Second body for wildlife photography

I have followed all the discussions about how inadequate the D800/E supposedly is for wildlife photography. My own experience is quite different. I have owned the D300, the D7000 and sold both to get a D800 and a D800E. I use the 500mm VR almost exclusively, or the 200-400mm VR I zoom hardly noticing a difference in IQ. I shoot handheld almost exclusively. I use the TC 14 and TC17 with no problem (also handheld). I shoot at 1/1600 or 1/2000 of a second at f8 as a standard setting. If the animals are stationary I use VR down to 1/800 or even lower.  ISO of 800 to 1000 is barely noticible, in contrast to the D300. Target aquisition with the D800 is better than anything I have ever experienced. I originally thought that the D800 would not be much of an improvement over the D7000, but I was totally wrong. The D800 is better in every respect. (I had sold my D300 in favor of the D7000, and found the D7000 much more useful, better detail obviously, but not as good in target aquisition.). In short, I swear by the D800/E. I played with the idea to get the D4 because of its high FSP, but abandoned it. The resolution is not high enough. If Nikon ever comes out with a D400 with the proper speed and detail, I'll consider that. But for now, in my opinion there is no better wildlife camera than the D800. I shoot everything, from seaotters to whales, to butterflies, owls, hawks, flickers, buffelheads etc. Do yourself a favor and get the D800E.

Good luck,

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http://www.heisingart.com
What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
Fritz