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

[NorthernFocus]

A couple more thoughts about the D500 vs D810 relative to wildlife/bird shooting.

D810
- good options for customizing buttons
- uses CF/SD cards
- has "group" focus mode which is very useful/predictable for BIF
- option to grey out viewfinder to actual image size when shooting in crop modes
- wide/bright FF viewfinder that you're accustomed to with D750

D500
- even more customizable
- uses XQD/SD cards
- crazy good AF including same group mode as 810

The only real downside to the D500 IMO is the viewfinder. As a crop body the viewfinder is small by definition. But the biggest issue to overcome for me was the blackout time when shooting at higher frame rates. At 10fps mirror blackout time is 60 percent(vs 40 percent for pro bodies). For this reason I have CL set to 7fps and usually shoot there unless I think the added frame rate is really going to be a benefit. I had to do a lot of practice to stay on target at 10fps and can only do so for a short burst. If higher fps is one attractive aspect of D500 you may want to find one to test before purchasing. The blackout time REALLY bothers me. This issue is documented on-line. I don't recall how/where I stumbled on it AFTER I purchased the camera. It is something that can be overcome but takes practice and is still bothersome to me. It isn't quite as bad but similar to shooting mirrorless with FV lag at high fps.

All that said D500 is my favorite body right now when specifically targeting birds.

[inkista]

... if brand change was on the cards the Oly E-M 1.2 would be top of the list.

Yup. Great birding camera from the shots I've seen about the web. And the fun part is that 600mm full-frame equivalence is to be had with a mere 300mm lens. But most birders are getting a 400mm lens for 800mm equivalence. 2x crop has some advantages. Camersize.com might be a useful tool to play around with to see size comparisons.

[DanK]

This is certainly something I think about often. I have substantial back problems and a growing list of arthritic joints, and given that I hike around with my equipment, I notice the weight more and more.

Two thoughts, for what they are worth:

To the extent that your problem is carrying the equipment around rather than handling it when you are actually shooting, you might want to consider a Cotton Carrier vest. It holds the camera centered on your chest, lens down, on a quick-release fitting. I find that it makes the weight far more comfortable to shlep--even more so when I have a day pack or photo pack on my back, as the two balance. One of the fittings--I think it might be an option--has a built in arca-swiss plate.

Second, if you start considering the more-reach-with-a-crop argument: the relevant issue isn't sensor size. It's pixel density. A smaller sensor allows you to fill the frame with a shorter lens, but whether that gives you comparable detail depends on pixel density. With my pair of cameras (5DIII and 7D), the crop really does provide more reach, but only because of the greater density. In other words, if I crop my 5DIII image to 7D dimensions, I end up with far fewer pixels than the 7D provides. However, this needn't be the case.

[rpcrowe]

I copied an image of what looks like a golf bag cart modified into a camera cart. This one carries a softbox and strobe but, I supposed it could be modified to carry just about anything. I honestly don't remember where I found the image so I will not post it on this site since I don't have permission.

However, here is a link to the image on my smugmug.com site...
https://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Other/Po...DMWv/i-CWwmFCD

I think with a little imagination and some very basic DIY tools and skills, this could be modified into a really nice gear carrying cart.

Perhaps a tripod could be attached instead of a light stand...

I have looked up local prices for used golf bag carrying carts on craigslist.com and they seem to run around $15 to $25 USD. That is a pretty reasonable start for a DIY camera cart. I am really thinking about fabricating a cart like this.

IMO, this would be a pretty solid base for a smallish umbrella/octabox such as the Godox S-7 beauty dish/Octabox. With a GODOX 360 that has a detachable battery pack, a goodly portion of the weight would be at a lower center of gravity. I "think" that the unit rigged like this would have less of a chance to blow over. Wind is always a problem with light modifiers outdoors...

I have a camera bag that I no longer use to carry photo gear which would be great for a rig like this...

Since the golf bag cart is built to carry a golfer's clubs over some fairly uneven terrain - it might be just the trick for an old man like me...

[billtils]

Thanks Richard. I had been wondering about something on those lines but didn't pursue it as it doesn't help with handing the weight for BIF shots. I'm basically OK until I take the gear out of the backpack to use it and then it gets to "Ouch" quite quickly.

[george013]

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

What's the purpose of using the in-camera crop mode with a ff lens?

George

[pnodrog]

What's the purpose of using the in-camera crop mode with a ff lens?

