The Canon IS lens line

[brian304A]

Hello,

I am a very happy D100 owner. I bought a VR 80-400 and it is ok. I like to shoot birds and wildlife and was thinking of a longer lens like the 500f 4 or 600 f4. I was looking at the BH site and realized the Canon lenses at 500mm are $2000 cheaper? Holy $hitake mushrooms! The other lenses seem closely priced but the 300 f4 Canon and the 28-135 have IS as does the 500f4.

I have purchased a couple other Nikon lenses, 200 Micro Nikkon F4, 50mm f1.4 and 60m macro (gee whose web page was my browser stuck on).

So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?
Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Brian

PS I know the Canon cameras are in a state of flux right now but maybe that is a good thing for a buyer.

 

[Nick88]

This seems to be the trend right now, but I would wait til PMA before making any decsion.

Hello,
I am a very happy D100 owner. I bought a VR 80-400 and it is ok.
I like to shoot birds and wildlife and was thinking of a longer
lens like the 500f 4 or 600 f4. I was looking at the BH site and
realized the Canon lenses at 500mm are $2000 cheaper? Holy $hitake
mushrooms! The other lenses seem closely priced but the 300 f4
Canon and the 28-135 have IS as does the 500f4.
I have purchased a couple other Nikon lenses, 200 Micro Nikkon F4,
50mm f1.4 and 60m macro (gee whose web page was my browser stuck
on).
So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des
anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?
Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Brian
PS I know the Canon cameras are in a state of flux right now but
maybe that is a good thing for a buyer.

 

[Davidlw]

Wait until PMA in 2 weeks and then decide.

Hello,
I am a very happy D100 owner. I bought a VR 80-400 and it is ok.
I like to shoot birds and wildlife and was thinking of a longer
lens like the 500f 4 or 600 f4. I was looking at the BH site and
realized the Canon lenses at 500mm are $2000 cheaper? Holy $hitake
mushrooms! The other lenses seem closely priced but the 300 f4
Canon and the 28-135 have IS as does the 500f4.
I have purchased a couple other Nikon lenses, 200 Micro Nikkon F4,
50mm f1.4 and 60m macro (gee whose web page was my browser stuck
on).
So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des
anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?
Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Brian
PS I know the Canon cameras are in a state of flux right now but
maybe that is a good thing for a buyer.

 

[Roddynal]

So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des
anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?

If you have an immediate need for a super tele prime with some form of image stabilisation, then there really is no other game in town than Canon.

Given Nikon's track record, even if they announce a super tele with VR, it probably won't be available for several months and likely very expensive, at least initially.

--
Richard D.
http://members.aol.com/richdong

 

[brian304A]

Yes waiting does make sense I guess except for I can exchange a couple of the Nikon lenses.
Still perplexed....
Thanks to all who took the time to reply.
Brian

So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des
anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?

If you have an immediate need for a super tele prime with some form
of image stabilisation, then there really is no other game in town
than Canon.

Given Nikon's track record, even if they announce a super tele with
VR, it probably won't be available for several months and likely
very expensive, at least initially.

--
Richard D.
http://members.aol.com/richdong

 

[Trent Mulkern]

Though I do not currently own any VR/IS lenses, you have to ask yourself how often you would try and hand-hold such lenses. You need to look at the lens weight and take that into consideration. If you cannot reasonably hand-hold these lenses and must use a good tripod, then of what use is IS/VR?

Regards,
Trent

Hello,
I am a very happy D100 owner. I bought a VR 80-400 and it is ok.
I like to shoot birds and wildlife and was thinking of a longer
lens like the 500f 4 or 600 f4. I was looking at the BH site and
realized the Canon lenses at 500mm are $2000 cheaper? Holy $hitake
mushrooms! The other lenses seem closely priced but the 300 f4
Canon and the 28-135 have IS as does the 500f4.
I have purchased a couple other Nikon lenses, 200 Micro Nikkon F4,
50mm f1.4 and 60m macro (gee whose web page was my browser stuck
on).
So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des
anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?
Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Brian
PS I know the Canon cameras are in a state of flux right now but
maybe that is a good thing for a buyer.

