How much should you pay to get 10% better images. I've spent thousands and I wonder if it has all been worth it!

@jakebrowderphotography

2 жыл бұрын

Af performance is where I am willing to pay more most modern sensors are capable of great IQ and low light performance.

@saarikkophoto

2 жыл бұрын

I paid just the customs fees to get 99% better images....of our very own sun! But when it comes to DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, it all depends on the glass, not about the camera itself. You can take stunning shots with a 20 yr old DSLR compared to modern mirrorless, as long as you have some high quality glasses available in your bag. Without them, the camera is just a point-and-shoot device.

@likeat_oad9666

2 жыл бұрын

My step No 1 was D7000 with a very very old lens af 75-300. Now I use z6 ii with 500 AFS II (I’m a poor student can’t afford the newer version lol) which brings me a lot of pleasure.

@kurtkemnitzer

2 жыл бұрын

For me, it’s not just image quality but AF performance and lighter weight of big glass!

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

@@kurtkemnitzer man that lighter equipment sure is expensive.

Hey Nikon, there's a talented guy named Josh Bayou who makes inspiring videos and tries to convince himself that he doesn't need new gear. He's right, his actual photos are beautiful, but such motivation deserves the best gear. He would be a great ambassador in my opinion.

It`s the man behind the camera, who takes the photos (not the gear)!

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

that about sums it up.

@KeithBauerAbq

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. As Ansel said: “The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!”

@VisualizeHealing

2 ай бұрын

Or woman! 🥰

@richardfink7666

2 ай бұрын

@@VisualizeHealing 🤣that`s right.

@user-gm4bn7ql6u

2 ай бұрын

Not strictly true, in the world of optics and electronics you get what you pay for

I always enjoy your videos and narration. This video is a darn good piece of advice. In fact, when you started off with the 600mm f4, that was quite a step forward, and that inspired me a lot. Thanks Bayou.

Hi Josh, absolute amazing videos. I constantly look at for your videos and appreciate the amazing content that you put out. A big thanks from Peter, all the way from South Africa 👌

Nailed it Josh..excellent stuff

Great and honest vid, really like that! Best regards from Germany

The advice in this video is really, really on point. I will refer people to this video from now on as it was able to crystallize my thinking on the subject and he does it so well, with examples and clarity.

Thank you Josh :) Absolutely agree with your summary and your conclusion 👌

Excellent, once again. Thanks for posting

Absolutely sir. Your summary should be taken to heart by everyone looking to improve, spot on.

Great vídeo mate! Thank you from Austrália

D500 coupled with any of this lenses is a beast combo.

@prokremelskidezolati1426

2 жыл бұрын

exactly and it is DX! :)

@georgedavall9449

2 жыл бұрын

INDEED !!! 👍👍👍✌🏻

@ianharrison7837

Жыл бұрын

D500 with 300pf + 1.4 III works well for me

@georgedavall9449

Жыл бұрын

@@ianharrison7837 NICE set up Ian! I guess it should, great combo you have there. I’m jealous! Ha Ha. Ive been thinking of getting the 200-500 as Nikon has a big rebate on it currently. I am told it plays well with the D500. Happy Shooting!

@ianharrison7837

Жыл бұрын

@@georgedavall9449 excellent lens but I don’t want to be walking with quite that much weight.

Great video! You nailed it! That's exactly how it is. I like how you explain it and how you tell us your impressive journey. I have pretty decent equipment and you could always buy more and better stuff (for example the brand new A7IV is soooo awesome). But it's not always needed. And next time when I think about it, I will also think about your video... 📷😊

Great video :) Very good advice, subscribed :)

Thank you! Your work is an inspiration. Your humility is an example.

Great content as always. One extra tool I ran across years ago was I met a landscape painter. In doing so I spent hours in discussion about the differences between the two crafts. It helped both of us to just learn from each other. Plein air painters if they are good completely digest a scene. It changed my outlook. So if you ever run across a painter that interests you spend time with them if you can.

