Nikon D850 VS D500 Using the Nikkor 200-500 - Osprey Feeding Frenzy

[@anthonym3051]

Why would anybody think Nikon is dead when two of the best cameras are in their line up. This is from a Canon user.

[@anthonym3051]

Oh my God that image of the golden color wave was so amazing.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@gaurav.anirbandutta]

I cant even explain the joy I get in watching your videos. Highly informative and entertaining

[@EngrAldrin]

One of my favorite wildlife photographer. You are not just an amazing photographer but a great storyteller. It makes your video more enjoyable to watch.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you so much for the great compliments. I really appreciate it.

[@aaronmiller1301]

That fish around 6:15 certainly did not 'live to see another day'! There are lots of ospreys around where I work, in the summer and fall, and it's quite common to see fish that've been dropped during exactly this sort of osprey-vs.-osprey chase. Such fish are easy to identify, too; they're the ones floating at the surface with giant slashes torn in them - sometimes all the way through them - by the enormous talons of an osprey's feet. (Incidentally, I strongly favor the D500/200-500 combo myself! Very much agreed that it's the best wildlife/BIF equipment at its price point. And, unlike the much larger and more expensive 500mm f/4, I can _just_ fit the body and lens into a Lowepro pack for everyday carry, so that I don't have to plan more than a minute or two ahead to get great shots. Awesome channel! Just found it today, looking forward to digging in more.)

[@johnfindley9470]

WOW! Not only awesome photography on your part, but educational as well. And those Osprey...I never knew, incredible. Great presentation and comparison of two great Nikons.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@jimweatherly5880]

Just joined the channel yesterday and cannot stop watching. Very humble and informative. I also own a D500 and am getting a 200-500 this week, so I love all the tips. Thanks ... GREAT CHANNEL!!!

[@antonoat]

Mark, thanks very much for taking us along for the ride' this was a wicked video. You are really good at doing these types of videos, the commentary and explanations are the icing on the cake. Top work as always. thanks and cheers from the UK tony

[@MarkSmithphotography]

+AoToGo Thanks so much for watching and the great compliments. I'm happy to have brought you along for the ride.

[@TXLorenzo]

Fantastic captures of Ospreys. Not only have you captured great images, but have revealed some great insight on Osprey behavior and life.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for the great compliments!

[@crazyrekrul]

All I want for Christmas is the Nikkor 200-500 to make my D500 complete!!!!! Thanks again Mark, your videos tell a story and that's what sets you apart from other youtube channels. I feel like I'm with you on your trips watching these videos, keep up the great work!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You are welcome. Thanks for the compliments and watching. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@music2soothmysoul]

I’m thinking that’s going to be my treat to myself. Super combo!

[@jimdescher6964]

I have been shooting with a d5200 now for four years. I have gotten good enough now and I want some new gear! I had every intention of buying a d7200 or d7500. No more. I have seen too much of the d500 on several reviewer sites. Mark...yours sealed it for me. Love the shots. Love the narration. Love this camera!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

The D500 is an incredible camera and a big upgrade from the D5200. Enjoy it!

[@koolkutz7]

Insane detail in the Osprey's eye! And that shot of the golden, sun-drenched wave was sublime. Good work Mark.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. I really like shooting the waves. They made for some neat colors and who could ignore that Osprey. Incredible detail for sure. Thanks for watching.

[@acsolares2]

one of THE best photo blog episodes i have ever seen! Great stuff Mark !

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@davidrobinson4118]

Superb as always Mark. I have the D500 and have no inclination to change it as I'm so pleased with it. But crikey, those close ups of the Osprey on the bridge were just awesome with the D850. Best wishes from the U.K.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks and yes, when you can get close, the D850 capture amazing detail. Those shots really blew me away.

[@DanMikaVideo]

Fantastic shots and I love the passion for the wildlife. Very happy to subscribe and watch more.

[@tomwalsh7570]

Thanks Mark from "down under"... tremendous work, and your "no fuss" approach appreciated. That wave shot really something. Been weighing up the 500 from my 7100 for bird shots! Cheers

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate it and the kind words. I really liked the wave shot as well. I love being able to freeze time like that and then step back and look at that moment to see all the detail. The D500 is a great camera for birds. I've never shot the D7100 so I can't compare the two.