 

[rome]

Hello,
I am a very happy D100 owner. I bought a VR 80-400 and it is ok.
I like to shoot birds and wildlife and was thinking of a longer
lens like the 500f 4 or 600 f4. I was looking at the BH site and
realized the Canon lenses at 500mm are $2000 cheaper? Holy $hitake
mushrooms! The other lenses seem closely priced but the 300 f4
Canon and the 28-135 have IS as does the 500f4.
I have purchased a couple other Nikon lenses, 200 Micro Nikkon F4,
50mm f1.4 and 60m macro (gee whose web page was my browser stuck
on).
So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des
anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?

yes

Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Brian
PS I know the Canon cameras are in a state of flux right now but
maybe that is a good thing for a buyer.

 

[S Stanmore]

Trent Mulkern wrote:
If you cannot reasonably hand-hold these lenses and must use a good

tripod, then of what use is IS/VR?

Regards,
Trent

With such 500/600mm tele's the movement of the camera's mirror creates an amount of camera shake that effects the image - tripod or not. This occurs especially at shutter speeds in the 1/4 - 1/60 range. Strong wind can also be a camera-shake issue with such lenses on a tripod at slower shutter speeds.

 

[peacefoto]

where did you get that info bernard? i thought canon is the only way to go

if super-teles are all you need... if really nikon is adding VR to its super-teles
that'd be Gospel for sports shooters

Hello,
I am a very happy D100 owner. I bought a VR 80-400 and it is ok.
I like to shoot birds and wildlife and was thinking of a longer
lens like the 500f 4 or 600 f4. I was looking at the BH site and
realized the Canon lenses at 500mm are $2000 cheaper? Holy $hitake
mushrooms! The other lenses seem closely priced but the 300 f4
Canon and the 28-135 have IS as does the 500f4.
I have purchased a couple other Nikon lenses, 200 Micro Nikkon F4,
50mm f1.4 and 60m macro (gee whose web page was my browser stuck
on).
So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des
anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?

yes

Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Brian
PS I know the Canon cameras are in a state of flux right now but
maybe that is a good thing for a buyer.

--

 

[Peter Phan]

tripod, then of what use is IS/VR?

First of all, I've seen people handhold these lenses and still get stunning, tack-sharp results. Secondly, adding a monopod to support the weight while having the IS to stabilize the image makes an incredibly good combination. Thirdly, IS eliminates the "must use a good tripod" issue-- you can you a lighter, looser, less stable tripod.

With such 500/600mm tele's the movement of the camera's mirror
creates an amount of camera shake that effects the image - tripod
or not. This occurs especially at shutter speeds in the 1/4 - 1/60
range.

If you are using shutter speeds that slow, mirror lock is the best remedy. Nikons lack mirror lock. (Stupid policy.) Canons have mirror lock. Additionally, whatever a Nikon telephoto can pull off at slower shutter speeds, a telephoto with IS takes it to another level of sharpness.

Strong wind can also be a camera-shake issue with such
lenses on a tripod at slower shutter speeds.

That's why you use IS. Windy conditions are a great situation where IS proves its worth over non-IS lenses.

 

[rome]

Tuesday is not very any more far ....
but super-teles will be for later i think

Hello,
I am a very happy D100 owner. I bought a VR 80-400 and it is ok.
I like to shoot birds and wildlife and was thinking of a longer
lens like the 500f 4 or 600 f4. I was looking at the BH site and
realized the Canon lenses at 500mm are $2000 cheaper? Holy $hitake
mushrooms! The other lenses seem closely priced but the 300 f4
Canon and the 28-135 have IS as does the 500f4.
I have purchased a couple other Nikon lenses, 200 Micro Nikkon F4,
50mm f1.4 and 60m macro (gee whose web page was my browser stuck
on).
So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des
anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?

yes

Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Brian
PS I know the Canon cameras are in a state of flux right now but
maybe that is a good thing for a buyer.

--

 

[brian304A]

I think what am going to do is get the Canon 100-400 and D60 for a test ride. I hear the Canon works well with its 1.4 TC. It would not be as good as the 500 prime but I could compare it to the D100 and 80-400.
Thanks
Brian

Hello,
I am a very happy D100 owner. I bought a VR 80-400 and it is ok.
I like to shoot birds and wildlife and was thinking of a longer
lens like the 500f 4 or 600 f4. I was looking at the BH site and
realized the Canon lenses at 500mm are $2000 cheaper? Holy $hitake
mushrooms! The other lenses seem closely priced but the 300 f4
Canon and the 28-135 have IS as does the 500f4.
I have purchased a couple other Nikon lenses, 200 Micro Nikkon F4,
50mm f1.4 and 60m macro (gee whose web page was my browser stuck
on).
So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des
anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?

yes

Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Brian
PS I know the Canon cameras are in a state of flux right now but
maybe that is a good thing for a buyer.

