First digital DSLR. Questions. ( I will go FF)

Lenzer90 · Nov 4, 2010

Hi all.

New here and looking for some answers.

Not new to photograpy, but until now I shot analog with Pentax.

I prefer FF so it gives me the same focal lenght as on a analog body. As Pentax has got no (plans for a) FF, I need to switch. Havent got many Pentax Lenses so shouldnt be a prob.

I am doubting between the Nikon D 700 and the Canon 5d II.

Nikon is clear in what lens I can use on a FF body as their site gives me the option to click on the FX and gives me all the options

But I am slightly confused about what lens I can use on a 5d II. I presume that i can't, just like Nikon can't use all their current lenses.

I understand that all L lenses can be used. But what lenses can't I use from Canon on a 5D II?

What are my options for a 85 mm fast lens on a 5D II that is, I hope something cheaper the 1.2 L version?

The next things are in general, so both for Nikon and Canon.

And what are my options for a UWA zoon, wider then a 16-35. I prefer a zoom.

Nikon has got the 14-24, Canon the 10-22, but I do not know if I can use it on a 5d

And what if i go outside Canon/Nikon for a UWA

Can for example a Sigma 8-16 or 10-20 be used on a FF body.

So how do I know if I go for a sigma/tokina/tamron lens, it can be used on a FF body?

As far I can see it, please correct me if I am wrong.

Canon 5D II lighter the the Nikon D700, but is it balence wise a pro?
Canon 5D II: It is said it is a better DSLR for landscape?

Canon 5D II: Easier controls the D700, as it has got Av/tv ect on one control wheel?

Nikon D700 better sealed?
Nikon D700 better AF system then 5D II?
Nikon D700 better Hi iso preformance?

So body advise is also welcome of course.

In advance I would like to thank you for your advise

KCampbell · Nov 4, 2010

Where Canon is concerned the only lenses you CANNOT use are those designated "EF-S". So the EF-S 10-22 is a lens you cannot use with a 5DII.

I'm afraid I can't help you understand the lens model designations for Sigma/Tamron etc because I have no experience with them. Every manufacturer seems to have their own weird scheme to designate which lenses are designed for which line of cameras!

You want wider than 16-35 on a full frame? Nikon has a highly thought of 14-24 (or something like that), and Canon just announced an 8-15mm fisheye zoom. You'll probably find that there aren't many rectilinear zoom choices once you get below 14mm.

Most of the rest of your questions are pretty subjective and you'll receive opinions for and against each model.

Kevin

AdriaanMeijer · Nov 4, 2010

Lenzer90 said:
Hi all.

Hi

Lenzer90 said:
New here and looking for some answers.

Welcome

Lenzer90 said:
Not new to photograpy, but until now I shot analog with Pentax.
I prefer FF so it gives me the same focal lenght as on a analog body.

So? It's true, but how important is that. You'll learn new combinations of focal length and field of view soon enough.

--
All in my humble opionion of course!

If I seem to talk nonsense or you can't understand me, it's probably my English

chuxter · Nov 4, 2010

Lenzer90 said:
Hi all.

New here and looking for some answers.

Welcome. I hope you get some good answers...I know you'll get some bad answers. ;-)

Lenzer90 said:
Not new to photograpy, but until now I shot analog with Pentax.

I prefer FF so it gives me the same focal lenght as on a analog body. As Pentax has got no (plans for a) FF, I need to switch. Havent got many Pentax Lenses so shouldnt be a prob.

Depending on the type of photography you do, there may not be a compelling reason for a FF system? Tell us more...

Lenzer90 said:
I am doubting between the Nikon D 700 and the Canon 5d II.

Both are excellent. The choice will depend on the details of your type photography. Tell us more...

Lenzer90 said:
Nikon is clear in what lens I can use on a FF body as their site gives me the option to click on the FX and gives me all the options

But I am slightly confused about what lens I can use on a 5d II. I presume that i can't, just like Nikon can't use all their current lenses.

Been answered.

Lenzer90 said:
I understand that all L lenses can be used. But what lenses can't I use from Canon on a 5D II?

What are my options for a 85 mm fast lens on a 5D II that is, I hope something cheaper the 1.2 L version?

The next things are in general, so both for Nikon and Canon.

And what are my options for a UWA zoon, wider then a 16-35. I prefer a zoom.

