I took this yesterday around Priory but I have been to Campkins in Cambridge today to have a look at DSLRs. They didn't have a Nikon D7100 so I couldn't have a look at that but I looked at a D800 and D600. The body itself was fine until I put the 500mm lens on it and as I like to take hand held pics, I wouldn't be able to cope with the weight. They suggested a monopod but I don't think that would work for me either. Anyway, before catching the Park & Ride bus I went into John Lewis and they had a D7100 which I held with a 70-300mm lens which was OK. I need to try it with a 500mm lens. The better the lens though the heavier it will be so I'm still undecided. Anyway, I didn't get a chance for many shots today which is why I'm posting this one.
I just tried the Canon L series 5.6 400mm lens and was not pleased as it had no image stabilization. A tripod is out of the question for the types of birds I like to shoot so I know what you mean...in the meantime....back to the drawing board!
I have a Sigma 150-500 which I use on a Canon t3i. I shoot almost totally free hand...can't get used to a tripod and it would get in the way...like Vee @vskolnik Good luck with your tryouts...what do you shoot with now?
Nice to see his face with the wing stretch!
Great shots of the birds. Enjoy your search for a lens -- it's such a fun process. I use the 70-300mm on my D90 and have been happy with the photos. I bought a 2x converter that, if it's on a tripod or in brighter light, makes it up to 600mm.
@lynnb I have a bridge camera Nikon P510 which is a brilliant little camera and has 42 x zoom (360mm)but I just want to get something better. Thanks for the advice re lens
@taffy Thanks for the idea of a 2 x converter -600mm sounds good. I've got a tripod but never use it as I just don't seem to get on with it and I walk over a lot of rough ground through the fields so I can understand why they suggested a monopod but I will really have to rethink
@caddick It definitely did feel like weight lifting! LOL I'm going to have another think but I was left some money in my aunt's will that I shall put to good use with one type of camera or another. Steve asked me how much the camera cost and I said a lot so he said "what a £1000?" I said something like that! Don't tell him!
Nice to see his face with the wing stretch!