[@jackburkevicia3282]

Thanks again for a fantastic job getting this and all your videos together for a very interesting viewing. I learn a lot from your videos and also own a D500 myself which just happens to be one all around great camera. Not able to afford the 200-500 but perhaps in my next lifetime. Hope you keep us viewers busy with your great works in the future.!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching and the kind words. I'm glad the videos are useful!

[@reoflex]

Thanks Mark, I have both cameras and wanted to see what results you came up with. And your experience matches my own.

[@mac7406]

Wow, what a great outing, those photos are really wild! You really show what the Osprey goes through for a meal. Great pics Mark!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! Those Osprey really do have a lot of work cut out for them but they catch fish so well! It always impresses me. Could you imagine trying to jump head first into the water and grabbing a fish with your hands? That would be tough!

[@landrover4444]

I grew up on Cape Cod and there are today osprey all over the place and they are magnificent birds to watch. I love the way they carry fish through the air in their talons.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

+h1an yhb7 Me too. It's cool how they swap them around so they become more aerodynamic.

[@krzysztofkurzaj2755]

I've watched a bit over a minute of this video, paused and subscribed, and went back to watching it. And I'm not even into wildlife photography at all. Fantastic work. Great photos, nice video footage and very interesting commentary to wrap it up nicely. Keep em coming.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

+Krzysztof Kurzaj Thanks. That is awesome of you to say! I've got plenty more working in the old brain.

[@DanielHebardArt]

Great presentation . You answered the exact challenge I have been looking seeking to solve. Nice work.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Very much enjoyed the video Mark - your enthusiasm really comes through. I've been lucky enough to photograph Ospreys from a hide in the UK, but to see them fish in that open environment must be an awesome experience.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

+Paul Miguel Photography Glad you enjoyed the video. It was totally incredible watching them catch food.

[@jimmomary]

Breath taking shots! All the best. Look forward to even more. Jim in NJ.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@richardharvey1732]

Hi there Mark, Richard here in Cambridge England, I took Ken Wheeler's tip to watch your channel and as ever his advice is sound!. Such a pleasure to see someone in action getting really excited shooting and thanks too for the shooting info, shutter speed and aperture etc. every little helps!. Richard.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

+Richard Harvey Thanks for stoppong by. It was really awesome of ken to do that for me. Glad you are enjoying the videos!

[@robroyig-robroyphotography9225]

Super enjoyed your video Mark! I have the 500 and 850 too, and have been struggling to find out which to use for Wildlife. Your points and reasons for choosing the 500 in this scenario are spot on. I know my technique needs work, and the 850 really magnifies that. So capturing fast action I have relegated to the 500, and landscape to the 850.....on a tripod..lol. But, I would like to try the 200-500 on the 850 to get closeups since it does deliver the details! Again, great video!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@sols9449]

I hear you on the d500 speed I have one and love it. However wow the image quality on the D850 is pure insanity. Beautiful pics. Nice video as well.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. You are right too. There is a trade off. The D850 super detail. The D500 super speed!

[@bl95yt]

Another great video Mark!! Amazing detail in your shots. Really awesome how the Osprey feeds. You make it sound and look easy to photograph, which I'm sure it is not. Well done.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank so much. Those osprey were incredible and I am so lucky to have been there to witness their awesome behavior. I can't say that it was difficult because I was having far too much fun!

[@MacPro8CoreMan]

Great Vid and Stills. I live in Scottsdale AZ and live with a canal behind my house. On the other side of the canal is a very large power pole with acts as a "T" in the line system. This has resulted in large wooden beams connected as part of the structure at the top of the pole. I have come to call this my Raptor Pole, and as a photographer, it has offered up the greatest opportunities I have ever had. Just last year 2017 I glanced out toward the pole from my office and there was very large bird up there. I grabbed my camera and from my patio took a bunch of images. Before I had a chance to look at the images om a computer I thought it was an immature Bald Eagle. But once on he could be more clearly I realized this was my first Osprey, Sitting on top of the pole eating a large sunfish. a gorgeous bird.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for the compliments and for sharing your story. Sounds like you had a great time!

