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The big Canon-Nikon dilemma

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Entomo

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Hi guys,

First post in this forum since I’ve been with Pentax for several years with the K10D. I’ve been quite happy with it however as my skills progress I need a camera to bring to the next level and unfortunately Pentax, even with the new K7 and the new lenses, is still not up to Canon or Nikon’s level in terms of AF speed, better noise control in high ISO, etc…

So, that means I am thinking about selling my Pentax gear soon to switch to Canon or Nikon. To be honest I’m almost sold to going with Nikon. Their flash system and the recent D300s and D700 are, in my opinion, superior to Canon product of similar levels. The launch of the Canon 7D was interesting to follow but early indication seems to indicate that the D300s is still superior.

The only thing that I’m a bit skeptical about is Nikon lenses in the 200-400mm range. I want to start shooting wildlife and sports so I’ll need a lens that’s longer and faster than the 70-300mm f4.5-5.6.

Canon seems to have a lot more options to offer than Nikon for longer lens under $2000:
70-200 f2.8 IS
70-200 f2.8 non-IS
70-200 f4 IS
70-200 f4 non-IS
300 f4 IS
400 f5.6 non-IS

Nikon lenses in that range are very expensive
70-200 2.8 sells for $2000-2500 and availability seems to be an issue.
300 f2.8 is 5000$
300 f4 is $1,300
400 f2.8 for 9000$
200-400 f4 for 6000$

400 F5.6 is cheaper but manual focus only

There is the 80-400 f4.5-5.6 but from what I could read on this forum, AF is slow and people are desperately waiting for an update of this lens.

I’m reading that Nikon is supposed to update some telephoto lenses “soon” but for the moment those are only rumours....

Have I missed something here? Is there a general felling among Nikon shooters that Nikon could do better in providing more affordable longer lens ?

Thanks for your input
Dave
 
I'm in a similar situation myself. I'm switching over to Nikon from Canon and wish that there was something to fill the void of my Canon 70-200 F4 Non IS lens. I don't want to spend that kind of cash right now after just buying a D300s. I shoot mainly sports (surfing,skateboarding), and need something in that range but can't seem to find the Nikon equivalent. I'm probably gonna end up going with the Sigma 70-200, but it's still a good $300 more than I paid for my old Canon 70-200. Regardless of this little dilemma, I'm still happy with the switch.
Entomo said:
Hi guys,

First post in this forum since I’ve been with Pentax for several years with the K10D. I’ve been quite happy with it however as my skills progress I need a camera to bring to the next level and unfortunately Pentax, even with the new K7 and the new lenses, is still not up to Canon or Nikon’s level in terms of AF speed, better noise control in high ISO, etc…

So, that means I am thinking about selling my Pentax gear soon to switch to Canon or Nikon. To be honest I’m almost sold to going with Nikon. Their flash system and the recent D300s and D700 are, in my opinion, superior to Canon product of similar levels. The launch of the Canon 7D was interesting to follow but early indication seems to indicate that the D300s is still superior.

The only thing that I’m a bit skeptical about is Nikon lenses in the 200-400mm range. I want to start shooting wildlife and sports so I’ll need a lens that’s longer and faster than the 70-300mm f4.5-5.6.

Canon seems to have a lot more options to offer than Nikon for longer lens under $2000:
70-200 f2.8 IS
70-200 f2.8 non-IS
70-200 f4 IS
70-200 f4 non-IS
300 f4 IS
400 f5.6 non-IS

Nikon lenses in that range are very expensive
70-200 2.8 sells for $2000-2500 and availability seems to be an issue.
300 f2.8 is 5000$
300 f4 is $1,300
400 f2.8 for 9000$
200-400 f4 for 6000$

400 F5.6 is cheaper but manual focus only

There is the 80-400 f4.5-5.6 but from what I could read on this forum, AF is slow and people are desperately waiting for an update of this lens.

I’m reading that Nikon is supposed to update some telephoto lenses “soon” but for the moment those are only rumours....

Have I missed something here? Is there a general felling among Nikon shooters that Nikon could do better in providing more affordable longer lens ?

Thanks for your input
Dave
Click to expand...
 
I switched because my 40d shutter decided to take a dump after 12k clicks. Canon wouldn't do anything about it so I decided to sell all my canon stuff and make the switch. I was out a body anyways, and the 300s seemed like a nice upgrade from my 40d. My only dilemma is finding the equivalent of my canon 70-200, which doesn't exist in the nikon line.
Entomo said:
Why are you switching to Nikon, if I may ask ?
Click to expand...
 
