
Originally Posted by
Roger Clark
Harry,
It depends on the subjects you want. If birds and the D3s, with its 8.46 micron pixels, I would take the 500.
Will the D300 AF with the 1.7x TC (or 2x) with either f/4 lens? The D300 has 5.5-micron pixels, so has 8.46/5.5 = 1.54 times the pixels (linear measurement), so with a 1.4x TC on the D300, you would get slightly more pixels on a subject with the D300 +f/4 lens +1.4x TC than the same lens on the D3s and 2x TC.
On the other hand, being able to react fast is often important, and I find moving a 500 f/4 is a lot more difficult (for me) than a smaller lens. On my next trip, I'll be taking a 300 f/2.8 so I have increased mobility. I use Canon and with a 1D Mark IV (5.7 micron pixels) I feel I can get better images with the 300 than I did on previous trips with a 500 f/4 + 1D Mark II (8.4 micron pixels).
Also, weight limits on flights is a consideration. With a 500, you are pushing weight beyond most limits, and I have seen people have to check their carry on bags (but were allowed to take their 500 with one camera attached).
Either choice I'm sure you'll have a great time!
Roger