[@findus605]

Hi Mark I am running out of superlatives for your images, they are utterly stunning as well as being something to aspire to capturing. Thanks again for sharing 👏👏👍

[@mickmckean7378]

Another great video with excellent info Mark, you really know your bird behaviour. Your enthusiasm for the subject really comes through in your presentation, birding and bird photography really is a passion and a release from the day to day grind.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks a lot. Birds and their behavior amaze me. Being out in nature really is an excellent way to escape from the day to day life. Thanks for watching and for the kind words.

[@phillipt322]

Thanks for another amazing video Mark, totally awesome. I cannot believe all the detail that the 850 captures, that is amazing.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

+Phillip Truitt You are welcome. The detail is very impressive!

[@j.williams2735]

Ken Wheeler said it was a great video,, and it didn't disappoint. I learned a lot. Thanks.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

+J. Williams Awesome. Thanks for coming by.

[@crackertracker1176]

So happy to have come across your channel, just what I've been looking for. You are doing the type of photography I'm interested in and in Florida too! Wow, great photo's and thanks for the camera setting you provide.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching and for the great compliments.

[@irabrucelevine]

Wonderful video, Mark. Compelling captures and very interesting commentary. Well done. And thanks.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

+Ira Bruce Levine Thanks! I had a great time making it.

[@pwr24]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS AND GREAT SHOTS! i ALSO LOVE HOW YOU PRESENT THE STORIES OF YOUR PICTURES.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@thomasbunner734]

Those are just some amazing shots of an amazing bird. I also love the majestic osprey. Enjoyed your commentary very much. Happy shooting!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. It was a great time.

[@mistytalbert7533]

Amazing shots! I throughly enjoyed this one! Gorgeous birds. And that wave shot is just amazing!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

+Misty Talbert Thank you!

[@love2cycle2]

Really enjoy your work. Just chose a D500 over a D850. Already have a D800 and it is an awesome camera still. Just need some big glass like the 200-500. Keep up the great story telling. It is so much more than just showing your awesome photography.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much for the great compliments. I really appreciate them. The D500 is a great camera. You will love it.

[@TheBluesine]

awesome photos my friend

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@KevinFox58]

Another awesome video and an awesome bird. We only get to see them up here for a few months in the warmer weather. Just can't beat the speed of the 500. I'm finally getting the hang of it and getting some great shots. I've been considering the Manfrotto gimble. I'm a hand held guy mostly.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! The D500 is crazy good! I use the gimbal mostly for video work and it works very well.

[@ChethanNagarajaPhotographer]

Excellent video Mark. Love those action shots.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@lylecameron5578]

I'm back again. Just saw your Nikon 200-500 video you published last April which answered my below question of the Nikon vs Tammy 150-600 v1. Again, THANKS for your great videos which I just recently discovered. Will be booking trip with you when I next visit Florida (where I used to live).

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad you enjoy them. Let me know when you would like to go out and we will have a great time.

[@kmulhall8233]

WOW, you took some amazing photos. That D850 looks like it has amazing definition. I'm jealous. Great channel, love what you do!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. The D850 does capture some great detail. Thanks for watching.

[@kmulhall8233]

I'm jealous about how much cool wildlife you get to photograph!

[@anita.s6332]

Stunning shot on the wave, WOW!! This is by far my favorite video. Great job Mark.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank a lot. I liked that wave shot too. It amazed me afterwards. Thanks for watching.

[@JamieBulloch1]

special stuff mate, big thanks... wide mouthed at the skill capturing this sequence, well done, pure quality....

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you. It was a lot of fun!

[@bobs41]

Fantastic as usual ! Surprised we haven't bumped into each other by Sebastian inlet or Viera Wetlands etc , not positive - but think I saw you yesterday morning entering the wetlands as I was leaving - I was packing my camera in my black Tahoe - think that was you in a white mini SUV - only caught a glimpse - and thought - I think that was Mark !.. Regret I had an appointment and couldn't say hello - IF that was you !

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! I do drive a white SUV but I wasn't at Viera yesterday. Might go for a sunset drive tonight though. Definitely stop and say hi if you do see me out there. I'm sure we will bump into each other soon.

[@joetheslugable]

Wow, what a great video. Full of interesting wildlife and bonus camera setting information. Brilliant stuff. I've now subscribed.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@themobileman6895]

You are a great photographer Mark! Loved your sequence of shots and accompanying explanation.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. That is very nice of you to say. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@MrJimckorn]

So good at story telling and in perfect sync with the photos and video. We have ospreys here in NJ but not in such concentration as where you are. Looks like you are at in inlet that in funneling the food chain in front of your camera.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

+Jim Kazalis Thanks for all the compliments. I think you are right about the food source. The Osprey were the thickest at incoming tide.

