Thinking about going to Nikon from shooting Canon. I currently shoot the MkIII and the 400mm 2.8 IS as my primary sports set up with a MKIIN on a 70-200 IS as a second body. My question is....Would the 400mm be long enough on the FF D3 when coming from the 1.3x MkIII? My main concern is that I will be looking for more length if I switch and that I would be looking for a 600mm. Also, has anyone used the D700 for sports? I was thinking of getting this for my second body if I make the switch....Thoughts? Comments? Thanks!
I'm not credentialed so I'm on the wrong side of the fence at motorsports tracks, to get the best shots. That said, I like the ability to switch from FX to DX (5mp). It helps when a good location (the right light) has two views. I used 70/200w1.4
I'll post some of this weeks Baja1000 where there are no fences and they allow you in the yard. I'll get some action in FX, no reach needed, you get real close. I'll get 8fps with a grip add on, probably use the 24/70 2.8 on my D90 & 70/200 on D700.
Next time I'll need reach will be the Mavericks surf contest (on a boat). Again the FX/DX option gives more flexibility
I just did this switch myself, from 2 Mk3's to D3's 24-70/70-200/400 2.8 and 200 1.8 to 28-70/70-200/400 2.8 and love the change I still want to pick up the 14-24 and have not decided if I want a 200 2.0 or the 200-400 f/4. I did notice the reach but I tell you the focus is spot on and I can still crop tight and not loose anything. With the MK3 if it hit it was good but have to say not as good as the D3.
As I have just done what you are thinking give me a email at [email protected] and I will be happy to talk more.
I just got a d3 and have used it with my 600 and love it, I do not find myself using my d300 that I though was the greatest thing since.. ( I shoot surfing). Many here use the d3 with the 400 2.8 and add a 1.4 tc if need be. I really like the 600 for what I shoot with the d3 because the files are so good I can crop if I need a tighter shot. Maybe think of a d300 as a back up in you need the reach.
Rags Hef wrote:
I have used the my new D700 for sports
I'm not credentialed so I'm on the wrong side of the fence at motorsports tracks, to get the best shots. That said, I like the ability to switch from FX to DX (5mp). It helps when a good location (the right light) has two views. I used 70/200w1.4
I'll post some of this weeks Baja1000 where there are no fences and they allow you in the yard. I'll get some action in FX, no reach needed, you get real close. I'll get 8fps with a grip add on, probably use the 24/70 2.8 on my D90 & 70/200 on D700.
Next time I'll need reach will be the Mavericks surf contest (on a boat). Again the FX/DX option gives more flexibility
I am not too familiar with this FX/DX switch? What is that all about? How does the 400mm and the 70-200mm react to having a 1.4x or 1.7x converter on it? I have used the Canon 1.4x on my Canon 400mm and have been pleased. Also, how does the D300 fair against the D700 for image quality? Thanks
With the switch of a button you can turn you fx to dx sensor, and have your extra reach. It gives you a 5mp file, but its a good one. And I have posters made from that already that look great.
The nikon 200 is a grand less than its canon counterpart too...although the 400 2.8 is still a lot of $$$
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Oh cool, is this option available on the D3 as well? So this option will allow to either be FF or a crop sensor essentially? What crop factor would it be? That would be really handy since I shoot both weddings and sports.
Matt Shaw wrote:
I am not too familiar with this FX/DX switch? What is that all about? How does the 400mm and the 70-200mm react to having a 1.4x or 1.7x converter on it? I have used the Canon 1.4x on my Canon 400mm and have been pleased. Also, how does the D300 fair against the D700 for image quality? Thanks
You can set up the FX?DX switch on the "commander" dial (workable with your thumb) when pressing th Fn button on the lower right of the lens (with index or middle finger). It's one click either way and it rocks.
I can't comment on theD3, I don't have one.
On the D700
The DX choice comes with a penalty, the image size is only 5.1mp. But all other image management features work.
When DX is selected a smaller box appears in the VF (that's your DX image), that boxed cropped image will appear on the LCD and can be zoomed to review
The crop is 1.5. It's just like shooting with a DX cam with a reduced image size (5.1mp).
I used it at the AMA supermoto finals event and it gave me a lot of flexibility, on my 70/200 w 1.4; I had a range of 98mm to 420mm without changing equipment.
the D700 & the D3 share the same sensor. The D300 is a previous generation but has better fps than the "stock" D700.
I believe on the D3 when in the DX crop mode it also masks the viewfinder ala D2Xs in the high speed crop mode. You also get 11fps with the D3 in crop mode.
