I did move from Canon to NIkon.... here's my take from an amateur point of view.

I originally bought Canon gear because the friend who got me into DSLR shot Canon, so he was a wealth of information for me coming from a point and shoot perspective.
I bought a 1D, then 20D, 30D, 1D2N, then back to a 1D.

I loved the Canon 85mm 1.2 version 1 that I had. I like it better than the 1.4 of Nikon, would like to see an AF-S version of the 85mm 1.4 as I haven't given up on that lens yet, it was more likely my inexperience.

I think I found a replacement in the Nikon camp for my former 80-200mm "drainpipe". I like both the AF-S version of the 80-200 in Nikon and the AF-D two ring version.

I'd like to someday try the 28-70 "beast" or newer 24-70mm 2.8, but for now my Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 is doing pretty well, it seems very sharp and since I don't shoot in that range often, I'll keep my funds for other purchases.

I think I found a replacement in the NIkon camp for my Canon 300mm 2.8 non-IS lens, it's the Nikon 300mm 2.8 AF-S version 1 lens. Love the Nikon version, it's a quick, and quiet focus.
I miss my Canon 200mm 2.8 prime version 1 with the built in hood, I have the Nikon 180mm 2.8 and if it had AF-S, I may think they were similar.

I think I found a replacement for the Canon 300mm f/4 non-IS lens...it was my NIkon 300mm f/4 AF-S lens. Unfortunately I sold it as it wasn't auto-focusing consistently, so I sold it at a loss in full disclosure and I'd like to buy another one some day.

I still own my Canon 1D and 300mm non-IS 2.8 lens, but those items may be sold at some future time.

A Nikon lens I'd like to try is the 14-24mm 2.8 lens even though I hardly shoot those focal lengths.

Lisa

Lisa, so overall, are you happy with the move?

Yes, I am. I didn't discuss Nikon bodies, but I shoot with a D90, D1H and D2H camera. The learning curve was easier for me with those cameras....just seemed more intuitive for me. I really love my D1H, I know it's old technology, but that camera is my go-to camera. If I was a pro, I'd probably buy a D700, D3 or D3x.

Lisa

I forgot to mention that the Nikon 200mm f/2 VR lens is a GEM! I had the Canon 200mm 1.8 and I prefer the Nikon, I unfortunately sold it to get some funds together, but I'd happily own one again.

Lisa

Alistair Watson wrote:
Lisa, so overall, are you happy with the move?


lisantica wrote:
Yes, I am.
...


That's good to hear! I switched a month ago and so far I am very impressed and looking forward to the start of the season.

In Canon, I loved USM and in Nikon I wish more lenses were AF-S. I tend to like whisper quiet lenses.

The only thing I really miss from the Canon 1D series is the lug on the underside of the body for the handstrap. I did look at a plate for the Nikons but don't really like that idea so I am learning to live without it.....

I hear ya on that! Brilliant design on the 1D having that accessible on the underside of the 1D.

Fat lady hasn't sang yet for me.....but she could be warming up

Richard K.

Richard, I am such a literal person that I can't figure out if your post means I'm fat or that Nikon gear is beginning to look good.

Lisa

It means that Nikon is slowly winning me over.....I would never call anyone fat.....but can you sing?

Richard K.

Ahhh, just making sure Being literal is difficult when reading posts.

Hi Lisa,
This is my take on the issue as I posted a portion of it on a different thread:

A lot of folks that have made the switch completely from Canon to Nikon or that never used Canon are definitely more enthusiastic about their gear and understandably so. However, folks that use both systems tend to be more subdued in their praises for Nikon, yours truly included. Don't get me wrong, there are absolutely features/lenses that I like in the Nikon system but I can say the same about the Canon system. Both are really excellent and I could be happy with either one but I have my feet firmly footed in both camps.