Great advice... Thanks for your time and effort

Excellent advice. I owned a D7200 for 7 years before getting my Z6ii last November. Never invested in the big glass since any travel I did required a more compact kit. In the new year my purchases will be slightly different-multifocal IOLs to replace cataract affected lenses. The laser surgery is not cheap but I’m looking forward to really enjoying photography and life without thick and heavy eyeglasses. Post-COVID, I hope to get out much more and enjoy life. Thanks for your lovely example photos!

Josh, you are CRUSHING IT with your Z6ii. These are among the loveliest bird pics I've seen. Those cedar waxwings ❤️❤️❤️ BRAVO!

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a ton! My wife gets all the credit for that cedar waxwing image. She spotted that scene and called me over as it was developing. that is my favorite image of the last 12 months. such a sweet moment!

Great video as always, probably the best advice guys like me can get. I’m close to changing all my gear out, hopefully 2022. Thanks for these videos

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

I can't wait to see which direction you go.

Awesome advice... stunning bird photography

great video and some stunning images

Very straightforward and honest advise. Liked it. 👍🏻

Awesome stuff, thanks! :)

Amazing Photography Bayou!!!

Danke, dass Du Deine Erfahrungen mit uns teilst. Ein schönes Video und tolle Fotos

Great Video, Amazing images.

Josh I've been following your work since early days of KZread channel of yours. Since I can correlate most of them are things that you put in the content. Glad that your channel growing...

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you my friend.

Wow, another fantastic video and story, images are superb, I started going through all your videos and watch some more than once.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them! Thank you my friend.

It’s all about the journey .. the experiences and learning … I started with D7200 and I loved it . Yes the 300mm f4 , still can’t let go for compactness … cheers

Great video, very humble, hat's off!

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

I have recently discovered tour channel and I appreciate that you are keeping it real and honest. Your comments were spot on. Not everybody cam afford a 600mm prime and these lenses are not for everyone. For amateurs that do not need to sell their kidneys to buy a lens, there are some very good options out there to enjoy their hobby. Personally if I were to buy a lens I’d get a tamron 150-600mm and it would be more than enough for me. The important thing is understanding where you are at your photographic journey and buy accordingly.

Just a quick shout out to tell you that I very much enjoy your channel and the down-to-earth approach to bird photography. You're very authentic and stay true to yourself, unlike so many photography channels trying to monetize every last thing that they do. Also, nice images of lovely critters. Another bird photographer from Germany.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly! I really appreciate it.

Best camera is the camera you enjoy using, Josh. Keep churning these great videos.

I’m very happy with my D500. My photos have improved through just getting out there and shooting.

@themoodyphotographer59

2 жыл бұрын

I am with my D500 also! My keeper rate is higher with the D500 on birds in flight than with my D810 or my D850, but I get sharper images with the D850 on still birds and other wildlife.

@thunder7382

2 жыл бұрын

D500 with the 200-500 and 300 mm f4 D are killer combos

@AnimalsKevin

6 ай бұрын

Is nikobn D500 perfect for video wildlife shooting?

@Green-6937

5 ай бұрын

For budget conscious guys d 7500 is also fantastic choice..

Good info here also your video production keeps getting better. Keep it up

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

thank you so much Jake.

Thanks for some off the best advice ever. Enjoy your photography

@BayouJosh

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Great video I agree with everything you said! I am excited for the z9 if it’s autofocus is on par with the competition I do think bird in flight shots, especially smaller birds, will be much easier to get. Great job!

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Fingers crossed! I hope you're right.

listening to you is just like meditation to me along with the wise advise that you put in your videos. Your skills like yours define the camera and not the other way around. Its only after your videos that i decided to buy a Z6ii (my first camera after waiting to accumulate funds for 6 years).Thanks!

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful! you will thoroughly enjoy that camera.

Your photo's are fantastic. The cardinals, egrets and herons make me want to go back and visit the mid west.