George

George, a good question. I travel with a 28-300mm lens on a D800 and although I know it will give me an equivalent reach of 450mm in crop mode I never switch to it. When needed I crop as required from the FF shot. In crop mode you run the risk of clipping something important like a birds wing for just a relatively small reduction in file size. Cropping later gives a bit more composition latitude when photographing moving objects.

I assume Dan was just indicating the ability to crop either using the camera settings or in pp.

[Acorn]

Want to lose weight? Is this why many of my photographer friends are switching to micro-four-thirds?

[billtils]

Want to lose weight? Is this why many of my photographer friends are switching to micro-four-thirds?

Barry, I answered essentially the same point in post #10. It's a "thanks but no thanks".

[NorthernFocus]

What's the purpose of using the in-camera crop mode with a ff lens?

George

Higher frame rate. The D810 shoots 5 fps FF and 6 fps in crop mode.

[Manfred M]

Want to lose weight? Is this why many of my photographer friends are switching to micro-four-thirds?

How many of those friends are shooting birds in flight or "action" images?

Mirrorless cameras are well suited for shooting static or relatively static scenes like landscapes, portraits and street scenes. In my testing they are not particularly good at capturing "actions" scenes; I am not aware of any "serious" bird photographer or sports photographer who has switched from a DSLR for these types of photography.

[george013]

Higher frame rate. The D810 shoots 5 fps FF and 6 fps in crop mode.

I see. I didn't notice the 5 fps for the FF.

George

[rpcrowe]

I have arthritis, have had extensive back surgery and have a body that generally has been ground down by a fairly physically active life plus general old age!

I have found a couple of palliative measures that help me a bit...

1. good comfortable shoes with support - these not only help your feet but your legs and back

2. a good mattress on which to sleep - I just got a sleep number mattress and it has done wonders for my back and general energy

3. pool aerobics designed for folks with arthritis - this really helps

4. using balanced gear - I never used a battery grip because I didn't want to cary the weight. However, when I bought my 6D Mark II, it came as a package with a battery grip. I was surprised how easy it made using my 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens. The package was heavier than a camera without a battery grip but, the balance was better. The extra weight of the camera made the lens feel a bit lighter and allowed me to swing it around with less effort...

5. Carrying the camera/lens with a system that distributes the weight across your shoulders, not just hanging around your neck or hanging from one shoulder. The Cotton Carrier is one version... Having a good hand strap on the camera also helps me. Some sort of roller carrier might be the ultimate solution. Along those lines, carrying extra accessories in a photo vest is easier for me than slinging a bag over my shoulder

6. In actual shooting... perhaps some sort of a shoulder mount might help you follow birds. Here is one that I rigged up from some scrap aluminum and extra gray electrical conduit that I had laying around... This rig was fabricated with only woodworking hand tools...



I have a description outlining the construction on my smugmug site:

https://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/Photogra...Lens/i-FsRJDzT

I did this write up when my heaviest lens was the 400mm f/4L IS but, the mount could certainly be used with a much heavier package. The weight is distributed on both shoulders as well as the mount being held with both hands. You can brace your elbows against your body when shooting and since there is a remote release to trip the shutter, you only need to touch the camera/lens to zoom. I'll bet that a mount like this might help you with your 150-600mm The weight of the mount itself is negligible and the cost is minimal...

You can also find some ready made shoulder mounts on eBay if you don't desire to fabricate one. BTW: shooting with a mount is good for folks without physical restraints also It helps when hand holding an equivalent 896mm focal length lens...

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...unt&_sacat=625

Before I fabricated my mount, I tried this eBay model and it might be O.K. for video but, it was not comfortable for use with a still camera. I would not recommend it for shooting wildlife or birds.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shoulder-Mo...EAAOSwrhBZCo8u

I suggest you try some sort of shoulder mount before you dump your present gear and go to the expense of acquiring new gear

I have also been considering rigging up a lightweight hand truck, like the one below with a pair of hooks on which to hang the mount and camera - a bungee around the rig would keep it attached to the hand truck while moving around. It could also even carry a bag for extra camera gear or a thermos and sandwiches. I could also carry a tripod on the hand truck if needed...

https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/m...BoCsEYQAvD_BwE

[inkista]

How many of those friends are shooting birds in flight or "action" images?

Mirrorless cameras are well suited for shooting static or relatively static scenes like landscapes, portraits and street scenes. In my testing they are not particularly good at capturing "actions" scenes; I am not aware of any "serious" bird photographer or sports photographer who has switched from a DSLR for these types of photography.