[@chrislj2890]

Beautiful results: You and Nikon are a great combo!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@kmacfly59]

Another great video Mark, your videos are some of the best on KZbin! Thanks.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you so much. That is so nice of you to say!

[@rocksandoil2241]

Video and stills are incredible. The one behind you was amazing.

[@genesultry6447]

Your vids (Stills) and story telling are very good. Surprised you don't have 1M plus Subs. Well done, Mark!

[@PeterJensen1359]

Awesome video Marc. Congratulations on the 5000 markI Ilook forward to your videos which you do incrediible job on. They are great and educational too. thanks again

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@21utubeutube]

Great work Mark! Fabulous photos with both cameras 👏

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you very much.

[@zohtman]

I love the way you describe your images .. story telling with metadata .. interesting indeed .. Ken recommended to follow you

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! I really appreciate it.

[@iWithinMe]

Love the insightful stories behind your shots, keep them coming.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@mikeydubs_tv]

Wow dude. One of the coolest reviews and I have been knee deep on KZbin trying to find a camera to buy. I also learned something about a beautiful animal which is awesome. I am stuck between getting an a7iii or one of these higher end nikons. Time will tell!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. I think you would be fine with either. It is the ecosystem that you are buying into that needs the most attention. Right now, Nikon has far more really high quality glass and they are about release a mirrorless to compete with Sony. Sony is starting to produce good g lass though so it would be a tough decision for sure.

[@RobertDuttonFineArt]

Great shots, information and footage. Appreciate the 2 camera comparisons for the job of wildlife shooting you had in mind here. Thank you.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! I'm glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@EGlideKid]

Also, that 200-500 becomes 300-750 with the D500, giving you much more apparent zoom. I love my 500 and pair it with a D610 for landscape or slower work. Nice vid!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

I love mine too but I also love the d850. Great combo!

[@chadhooey6092]

Hi Mark BCBIRDMAN HERE and i just wanted to help you with some unknowns you had in your last amazing video and man your photography is blowing my mind ,thank you so much for what you are doing and showing the beauty of my favorite living things on this planet! Anyways enough gushing about you lol! I think one of the birds was a Tennessee Warbler or a Nashville Warbler their very close to looking in the same genus as the Northern Parula but are very destinct in their own right and what great finds you got their plumage in, and the painted buntings you are a lucky man because they are very endangerd as you are most likely aware of. I also believe one of the birds you got was a Magnolia Warbler, i must say you live in Warbler country, i wish we had that many Warblers, we have a lot of Wrens and Bald Eagles and hawks as well as Sand hill cranes and your shots of the sandhills are the best i have ever seen. Im rambling now so i will leave you alone keep up your amazing shooting

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for all the compliments and Identifications!

[@luifalcon]

Hi Mark, Outstanding video & pictures, really, im a big fan. Much success to you! Lou

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@clingonWarbird]

Awesome photos! It is amazing to get all that clarity with being handheld!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@markloh4896]

Can't wait for your next video.Yes I think there is abit of AF issue with the water and Osprey. Did my Osprey shot with the grip and 200-500mm was excellent but arm is sore due to extra weight from the grip.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

So are you saying you shot ospreys with the grip and had no issues? If so, were you tracking them vertically or horizontally? I didn't even consider the extra weight of the grip either. Nice upper body workout!

[@markloh4896]

No there's issue even with grip.You get use to the weight after some time good workout ready for the 600mm(Dreaming)🤣🤣

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Ok thanks for that. Yes, my arms are getting ready for the 600mm as well lol

[@rogerbenstead1075]

Great video I'm from Norfolk in the UK I have also took photos of the Osprey fishing here in the UK good to know I'm using the same settings as a pro. I have subscribed, looking forward to some more videos of flying birds.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks a lot for the compliments. I appreciate it. Osprey are a lot of fun to photograph!

[@Nisaametyel]

Wow!...lucky i found this channel. I learn a lot in your channel Mark. Thank you!

