Quality Memory Card Readers on a Budget

Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader (UDMA 7) [B&H] - $35

Xcellon USB Multi-Card Reader [B&H] - $25
while UDMA 7 support will help to ensure quick transfers from CompactFlash cards. All in all, this reader supports a read speed of up to 280 MB/s. All three card slots can be used simultaneously and you'll also be able to transfer files between different cards.

Thanks to plug-and-play connectivity, Xcellon's USB Multi-Card Reader can be used straight out of the box and does not require any additional software or downloads for use with your Windows, Mac, or Linux system. An integrated LED indicator provides visual cues as to the card reader's activity and when it is or isn't in use, while an integrated dust cover helps protect the card slots from dirt, debris, and damage. Included are 1.6' micro-USB 3.1 Gen 1 Micro-B to USB Type-C and USB 3.1 Gen 1 Micro-B to Type-A cables and protection is provided by a limited 5-year warranty.

SanDisk ImageMate Pro USB 3.0 Reader [B&H] - $30

With transfer speeds of up to 312 MB/s for SD and microSD and up to 160 MB/s for CompactFlash cards, the SanDisk ImageMate PRO Multi-Card Reader offers pro-level performance for a more efficient workflow.

Camera Gear Dream List

If money were no object, this would be my camera gear Dream List:

Canon 5D Mark III ($3,500)
24-70mm f/2.8 ($2,200)
50mm f/1.4 ($400)
14mm ($2,360)

** I'm a wedding photographer, photojournalist, and soon-to-be filmmaker.

The next gear I might actually buy:

Canon 5D Mark II ($2,200 new, $1,600-$1,800 used)

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 for Nikon cameras ($594)

What size memory card to use for a Nikon D300?

If you're shooting RAW images with a Nikon D300, the NEF format raw files made by the camera average about 10.7 to 11MB each.

For an 8GB card (which really holds 7.4GB of files) see [Hard Drive Size Capacities Calculator] to learn why
7,400MB / 11MB per image
= 672 images per card

For a 16GB Card (which really holds 14.8GB)
14,800MB / 11MB per image
= 1,345 images per card

On an actual memory card from a D300, 6.9GB of space was used and held 643 images.  That averages to 10.7MB per image.