Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

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mourningshadow
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p.1 #1 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

Ok, so having tried out the 5Dmk2 and being a little let down with the autofocus ( don't get me wrong, I think it is a hell of a camera ) I decided maybe I should give Nikon a try now that they have an affordable full frame D700.

Here is my problem. I am fully vested in Canon right now and don't want to take a huge loss and have no idea what the pricing is for good Nikon glass. The thing that attracts me most to Nikon is the superior auto focus and from what I hear more reliable flash system.

I have heard that the Canon glass is supposedly better than Nikon which is another hesitation I have because I do love my fast primes, so if anyone could give me an opinion in looking at my current gear lineup what I would be able to get as a Nikon alternative I would greatly appreciate it.

Here is what I have:

2x 5d's with grips and about 12 batteries
Canon 85 1.2L version 1
Canon 35 1.4L
Canon 50 1.8
Canon 70-200 2.8 IS
Canon 17-40 f/4L
Tamron 28-75 2.8
Sigma 70-200 2.8
Sigma 1.4x TC
2x Canon 580EX flashes

My most used lenses are the 85L and 35L and I absolutely love them. Are there Nikon versions that are equally as good?

Based on used prices right now I could get around $8k for my Canon gear, what could I get in Nikon gear for that amount? I would Like to get 2 D700's eventually but could live with a D700 and D300.

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

-Aaron

Jan 06, 2009 at 06:53 PM

Icemanmanf
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p.1 #2 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

I switched, but I'm a zoom shooter. You've got amazing glass, so I suggest you wait until after PMA in March to see what new body Canon comes out with that may address your autofocus needs.

Jan 06, 2009 at 07:05 PM

mourningshadow
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p.1 #3 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

Yeah I was thinking of waiting to see what they come up with, but the reason I am considering the switch now is because I have 2 months before my next wedding in March, so if I am going to do it now is the perfect time so I can get used to the different system.

Jan 06, 2009 at 07:09 PM

louis fusco
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p.1 #4 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

you could sell one with the sigma bits and pick up a 2nd hand d700 and try it out.

http://www.bythom.com/nikon.htm
http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html

Jan 06, 2009 at 07:13 PM

jamach
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p.1 #5 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

good advise from the Iceman. Otherwise, use that 8K and get a D3 with SB-900 and 70-200 F2.8.

What sort of photoing do you do?

Surprised you did not like the 5D2, you sound like a 5D and Canon guy.

But if breaking ranks is what you want to do, then jump in and be happy - Use all the money and get a d3x and new F1.4 AFS 50mm lens

Joe

Jan 06, 2009 at 07:13 PM

mourningshadow
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p.1 #6 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

I love the 5D but at times hate the auto focus, I do mainly weddings and low light reception dancing shots can be very frustrating with the 5D. I do think the 5D2 is a great camera I just wish they would have improved the auto focus.

Jan 06, 2009 at 07:15 PM

Jammy Straub
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p.1 #7 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

mourningshadow wrote:

My most used lenses are the 85L and 35L and I absolutely love them. Are there Nikon versions that are equally as good?

-Aaron

That's the kicker. Nikon does not make a f/1.2 autofocus lens. Their 85mm f/1.4 is a beauty, the closest they make to the 35L is the now discontinued 28mm f/1.4 AF, they run around $3K on ebay. Nikon does not have a wide angle fast prime solution at this time other than the 35mm f/2, which is less than exciting IMHO.

The D700's ISO performance does make shooting with an f/2.8 zoom on the wide end very viable though.

Jan 06, 2009 at 07:17 PM

tdong
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p.1 #8 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

stop wasting money by switching and you may probably switch back why not using both system for a change. If I am you I would sell the sigma 70-200 and tc since it is overlap also sell 1 of the 5D and 1 flash. then get the D700 and nikon 85 f1.4 to try out if that is what you want then, sure sell the 85 f1.2 to buy whatever else you like

Jan 06, 2009 at 08:10 PM

GregM5
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p.1 #9 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

Have you considered selling the 5D's and the Sigma's and getting a new or used 1DsIII?

