Why is it that most sports photographers shoot with Canon equipment? Are the lenses that much better than Nikkor? If so, what's better about them - optics, autofocus speed, USM? Not trying to start a big debate or anything, just curious about how this came to be? Thanks.
Canon has had USM autofocus since 1987. Their supertelephoto lenses were the first to have fast and accurate focusing, with superior optical performance. Nikon did not begin to develop AF-S until nearly a decade later. They also lagged behind in IS/VR development, with Canon's implementations typically having more effectiveness and flexibility. Even now, many people shooting either system agree that Canon has long had the advantage in lens technology.
Furthermore, Canon led the way in the development of high pixel density, full frame sensors. Their 1D-series bodies with APS-H (1.3x crop) format struck a balance between image quality and high frame rate that made them very popular, whereas Nikon focused on DX-format (1.5x crop) bodies and lenses. As Nikon only started to develop full frame sensors more recently, they have had to redesign several of their lenses to optimize for full-frame corner performance (e.g., 70-200/2.8 VR I vs VR II).
That said, Nikon has mostly caught up--certainly with their current supertelephotos--and it is not surprising to see the pendulum swing in the opposite direction with Nikon's attention toward high-end AF functionality and noise control in their DSLR bodies. These days, I think the pressure is on Canon to show that they can develop pro-level bodies with even more accurate and responsive focusing, superior noise control, and high frame rate. Many photographers have switched to Nikon because they have made great strides in both body and lens development, whereas Canon seems to have focused on HD video and consumer-level updates.
There are some places in the country where all you see is Canon and some places all you see is Nikon.
Canon may have the edge with CPS, Nikon in low light.... It evens out in the end. They both make excellent gear.
I'd say if you see white lenses still alot, it's because it's only been the last few years that Nikon has really stepped up their game re: sports. Now? Anyone just starting can choose either brand and I think will end up with great stuff. I've contemplated switching to the "dark side" many times.
I think a lot of those shooters like to shoot other stuff as well, in which case you simply can't compare Nikon to Canon in terms of lens model variation, availability, and cost.
I know in some cases it has a lot to do with income streams and/or who is paying the bill for new gear or additions to existing gear. The Canon long lenses are simply less expensive, particularly if you are picking up used gear. Switching from Canon to Nikon can bring a bill that will wipe out a massive chunk of a year's income. Not many can afford to do that on their own now. A good photographer will make you jaw drop with either system.
