Need to lose weight: what about theses lenses and should I trade my D750 for a D500?

[billtils]

This is not a case of "NAS", but rather an admission of getting older! I find my 150-600mm lens is now a burden rather than a delight because of its over 2kg weight and it has to go.

The only reasonable alternatives in terms of weight, reach, and a recreational budget appear to be the Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4E PF ED VR with a 1.4x TC, and Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR AF-P FX. Both are under a kilo and the PF is getting great reviews. However, it is a prime (or 2 primes with the TC option). When I look at my catalogue, most of my keepers are in the 300 to 450mm range so it should do, but it would leave a gap between 100 and 300 with the remaining lenses, and a birding buddy asked me "what would you do about the bird that's flying towards you"?. That gap would be filled with the 70 - 300, the VR AF-P version of which also gets good reviews, but I have the previous generation and it is not good enough at over 200 to be a serious replacement for the big Tamsron. The new one seems much better but according to Nikon it is not compatible with the TC so is out ...

... unless I change the body to a D500. Having gone from a crop (D7100) to the FF D750, the very idea would have been unthinkable until now, but looking at the D500 reviews it seems to have exceptional IQ, even at very high ISOs. It also has a fast burst rate and very large buffer capacity.

All comments and advice, whether on DO or DON'T are welcome. Additional background that may help, more than half of my catalogue images are wildlife/nature, mainly birding or macro. Other favoured genres are portraits, sport, and table top. I've flirted with street but struggle with landscape.

[JBW]

I don't suppose your Tamron 150 - 600 with an adapter would fit on a Sony A mount?

[george013]

This is not a case of "NAS", but rather an admission of getting older! I find my 150-600mm lens is now a burden rather than a delight because of its over 2kg weight and it has to go.

The only reasonable alternatives in terms of weight, reach, and a recreational budget appear to be the Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4E PF ED VR with a 1.4x TC, and Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR AF-P FX. Both are under a kilo and the PF is getting great reviews. However, it is a prime (or 2 primes with the TC option). When I look at my catalogue, most of my keepers are in the 300 to 450mm range so it should do, but it would leave a gap between 100 and 300 with the remaining lenses, and a birding buddy asked me "what would you do about the bird that's flying towards you"?. That gap would be filled with the 70 - 300, the VR AF-P version of which also gets good reviews, but I have the previous generation and it is not good enough at over 200 to be a serious replacement for the big Tamsron. The new one seems much better but according to Nikon it is not compatible with the TC so is out ...

... unless I change the body to a D500. Having gone from a crop (D7100) to the FF D750, the very idea would have been unthinkable until now, but looking at the D500 reviews it seems to have exceptional IQ, even at very high ISOs. It also has a fast burst rate and very large buffer capacity.

All comments and advice, whether on DO or DON'T are welcome. Additional background that may help, more than half of my catalogue images are wildlife/nature, mainly birding or macro. Other favoured genres are portraits, sport, and table top. I've flirted with street but struggle with landscape.

It probably all depends on what you're doing with the pictures. If you put them in your catalogue it probably doesn't make any difference. If you print them small sized neither. Only if you print them big size you might see a difference.
A crop camera is lighter. Crop lenses are lighter.

George

[billtils]

It probably all depends on what you're doing with the pictures. If you put them in your catalogue it probably doesn't make any difference. If you print them small sized neither. Only if you print them big size you might see a difference.
A crop camera is lighter. Crop lenses are lighter.

George

George

The comment re printing and sensor format is correct. However, the D750 body weighs in at 750g and the D500 at 760g. Switching to the D500 is not because of body weight but because its sensor has excellent IQ even at high ISO, and also gives extra reach which may simplify the choice of 150-600 replacement.

[billtils]

I don't suppose your Tamron 150 - 600 with an adapter would fit on a Sony A mount?

Brian, a quick Internet search (not using G****e, and thereby avoiding all the tracking and unwanted stuff that comes with it) says "Yes".

[Shadowman]

I thought along the same lines of lightening my equipment load but hate not having when out on an excursion, so my thoughts are either get a bag with wheels or try strength training. The wheels option has its pros and cons but the strength training makes sense, exercise gurus recommend stretching before strenuous workouts so why not do the same for lugging around heavy gear.