Josh, we enjoy your videos very much! The advice in this video is on-point for birding and wildlife enthusiast photographers. My husband and I started serious photography when we both retired. First DSLR was Nikon 3400. As time went by, we traded up and hubby uses the 850, 750, & 7200. I use two 7200's and am totally happy. We buy good lenses! We have found our comfort level and no-stress fun birding photography. It should be fun and thank YOU for helping beginners to understand the latest and most costly gear is not necessary. Best Wishes to you, your wife, and this channel.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

thank you so much.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

Awesome advise!!! Thanks!

Spot on and honest. Great video.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated

wow thats one honest video. take my sub! good job!

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks man. I appreciate it.

Really great video Bayou. I'm a Fuji shooter and use a lot of vintage glass (I like the look) using adaptors. I'm glad I found your channel.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Thank You Matt. I am glad your are enjoying the videos. Fuji makes a great system.

Great video Josh.

Great advice Josh!! I totally agree with you. Camera company's now days are trying to spec us to death, but the quality of the image isn't that much better. If the image already looks great with the camera you have, then it will look great 15 years from now.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Truth. "spec us to death" yeah. so true.

Interesting! Beautiful photography

Josh, I am truly enjoying all of your videos! The last time I was doing serious photography I was using a Nikon 8008s, a 500mm f4 manual focus lens and Provia 100iso FILM. Since I am looking to pick up photography again and the new world of mirrorless is overwhelming I greatly appreciate your down to earth thoughts on what works. I looked but could not find you on Patreon. You might think about starting up there....

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

thank you so much. I am glad to hear you are enjoying the videos. The Patreon idea has crossed my mind and I appreciate you thinking about that. I'm just not sure what else I'd have time to offer. I have a career and a loving wife that both mean a lot to me. I have to be careful not to get too involved in my hobbies. Have a great day!

Love the video ! Thank you

Very good and informative video. Nice photos too.

You are the world most greatest wildlife photographer.I love your photography .In your adventures photography is rarest

Your images are incredible! I live near the Everglades and this inspired me to take bird photography more seriously 😀

Thank you so much! It was really useful!

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Pretty honest review. Thank you so much.

@BayouJosh

Жыл бұрын

😀

The best video ever I had gone through which helps budding photographer. Great work Josh 👍. Your photos are truly inspiring. Today I have Z6ii and I use it for my wildlife and bird photography. Thanks a lot for motivating us. I become your new subscriber. Looking forward to have some more great content. Also I have one question. I wonder what's gone different when I use 10fps D500 and 14fps Z6ii. I don't get same burst speed in Z6ii compare to D500. Can you help to understand?

The best information ℹ have found bar none many thanks a fantastic help to me .

No truer words said. I’ve been on a similar journey myself starting with a canon 200D and what has changed the most amongst constant upgrades is my knowledge of photography and editing just like you said. I can go back to some of my early images and make them look pretty good if they have potential. Back then I couldn’t see that potential and to me they were all bad images because my gear was inadequate. I now know that the gear had way more potential than I thought.

Great video. I like your summary of the different cameras and lenses you went through to get where you are now. I'm currently on my 3rd camera but I'm pretty happy with it. I started with a Canon EOS T1i. A couple years ago I made the jump to full frame but on a budget and bought a used EOS 6DMKII. But recently I bought a brand new R6. It was a drop in pixels, but the improvements in autofocus, ISO capabilities, and dynamic range compared to the 6DMKII were well worth it. I also just recently bought my first expensive lens, the RF 100-500. Haven't gotten out to shoot with it a lot yet, but the few times I have, I've been very happy with the results. Now I just need to get out a little more often and continue practicing. Really enjoying your channel. Both the story style videos, and the straight talk to camera videos. It's a good combination to have both styles.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

thank you so much Noel. You make a great observation about the lower pixel count. I went down from 45mp to 24mp and I have noticed a limit in my ability to crop images. However, the ISO performance has been fantastic.

The beauty of your photos brought tears to my eyes. Nature is so beautiful! Thank you!

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

You are so kind. thank you so much David.

Great advice and video Josh, I did much the same as you mate but started with a Canon 40d and a second hand 400mm f5.6, I upgraded my 40D for a 7Dmk1 and used that set up for many years, it taught me so much, learn your craft, learn bird behaviour learn conditions etc etc much like you say, more valuable than any new gear

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Good stuff!

hey, nice channel! I liked your story. Good story to hear for us who do not have the big budget.