Just my opinion, of course
Joshua

AGeoJO wrote:
Hi Lisa,
This is my take on the issue as I posted a portion of it on a different thread:

A lot of folks that have made the switch completely from Canon to Nikon or that never used Canon are definitely more enthusiastic about their gear and understandably so. However, folks that use both systems tend to be more subdued in their praises for Nikon, yours truly included. Don't get me wrong, there are absolutely features/lenses that I like in the Nikon system but I can say the same about the Canon system. Both are really excellent and I could be happy with either one but I have my feet firmly footed in both camps.

Just my opinion, of course
Joshua

Some started life with Nikon and switched to Canon, now have switched back to Nikon. I started with Canon thirty years ago and have never used Nikon until the D3 I picked up last week. I am finding problems with the Nikon system, just as there are problems with Canon equipment. Nikon has the lead in some areas but lags behind in others. I'm am thinking Joshua is pretty much on target, if you look at the entire system neither is head and shoulders above the other.

Richard K.

Most definitely Joshua and Richard. Both systems are excellent and my proof is in the fact that I can't seem to part with my last two Canon gear items.

I wonder if I had started with Nikon gear if I would have wanted to sample Canon gear too. I do know that I would not sell my current Nikon gear to go back, at least at this point, but merely because I've settled into some gear that I use, understand and enjoy the output.

Lisa

Because of what I do, I am reluctant to run both systems. The differences between them cause me to pause and think about how to make a change. My hat is off to those smarter than I who are sucessful at the two camp solution. I will eventually stick with only one. For now the Nikon flash system, and the 200-400f4 are pulling me toward Nikon. I am waiting for my MKIII to return from it's second recall before I make my decision.

Richard K.

AGeoJO wrote:
Hi Lisa,
This is my take on the issue as I posted a portion of it on a different thread:

A lot of folks that have made the switch completely from Canon to Nikon or that never used Canon are definitely more enthusiastic about their gear and understandably so. However, folks that use both systems tend to be more subdued in their praises for Nikon, yours truly included. Don't get me wrong, there are absolutely features/lenses that I like in the Nikon system but I can say the same about the Canon system. Both are really excellent and I could be happy with either one but I have my feet firmly footed in both camps.

Just my opinion, of course
Joshua

An opinion that I share completely

Running both systems however does imply a couple of things. If you are doing paid gigs the added expense of having backups for everything on both systems could be prohibitive. However if you're business is thriving the added expense should be that bad. If you are a hobbyist, dual systems can work out well if you can manage to switch between the cameras without issue. Last night I was shooting dancers on a dim stage with the 1Ds3 + 85L and the D700 + 24-70. I switched back and forth between the two cameras without a hiccup, but your mileage may vary.

I should add that the Nikon flash exposure system and metering system in general do rock and is one of the areas that folks have used superlatives to describe which has actually lived up to the hype.

mill4570 wrote:
.... and have never used Nikon until the D3 I picked up last week. I am finding problems with the Nikon system, just as there are problems with Canon equipment.


Richard, how are you finding the D3?

Alistair,

It is taking a little getting use to. Lens mount is reversed, cards plug in facing away from the lcd display, exposure comp scale is reversed, and there is an "anti-flash confirmation" light. The image quality is great, the flash system is much much better, and I got a chance to use a 200-400f4 this weekend and that may seal the deal. The only real complaint is the vignetting of the 70-200f2.8 on the FX body (a known issue). It is really bad. On the upside, the center of the lens is so good, I can use the 1.4 tc and maintain good image quality. Something I could not do with the Canon 70-200f2.8 and tc. The 24-70f2.8 is bright edge to edge, and on the FX is actually wide.

In short, I think I am going to move to Nikon. The issues I have with the system are small and will go away as I use the gear. Soon the Canon system will be backwards.

My MKIII should be back from round two next week, I'll make a final decision then.

I was hoping to hear more from you and Lee about your experience. PM if you need to.

Richard K.

Just my tuppence , I moved from Canon to D700 and will move back again as soon as new 1DS comes out .