Regarding which lens, how do you carry a particular lens now, I've been feeling a lot better carrying my gear sling style and alternating shoulders after long days?

[billtils]

Thanks John

The problem is arthritis and no amount of strength training will do anything about that. Thankfully it's not severe - it's only when put under pressure that I notice, and the weight of the gear is enough to do that.

I either carry it on a monopod, over-the-shoulder style, or using a Black Rapid sling attached to the tripod mount.

[charzes44]

Thanks John

The problem is arthritis and no amount of strength training will do anything about that. Thankfully it's not severe - it's only when put under pressure that I notice, and the weight of the gear is enough to do that.

I either cary it on a monopod, over-the-shoulder style, or using a Black Rapid sling attached to the tripod mount.

Have you thought about trading in your Nikon gear and going mirrorless? The Fujifilm range of bodies and lenses is superb, and offers a considerable saving of weight. Many, many ex Nikon, Canon and Pentax users (to name but a few) have happily switched to Fujifilm, and several frequent this forum!

[LePetomane]

Have you thought about trading in your Nikon gear and going mirrorless? The Fujifilm range of bodies and lenses is superb, and offers a considerable saving of weight. Many, many ex Nikon, Canon and Pentax users (to name but a few) have happily switched to Fujifilm, and several frequent this forum!

I will second that. I have the XT-1 which is lightweight and the ergonomics are very good. The camera almost disapperars in my day pack. The XT-1 has since been replaced by the XT -2 and the XH-2 and soon the XT -3 will come out.

I don't have any experience with their lenses in the focal lengths that you are using as I do mostly landscape stuff.

[billtils]

Have you thought about trading in your Nikon gear and going mirrorless? The Fujifilm range of bodies and lenses is superb, and offers a considerable saving of weight. Many, many ex Nikon, Canon and Pentax users (to name but a few) have happily switched to Fujifilm, and several frequent this forum!

Looked at? Yes, but no. I am familiar with and like my Nikon gear and have no intentions of changing brand. There are things that I can do to lessen the load, all I'm looking for is feedback from Nikon users to help me decide which.

Just for completeness, my daughter shoots Canon and my son shoots Olympus and if brand change was on the cards the Oly E-M 1.2 would be top of the list.

[Shadowman]

This is not a case of "NAS", but rather an admission of getting older! I find my 150-600mm lens is now a burden rather than a delight because of its over 2kg weight and it has to go.

All comments and advice, whether on DO or DON'T are welcome. Additional background that may help, more than half of my catalogue images are wildlife/nature, mainly birding or macro. Other favoured genres are portraits, sport, and table top. I've flirted with street but struggle with landscape.

Bill,

Regarding switching cameras, have you had the chance to analyze images for IQ? Within this video you can find samples RAW files at high ISO, I wasn't exactly thrilled with the quality comparision at ISO 51200 but then again rarely shoot at that high of an ISO anyway, granted the D750 has to use the Hi 0.3 to get there anyway. The comparison shots are for the D500, D810, and D850.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_kk7QhS-MU

[Shadowman]

Thanks John

The problem is arthritis and no amount of strength training will do anything about that. Thankfully it's not severe - it's only when put under pressure that I notice, and the weight of the gear is enough to do that.

I either cary it on a monopod, over-the-shoulder style, or using a Black Rapid sling attached to the tripod mount.

Bill,

I can understand the arthritis issues, another option would be a harness that carries the lens mid-waist, still have to hoist the lens for shooting though.

[rpcrowe]

As alternative to carrying your large lens, perhaps a crop sensor camera and either the Tamron or Sigma 100-400mm lenses might be a thought. Each weighs in the area of 1100 grams and, with a Nikon crop body would give you an equivalent focal range of 150-600mm. I have not researched either of these lenses except to learn their weight.

I have that problem also... I am going to turn 78 next week... Carrying around a load of gear like I used to do is no longer an option.

