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So my trip has been postponed to early Nov. So field report will have to wait.

Btw, I feel that the difference in sharpness w.r.t the Tamron 150-600mm is negligible. Here is a ISO 720 shot (a test shot, just a snapshot) I had taken from my terrace with the D7100 + Tamron 150-600mm. Slightly cropped photo.



I am still not sure about how good the AF is, haven't had a chance to test properly on moving subjects. I do read that the AF would be better on full frame bodies with better AF motors.

No, and I don't want to. AF gets affected at f/8. So far I am not jumping with joy regarding the AF of the 200-500mm at f/5.6.

Oh well. Let me argue a little :)

Sometimes upgrade is worth it. Depends on the genre I guess. For my favourite genre - wildlife - better capability is always welcome, given same level of skill. Longer each, better high ISO capabilities, better AF, better buffer etc. If skill is equal for two wildlife photographers, the one with better gear will come away with better photos if distance, movement, low light are constraints.

Example: the 4th shot here http://www.gregdutoit.com/index.php?page=boomslang wouldn't be possible without a high burst/buffer camera.

To give an example of what I had in mind for this thread when I made that original post which you quoted: this photographer does a very good job talking about decisions in the field, composition, camera settings and post processing. http://www.naturalart.ca/galleries/l...detail_11.html

:thumbs up
Very well said Sir !

That says it all.

If it significantly increases your keeper rate.
I did upgrade from a D7000 to D610 and then to a D810 in very short time, in search of the ultimate camera:D. For me, while the former was a significant upgrade, the latter was not and it would probably have at the hands of a person with more advanced skills.


Lesson learnt:

When it comes to gear acquisitions, there are advantages to spending more than just the basic, but sooner you reach a point at which further spending doesn't really gain you very much.

I got the new 55-200 VR2 during the mega sale period in the last week. The MRP is 15,650/, but I got it for 8,600/-. I also have a 70-200mm f/2.8 at home, but thats a-very heavy and b-very expensive to carry it anywhere and everywhere. So bought this one as a carry anywhere anytime lens.

Some situations do require additional equipment, especially if you are professional photographer. For example
. Sports photographer benefits with a fast burst rate, faster AF, and a faster lens.
. If you want to shoot wild life from a distance, you need longer focal lengths.
. For Architectural photography a good wide angle lens, preferably a TS will do wonders.

That said, for most of us who are not professional photographers, most of the equipment we have does produce excellent photographs within the limitations of the equipment. For those who want to document their travels or social occasions, the basic camera with kit lens is good enough. Beyond that it is mostly "Want" and rarely "Need".

That is a very good deal!

Nice post. But, what is 'pro gear', and who is a 'pro'? Someone who earns most of his money through photography? Or someone who uses, and is an expert with high end gear e.g. a D4 + 400mm f/2.8?

----------
Back to the 200-500mm. I am trying to classify problem shots into four buckets: lens issue, user issue, atmospheric issue and unknown.

Atmospheric issue: at 500mm, heat waves can cause too much of interference. Today afternoon I was shooting a cow, couldn't figure out why my photos were not sharp enough. The cow was 150 feet away, and it was hot.

Lens issue: mainly regarding AF. It requires good contrast to lock on properly. The 80-400mm is better IMO.

User issue: I am finding many lol
* Will need a lot of practice to react fast with a 2.3 kg, 750mm equivalent lens. This is a lot heavier and longer than the 80-400mm, which I have used extensively. It is easier to point at the subject at 200mm, but it takes a couple of seconds to turn the focal length ring, get to 500mm and focus. Its like taking a snapshot with a heavy rifle - need to be able to point right, or at least come very close. I want to 'meet a SLA' of 3 seconds in the first few months - from camera down, to focus lock on at 500mm. Then eventually get to 2 seconds.
* Need a lot of practice with panning at 500mm. I didn't have issues shooting BIF or fast moving animals with a 70-300mm or 80-400mm, I am having issues with this. A matter of practice.
* Need to practice keeping focus while changing focal length - e.g. a fast approaching animal coming head on. Or using manual focus. Main issue: ergonomics. I have to balance the heavy lens using my left hand while turning the ring with the same hand.

Am going to Tadoba end of the month, I don't want to miss shots, or get out of focus shots when I meet tigers :)

A few more shots with the lens, taken today.

Cat below the neighbour's car. ISO 2500 shot, cropped photo. Sigh. This is like moving from Highland Park (tiger) to Officer's Choice (neighbourhood feral cat).


Checking the outer focus points


Practicing panning/baby steps with BIF.


Shooting into the sun (backlit subjects - e.g. when I meet a backlit animal). How the lens performs when pointing at a source of light.


The moon today afternoon. Cropped photo.


Testing outer focus points, while enjoying the sunset

Practice, practice and more practice will eventually get one there.

My second visit to Ranganthittu for BIF shots went in vain, yielding almost NO usable images of birds in flight. I had a very capable D810 body with me but when coupled with a Tamron 150-600, I couldn’t simply get anything moving in focus. I should blame it on my skills or rather lack of it, I guess.


D810 + Tamron 150-600

During my first visit, I had lots of fun with a D610 + Sigma 150-500, coming back with a handful of usable BIF images. So it is how fast one gets used to a new gear for a particular situation, for which, spending some serious time behind the lens is a must.

D610 + Sigma 150-500

BTW, Nice moon shot.

@Rudra da, I read it on the internet, they have termed it as G.A.S (Gear Acquisition Syndrom) :P
I am using a Nikon D90 with 18-105mm kit Lens and a Nikon 35mm 1.8G.

The photograph above was taken in Mirik.

This photo has an interesting story.. I was returning home in my WEGO,when the cloud started forming. I quickly realised what to photograph. At the back of my mind I was thinking "please don't start raining now". Also I was being careful on the road. Couldn't afford to lose my life for a photograph lol:
Luck was on my side, came home, grabbed my camera, went to the terrace. Click, click, click... full satisfaction.
Also clicked some lighting shots but didn't turn out as expected.

I think the great Nikon sale was a boon for everyone.
I bought the 16-35 f/4 to complement the D800.
Here are a few shots from goa using the combo.








The one below was shot using the 85 f/1.8G. I must this is heck of a lens.

This is what I meant. I doubt if I could get such a creamy bokeh with a Tamron 150-600. Shot at 6.00pm on a cloudy winter day.


But for me, the difference has been quite significant. Just my initial impressions from some 20 images taken straight out of the box today.

Just got myself a Hoya ND8 and CPL filter kit.
Costed me 4400 INR.
Haven't used them yet, plan to capture some silky water shots on my upcoming trip to Srinagar.

I have just upgraded to a D810 from a D90. My Tamron 150-600 now seems much sharper. Here's an image shot with the combo-

Some times one needs to do focal plane adjustment at the camera for a specific lens. In canon bodies this is called micro adjustment. Could you check if this solves your sharpness point on the D810?

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/P...ment-tips.aspx

I have exploited this capability once to pick up a lens for very cheap and used it to its proper potential.

Nice shot.
It looks nice and sharp to me. One needs to think of AF fine tune only if you see any front/back focus evident in your pictures.

Shot this with my copy of Nikkor 200-500 on a D810.

Nice timing and shot.

I am back from my trip. Happy that I bought the Nikon 200-500mm. It performed as per my expectations in the field. It was able to track birds in flight, as well as get me decent shots at 1/40s, 500mm, ISO 6400 in bad light.

Same here.
A TC 14III is on order. Tried the lens with a 14E II in very bad light and was quite happy with the output. 700mm reach should help for perched birds.
Awaiting some photos and log now :)