[@daviddavis6819]

Fabulous!!! I think this is one of your best videos! Thank you Mark!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you! I'm slowly working towards improvement with each one.

[@fpeachm]

excellent pictures

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@irfannazir6309]

great job Mark, you have captured my favourite Bird in action, Lesson of Nature

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! Osprey are incredible birds.

[@stevenr6102]

Ken gave some good advice. Your channel is awesome! Your images are breathtaking...

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching and huge thanks to Ken.

[@CTJudy]

Thank for the informative video. Just got my D500 today and osprey are the #1 reason I got this camera....I want to catch them fishing and I hope to be able to get some great shots like yours one day!!!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching

[@mpg3960]

Hi Mark another great video. Did you notice the Tern standing on one leg has a ring (or band as they say over there) on?. Always interesting to spot :-)

[@charleshoward1475]

A superb film. I was truly captivated Mark. You and are Chris Packham would have a field day together. Thank You.

[@desertoo23]

Man, I love this channel. Incredible pictures it is so nice to come down here and watch these amazing videos. The d850 is an awesome camera indeed.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much for the great compliments. I'm having a great time making the videos. The D850 is very impressive.

[@ewanoffshore]

Awesome video, you are so lucky to have this on your doorstep!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks and yes I am!

[@laurieewilson]

Wonderful shots of some fabulous birds! Thank you!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

+Laurie Wilson Thank you!

[@olmedomiro5476]

great video , excellent photography and brilliant narrative....

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@paulhills1967]

A stunning piece of work Mark. Thank you for your hard work in making this video.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you so much for the kind words and for watching.

[@denault3985]

A excellent video once again Mark, luv the Osprey and their unusual flying methods. I hope to purchase a D500 for photography/4K video of mechanical birds (ie airplanes) and railroading. No wonder the Marines named their aircraft after the Osprey, it has unusual flying habits too!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@DavidBealeakaFKD]

Great video - had a chance to shoot some Osprey earlier this year with a D500 and that 200-500 while I do not have the D850 to compare I can say I'm very happy with that lens-body combo. Keep these vid's coming

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you! The D500 is great with the 200-500. You will have plenty of great photos with those two.

[@LPaulBaker]

Nice video. Those diving photos are incredible! Thank you.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much.

[@tomlee812]

What a fabulous video. I think your channel must be my favourite subscription just now. Thank you!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. That's great to hear.

[@LisaSaffell]

Love your outings and commentary Mark. I am living vicariously through you until I can get down to Florida for some bird photography.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

I'm glad you are enjoying the videos and happy to give you that birding fix until you can get down here.

[@ToddHudsonAtl]

Dude, truly great video. I have the D500 to shoot my daughter's softball games and it is a great sport shooters camera. I really loved the photos you had here. Glad I stumbled on this one...

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. The D500 is a great camera!

[@cmtrain1]

Awesome photos, awesome skills and awesome gear

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks x 3!

[@barnaclewatcher4060]

Nice Mark!! Glad to hear you still like the D500!!!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

I love the D500. It is a fantastic camera that still blows me away. I'm really curious to see how Nikon tries to improve on what appears to be perfection.

[@daywoo62]

This is the best Osprey video I've seen. I'm in the Northeast, so they're not around yet. I cant wait for spring though, I just got the D500, and the 200-500 is in the works. I managed a few shots with the D7100, and 70-300, but not even close to your amazing captures. Your an inspiration, as is Kristofer Rowe check out his Flickr page. Thanks for your great videos, I've learned so much from watching them.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for all the kind words and for watching my videos. I really appreciate it!

[@prabhubhoopathy7478]

Awesome comparison btwn the D850 vs D500... I loves the speed and detail of the D500... Excellent bro

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. This video is a little old. I now use the D850 far more. Once you add the grip to the D850, it transforms the camera into a faster machine.

[@prabhubhoopathy7478]

Mark Smith.. thanks for the reply. But my budget allows me to buy D500🤑 and not D850😱bro... So that's my gear 😜

[@jc32750]

Man, those are some fantastic looking images. Keep up the good work. Can't wait to get my D500 back and hit the trails....

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks! I bet you are eager to get back out there shooting.

[@jc32750]

I am, feel like I'm going to be starting over....

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Nah. Its like riding a bike.

[@voleibolfan3132]

Thanks a lot! I love this video because i have the D500 and the 200-500 Nikkor.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You are welcome!