I now use two cameras (sometimes carrying both and other times making the choice between the two). I have a 7D2 and a 6D2. Carrying the 7D2 and a 70-200mm f/4L IS lens plus 1.4x TC is a relatively lightweight solution which gives me an equivalent 116-448mm focal range at a total weight of less than 1900 grams... Carrying the Canon 100-400mm Mk-2 lens increases the weight of the package to about 2,500 grams but gives me an equivalent 160-640mm adding the 1.4x TC increases package wight to around 2,700 grams but increases my maximum equivalent focal length to 896mm while retaining auto focus in the center point.

I have a very handy folding garden cart which I will use when I am traversing areas but, intending to shoot from a fixed position. I can carry tripod, two cameras with lenses, a folding seat and anything else that I need.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...pf_rd_i=553936

I am really no longer limited as to the gear that I carry as long as I am in an area in which I can roll the wagon - it can traverse some relatively rough terrain and there are more expensive ATV models of this cart which can go just about anywhere - even roll along on a sandy beach!

It seems that whenever I leave gear behind, that is the gear that I need. Shooting outdoor portraits and using the wagon, I can carry any cameras and lenses I want. I can also easily carry my Flashpoint (Godox) AD360 TTL flash and battery pack along with a light stand and the Godox S-7 Beauty Dish/Octabox. If needed, I could also carry another radio controlled slave and stand for fill or back light. I have a mesh net with which I can cover the gear in the wagon. This "might" prevent some casual thief from "permanently borrowing" an item from the wagon while my back is turned.

This folding chair with canopy plus a covering of green garden shade material makes a very nice shooting blind or hide.

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/sto...waAtezEALw_wcB

With the wagon, transporting your portable hide is no problem. You can even add a thermos of coffee and some lunch!

Too bad Ponce de Leon never fond that "fountain of youth"

[billtils]

I have that problem also... I am going to turn 78 next week... Carrying around a load of gear like I used to do is no longer an option.

...

As another alternative to carrying your large lens, perhaps a crop sensor camera and either the Tamron or Sigma 100-400mm lenses might be a thought. Each weighs in the area of 1100 grams and, with a Nikon crop body would give you an equivalent focal range of 150-600mm. I have not researched either of these lenses except o learn their weight.

Happy birthday Richard! We're in the same decade but you have a few more miles under the bonnet than do I

Yep, going back to a crop sensor to permit the use of lighter weight lenses is actively under consideration, hence the D500 question in the thread title. It was not something I would have seriously considered before they came up with it but it may just be the answer.

It seems that Nikon may be getting the message about price/performance on their lenses as the latest 70-300mm in my OP, and the new 200-500 are being very well received.

[Manfred M]

One thing I have been considering for years is to get the Nikkor 28-300mm lens as a travel lens for my FF body. Taking things down to a single body and lens would be the easiest way to shed weight and when I look at most of my image making, this lens would be very close to handling 90% of more of my needs.

My wife has been shooting the 18-200mm Nikkor for years and rarely uses anything else on her crop frame body.

[billtils]

Bill,

Regarding switching cameras, have you had the chance to analyze images for IQ? Within this video you can find samples RAW files at high ISO, I wasn't exactly thrilled with the quality comparision at ISO 51200 but then again rarely shoot at that high of an ISO anyway, granted the D750 has to use the Hi 0.3 to get there anyway. The comparison shots are for the D500, D810, and D850.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_kk7QhS-MU

Thanks John. I couldn't get this to play on the laptop (I think because of my severe settings for cookies and ads) and although it played on my iPad the download links didn't show anywhere. I'll explore more later.

[Shadowman]

Thanks John. I couldn't get this to play on the laptop (I think because of my severe settings for cookies and ads) and although it played on my iPad the download links didn't show anywhere. I'll explore more later.

Hi Bill,

Under the first "Show More" link below the video look for this set of links.

[billtils]

Hi Bill,

Under the first "Show More" link below the video look for this set of links.

John - they were hidden until a random click on an arrow did the trick. Bottom line seems to be ISO on the D500 is fine until you get to the >5K range, and there are noise reduction programmes that will push that too. I seldom have to shoot higher than ISO 1000 so seem to be inching to a (surprising) outcome here.

Thanks for your help.

