FX or Telephoto

[Marvin Schmidt]

Hi- Newby here.  By way of introduction, I'm an "old guy" - I used to splash chemicals, now all is clean, dry and wonderful.  Here's my question:  I have a VERY limited budget, $1200 - $1500.  I currently use a Nikon D300s, and my favorite lens is a Nikon 70 - 300 zoom.  Not quite enough reach for my two photo passions, surfing and birds.  That being said, I plan to buy either a Sigma 150 - 500 zoom, or a Nikon D700 body.  Since I changed my shooting protocol to ETTR, I have managed to produce 24 x 36 prints ( on a REALLY good day) with my D300s.  I am asking for your comments regarding which would be the best solution.  With a FX body, the quality of the image would allow me to crop to the 1.5x of my D300s.  However, the reach of the 150 - 500 would pull the subjects in closer on the sensor.  I have tested this and find advantages to both.  So - - - what do you think?  FX or Telephoto.  And remember, I am spending it - you all are EARNING it - hnce my budgetary constraints.
Thanks, 

[maddogmurph]

Have you considered a teleconverter on your current lens?  I don't think moving from that system to the D700 is what you're after.

[Marvin Schmidt]

Hi:  Yeah, I've been there, however, even Nikon does not make a teleconverter compatible with this lens.  Nice thought though, I could use it with other lenses I own - but sadly, that won't work.  Thank yo for your idea.
Marv

[LesPalenik]

I would look for a second hand D600/610 and also a used Sigma 150-500. You should be able to get both items for under $2,000.
It's a little bit more than your original budget, but a much more capable combo than D300 and 70-300mm, but you need good light and a big bag for that Sigma lens, so I'd keep D300 and 70-300mm as an everyday walkaround system.

[Marvin Schmidt]

Hi, Les:  Thaks for the comments.  Actually, I have used a D-610 quite a bit.  I'm not impressed.  The 150 - 500 mm is the lens I have settled on, more or less.  I am renting one to see how it performs.  I'll let you and others know what I find.  I like the D-700 for its build, and sturdiness.  Like the 610 I have used a D-700 a lot.  I like it.  My target print size is actually 12 x 18 ( or 13 x 19 ) and properly exposed my D300s works well at that size.  HOWSOMEEVER, I would like to improve upon what I have now.  My quandry is should I spend my meager funds on a D-700 and enlarge the image to suit me?  Or should I spend that same money on a more powerful lens.  I'm really not sure - and T

[LesPalenik]

Marv,

If you don't print large and need a robust camera, a D700 is a good choice.
If image quality is important, D600/610 gives you bigger print size, wider dynamic range and cropping flexibility.

Below are two bird shots, taken with a D600 and Sigma 150-500 lens at 500mm. I didn't encounter any problems, but these were captive birds and I got pretty close to them, so at 500mm I filled the frame. To shoot the surfers from the shore or the birds on a distant tree, you need to use every possible trick to get close enough. Actually, now that the new Tamron 150-600mm is out, I would be looking at that one rather than Sigma.

The resale prices of D700 and D610 cameras are about the same, so it is a matter of personal preference. However, for shooting surfers and birds, a DX format, i.e. D7100 might be a better choice.