Jan 06, 2009 at 08:28 PM

Jammy Straub
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p.1 #10 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

GregM5 wrote:
Have you considered selling the 5D's and the Sigma's and getting a new or used 1DsIII?

Or a used 1Ds MKII, that would solve your AF problems, save you money, and give you better IQ.

Jan 06, 2009 at 08:33 PM

Sam Bennett
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p.1 #11 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

The D700 suffers some of the same problems as the 5D in the AF department, so I would highly recommend you try one out before you make the switch. The D700's AF is more flexible and "better" in a lot of conditions, but in one key aspect - the reliability of the off-center AF points in a wide variety of contrast situations - it's just as bad. The problem is that Nikon grouped the 15 cross-type AF points in a 3x5 array in the center of the AF spread. So if you're not using one of those points and the contrast you're focusing on is going the "wrong" way, you're hosed - just like you would be with a 5D.

Nikon needs to fix this issue before they can genuinely claim they're running with the big boys, imo.

FWIW, this is coming from a guy who just made the switch himself - most recently from a 1D Mark III (which I loved) and a 40D (which I hated).

Jan 06, 2009 at 08:34 PM

Fred Relaix
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p.1 #12 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

I have used the 5D for 2 years, and did a lost of testing of a friend's D700, and IMHO the D700 is *much* better in the AF department, including the off-center (even if it is true that the cross types are clustered in the center), and tracking. In fact I am currently debating whether to get a 5D2 or a D700 with a couple of Nikkors (14-24 ad 24-70/2.8). I will probably wait to see if Nikon releases a D700x and if Canon release the long-awaited 3D before making any move.

Sam Bennett wrote:
The D700 suffers some of the same problems as the 5D in the AF department, so I would highly recommend you try one out before you make the switch. The D700's AF is more flexible and "better" in a lot of conditions, but in one key aspect - the reliability of the off-center AF points in a wide variety of contrast situations - it's just as bad. The problem is that Nikon grouped the 15 cross-type AF points in a 3x5 array in the center of the AF spread. So if you're not using one of those points and the contrast you're focusing on is going the "wrong" way, you're hosed - just like you would be with a 5D.

Nikon needs to fix this issue before they can genuinely claim they're running with the big boys, imo.

FWIW, this is coming from a guy who just made the switch himself - most recently from a 1D Mark III (which I loved) and a 40D (which I hated).

Jan 06, 2009 at 09:02 PM

mourningshadow
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p.1 #13 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

Ok, thanks for the input everyone. Maybe I will just rent a D700 and a lens to try it out and see if I like it that much more.

Also looking at used 1DS mk2 prices that could be another good thing to consider.

I have a lot to think about, thanks everyone

Jan 06, 2009 at 09:19 PM

stuuke
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p.1 #14 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

Aaron, I pm'd you my phone number. I made the switch the over the past few months and had a similar investment in Canon glass. I would be happy to share my thoughts on making the switch.

Jan 06, 2009 at 09:22 PM

Flappie
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p.1 #15 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

I switched some time ago, I was using a
5D + 12-24 EX Sigma + 24 TSE + 35L +MPE65 + 85L + 90TSE+135L+180L+200L+2x580 EX, so at least some common points.
I actually use a D700 + 14-24 + 24-70 + 105VR + 135DC + 200 Micro + SB900, i will buy a 45 PCE in march
Some comments below

mourningshadow wrote:
Ok, so having tried out the 5Dmk2 and being a little let down with the autofocus ( don't get me wrong, I think it is a hell of a camera ) I decided maybe I should give Nikon a try now that they have an affordable full frame D700.

Here is my problem. I am fully vested in Canon right now and don't want to take a huge loss and have no idea what the pricing is for good Nikon glass. The thing that attracts me most to Nikon is the superior auto focus and from what I hear more reliable flash system.

I have heard that the Canon glass is supposedly better than Nikon which is another hesitation I have because I do love my fast primes, so if anyone could give me an opinion in looking at my current gear lineup what I would be able to get as a Nikon alternative I would greatly appreciate it.