 

[Rick Wallace]

Simon,

With such 500/600mm tele's the movement of the camera's mirror
creates an amount of camera shake that effects the image - tripod
or not. This occurs especially at shutter speeds in the 1/4 - 1/60
range. Strong wind can also be a camera-shake issue with such
lenses on a tripod at slower shutter speeds.

However, Nikon recommends against using a tripod with VR engaged. I've never completely understood why this would be so, but my own results suggest Nikon are correct.

I'm not certain about the Canon IS system and its usability with tripod, but I've been told (perhaps erroneously?) that Canon makes the same recommendation as Nikon.

For mirror slap, there's no substitute for mirror lock up (F5 or FE2) or the mirror delay setting (D100).

Rick Wallace

 

[David morel]

Hello,
I am a very happy D100 owner. I bought a VR 80-400 and it is ok.
I like to shoot birds and wildlife and was thinking of a longer
lens like the 500f 4 or 600 f4. I was looking at the BH site and
realized the Canon lenses at 500mm are $2000 cheaper? Holy $hitake
mushrooms! The other lenses seem closely priced but the 300 f4
Canon and the 28-135 have IS as does the 500f4.
I have purchased a couple other Nikon lenses, 200 Micro Nikkon F4,
50mm f1.4 and 60m macro (gee whose web page was my browser stuck
on).
So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des
anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?

yes

Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Brian
PS I know the Canon cameras are in a state of flux right now but
maybe that is a good thing for a buyer.

--
David L. Morel
http://www.digitalstars.net/dstargallery.htm

 

[Peter Phan]

However, Nikon recommends against using a tripod with VR engaged.
I've never completely understood why this would be so, but my own
results suggest Nikon are correct.

I'm not certain about the Canon IS system and its usability with
tripod, but I've been told (perhaps erroneously?) that Canon makes
the same recommendation as Nikon.

With previous generation IS telephotos, when the IS system couldn't sense any movement/shake to counteract (like when on a very stable tripod), the system would go a bit wacky. Now with the current generation of IS telephotos, the IS system simply goes to sleep when it senses no movement (like when on a very stable tripod). But typically with long telephotos, there will be some movement/shake even when the lens is on a tripod (breezy conditions, for example). If you have the luxury of using a very heavy, very solid tripod/gimble head, IS will probably have nothing to do and go to sleep. But most of the time, particularly on a lighter set-up, IS will still find something to do.

 

[Roddynal]

Simon,
I'm not certain about the Canon IS system and its usability with
tripod, but I've been told (perhaps erroneously?) that Canon makes
the same recommendation as Nikon.

The capability of having IS with a tripod or monopod is a real advantage. If you're shooting sports or action where you have to use higher shutter speeds to freeze the motion it's of less value, but for nature photographers or photo journalists shooting in low light it can make a huge difference.

I'm sure that Nikon appreciates this, but as usual they will take their time introducing this technology.

--
Richard D.
http://members.aol.com/richdong

 

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

The availability of ultrasonic motors in nearly every focal length lens in the Canon lineup is why I just switched systems after having shot Nikon gear since 1979 (with prime lenses, I might add).

It was not the IS availability in the Canon offerings, which I consider as 'nice but hardly necessary', that I was after. I wanted to stop using zoom lenses and return to using primes, yet keep the AF speed of the AFS zooms. This simply cannot be done for focal lengths lower than 300mm in the Nikon system.

When I bought my first DSLR in 1999, a Nikon E2, it was with the idea that my AI and AIS lenses would work with a digital camera. They did, but the E2 was, well, less than I was wanting in DSLR performance.

I then plunged in and bought a D1 in early 2000. That was more like it! I soon started wondering what it might be like to shoot morotsports with AF tracking the cars, as opposed to prefocusing on one spot and hope that something interesting happened right at that spot.

I tried an AFS 80-200 f2.8 lens and it was grand! The AFS was everything it was supposed to be. I also noted that having the D chip in the lens allowed for better metering, due to the 3D matrix working. I then slowly sold off my AI and AIS lenses and replaced them with AFD and AFS ones.

