Seeking Advice on Final Camera Decision and Long Lens

[Manfred M]

I just learned that I would have to wait at least 6 weeks for the AF-S Nikkor F4D AF... It seems that this particular lens is not in stock in Vancouver... Patience is a virtue but not my best trait so I am going to order the lens from B&H...

That might not be a particularly good idea. Nikon Canada will not recognize the warranty on that lens, so if it does need any warranty work (and post-warranty work), you will have to ship it to Nikon USA. If you want a Canadian supplier; check with Aden Camera in Toronto. I've bought most of my lenses there and they seem to have the best prices in Canada.

http://www.adencamera.com/default.asp

[Brownbear]

Thank you Ben,
I just figured that out so I removed the link but nevertheless it is nice to hear you confirm this. I ordered the less expensive lens, so hopefully it will not need any repairs for a long, long time.

Thanks again.

[nimitzbenedicto]

Hi Christina,

I guess you're making the right choice getting that Nikon D7100 coupled with the cool lens you selected.

The reviews about the D7100 are all positive. If ever, I'd also like to get one too.

Congratulations! Have fun and enjoy your new gear.

( awaiting new images.....)

[Mike Buckley]

Christina,

I use the D7000 as an upgrade from the D80, so I am very certain that you are absolutely not going to believe the difference between the high-ISO capability of your soon-to-arrive D7100 and your D80. Instead of thinking of ISO 800 as your highest standard setting, get used to thinking of ISO 6400 -- a full three stops higher. That's the entire reason I upgraded to the D7000 and I have gotten very appealing photos with it that I simply could not have captured using the D80. I haven't regretted my decision about that for a nanosecond.

[Digital]

Christina, this may sound crazy: what are your goals in photography in the near, and distant future? If, as I gather, you like BIF primarily have you ever considered talking to a photographer who makes a living doing this type of photography. Certainly in B.C. there are nature reserves or Fish, and Wildlife personnel who either use photography in their job, and/or know someone who does. Local bird clubs may be helpful.
Inform them what kind of photography you do, and/or plan to do in the future. The whole point is that before you shell out a lot of money for equipment, you IMHO need to know what kind of equipment "pros" use. I am not suggesting you get exactly what they have; however it will allow you some informed choice on the parameters of what equipment would be suitable for "you".
Talking to CiC is a good idea - there are many fine photographers that utilize this website. Not knowing what each does for a living you may have gotten suggestions from someone who makes a living shooting BIF. Then I stand corrected.
However, if not, then this is one option you may want to consider before purchasing.
As a last thought I am not suggesting, by any means, that the opinions you received were not good; they could be spot on.
This is my story, and I am sticking to it despite the facts of the case.

[Andrew1]

Christina, a few things to consider. Don't forget to check out the used offerings on-line through kijiji and especially in Vancouver at Kerrisdale. There's some good deals to be had especially if you have time to wait for the right deal. As far as ordering from the US you will find little in the way of price savings for Nikon gear. In fact, Henry's and The Camera Store are at times cheaper than B&H. Use this site http://www.photoprice.ca/ for a better look. Cross border shopping into Washington is probably the most expensive route to go. Really bad down there. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

[Mike Buckley]

Nikon Canada will not recognize the warranty on that lens

I think she is referring to the used lens purchased from B&H. The warranty is supplied by B&H, not Nikon.

[Polar01]

Bruce: you were wondering what the big boys use? We in the case of Nikon the 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, and 800mm with at least 2 x converter on them. I would assume likewise for Canon. With them it is a business, the lens and camera only tools that they are able to right the cost of off. The rest of us can only look in wonder on the rigs that they have and use, let alone afford to purchase, so for us we get the best that we can afford. The best low end wildlife lens right now I think is the new 80-400mm with a 2x on it at around with taxes $3,000.00 (lens only), the best is the new 800mm coming in with taxes at around $21,000.00 neither of these lens will be mounted on a D7100 instead, either the D800 but more likely the D4. Talk to any wildlife shooter and they will tell you they want more reach and sharpness and that is what those above lens will give you.

Cheers:

Allan

[Brownbear]

A big thank you to all.

Victor

Thank you. I expect it will be a while until I produce some images... I'm just trying to set up the camera now and it is far more complicated than my D80 was so it will likely take me a while to figure it all out and learn what works with this camera but I will. This is my first brand new camera and I know that you too, be able to acquire the camera you wish.

Mike
I'm very much looking forward to being able to use a higher iso! thank you for sharing and thank you for all your advice throughout this past year.

Bruce
Thank you so much for caring and for such great advice that others on this forum can also learn from, too. Although it might seem like I made a snap decision - just today - I have been researching this camera upgrade for over a year.

I have also consulted with three professional nature photographers who helped guide my choice and it was either this camera a full frame Nikon. Ultimately I may upgrade to a full frame but right now I still have a lot to learn and I know for sure that this camera will meet my needs for the next few years. Once I learn this camera well enough to produce good photos I will revisit where I am, how I am progressing and my photography goals.