Great vid! Very similar story.I was told by my mentor, when i started out, upgrade your skills before you upgrade your equipment. Starting out with that shorter reach lens certainly helped me hone my fieldcraft. Great point about the editing, too. You need a digital lightroom and it's a whole new discipline to use it, and use it well. Anyway, great stuff, I'll look back, as a new subscriber, at your other content....then look forward to some new. Take care.CB

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you had a great mentor.

Awesome video. Thank you. Canon user here but I found the exact same thing It was when I upgraded to full frame from crop sensor I started paying so much more attention to depth of field and composition and editing in lightroom, then next i got addicted to the L-series glass lol

Nice summary and photos.

We share your philosophy and as you comunicate is ahead of most YTubers. Your images tell how you are and feel doing what you love and represent many of us. Similar gear experiences, tried all brands and Nikon Z system is the most stable one and impress with the balance in image quality (Use Z6 and Z6 II + ZZ lenses: 14-24 2.8S, Z35 1.8S, Z50 1.8S, 70-200 2.8S and waiting for the Z zoom lens). Also Z differs much over others when you edit on 4K monitors, these are points that add up to final results. Salute from Uruguay!

Good advice wonderful images. 👍

Great video and all valid points! I really enjoyed the images you showed and what goes into it. Your images show the work you have put in to improve massively - more than any camera can help! Here are my thoughts about what to get in terms of value. I think the best "value" in wildlife photography today (assuming you do not need video capability) is a Nikon D500 with the stellar 200-500mm. The crop sensor gets you greater reach (very welcome), it's fast at 10fps with full size images and tracking, and it's very inexpensive when purchased used in good condition. I doubt you will get 10% better quality from anything you purchase above this. Full frame makes the biggest difference, but it is truly small for this type of photography. Should you "aspire" to it or start there? I think it depends on your budget. As for the rest of the possible 10% improvement, as Josh said, it's better glass. Again, depends on the budget.

Great video and your images are amazing.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 😊

Good advice. Another great video. Love my 200-600mm Sony lens!!!!!

I just finished your video interview with Jeremy. Awesome video. I am a Canon user but I enjoy and learning a lot on your channel. Have a blessed 2022.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Peter. thank you my friend.

You have summed up perfectly my own journey into wildlife photography. I began with a d3100 and then upgraded to d7200 and now d500. I wish someone had told me to beging with a better body as I quickly discovered the limitations. Fieldcraft and editing are definitely ways of improving your images ten-fold. Patience is the most valuable tool in any photographers kit bag.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

It’s a great journey! Don’t get me wrong, if I had unlimited funds I would have gone straight to the full frame pro model with the most expensive lens I could buy.

Thanks a lot for this video. i just bought a d850 and the 200-500 5,6. and honorestly i have been a little insecure if it was a bad buy in 2022.. but it seems like you kind of said it all in your video. thanks a lot! subbed and liked :)

Love your intro...so true!

Stumbled on this channel by accident. Glad i found you. Subscribed.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Andy

Awesome video! Very informative.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you man. I appreciate the feedback.

Thanks for sharing sir. Great video. I heard your each and every word. I'm gonna buy z6ii in November. Although I'm a beginner hybrid shooter. Just love wildlife and birding. Just subscribed sir. God bless you ♥

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped. thanks for stopping by. You're getting a great camera.

Wow, content of this video is amazing!! I got my first ever camera (R5 and RF 100-500 L IS USM lens) about 8 months ago. I’m getting better with every photo I take.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. congrats on the R5 and 100-500! awesome Kit. Though to beat that set up.

Thanks for a great video. I'm a few paces behind you: I have a D810, which was a retirement present, but I'm about to buy some better glass - my lenses are previous generation D lenses - which were great in their day, but not designed for high resolution digital. In the last 18 months of lockdown I've been shooting a lot of macro in my backyard, but I've found some great bird-watching locations here in the centre of France, and I'm about to dive in. I loved your wisdom about learning the craft, and your images spoke for themselves. And thanks also for the low key music... Liked and subscribed!

