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la puffin wrote:
Sorry to redid this up, but I have some questions about the Df. I've decided that I can't risk my personal gear as I have work right after I return and can't risk any damage or loss - I get back late on Friday and shoot a game Sunday morning. I'm also thinking that this might be a better 3rd body for me to carry than the D500 I currently use (and am not happy with).
I read Thom Hogan's review. I'm aware of the Auto ISO/dial quirk, I use M mode with Auto ISO on, so I'm set. I'm not sure about focusing issues as I'll be using AF only (and love that it has BBF). I'm thinking about renting the 35/1.8 and 85/1.8 and being light and small. I can keep the other lens in my purse or pool bag.
I get the power switch.I'm guessing I can leave it on, and it'll go to sleep and I can get by a whole day on a battery. I have a 128 G SDHC, so one card is cool and I won't need a big fast buffer. Is the AF really that bad? I'm used to the D5's AF, but not expecting that and I've never owned a D4 (but didn't like the D4s AF in comparison after using a couple of D5s day in and out).
Is there anything else I should be aware of with a Df and 35 and 85 combo or reasons not to recommend it?
Thanks
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The Df will certainly feel more balanced with small 1.8g primes than any heavier glass. The grip for your hand is pretty shallow, so you'll want to make sure there is some kind of strap situation. You can configure the controls so that you adjust aperture and shutter speed with the front and rear command dials like any other Nikon DSLR, instead of the shutter speed dial on top. The front dial is a little funky because it is more of a knob than a dial, but it isn't too bad to get used to.
If you plan to just leave the camera powered on, I would be sure to have at least one extra battery. The Df uses the EN-EL14/a instead of the larger 15 that most other modern prosumer and pro Nikons use. With your batteries, make sure that you have the EN-EL14a, not the EN-EL14. Both will work, but there is a significant difference in longevity.
Autofocus. Yeah, it isn't good. On paper it is the same system as the D600/610 IIRC, but in practice it feels more inept in the dark. In good light, it is just fine...but that's not exactly a huge accomplishment. For the life of me, I can't figure out why they would pair that AF system with a sensor so capable at high ISO. As the light gets lower, the center point is really the only functional point.
It's a good camera and fun to play with and has lovely files, but it can also be frustrating as all hell if you want it to be something it is not. Oddly enough, I replaced mine with a D500 and I am so so much happier. Not many cameras that I'll have an emotional response to, but the D500 is one. I think that the D500 with the Sigma 24-35 f/2 is about the best general purpose walk around camera that I've ever used. I shoot D800s for weddings/portraits/etc., so the feel is similar but it is so much quicker, quieter, more responsive, and the AWB is fantastic.
If you go with the Df for your trip, hopefully you can have some time with it before you go to make sure it is the tool yo want to be using. I think in virtually every aspect the D500 is a superior camera and would be the right choice if there was a better lineup of lenses available that make sense on the DX sensor. D500 with a 24mm f/1.8 or 1.4 and maybe the 58 or 60 macro would get you close to a 35/85 FOV.
Definitely report back with what you decide to do and how the trip went!
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