New body or lens

Hi

I am currently using Nikon D7000 with Nikkor 80-400mm VR lens. I mainly love photographing birds however I do photograph mammals occasionally. I always shoot hand held.

If I want to change either the body or the lens what would be ideal to do and what would be the right replacement I mean which body or lens should I go with?

Thanks...

Bhasmang

Are you getting close enough to your subjects that you're happy with the reach of your 80-400mm?

Hi Dave

I am quite happy with the speed and performance of the lens, however we all know that 500/600mm is desirable when it comes to reach for the bird photography. Given the price the one I am using right now is excellent.

Well, since you're happy with the lens, then consider the camera. Will the D7100 offer you something that you're missing with your D7000? Will going to the top "pro camera" offer something to bring you closer to "ideal?" Since going up in lens is not financially attractive, then I'm guessing that a major improvement in body is not in the works either. That leaves considering if the move to a D7100 would be worth while. Maybe someone that's made that move will chime in. I'm a Canon guy, so I can't do anything other than compare specs.

Have you got an extender/teleconverter? If not, that might be a good next step. Getting more pixels on the subject is almost always better and that's a relatively inexpensive way to do it.

Thanks David

I don't have teleconverter. Actually I was thinking about the budgeting of my next camera gear and so I asked whether I should do upgradation in body or in the lens. But as you could have seen I was not sure about the particular model when I started this thread so I didn't get any reply. Then after a day or so I started another thread when I had my body and lens models sorted out and I got many replies from fellow BPN members...

Thanks once again I am really thankful to you for taking time to help.

Best wishes

Bhasmang Mehta