Not true, some Canon glass is better, Nikon is better in other parts

Here is what I have:

2x 5d's with grips and about 12 batteries
Canon 85 1.2L version 1

The 85/1.4 is very close (I havn't bought it, I like 135mm FL on FF better)

Canon 35 1.4L

There is a MF 35/1.4 Nikon, but I'm simply using the AF-s 24-70 at the moment, a very good lens (better then the 24-70L and the 24-105 L that I had two years ago)

Canon 50 1.8

Nikon 50 mm/1.8 or Nikon 50mm/1.4

Canon 70-200 2.8 IS

Nikon70-200 VR

Canon 17-40 f/4L

Look for a second hand 17-35 AFs/2.8. While the 14-24 is a marvellous lens, it's not a 'reporters lens' like the 17-40L

Tamron 28-75 2.8

Change mount or buy a AFs 24-70, which is very very good

Sigma 70-200 2.8

Do you need two 70-200 2.8? Get a 135 DC instead

Sigma 1.4x TC
2x Canon 580EX flashes

2 x SB900. very good flash, with color autodetected color-filter

My most used lenses are the 85L and 35L and I absolutely love them. Are there Nikon versions that are equally as good?

My situation was quite alike. (35L and 135L). I have a replacement for the 135L (but not as good), didn't find a real replacement for the 35L. Nikon 85mm/1.4 is a very nice lens

Based on used prices right now I could get around $8k for my Canon gear, what could I get in Nikon gear for that amount? I would Like to get 2 D700's eventually but could live with a D700 and D300.

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

-Aaron
I think switching would cost you too much. For 8000$, you really won't get very far...

Jan 06, 2009 at 09:38 PM

molson
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p.1 #16 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

mourningshadow wrote:
Here is what I have:

2x 5d's with grips and about 12 batteries
Canon 85 1.2L version 1
Canon 35 1.4L
Canon 50 1.8
Canon 70-200 2.8 IS
Canon 17-40 f/4L
Tamron 28-75 2.8
Sigma 70-200 2.8
Sigma 1.4x TC
2x Canon 580EX flashes

My most used lenses are the 85L and 35L and I absolutely love them. Are there Nikon versions that are equally as good?

I recently switched the other way (D700 to 5D Mark II), primarily because of the lenses. Of all the Canon lenses you list, the only one where Nikon currently offers a comparable lens of equal quality is the 50mm f1.8

If the glass is important to you, I would recommend sticking with Canon.

Jan 06, 2009 at 09:47 PM

mrkon
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p.1 #17 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

i use the 85 f/1.4 and 35 f/2 on a D700. the optical quality is fine on these lenses (probably not as crisp wide open as the canon counterparts), but both are screw type lenses, so AF will not be blazingly fast like the USM on your 35L. i would rent them and try them out first. a nikon 35 1.4 AFS would be fantastic (if they made one).

on the plus side, if you do a lot of off camera lighting, you will love commander mode with the pop up flash

Jan 06, 2009 at 11:46 PM

90 5.0
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p.1 #18 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

Doesn't sigma make a 35 1.4 that gets good reviews in a nikon mount? This might be something to look into for those that find the 35/2 to slow.

And as has been mentioned before in the 50dvs50af-s threads. Don't expect af-s to give you any significant focusing speed differences in the shorter focal lengths on a body with a big screw drive motor, ala D300/700/D3/2 ect. It will be quieter but not noticeably faster. Where Af-s picks up speed is in the longer focal lengths that have a longer focus throw.

Jan 06, 2009 at 11:59 PM

Sam Bennett
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p.1 #19 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

No, Sigma only has the 30mm f/1.4, which is a DX lens.

