| Joined: | Mon Apr 2nd, 2012 |
| Location: | South Lakeland, UK |
| Posts: | 4066 |
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Presumably the maximum, commensurate with weight, usability and IQ...
The D500 has a decent sensor it seems, that should allow heavier cropping than previous DX bodies. Coupled with outstanding higher ISO performance, Iain's comments not withstanding, in which case get a D3200 and save a bunch of cash...
I would have thought an f4 300mm + a good 1.4X extender could be a good way to go. Smaller, lighter and a useful combination. F6.3 won't bother the D500 under most conditions, unless you want pix of roosting Blackbirds?
The consideration of it being inviting to take out is important, it needs to be your friend, not something you have to endure. That was one reason I parted with my 400 f3.5, it was a good lens but pretty heavy and not sufficiently more pulling power than the 300 f2.8.
Better to sneak another couple of yards closer, or ignore opportunities which are out of range completely. That's where fieldcraft comes in, that is zero weight and costs nothing; unfortunately I don't possess it. Phil Tomkinson, http://www.wildsnaps.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk has it in spades and it shows in his wonderful wildlife photography.
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Robert.