One of the advantages of a FF body is that in general, it allows for a wider view. But in recent years, there are lenses that give comparable AoV with crop-sensor bodies. For example, Sigma has both a 12-24mm for FF and 8-16mm for crop.

Lenzer90 said:
Nikon has got the 14-24, Canon the 10-22, but I do not know if I can use it on a 5d

And what if i go outside Canon/Nikon for a UWA

Can for example a Sigma 8-16 or 10-20 be used on a FF body.

No, but their 12-24mm can. Go to the Sigma site and read.

Lenzer90 said:
So how do I know if I go for a sigma/tokina/tamron lens, it can be used on a FF body?

Read their websites?

Lenzer90 said:
As far I can see it, please correct me if I am wrong.

Canon 5D II lighter the the Nikon D700, but is it balence wise a pro?

Not suer I understand your question? Are you asking of the weight of the D700 balances better with some lenses (long) than the lighter 3D II?

Lenzer90 said:
Canon 5D II: It is said it is a better DSLR for landscape?

I has more pixels, so if you have optics that match, then yes.

Lenzer90 said:
Canon 5D II: Easier controls the D700, as it has got Av/tv ect on one control wheel?

Really not much difference. Many people like the way Nikon arranges things. Go try both and see which approach you like better!

Lenzer90 said:
Nikon D700 better sealed?

Yes. But is this a high priority need? Do you take pix in heavy rain?

Lenzer90 said:
Nikon D700 better AF system then 5D II?

I think this is true. Do you take pix of rapidly moving things, like birds, cats, athletes, cars and planes?

Lenzer90 said:
Nikon D700 better Hi iso preformance?

I think this is true, but not too big a difference. Honestly, you have to make a choice between resolution and sensitivity. Both are valid concerns and neither of these cameras will take terrible pictures, but one is a little bit better re resolution and the other is a little bit better re sensitivity. You can't have both! Every camera is a compromise.

--
Charlie Davis
Nikon 5700, Sony R1, Nikon D50, Nikon D300
HomePage: http://www.1derful.info

"If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin."
-Samuel Adams, 1776

m_appeal · Nov 4, 2010

Lenzer90 said:
What are my options for a 85 mm fast lens on a 5D II that is, I hope something cheaper the 1.2 L version?

The Canon 85mm 1.8, which is about $300-400.

Lenzer90 said:
And what are my options for a UWA zoon, wider then a 16-35. I prefer a zoom.

Canon don't make a zoom wider than 14mm for FF..They make aCanon 14mm 2.8 L prime. Why do you need wider than 16mm? For most landscapes 16mm is wide enough?

Lenzer90 said:
Can for example a Sigma 8-16 or 10-20 be used on a FF body.

The 8-16 is not a full-frame lens AFAIK, the 10-20 is I think?

Lenzer90 said:
So how do I know if I go for a sigma/tokina/tamron lens, it can be used on a FF body?

Just search for the lens on the B&H store website and you'll usually see in the description (if your read it carefully it will say if the lens is not for full-frame)

Lenzer90 said:
As far I can see it, please correct me if I am wrong.

Canon 5D II lighter the the Nikon D700, but is it balence wise a pro?

What do you mean?

Lenzer90 said:
Canon 5D II: It is said it is a better DSLR for landscape?

It is a better DSLR if you need to print big (20X30) OR if you need to crop. If you don't need to print big, D700 is just as good.

Lenzer90 said:
Canon 5D II: Easier controls the D700, as it has got Av/tv ect on one control wheel?

I would say D700 has better controls. You can change most settings with a switch or a button. But it's up to you really...try them out in person.

Lenzer90 said:
Nikon D700 better sealed?

Yes

Lenzer90 said:
Nikon D700 better AF system then 5D II?

Yes for moving objects, but if you shoot landscapes, then it doesn't matter so much?

Lenzer90 said:
Nikon D700 better Hi iso preformance?

Yes, slightly...but again would it matter to you if you are shooting landscapes?

Lenzer90 said:
So body advise is also welcome of course.

If you want a full-frame camera for ladscapes, you can also consider the Sony a850.

Deleted1929 · Nov 4, 2010

Chuxter makes two very good points and in case they were missed :

Crop frame cameras and lenses are perfectly suited to most photography, including much professional photography.