Hi Dave,

I've just switched from Pentax to Nikon. I looked at the Canon 7D, which my friend/collegue has and it is a very good camera. Fast focus, when one has learned how to use the focus system, and a shocking 18Mpixel. Those mega pixels though demand the use of high quality glass. He has a Sigma 17-70, which he used on the 50D and it performed well, but now shows its limitations.

I've opted for the D300s, as the trade-in was better. I've been told by my dealer that a new 100-500 lens is around the corner as replacement for the 80-400. In the mean time I got myself a Sigma 120-400. I used this lens on my K20D and have been impressed with the results on that body. Still learning what the Nikon does, but so far I'm blown away by the AF system. Even this lens, which was slow on my Pentax, appears to be quick, accurate, tracks birds in flight and no hunting! OS works well on it and the Nikon is a delight on higher ISO.

Don't think you can go wrong with the Nikon. And at 'only' 12Mpixels, no problems with body outperforming lenses that quickly.

The only thing I've got to get used to is that the Nikon seems to expose more to the right than the Pentax, so images appear 'lighter'.

Hope this helps
Mike
--
WSSA#214

 
Go for the cheaper nikon 70-300 f4-5.6 AF-S VR.

It is an good lens with good optics (the 70-200 is of course much better). Together with auto ISO on camera it will still deliver the goods even if it is f5.6 instead of the f4.0 you are looking for.

--
Rickard Hansson
Sweden
 
Yeah, Canon have more selection across the range. The Nikon 300mm f/4 with a 1.4x converter does make an excellent 400mm f/5.6 - to be honest, I don't see the lack of a 400mm f/5.6 as a "hole" in the line for that reason (the 300mm needs VR though). You could also look at the Sigma 100-300mm f/4, as it's supposed to be excellent too. The 80-400mm isn't as slow focussing on a Dx00 as people make out, but it's not as fast as the AF-S/USM lenses either.

You might like to try the 70-300mm. It is very good optically - you might find it's enough.
Entomo said:
Is there a general felling among Nikon shooters that Nikon could do better in providing more affordable longer lens ?
Click to expand...
Not for me, as they're the same price in the UK, or sometimes cheaper than the Canon lenses. ;)

--
My gallery of so-so nature photos:
http://martinch.zenfolio.com/
 
martinch said:
Yeah, Canon have more selection across the range. The Nikon 300mm f/4 with a 1.4x converter does make an excellent 400mm f/5.6 - to be honest, I don't see the lack of a 400mm f/5.6 as a "hole" in the line for that reason (the 300mm needs VR though). You could also look at the Sigma 100-300mm f/4, as it's supposed to be excellent too. The 80-400mm isn't as slow focussing on a Dx00 as people make out, but it's not as fast as the AF-S/USM lenses either.
Click to expand...
I would consider the Sigma 100-300mm if I was in your position. Check this review:

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/369-sigma-af-100-300mm-f4-nikon?start=2

--

D300, D40, Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 Nikkor 35mm f/1.8, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8, Tamron 90mm f/2.8, Sigma 18-200 3.5-6.3 VR, Nikkor 18-55 3.5-5.6, SB-600

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sveinsvoll/
 
The D300(s) is a wonderful camera. Despite the arrival of the 7D from Canon I have sold my Canon stuff to use the D300 & D300s.

However, think carefully given your stated uses for the equipment. I owned my Nikon gear simultaneous with the Canon so could make direct comparisons as to suitability for my use. There was no guessing on my part. I was happy with the 80-400 VR for my use.

One thing you must heed about Nikon. Lenses are in perpetual short supply and equivalent lenses are priced much higher. Such as "use the 300 f/4 with a T/C". Oh, don't forget to get a replacement tripod collar. Nikon has great gear. But consider your expectations along with intended use along with your financial resources.
 
Entomo said:
Is there a general felling among Nikon shooters that Nikon could do better in providing more affordable longer lens ?
Click to expand...
Absolutely. Folks have been waiting for an update to the 80-400VR for at least a couple of years now and we don't actually know whether Nikon intends to do anything.

Nikon have some very good but very expensive long lenses. But it continues to amaze me that they are totally ignoring a huge market of amateur wildlife/bird photographers who need 500mm but don't have $5 grand plus to drop on a single lens.

