p.3 #3 · So...about $15k to have a workable setup in Nikon...
If it were me (and it's not, I don't shoot weddings) I'd switch simply for the 14-24. Personally I'll be using the 16-35 VR with the D800E, but that's because I need to be able to attach a Lee filter system to it. If it were me I'd be all over the 14-24. As a transitional strategy I'd get a D700 and pre-order the D800 (plain, not E). Start looking for used gear, when you find a Nikon you turn around and sell the Canon it replaces. Shoot with both during the transition, if possible. Get a second D700 for backup and shoot D800+D700 with an extra D700. When the D800 starts showing used, replace one or both D700's with a used D800. That's probably a year down the line.
p.3 #5 · So...about $15k to have a workable setup in Nikon...
The prices you quote for your gear are averages from the past. I suspect there will be enough people like you dumping Canon to drive prices even lower in the immediate future, unless Canon does something really fast.
p.3 #9 · So...about $15k to have a workable setup in Nikon...
Ok so you can get 2 d800's ...why not get 2 d7000's or 2 of some other type of small cheap nikon camera that can be the "shiz hits the fan" backup...
When my wife and I switched we did it in steps and did it over a period of time.
I still have more stuff to switch out but stand to lose another 5-6 G's in the switch.
Sucks but Canon AF sucks.
Canon primes may be better than NIkon primes but the fact that they need constant calibration is stupid.
I went through three 35L's and 3 5d2's before I found a combo that worked.
p.3 #10 · So...about $15k to have a workable setup in Nikon...
i made a partial switch this past month and so far so good. i am going to hang on to my canon 400 f/2.8 IS and 200 f/1.8 for the time being. all in all i really like the D700 verse the 5d2. i know i will miss the 85L but that is about it. i am going to pick up a nikon 85 f/1.4g.
i didn't lose much by making the switch but i think i got lucky. i think nikon used prices are going to rise due to supply and demand.
p.3 #11 · So...about $15k to have a workable setup in Nikon...
Chad S wrote:
Maybe you should just wait and see what Canon offers in the very near future?
+1
The Canon 5D2 is 3 years old. I can't see them going through 2012 without a replacement.
As a business person, you need to look at the true cost/benefit analysis to switching.
I also wouldn't worry too much on losing $500 on a working tool. Compared to the old film days, that is nothing. I used to spend at least $5,000 a year on film.
It is just the cost of doing business. Unless you are shooting weddings for $200, and only doing 3 a year, it is all a "sunk cost." IE: The past doesn't matter.
If you drop a $5,000 tv down the stairs, what is done is done (sunk cost.) The only question is the cost/benefit of your choices going forward - how much a new TV would cost, vs. repairing the broken one.
Don't forget the work involved in switching, time required, and familiarity with equipment, which is critical in a situation like a wedding.
Canon has also had a habit of exceeding expectations, or at least surprising when they do announce. I can't see there is any business justification for you switching.
How about a Canon 1DsII for $1,700? that is a beautifil 16 MP camera with the 1 series build quality.
I **may** switch, though I hope Canon announces before the 800E ships.
But I am disabled and closed my studio 4 years ago. I also only have a 40D right now and need a FF camera. I am also trying to replace 4x5 film (replaced 6x7 film with the 1DsII in 2004.)
Good luck. Sleep on it, but I can't see that it makes sense for you, unless yopu are offering 3'x5' non-canvas prints.
p.3 #12 · So...about $15k to have a workable setup in Nikon...
form wrote:
but would almost all be in focus if my cameras' autofocus didn't suck...which gives me more of the shots that I want, giving more variety of shots that are usable because they are in focus instead of defocused...
1) When I first got my 1DsII, I spent a day working and checked focus on every image. They were all 100%. Out of 1,000, there was only 1 out of focus. I realized that 1 was my fault.
I made 70,000+ images over 2 years with that camera and never had focus issues.
2) Techique with a zoom is to zoom to the highest magnification (70 on the 24-70), focus, then zoom back to 40 or whatever. Then check with your zoom specifically whether the focus is still on.
With my 24-70 it is. If you do the opposite, focus at 24 then zoom to 70, you might see how "unoptimized" your focus is at wider angles. (You may know this, just saying.)
3) I have found with the non-1 series bodies that the second image usually has slightly better focus than the first (if you take two in a row with autofocus.) The long travel of the first image focusing gets close, but it seems to overshoot a bit. But once you are close to correct focus, the second focus does a little finer tuning. I assume Canon did this so that the lenses won't "hunt" and delay the shutter release.
So I always focus twice in a row. With static items, I just take 2 pictures. With people, you may want to just focus, then focus again (so they don't relax and think the image is over.)
You may know all this - I don't mean to 'splain stuff you already know. But as a 30+ year pro, I always had 1 series cameras.
p.3 #13 · So...about $15k to have a workable setup in Nikon...
I assume that if Canon could get it right with 1D focus systems not doubling back and having accurate focus, then they could have done it right with other cameras. It is a shame they couldnt be bothered.
Oftentimes I can focus on something multiple times and come up with all OOF images. Other times it gets it right...usually SECOND time...which is NOT acceptable when every shot counts.
Nikon gets it right the first time with the D700 and everything above it that I tried. What a stupid thing for Canon to cripple everything below 1D, as if the lowly 5D owners don't deserve to have things in focus the first time.
I am thinking about having one Nikon camera to go along with the rest of my Canon kit and see if it works out. Nikon D700 or D800 with maybe 2 lenses...a D800 with 35 f/1.4 is still $4500, which would cost me selling a 5D, 35L, 50L, 135L and possibly 24L...since I rarely use 24, 50 or 135, I would basically be bringing my kit back to the 35/85/16-35/70-200 state.