What I found, though, was that I tended to use those AFS zooms only at one end or the other. Those ends being equal to standard prime lens focal lengths. What I really, really wanted was an AFS 85mm f1.8 (or f1.4) and an AFS 180mm f2.8 instead of the AFS 28-70 f2.8 and AFS 80-200 f2.8 lenses.

I do not think that we will be seeing either of those at PMA. I've done some querying around the inner space of Nikon sales, and there isn't even a hint of rumor of such lenses. If they do show up, well, it's too late now. My last Nikon compatable DSLR, my D1x, just left on Tuesday.

All I have left is an old FA with MD15 motordrive that I have yet to make my mind up about selling. I might just stick it in the display case with my Ansco 120 box camera, Argus 35mm rangefinder and Nikon E2 DSLR. I even have an old AI 50mm f1.8 I can stick on it.

I'm quite pleased with my first Canon DSLR, a 1D, at this point. Their USM prime lenses are optically equivalent to their Nikkor counterparts. They have the USM motors, so they focus as fast as the AFS 28-70 did. I am very pleased with the new setup.

As far as the rest of it goes, the bodies (D1 vs. 1D) are the 'same thing only different'. The Canon design has a tad better attention to the little details, but I strongly suspect that came from their being able to perform competitive analysis on the predecessor Nikon and Kodak offerings. In fact, the Canon 1D operates a lot like my old Kodak DCS 660 and 620x DSLRs did. I felt right at home from the first minute.

It's like the Ford vs. Chevy battles in motorsport. Lots of wind and smoke, but in the end they are both so close as it doesn't matter. A case in point: I put one of my Nikon AH-4 handstraps on the 1D because its' three-point strap design is more secure than the 2-point strap design of the Canon handstrap (which is identical to the Kodak one).

Oh, and I did notice that bit about the Canon USA vs. Nikon USA lens prices for the prime lenses. The Canon ones are 25-33% less money than their Nikon counterparts and the Canon ones come with USM motors. I was actually able to replace my Nikkor AFS lenses with a set of Canon prime USM lenses for the money I was able to sell the Nikkors off for. In fact, I came out $100 ahead on the 1D with what I sold the D1x for.

Next on the list: a 1Ds.

Stan

Hello,
I am a very happy D100 owner. I bought a VR 80-400 and it is ok.
I like to shoot birds and wildlife and was thinking of a longer
lens like the 500f 4 or 600 f4. I was looking at the BH site and
realized the Canon lenses at 500mm are $2000 cheaper? Holy $hitake
mushrooms! The other lenses seem closely priced but the 300 f4
Canon and the 28-135 have IS as does the 500f4.
I have purchased a couple other Nikon lenses, 200 Micro Nikkon F4,
50mm f1.4 and 60m macro (gee whose web page was my browser stuck
on).
So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des
anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?
Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Brian
PS I know the Canon cameras are in a state of flux right now but
maybe that is a good thing for a buyer.

--
Amateur Photographer
Professional Electronics Development Engineer
More info and list of gear is in my Posters' Profile.

 

[jack stephens]

Sorry, but the 100-400 Canon does not autofocus well with the 1.4 extender.

I have tried this combo with the D60, not at all unless you tape over some of the contacts - and then very, very lousy, and with the 1D, which is supposed to autofocus at f8.0, only sometimes with some subjects in bright light.

Now, if you want something grand try the 300mm f2.8 IS with the 2X type II extender - hand-holdable, and sharp, even wide open. With the 1D this combination becomes a veritable supertelephoto submachine gun.

Jack

Hello,
I am a very happy D100 owner. I bought a VR 80-400 and it is ok.
I like to shoot birds and wildlife and was thinking of a longer
lens like the 500f 4 or 600 f4. I was looking at the BH site and
realized the Canon lenses at 500mm are $2000 cheaper? Holy $hitake
mushrooms! The other lenses seem closely priced but the 300 f4
Canon and the 28-135 have IS as does the 500f4.
I have purchased a couple other Nikon lenses, 200 Micro Nikkon F4,
50mm f1.4 and 60m macro (gee whose web page was my browser stuck
on).
So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des
anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?

yes

Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Brian
PS I know the Canon cameras are in a state of flux right now but
maybe that is a good thing for a buyer.