Andrew
Thank you. Kerrisdale Cameras is fabulous and they have been my go to camera store for the past few years. I bought my Nikon D7100 from them and will be buying everything else from them. I prefer to frequent local stores but in this particular case the Nikon lens I need is back ordered and it would take at least 6 weeks for me to receive. This particular lens is also not available from other camera stores in Vancouver that I checked and I just did not have the patience to wait that long... There are eagles and herons in Vancouver that are waiting for me to take a photo of them that does them justice...

I've already ordered the lens from B&H which will be under warranty by B&H.. (Thanks Mike) I've heard lots of wonderful things and high recommendations about B&H from my photographer friends who reside in the USA, so I have confidence in my decision. But Kerrisdale cameras will remain my go to store for future. And the prices with Kerrisdale and B&H (including duty) are pretty close. Thank you for the link to Henry's, truly appreciated.

Now I have to figure out why I have only 100 photos available to shoot on my new camera when I had 800 available on my D80! (raw and jpeg highest quality) Victor, now you see why it might take me a while to produce some images..

[Digital]

Christina, thank you for your kind comments.

Bruce

[Mike Buckley]

Now I have to figure out why I have only 100 photos available to shoot on my new camera when I had 800 available on my D80! (raw and jpeg highest quality)

The files produced by your new camera are much larger. Fewer of them will fit on the memory card. Depending on your computer, you may also notice that it takes longer to download them from your camera or memory card to your computer and to open them in your post-processing program.

[Brev00]

Cristina,

Congratulations on the gear purchase. Like going from a Ford to a Lamborghini. That is a very well regarded combo. I have a friend who shoots coastal birds with a D300 and a Tokina 300 2.8. So, shooting birds with a fixed lens is certainly doable. I would consider getting Topaz Denoise if you haven't already acquired it. The noise is very fine on the D7100 from what I have seen and heard. Noticeable but very easy to reduce. I look forward to seeing your first set of images.

[Brownbear]

Thank you Mike, Bruce and Larry.

I thought I should share my first experience with others who are considering upgrading their cameras to the D7100.

It will be another week before I have my new lens so I tested my new camera on the back lit herons flying above the tree they nest in, too far away for great bird photos but a good place to test and compare its performance to the D80.

Anyway from just one test I know that I will love my new camera once I figure out how to use it... (It has a lot of fancy things on it that I will likely ignore for a while.)

Immediately apparent is how much faster this camera grabs and keeps focus, and how many more shots I can squeeze off with just one press of the shutter button. Also apparent is less noise and more detail at higher ISOs. The chromatic aberration still exists but the new lens should lessen that.

It came with a full printed manual (yippee!)...

I really like that the camera has two slots for memory cards, built right in. The larger size of the photos took me by surprise and I will have to purchase larger memory cards.. The photos are also slower to load. (Thanks Mike)

One thing I love about the camera is that the display button shows you the location of the main focal point. I immediately noticed that I had a lot of photos with the focal point on the wing or just outside the head of the bird so I think this is a great learning tool.

I wasn't going to share my first shots but here they are... Note that the focus is odd because somehow I set the camera to a single focal point at the top of the frame and I could not figure out how to change it to the center, so I just did my best (I neglected to bring the manual with me)










And one where I blew the sky purposely but I don't think I like this look.



In about a months time once I have had time to learn and practice with my new camera and soon to arrive new lens, I hope to post some much better photos...

Yes, indeed I love this camera. Thank you to all.

[Mike Buckley]

Assuming the D7100 is like the D7000, you can maneuver the focus spot by pressing the top, bottom or side of the round thingy on the back called the Multi Selector. (That's the same as on your D80.) Better yet, press the OK button located in the middle of the Multi Selector to automatically return to the center focus point. Your D80 does not have that OK functionality and you're gonna just love using it on your D7100.

[Brownbear]

It is as you say, and I adore that OK button in the middle of the round thingy! Center focus back at the press of a button.

Thank you Mike, you're awesome!

Assuming the D7100 is like the D7000, you can maneuver the focus spot by pressing the top, bottom or side of the round thingy on the back called the Multi Selector. (That's the same as on your D80.) Better yet, press the OK button located in the middle of the Multi Selector to automatically return to the center focus point. Your D80 does not have that OK functionality and you're gonna just love using it on your D7100.

[donaldjledet]

christina. hi I have the D7100 and as you said you will love it Its a very good cx .






Christina, The D7100 is a excellent camera, with a lot of features to use.
Also there is a website called Nikonites.com With all Nikon shooters there. Its also a
good place to ask Questions about your nikon gear and photography.

[nimitzbenedicto]

christina. hi I have the D7100 and as you said you will love it Its a very good cx .

Christina, The D7100 is a excellent camera, with a lot of features to use.
Also there is a website called Nikonites.com With all Nikon shooters there. Its also a
good place to ask Questions about your nikon gear and photography.

Hi Christina, check out that Nikonites.com. Its forum has some good info about your new D7100.

Meanwhile, have fun with your new hi-tech D7100 !

[AB26]

Congratulations Christina.
I do believe you will soon be posting those great BIF images you have been longing to capture. Make the most of your new gear and enjoy using it.