have lots of pixels left so it won't be grainy.
 
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bordsmnj

New member
BackdoorHippie said:
Given that you're interested in birds the advantages of the extra reach a DX sensor gives you are obvious. I agree that the D7000/7100 would near perfect. There are a ton of bird photos on my Flickr taken with the D7000 before I traded up to FX. I still throw the D800 into DX mode when I'm shooting birds in flight as it still gives me 16MP's and it helps keep the file sizes down since I'd be cropping a lot out anyway. I heartily recommend the Sigma 150-500mm to go with it. Lots of reach for small birds that don't necessarily want to get close.
Click to expand...

I agree, that sigma is a great lens for the money:cool:. I will say that I've never thought of using mine with out a tripod. HEAVY ARTILLERY:pirate:
 
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vol

New member
Thanks again, Dave and Jake ... I will check out the D800 also.
For birding would I be looking at a Body + 35mm equiv. > 150-600mm lens deal perhaps?

Note: It's gone 7:00AM and I must logout for now.

Vol
 
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dramtastic

Senior Member
Is your budget for the body and a lens or just the body? Glass is going to be just as important as the body. I would look at the Nikon 300mm F4 with the nikon 1.4 teleconverter or a 2nd hand Sigma 100-300 F4 with the sigma 1.4 teleconverter. I've seen great bird shots with both of these and they are quite manageable hand held. I walk around with my D7000 and that Sigma combo for hours.
 
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Geoffc

Senior Member
Dave_W said:
If you can, why not go with the best - a D800? For birding it can't be beat because you can heavily crop down on distant objects like birds and have lots of pixels left so it won't be grainy.
Click to expand...

LOL. The 7100 would walk all over an 800 for resolution with the same glass as you can't typically use all the FX sensor for this type of shot.

I'm not getting into another lengthy debate on this subject but having both bodies sitting on my table I feel qualified to make this statement.
 
Marilynne

Marilynne

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
vol said:
...On a quick look through the gallery I found some lovely bird photography by Marilynne that was very impressive.

Cheers,
Vol
Click to expand...

A lot of folks around here use the D7000/D7100. I thought it would be to heavy for me, but it's not. I shoot handheld with the Nikkor 55-300mm.
 
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