[NorthernFocus]

I normally avoid these threads but since I do shoot Nikon and also similar subject matter I'll throw in my bit. As basis for what follows I shoot both full and cropped bodies and both zoom and prime lenses. I'm currently primarily shooting D500 and D810 and still have a D7200 that I use for travel/knockaround. And I do have the 300mm f4E.

First off regarding the D500, it is a fine camera. I wasn't so keen on it at first but it grew on me with use. I've found the IQ/ISO performance in practice to be better than indicated by some of the test sites. ISO performance in practice is superior to the D7200. I've posted a couple of example images below.

With the physical challenges that you describe I'd think the 300 f4E plus a 1.4xTC fits the bill for wildlife/birds. Regarding your friends comments about the bird flying right at you, well, you must be much better/faster than me if you can zoom to keep up with the action in that situation. Particularly with arthritic hands. A zoom lens to me is simply a variable focal length during set up of a shot. Does nothing for me once the action starts.

If you do shoot frequently in low light the D500 is the best crop body option in the Nikon line. However, another option you might consider(and which I often use myself) to give you more versatility is to pair the above lens with a D810. Now that the D850 has been out for a while a used D810 can be had for about the same price(or less) of a D500. The 810 gives you the options of 1.2x or 1.5x crop modes at 6fps and comparable ISO performance to the D500. I have the D810 set up so without taking the camera from my eye with the Fn button and thumb dial I can switch between full frame, 1.2x, or 1.5x crop modes which has the same net effect as a stepwise zoom. So paired with the 300mm f4E you get the following options:

FF: 36MP image at 300mm EFL(equivalent focal lenght), f4 max aperture and 5fps
1.2x: 24MP at 360mm EFL, f4 and 6fps
1.5x: 15MP at 450mm EFL, f4 and 6fps

Add the 1.4xTC:

FF: 36MP image at 420mm EFL, f5.6 max aperture and 5fps
1.2x: 24MP at 500mm EFL, f5.6 and 6fps
1.5x: 15MP at 630mm EFL, f5.6 and 6fps

FYI my travel kit when wildlife is on the agenda but not my primary purpose is:
D7200, 16-80mm, 70-200mm f4, 300mm f4E, 1.4xTC.

D500@ISO5000, 300mm f4E@f4


And a full resolution clip SOOC from the above image.



And one with D7200 at ISO250 with 300mm f4E+1.4xTC wide open

[billtils]

I normally avoid these threads but since I do shoot Nikon and also similar subject matter I'll throw in my bit. As basis for what follows I shoot both full and cropped bodies and both zoom and prime lenses. I'm currently primarily shooting D500 and D810 and still have a D7200 that I use for travel/knockaround. And I do have the 300mm f4E.
... another option you might consider(and which I often use myself) to give you more versatility is to pair the above lens with a D810. Now that the D850 has been out for a while a used D810 can be had for about the same price(or less) of a D500. The 810 gives you the options of 1.2x or 1.5x crop modes at 6fps and comparable ISO performance to the D500. I have the D810 set up so without taking the camera from my eye with the Fn button and thumb dial I can switch between full frame, 1.2x, or 1.5x crop modes which has the same net effect as a stepwise zoom. So paired with the 300mm f4E you get the following options:

FF: 36MP image at 300mm EFL(equivalent focal lenght), f4 max aperture and 5fps
1.2x: 24MP at 360mm EFL, f4 and 6fps
1.5x: 15MP at 450mm EFL, f4 and 6fps

Add the 1.4xTC:

FF: 36MP image at 420mm EFL, f5.6 max aperture and 5fps
1.2x: 24MP at 500mm EFL, f5.6 and 6fps
1.5x: 15MP at 630mm EFL, f5.6 and 6fps

FYI my travel kit when wildlife is on the agenda but not my primary purpose is:
D7200, 16-80mm, 70-200mm f4, 300mm f4E, 1.4xTC.

Dan

Thank you so very much for taking time to share these thoughts and images. Other than hands-on trials there's nothing to beat real world objective user experiences and you have provided that!

I hadn't thought seriously about the 810 but will now go take a good look!

Bill