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

You are very Kind Christopher. That old D glass still has a great quality about it. Don't discount it too much. that big 600mm is an AFSii-d lens and it still makes beautiful images. AF motors are a bit slower but I move at a slow pace. 😉

its a self discovery so very honest and nice advice..thanks...

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Indeed.

This is exactly the journey I’ve been on. Been slowly upgrading from a Canon T7 and kit lens to now a R7 with the Canon 100-500mm L. I was hoping I was done but now I don’t know. 😆 You’re right about the resolution and clarity not mattering to anyone. My wife could care less. It’s all about the bird, colors and action in the photo. Some of my best and favorite pics do nothing for her. Lol. I guess in the end it’s just for me because im never going to be a pro.

Great video. I’m on early on in my progression. Started with Nikon d5600 crop sensor with the kit 300mm lense. Moved to a 150-600 Sigma 5.6 to 6.3 lense. Now with the z6ii and the same Sigma. Would love to go prime but will need to wait now till there’s a second hand prime z lense ! 100% agree that lense is 5he best investment. I would argue though, that a Crop sensor isn’t such a bad thing to start with, as it give you that extra reach for “free”… my sigma had an effective reach of 900mm on the D5600.

Fantastic work !

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot!

Great video. I am not a wildlife photographer, but I love looking at great photographs. Thanks for sharing. I’ve owned many Nikon dslrs from the D70 I purchased in 2004 to my D850 as well as a Z6 and what I have learned is great technique, composition and photo editing skills trump equipment every time. I recently put together a project I started in 2004 and finished in 2018 with images shot on a D70, D200, D300, D800 and D850 and I found my early crop sensor low megapixel images held up very well against my D800, D850 images. It was a real eye opener. Much like you showed in your video

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

It can be surprising.

I started with the D7000 with 70-300 5.6 , little by little I upgraded to a D850 with the 24-70 2.8 ,,,, 70-200 2.8 and the 200-500 5.6 I really love them, I would love to get the 400 2.8 but that cost an arm and a leg, thanks for sharing your videos!

Hey Josh, this was a well considered video - honest and full of good advice. I wish I had seen it some years ago when I was starting out with bird photography. I bought a 300 mm 2.8 because it was cheaper than the 5000 f4, and people said the 300 was better for birds in flight. That may be true, but it doesn't factor in that lots of small birds are usually further away (particularly here in the UK). The other point is that once you add an extender, the longer the focal length to start with, the more the increase in focal length. After a few years I sold the 300 and went for the 500. Ive not looked back, but i wish I had gone straight for ththe

@BeyondGabi

Жыл бұрын

@@GeraintDafis this is gold :)

your modety is refreshing. great video.

@EtzionHadassy

2 жыл бұрын

Two points to ad to the great advises on the video: 1. getting a new peace of equipment is somtimes for easier "work", and user experience, not just for the quality of the end product. 2. A very very important tool in getting great photos of birds (and other wuidlife sobjects), is to know your sobjects. Where they are? what are their habits? their food ect.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! you make a fantastic point. the images don't necessarily get better. It just becomes less work to get the good images. great point! thanks again.

I'm just blown away, Your shots are remarkable! I think the way you started birding from D7xxx/300mm to Z/600mm and your great effort led to these awesome photos as most professional photographers did the same in the past. Most of them started with mid to pro crop DSLR and ended up with a modern high fps full-frame camera as well. High MP/fps full-frame camera with a f/4 super-telephoto prime is must have to get pro grade wildlife photography especially very difficult and challenging bird photography, even a slow full-frame camera like D750 leaves the mighty D500 in the dust with ISO performance, Image quality, Dynamic range and important blurry background in wildlife photography. Loved your video Josh, Good luck 🥂

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

thank you so much my friend. Just trying to get a little better every day. I'm just thankful that I'm to a point where I can consider some of the nicer stuff. 😀

Plainly said - I like your laid-back attitude to great bird photography. Like every other thing out there if you put your time into it you will get better! And, it doesn't hurt to have some good equipment too but you also need to know how to use them. Take care and be safe out there....

