Second body for wildlife photography

There is another way to approach your problem. Most of you here may not find this a palatable alternative, but several years ago I went through a search to get a body and lens with which to photograph birds.

My approach was to find the equipment that could do the job. While I had a D200 and about 10 Nikon lenses, there were no Nikon bodies that suited. FX was too expensive and needed a 600mm to do what I wanted. (This was before the D800 and D600). Aside from the cost, the weight and size was not practical. I wanted to be able to handhold and carry the gear on long walks !

It is unfortunate that Nikon do not make a moderately priced lens and body combination for the keen hobbyist interested in bird photography. (The 80-400mm AF needs upgrading).

I looked at Canon. For some of you this is a big no, no ! I am not brand obsessed, I just wanted what would do the job. After a couple of Canon bodies I have ended up with a 7D coupled to a 400mm f4 plus 1.4x TC. With the latest firmware the 7D has been greatly improved and does most of what I want and the 400mm is light enough to carry over my shoulder.

While not suitable with a TC the Canon 400mm f5.6 is also a much less expensive alternative.

I still have all my Nikon lenses, and because Nikon has still not replaced the D300 with a greater number of megapixels I now have a D800 too. (The D200 was sold).

Even if those people at Nikon realize there is a demand for a wildlife outfit, I don't think they realize just how big that demand is.

I am fortunate enough to be able to afford to run both systems although I still only own two Canon lenses. The 7D and 400mm f4 is my specialist bird gear.

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Regards,
Peter.
http://gowerphotos.tripod.com