Jan 07, 2009 at 12:07 AM

jmcfadden
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p.1 #20 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

molson wrote:
mourningshadow wrote:
Here is what I have:

2x 5d's with grips and about 12 batteries
Canon 85 1.2L version 1
Canon 35 1.4L
Canon 50 1.8
Canon 70-200 2.8 IS
Canon 17-40 f/4L
Tamron 28-75 2.8
Sigma 70-200 2.8
Sigma 1.4x TC
2x Canon 580EX flashes

My most used lenses are the 85L and 35L and I absolutely love them. Are there Nikon versions that are equally as good?

I recently switched the other way (D700 to 5D Mark II), primarily because of the lenses. Of all the Canon lenses you list, the only one where Nikon currently offers a comparable lens of equal quality is the 50mm f1.8

If the glass is important to you, I would recommend sticking with Canon.

well for this Week anyway , hehe , Cliff

Happy New Year man

Jan 07, 2009 at 12:37 AM

AGeoJO
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p.1 #21 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

mourningshadow wrote:
I love the 5D but at times hate the auto focus, I do mainly weddings and low light reception dancing shots can be very frustrating with the 5D. I do think the 5D2 is a great camera I just wish they would have improved the auto focus.

I am not sure about the 5D's AF but that of the Canon 1Ds MkIII's AF is more responsive with less hunting, if any, than that of the D700 under low lighting conditions. Besides that, the D700 is really an excellent camera. Speaking from experience here.... and we are not talking about lenses.

Jan 07, 2009 at 12:49 AM

dnenciu
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p.1 #22 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

AGeoJO wrote:
mourningshadow wrote:
I love the 5D but at times hate the auto focus, I do mainly weddings and low light reception dancing shots can be very frustrating with the 5D. I do think the 5D2 is a great camera I just wish they would have improved the auto focus.

I am not sure about the 5D's AF but that of the Canon 1Ds MkIII's AF is more responsive with less hunting, if any, than that of the D700 under low lighting conditions. Besides that, the D700 is really an excellent camera. Speaking from experience here.... and we are not talking about lenses.

I just did the switch and for the cash I got I replaced:
5d
135f2
50f1.4
16-35f2.8mk1
100mmf2.8Macro
24-105F4IS
70-200F2.8IS
580EX

All I could get for the cash I sold my stuff for was:

d700
24-70f2.8
70-200f2.8VR
SB-900

so I lost 50f1.4, 100Macro, 135f2 and 16-35mk1.

I would have lost two anyway (16-35 and 50f1.4) if I would've upgraded to the 5dmk2 to cover the price so in effect I lost the 100M and 135f2 ~ $1500.

In exchange I got a much better 24-70mm zoom, a much better flash and 5 years of warranty on the lenses.

I consider the 5Dmk2 on par with the d700 depending on what you value (I preferred the d700 obviously

) so I don't include it in the calculation.

I hope my convoluted post makes some sense

Oh by the way I don't regret the switch.

Jan 07, 2009 at 02:41 AM

mourningshadow
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p.1 #23 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

Ok, I think I decided to stick with Canon for now, sell one of my 5D bodies and the Sigma 70-200 ( which I was selling anyways, just picked up the canon IS version ) and get a 1Ds mark2 to see if that helps me out with the auto focus issues I am having.

Thanks for all the input guys, I greatly appreciate it!

Jan 07, 2009 at 03:49 AM

Jammy Straub
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p.1 #24 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

mourningshadow wrote:
Ok, I think I decided to stick with Canon for now, sell one of my 5D bodies and the Sigma 70-200 ( which I was selling anyways, just picked up the canon IS version ) and get a 1Ds mark2 to see if that helps me out with the auto focus issues I am having.

Thanks for all the input guys, I greatly appreciate it!

You'll love it! It's a beautiful tool.

Jan 07, 2009 at 04:07 AM

Sam Bennett
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p.1 #25 · Help me switch from Canon to Nikon

Unfortunately the Mark II AF point layout has the same problem as the D700.

The Mark III system has been my favorite so far. All of the selectable points have cross-type sensors. Cross-types aren't the be-all-end-all of AF requirements, but for some shooting they're essential to get reliable focus.

Jan 07, 2009 at 05:20 AM


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