Current full frame models aren't enormously different in terms of high ISO noise. The D5000, D90 and K-x are arguably better than some full frame systems.

I'd also add :

Full frame models tend to be larger and have pro level features. However those features aren't really needed by most people and the size can be a problem ( or an advantage ).

Regarding high ISO noise we are expecting full frame to gain a more significant lead when newer sensor technology reaches these models. They are niche products and they don't get released as often, so the current full frame models are a generation behind in sensor and noise reduction technologies.

Lens design has significant advanced since the film era and digital processing and correction of optical defects ( like CA and distortion ) are becoming the norm. The better modern zooms are close enough to primes in terms of quality.

--
StephenG

Lenzer90 · Nov 5, 2010

Let me answer some things

I mainly shoot landscape, architecture ( Also a l during low lights) and portraits. And I am bummed that i can't use my cam in the rain

I meant indeed the weight. That it is better to have a heavier camera for balance if you have got heavier lenses ( a 70-200 for example). So therefore the D 700 is a better

Why FF: Well the cropfactor isnt there, as i mentiond before.

Further I want to have a fast AF system. I did borrow a K7 from a friend for a couple of days. I went to the zoo with a 50-135 attached to it I found is inside quite slow, and when i wanted to too some phto's of a big cat just lying there, 5/10 times it refused to fiocus. The lens kept hunting but no beep.

Not to speak of a cat moving... Walking around that is.

So Pentax Af isnt going to cut it, as I read that the kr and k5 are better then k7 but for fast moving objects stil no match for the canon/nikon AF systems.

As for the sony FF. (A850) Where I live, body only is around €200- €250 more expensive in the cheapest store, if i want a realiable store it is at least €325 more then the D700/D5-2.. I can invest the difference in a better lens of a external flash.

So in short my wishlist for my DSLR

Sealed ( Of course I am going to need a sealed lens)
Faster af the Pentax k7 (also continous)
High iso preformance. Sometimes I can't take my tripod with me, so in those Situations without a lot of light taking night shots are useless.
I prefer no cropfactor, thus FF.

As for the niche product.. I am not someone who buys everytime the newest of the newest. I shot 10 years with my analog, itself is older then that.

So if the cam doest let me down, the next 10 years I dont need a new body in at least 10 years

Skipper494 · Nov 5, 2010

After I got my Fuji S2 Pro, I lucked out by buying all FF lenses, Nikon, Tamron and Sigma (DX, opposite from Nikon), so they all fit my D700, even my old FE film lenses can be used. The D700 has a lens focus motor, so many very low priced good lenses will work, such as the Nikon 28-80 that I just bought for $49!

rsn48 · Nov 5, 2010

Both Canon and Nikon are great, I'm a Canon guy and I prefer that some of the longer lenses are cheaper than Nikon glass.

Why are you afer ultrawides, I ask this because much of landscape photography is not shot ultrawide. What photography are you trying to accomplish?

You're not going to get all your questions answered in this thread, there's just too much there.

Remember this isn't going to be your last DSLR, but your first, so if you find you don't like some aspects of it, relax as later models will probably fix the problem.

Recall it isn't the camera that is important but the system, from camera body, lenses, software, printer, supporting cast like tripod, monopod, filters and filter holders, remote shutter release, flash and strobe light options, etc. You have a long road ahead grasshopper.

--
An excellent lens lasts a lifetime, an excellent DSLR, not so long.

Ulfric M Douglas · Nov 6, 2010

Lenzer90 said:
As for the niche product.. I am not someone who buys everytime the newest of the newest. I shot 10 years with my analog, itself is older then that.

So if the cam doest let me down, the next 10 years I dont need a new body in at least 10 years

Ten YEARS!? Settling in for some long-term disappointment there...

I suggest buying a Pentax (K-x probably) and just getting some good use out of the aps-C system, learning what you like and don't like, learning digital basically ... then sell it next year and get your 'full frame' system.

Buying huge and expensive now might be a waste of resources. Opinions change. Technology changes.

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First digital DSLR. Questions. ( I will go FF)

Lenzer90

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KCampbell

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AdriaanMeijer

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chuxter

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m_appeal

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Deleted1929

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Lenzer90

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Skipper494

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rsn48

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Ulfric M Douglas

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