 

[brian304A]

Great background Stan. I am going to get a couple USM Canon lenses and a body not sure which one yet and play with both. Take the same pics.
Then heave ho the one I don't like.
thank you
Brian

The availability of ultrasonic motors in nearly every focal length
lens in the Canon lineup is why I just switched systems after
having shot Nikon gear since 1979 (with prime lenses, I might add).

It was not the IS availability in the Canon offerings, which I
consider as 'nice but hardly necessary', that I was after. I wanted
to stop using zoom lenses and return to using primes, yet keep the
AF speed of the AFS zooms. This simply cannot be done for focal
lengths lower than 300mm in the Nikon system.

When I bought my first DSLR in 1999, a Nikon E2, it was with the
idea that my AI and AIS lenses would work with a digital camera.
They did, but the E2 was, well, less than I was wanting in DSLR
performance.

I then plunged in and bought a D1 in early 2000. That was more like
it! I soon started wondering what it might be like to shoot
morotsports with AF tracking the cars, as opposed to prefocusing on
one spot and hope that something interesting happened right at that
spot.

I tried an AFS 80-200 f2.8 lens and it was grand! The AFS was
everything it was supposed to be. I also noted that having the D
chip in the lens allowed for better metering, due to the 3D matrix
working. I then slowly sold off my AI and AIS lenses and replaced
them with AFD and AFS ones.

What I found, though, was that I tended to use those AFS zooms only
at one end or the other. Those ends being equal to standard prime
lens focal lengths. What I really, really wanted was an AFS 85mm
f1.8 (or f1.4) and an AFS 180mm f2.8 instead of the AFS 28-70 f2.8
and AFS 80-200 f2.8 lenses.

I do not think that we will be seeing either of those at PMA.
I've done some querying around the inner space of Nikon sales, and
there isn't even a hint of rumor of such lenses. If they do show
up, well, it's too late now. My last Nikon compatable DSLR, my D1x,
just left on Tuesday.

All I have left is an old FA with MD15 motordrive that I have yet
to make my mind up about selling. I might just stick it in the
display case with my Ansco 120 box camera, Argus 35mm rangefinder
and Nikon E2 DSLR. I even have an old AI 50mm f1.8 I can stick on
it.

I'm quite pleased with my first Canon DSLR, a 1D, at this point.
Their USM prime lenses are optically equivalent to their Nikkor
counterparts. They have the USM motors, so they focus as fast as
the AFS 28-70 did. I am very pleased with the new setup.

As far as the rest of it goes, the bodies (D1 vs. 1D) are the 'same
thing only different'. The Canon design has a tad better attention
to the little details, but I strongly suspect that came from their
being able to perform competitive analysis on the predecessor Nikon
and Kodak offerings. In fact, the Canon 1D operates a lot like my
old Kodak DCS 660 and 620x DSLRs did. I felt right at home from the
first minute.

It's like the Ford vs. Chevy battles in motorsport. Lots of wind
and smoke, but in the end they are both so close as it doesn't
matter. A case in point: I put one of my Nikon AH-4 handstraps on
the 1D because its' three-point strap design is more secure than
the 2-point strap design of the Canon handstrap (which is identical
to the Kodak one).

Oh, and I did notice that bit about the Canon USA vs. Nikon USA
lens prices for the prime lenses. The Canon ones are 25-33% less
money than their Nikon counterparts and the Canon ones come with
USM motors. I was actually able to replace my Nikkor AFS lenses
with a set of Canon prime USM lenses for the money I was able to
sell the Nikkors off for. In fact, I came out $100 ahead on the 1D
with what I sold the D1x for.

Next on the list: a 1Ds.

Stan

Hello,
I am a very happy D100 owner. I bought a VR 80-400 and it is ok.
I like to shoot birds and wildlife and was thinking of a longer
lens like the 500f 4 or 600 f4. I was looking at the BH site and
realized the Canon lenses at 500mm are $2000 cheaper? Holy $hitake
mushrooms! The other lenses seem closely priced but the 300 f4
Canon and the 28-135 have IS as does the 500f4.
I have purchased a couple other Nikon lenses, 200 Micro Nikkon F4,
50mm f1.4 and 60m macro (gee whose web page was my browser stuck
on).
So my question is: Should I consider the dreaded switch? Des
anyone know if Nikon will add more VR lenses?
Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Brian
PS I know the Canon cameras are in a state of flux right now but
maybe that is a good thing for a buyer.

--
Amateur Photographer
Professional Electronics Development Engineer
More info and list of gear is in my Posters' Profile.