That's mostly my testing experience as well, but my MFT gear is about five years old and mostly entry or mid-tier. This got me curious, so I went googling. At least one pro sports shooter's been nuts enough to do the swap:

http://www.kelleylcox.com/blog/2017/...d-e-m1-mark-ii

(and here's a link to an NHL game shoot blog entry shot with the E-M1ii).

I wouldn't be surprised if there were others, and I have been seeing some impressive BiF shots with the E-M1ii on a MFT board. And here's someone who says the Sony A6300 can also handle sports: http://briansmith.com/patrick-murphy...aphy-settings/

So I think things are starting to shift, at least with the high-end bodies.

[Manfred M]

So I think things are starting to shift, at least with the high-end bodies.

There will always be a few folks that push the envelop. I'm certain that at some point the technology will improve to the point where it works well.

The folks that I know that shoot both genres have told me that it is not so much being able to get the occasional good shot, but rather that their success rate is a small fraction of what they are currently getting with their DLSR gear. When pushed they have suggested that they are missing about 80% of the shots that they would expect to get with their regular gear.

[billtils]

Brief update: The 300mm PF was delivered this morning. Took it out and shot whatever happened to be at the bird feeder. I didn't need to look beyond the very first image to feel more than reassured. Lightweight, well balanced on the D750 body, and oh my, the IQ beats anything I've managed with my other lenses.

I'm holding off anything else until there are a few more FF miles with it, but right but now the front runner is as unexpected as was going to a prime, namely a top quality used D810.

This arose from Dan's post #19. Here are the advantages: Just one body to carry around; no TC to carry around; can shoot FX, FX 1.2 crop, or DX and select which on the fly through programming the appropriate buttons; faster frame rate and the chance to recompose by cropping in camera; and no emotional baggage of going "back" to a crop body, not even if it's the D500.

For the purpose of illustration:








These are of what appeared randomly, have had minimal PP, and were cropped to 1500 x 2000px before exporting to flickr.

[NorthernFocus]

Glad the choice is looking promising, Bill. I think you'll be just a pleased when you try it out with a TC attached. And I think you're being wise to separate the lens/body into separate decisions. That is an amazing lens for the size/weight.

This whole discussion plus missing some opportunities last week while out paddling has reminded my why I got that lens to start with. Last week we sat in a kayak and watched a bear for several minutes so close that my wife took shots of it with her iPhone. And I was empty handed. Then the next day the same thing happened with a seal pup Next week we go on the water again and the D810/300mm PF in a dry bag will be a permanent fixture in the kayak

Looking forward to seeing some more results from you

[JBW]

brief update: The 300mm pf was delivered this morning. Took it out and shot whatever happened to be at the bird feeder. I didn't need to look beyond the very first image to feel more than reassured. Lightweight, well balanced on the d750 body, and oh my, the iq beats anything i've managed with my other lenses.

I'm holding off anything else until there are a few more ff miles with it, but right but now the front runner is as unexpected as was going to a prime, namely a top quality used d810.

This arose from dan's post #19. Here are the advantages: Just one body to carry around; no tc to carry around; can shoot fx, fx 1.2 crop, or dx and select which on the fly through programming the appropriate buttons; faster frame rate and the chance to recompose by cropping in camera; and no emotional baggage of going "back" to a crop body, not even if it's the d500.

For the purpose of illustration:








these are of what appeared randomly, have had minimal pp, and were cropped to 1500 x 2000px before exporting to flickr.

wow

[billtils]

Collected a D810 body yesterday on return from two weeks visiting friends in Spain. The weather here since our return has been nothing like the blue skies and 23 - 26C there but managed to fire off a couple earlier today. Set it to DX mode just to see ...



On the basis of this, really looking forward to some serious stuff as soon as the heavens permit, but for now, it's a big "thank you" to Dan for the D810 suggestion!

Will catch up with Project 52 with some Spanish shots later this week.

[JBW]

Collected a D810 body yesterday on return from two weeks visiting friends in Spain. The weather here since our return has been nothing like the blue skies and 23 - 26C there but managed to fire off a couple earlier today. Set it to DX mode just to see ...



On the basis of this, really looking forward to some serious stuff as soon as the heavens permit, but for now, it's a big "thank you" to Dan for the D810 suggestion!

Will catch up with Project 52 with some Spanish shots later this week.

Looks like you are in for a good time.