Quite a few of us have gone with the 300mm f/4 AF-S with a 1.4/1.7x TC and although it does produce great IQ, the lack of zoom and VR are significant shortcomings. Also, the standard collar/foot is really dreadful so you basically have to spend another ~$150 on the very decent Kirk replacement.

If you need 500mm on a budget, it's hard to recommend Nikon right now.

I assume they'll fix this in the end but nobody outside of Nikon has any clue when that might be.
 
One of Canon's most popular zoom lens. Here's a few pic's from this lens.
Good luck with your Canon-Nikon decision.







 
Don't forget the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor. In stock for $1,100 from Amazon and others.
Entomo said:
Hi guys,
Click to expand...
Entomo said:
Nikon lenses in that range are very expensive
70-200 2.8 sells for $2000-2500 and availability seems to be an issue.
300 f2.8 is 5000$
300 f4 is $1,300
400 f2.8 for 9000$
200-400 f4 for 6000$

400 F5.6 is cheaper but manual focus only

There is the 80-400 f4.5-5.6 but from what I could read on this forum, AF is slow and people are desperately waiting for an update of this lens.

I’m reading that Nikon is supposed to update some telephoto lenses “soon” but for the moment those are only rumours....

Have I missed something here? Is there a general felling among Nikon shooters that Nikon could do better in providing more affordable longer lens ?

Thanks for your input
Dave
Click to expand...
 
ns I am thinking about selling my Pentax gear soon to switch to Canon or Nikon. To be honest I’m almost sold to going with Nikon. Their flash system and the recent D300s and D700 are, i

Why do you find them superiour to the new canon ??

I find that odd, if you like the lenses better then it would make sense to go with canon that now also has wireless flash.

Jakob
 
I can vouch for the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom

It has become my default, trusted lens for almost any shoots outside the house - even use it for indoor Gymnastics ... ;)

--
Whatever you focus on will expand - choose wisely!
 
mailman88 said:
One of Canon's most popular zoom lens. Here's a few pic's from this lens.
Good luck with your Canon-Nikon decision.
Click to expand...
Good point.... I forgot to mention it....thanks for rubbing it in and making my decision even more difficult to make.... ;)

This is indeed another very well rated Canon lens that sells for less than 2000$....
 
jagge said:
Why do you find them superiour to the new canon ??
Click to expand...
I've had Canon gear since 2002 and Nikon gear since 2008. You have to be somewhat luckier with Canon or be prepared to do more returning for replacement or sending in for factory service when you buy something new.

On paper, IMO, the 5DII is a better value than the D700, so is the 7D over the D300s. However, I'll have nothing to do with either because I've been bitten so many times with new Canon bodies.

Canon's spot check QC seems to work something like this.....At least 60% of prosumer bodies will meet spec in all areas.....Of the 40% that don't meet spec, at least half will go undetected by the less discerning consumer. This leaves 20% that will eventually be repaired by factory service. I say eventually since the open box policy allows them to make the rounds several times. It should come as no surprise that Nikon is the more respected name in Japan.

Yes, IMO, Canon's lens lineup again is a better value. But any gains here are going to be mitigated as indicated above.
 
Timtom said:
I switched because my 40d shutter decided to take a dump after 12k clicks. Canon wouldn't do anything about it so I decided to sell all my canon stuff and make the switch. I was out a body anyways, and the 300s seemed like a nice upgrade from my 40d. My only dilemma is finding the equivalent of my canon 70-200, which doesn't exist in the nikon line.
Click to expand...
You can often find a used Nikon 80-200 for a reasonable price.
 
Nikon finally added VR to its long lenses but you are paying for f2.8~f4 glass which is key for getting adequate shutter speeds and sharp image unless you plan on shooting only in bright sunlight.

If you want to save some money consider getting Sigma telephoto lenses instead like their 150-500mm lens.

If you check for threads relating to AF problems you will find that 90% deal with Canon products just as high ISO was a real problem with Nikon cameras until the arrival of the D3/D700 cameras.

If you check for threads where people have repeated problems even with new from the factory lenses that need to be sent in more than once for the same repair you will discover that 90% of the posts relate to Canon cameras and in particular Canon lenses.

In 20 years of using Nikon gear extensively and owning dozens of Nikon lenses I have only sent one in for service and it was an underwater lens that needed an o-ring replaced.
 
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