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

well said, thank you

Watching you carry that rig made me happy I sold my FF and went M43. I agree agree agree that good glass is a game changer.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

It is certainly a lot of camera to carry around.

Awesome video. The D5600 was my first camera. Just like you with the 3100, I definitely noticed a difference when upgrading to the D7500. When I sold the D7500, I ended up getting the D500 which I feel is the best APS-C DSLR ever made across all brands, while my wife got the D810. Noticeable difference in image quality between our cameras. At the beginning of 2020, we got rid of our cameras and my wife opted for the Z6, while I ended up jumping over to Fujifilm with the X-T4. One bit of advice that you gave that I absolutely agree with is getting quality glass. That will outlive a lot of cameras. Sure cameras can help assist a photographer better, but studying composition and checking for backgrounds will definitely help photos. Look much more interesting. Awesome video and excellent photos. You’re doing an awesome job.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

great insight Daniel. thank you for sharing. I am very intrigued by that Fujifilm GFX lineup. I'd love to dip my toes into medium format.

Thank you. You have truly spoken as an advising friend. I totally agree with you. I have a Nikon D810 and wish to update to D850. And I have a 600mm f5.6, now I am convinced 600 f4 is better. Thanks again.

Great video. I love your shots. Your editing is amazing. I shot with the Sony 200-600 for a little while on my a7RIV and I never really jelled with it. It's definitely a decent lens, but between the weight and the fact I'm a landscape and street photographer first and a wildlife shooter second, I wasn't getting what I wanted out of it and returned it. Generally now when I shoot wildlife, which 90% of time involves me sitting on my front porch aimed at my bird feeders, I shoot with the Sony 100-400GM in the a7RIV's crop mode to give me a 600mm equivalent. Never been happier with the quality I'm getting.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

thank you John, that is a wonderful combination as well.

Love the honesty about not being an authority. Well done Sir and great advice.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

I am just a guy that likes photographing birds. 😃

@adammacsween3230

2 жыл бұрын

@@BayouJosh Same. Far too many people think that what they say is gospel, however it is just regurgitating what they’ve seen on other KZread channels. Anyway take care and stay safe

Josh. Great content! I am a follower now. I wanted to see if you have an recommendations for purchasing used lenses. I also like bird photography.

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

What platform are you shooting? Look at the 300f/4 for Nikon. pair that with a 1.4 TC to get 420mm reach. or maybe a if you have a bigger budget the 500mm pf from Nikon. sony? 200-600 is fantastic.

That's words of wisdom 😎

always good stuff Josh. i always enjoy your vids. Im a nikon guy, have been for a loooong time.. since about 2005 when i bought, from best buy the D70. now I shoot with the D500 but do lots of other things besides wildlife, like severe weather, some weddings and portraits. Looking to make that jump to the mirrorless at some point, just not in the cards right now. what I would love to see though, is some start to finish editing that you do. I struggle with it even still for some reason and just enjoy your work, id love to see how you edit today. thanks for your hard work!

@BayouJosh

2 жыл бұрын

I've gotten a lot of editing requests. I guess I need to just make it happen. Thank you so much Jesse.

@vacanechaser

2 жыл бұрын

@@BayouJosh alway bro. I like the fact that you say you’re not a “professional” but show us how you can shoot like one if you just put your mind to it and do it. Too many want it to happen over night, and I mean that with everything in this world today.

Spot on advice Josh. The nikon AFS 300mm f4 is a great budget option, works well with the TC14Eii as well. Wedge a cut piece of cork between the lens and lens foot mount (to add stability) plus with a good tripod lovely sharp images are possible. I got a bargain mint 2nd hand 300mm f4 with AF motor not working - tests your skill level ! Also more recently using a 300mm f2.8 AF + TCs for BIF and action. D700 now bargains, D850 great value, older F mount lenses now low priced . Photographer = most important, then the Light, then Lenses and finally Cameras, and don't forget a decent tripod and mount.