[@paulahalpin9660]

Wow Amazing really enjoyed the story of the fishing. I upgrading from a D7100 and am torn between the D500 and D850. I love wildlife, macro, portraits and close ups of all sorts. I have a 24-70mm , 70-200mm older tamron 150-600 big and heavy, 2 times TC. I recently on holidays I shot bald eagles at the sea in Alaska but the 70-200 with teleconverter didnt have enough reach and was shaky in the wind-hugely disappointing. I want to decide between 80-400, 200-500, 500PF. Please can you recommend a camera and long lens for me. IN addition ideally I would like to travel as light as possible. Many thanks Paula

[@gonnasee1waldkanal]

Real phantastic photos! Congratulations! Amazing pictures! How is the Video quality of the D850? Similar good as the photos? Understood from comments below that you made the Video parts with your mobile phone. Why? Could you maybe send a link to a Video you've done with the 850?

[@strongandco]

Wonderful video Mark, i look forward to visiting a cool spot like that someday. All AF systems will struggle when there are similar areas of high contrast, white wave tops and dark water probably looks about the same as white and dark feathers to a camera. you could try adding a little more delay in custom settings menu a3 to reduce the chance of the camera finding something else to focus on if it looses lock for a second although that will only really work when the subject remains in the same focal plane.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. I was very lucky to be there with all of those great birds. I tried adjusting the blocked shot settings and it seemed to make things worse. It would take longer to acquire and lock focus. I think you are right about the contrast. The D500 did the same thing but it not as often and it seemed to recover much faster. I wonder if the grip increasing the FPS would bring it up to the same as the D500 as far as focus lock goes.

[@strongandco]

I havent seen anyone suggest that it will. it uses the same AF system in the D500 and the D5 but they all seem to perform slightly differently. I'd imagine that the way the af performs is dependant on the firmware and file size (hardware or deliberately induced processing limitations). The fact that the buffer is still smaller with the grip suggests that this might be the case. I'd try using it in DX mode first to see if that helps although keeping the subject in a smaller frame within the viewfinder might be a pain.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Good suggestion. I'll have to give it try and see how it responds.

[@The_SemperFiGuy]

Great job Mark! Not only are the pics and vid awesome, but we got a little "edumacation" thrown in for free. Didn't realize Osprey will steal from each other. Geez, they are tenacious. Also learned something about the Black Skimmers. They are beautiful birds in their own right. Can't wait for your next video. All the best ! Gil from Largo, FL aka SemperFiGuy

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much! Those osprey were putting on a nice show! Glad you are enjoying the videos.

[@billycullen6832]

Mark, here via Ken...you produce good work and impressed by your presentation style. Great job!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

+Allsports photography Thank you very much and thanks to Ken as well.

[@Jepysauce]

For primarily wildlife stuff (Big birbs, smol birbs, other wildlife you'd see in a forest) would you recommend a D500 or D850? I have a D7500 right now that I could sell, but if the upgrade to a D850 isn't mega-worth it I'm probably just gonna stick with what I have, honestly Im still working on technique right now (Panning, etc) as I'm somewhat new (maybe a year of experience?) to this type of photography, so Im not sure how much sense a huge upgrade makes right now Would be interesting to hear from you since I've been watching your videos for a pretty long time now. What I'm most curious about is whether D850+crop vs just shooting a d500 would be better, although Im pretty sure FF Sensors usually just produce much cleaner images and have much better SNR. Anyway, good video as always

[@Jepysauce]

Oh. You made a video on this. Sorry!

[@mariabottino4148]

I enjoyed the examples instead of the host just talking. Thanks Mark Very informative especially with those settings that where displayed.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You are welcome and thanks for watching.

[@paulcampbell7518]

Mark, I’d LOVE to see some video of you, eye at the viewfinder, shooting an action sequence, along with any other info you can relay on what you’re doing during the actual moments of firing off the camera. I think your technique is a BIG part of your success in getting great images, and I love the glimpses I get of the way you hold and move the camera. I can put most of the elements together, but would love to see you focus on what you’re doing/thinking/feeling in the few seconds while you’re mashing the shutter button down.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That sounds like a great idea. I just thought the majority of people would get bored with something like that. I'll have to try and include some more stuff like that.