groob
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 p.1 #14 · D500 vs D850 for bird photography | |
I think we need more information before any useful advice can be given.
1. What ISOs are you shooting at?
2. What is causing the noise: increased ISO, underexposure at the point of capture, or post-processing?
In my experience, when the subject is properly exposed, neither camera produces overly-objectionable noise at ISOs up to 4000 or 5000. However, that is not to say the image is noise-free.
There is noise in the background that I have to deal with. But simply selecting the background and running Photoshop's default NR gets rid of it. Additionally, I have found with the D850 that I can pretty easily bring out noise in the darker tones during post processing when I shoot at ISO 2500 and up. I didn't notice that as much with the D500. I am still working out the best way to either prevent or remove that noise. Admittedly, some of it comes from me attempting to wring out all the detail that the D850 can produce. I routinely "push" the D850 files harder than I did either the D500 or D3s files. But, even so, the noise isn't that bad.
As to your lens choice, there is no need to give up an extra stop of light. A used Nikon 500 f4 VR lens only costs about $500.00 more than the 500 f/5.6 lens. I personally shoot the generation prior to the VR version. Its files look sharp to me! Of course, you give up the weight savings versus the f/5.6 version. I believe my lens weighs 7 lbs., and VR versions weighs 8. Mine is not exactly light, but neither is it unwieldy. I often hike or walk with it for a mile or more while carrying it by the handle.
To briefly address your question about autofocus, I haven't noticed any difference in AF performance between the D850 and the D500. I think both use the same AF system, and the D850 locks on and holds focus just as well as my D500 did.
As to the choice between FX and DX, people bring up the fact that you'll likely have to crop most of your photos with a D850, and then use that as a reason to advise against going full frame. But they never bring up the fact that, to get to a DX image size, you'd have to crop a substantial portion of the image. Indeed, there is quite a bit of ground between a full FX photo and a DX one. Sometimes I wind up cropping that much, but oftentimes, I do not. When I don't, I have an image the D500 couldn't have produced, even if it is a cropped FX image. Furthermore, when cropping (even substantially so), the D850 is a marvel.
Personally, I chose a D850 because it is an almost perfect camera for me. But that decision was based on the fact that I photograph birds, mammals, and landscapes. If I only photographed birds, I likely would've kept the D500. It is a special camera. Do I wish the D850's files were as noise-free as a D5? Sure, but that isn't realistic. I choose instead to work within the confines of the D850.
Finally, yes, you need to add a grip for shooting action. 7 fps is too slow. Just get a 3rd party grip and battery. The cost isn't prohibitive, and mine is better quality than I thought it would be.
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