I also like to have two camera bodies around - I sometimes even shoot landscape with the 16-35 or 24-105 on the D810 and the 70-200/4 on the D500. It also puts the higher 'workload' (aka actuations) on the cheaper body.

I never even considered the D810 for wildlife (and action) - the camera is too slow and adding a D500 to the bag solved that issue. For what I use the D810 for (landscape, travel), the D850 offers only marginal (if any) improvements - to me incommensurate with the cost of upgrading. Which option would you go for 1,2 or 3 or perhaps I am missing something and there is a better option.Ĭlick to expand.That's what I have - and I pretty much considered the same options you did. I should also say that I would not want to upgrade the D850 (if that is my option) with a battery grip and that the f4, 500m and 600mm Nikon lenses are completely out of my price range. Option 3 gives me one camera that could potentially do everything ! Option 2 gives me 2 cameras with complimentary benefits, (D810 - landscape and D500 - wildlife) Options 2 and 3 include a much improved auto-focus systems in the D500 and D850 for wildlife photography, compared to my present D810. Options 2 and 3 would cost the same while option 1 is clearly cheaper.

Keep the D810 and compliment it with a D500 (new or used).

My question related to my camera body and whether this needs to be changed or complimented with a more wildlife orientated body. I have the new Nikon 500mm PF on back order but am unlikely to receive it for a number of months.

I accept that my personal photographic and bushcraft skills are an important factor as well. In Scotland where I live, otters and deer keep there distance and may be 'out of reach' with my present equipment.

With birds in flight and animals at a distance it is not up to the job. The combination of D810 and 80-400mm has served me well on a safari in Africa and on a trip to the Galapagos Islands, where the animals are fairly close, but I have noticed that at the long end the images are not tack sharp and my hit rate could be better. I am very happy with my landscape setup but it is with wildlife where I feel my equipment may need updating. I am a keen amateur, with an interest in landscape and wildlife photography. I am looking for help with a decision that ultimately only I can make but would be interested to know what other people would do.

Buy nikon d810