Upgrading dilemna: Help appreciated

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

01/17/2013 08:44:13 PM · #1

Hi all, so lately I've become less than enthused with the high ISO and/or low-light performance of my Canon T2i/550D. Anything over ISO 800 and my images suffer from pretty mean noise. Of course, I can fix that in post, but at the expense of detail.

So I've been looking at upgrading my body. Since I'm not invested in Canon, I've looked at the Nikon alternatives and the Nikon D300s and D7000 bodies have excellent reviews relating to high ISO performance. Several reviews I've read actually place the D7000 equal (better?) than the Canon 7D and at significant $$ savings. So, obviously, this has piqued my interest.

However, when I look at the lenses Nikon has to offer, it seems they don't have near the affordability/range that Canon has. Particularly at the tele end of things.

The Nikon 300mm f/4 prime does not have IS/VR. There is no 400mm 5.6 equivalent. And the closest thing to the 100-400L is the 80-400 which apparently has awfully slow autofocus. Am I missing something here? Admittedly, I don't know my way around the Nikon lenses...there's no equivalent as the "L" designation to help guide prospective buyer.

I had considered the Canon 7D....but has the same sensor as my T2i, so not much of an upgrade in the area I want (certainly has a gazillion other features better than T2i, but not the point). I think looked at the Canon 5D classic (Mark I) which still seems to be a great camera, although dated, and can be had for nearly the same price as my T2i. While the IQ is supposed to be fantastic on this camera, it is FF...which limits the reach I can get at the tele end with a 300/400mm lens, which is not ideal since most of my shooting is wildlife. I also don't mind that it has fewer pixels than T2i.

Not trying to start a Canon/Nikon war, certainly is not the intent of the thread, just looking for some ideas as I want to make the best decision for my limited funds. Main use is wildlife, but also do a fair amount of portraiture. This is all hobby, so no income coming in for this.

Option 1. Go Nikon (D300s/D7000). Excellent ISO, sensor, AF etc. Fewer lenses of interest compared to Canon.
Option 2. Canon 5D classic. Excellent ISO, FF, good sensor. Wide variety of lenses. But dated hardware and not as "long" as the crops sensors.

Anyone with ideas, things to think about?

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

01/17/2013 09:02:44 PM · #2

I'd say "hang in there a while." I have owned the (original) 5D since September 2005. While it was the king of low light at the time, the just-released 6D absolutely leaves it in the dust. The 6D is $2k, though, and is FF. If you want to stay with APS-C, I'd wait a few more months. There may well be an additional option.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/17/2013 09:11:47 PM · #3

Thanks for the reply Kirbic. I guess I need to clarify -- I'm definitely not in the market for new. I'm looking at used bodies, and preferably under $800.

Canon 5d classic = $500
Nikon D300/D300s = $600/650
Nikon D7000 = $700
Canon 7D = $850.

Prices above are estimates of what I've seen on FM.

Message edited by author 2013-01-17 23:47:36.

tanguera

Nikon D750

01/17/2013 09:15:14 PM · #4

I would suggest that it's not that Nikon's lenses are "less interesting", but that they are in different focal ranges than you are accustomed. If you know someone with a Nikon body, you can rent a couple of lenses for not much money at all and play around to get an idea of whether the "slow focusing" is truly an issue, etc.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

01/17/2013 09:53:17 PM · #5

Unfortunately, I dont know anyone else who has more than a P&S. I'll keep researching Nikon's lenses

spiritualspatula

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

01/17/2013 10:09:56 PM · #6

Some thoughts-

I'm not sure that the D300 would have better noise than the T2i, due to the age difference, but I could be wrong there. I meant to say D300 there because the D300 has the same sensor as the D300s, so unless you want video, you could save some cash and get a D300 instead.

Beyond that- can't speak relative to the 80-400, but there are lots of users on here that use it and like it. Keep in mind it is a 400 5.6
But some other options you may not have considered yet- I have heard very good things about the Nikon 400 3.5 AIS and the 500 F4, both of which will mount and meter on a D300. They are manual focus, however, which may or may not be of concern to you.

I would generally advise against switching brands, but that's a decision only you can really answer. I will tell you that the D300 handles miles better than the Rebels though, but so did the 40D I tried out when I got my D300. Nikon does have a 70-200F4 now that has been getting pretty great reviews so far, as well.

You might see what all dpc members are nearby- there may be some parties that would let you try out a 80-400 on a Nikon body or your other possible options to see what your own thoughts are.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

01/17/2013 10:19:38 PM · #7

Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

Thank for the helpful response. I see that you use a D300, how do you personally find the low-light, high ISO capability of your D300? As mentioned, I can't use mine above ISO 800 before noise become overwhelming. Some good suggestions regarding the Nikon 400 3.5 AIS and the 500 F4, I have not seen anything of them in my readings, but seeing as they are older lenses and manual only, that may be why. Never had manual only lens, so not sure how I'd like it. I need to do some more reading.

Regarding switching brands, the only lens of mention I have is the 70-200 F4, which I intend selling anyway since it's not a focal length I use much. So there's no real cost involvement in changing brands.

Ja-9

Nikon D750

01/17/2013 11:26:17 PM · #8

I freaking love my D7000 it's amazing the difference from my D80 to this...

Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II

01/17/2013 11:46:55 PM · #9

Originally posted by Ja-9:

I freaking love my D7000 it's amazing the difference from my D80 to this...

Ja-9, I've read REALLY good things about the camera, and would pick it up in a snap..I'm just struggling with the selection of lenses, though. Feel like I'm trying to fit the lenses, rather than the lenses fit me.

dtremain

Canon EOS 80D

01/18/2013 12:03:17 AM · #10

I really like my Canon 60D. It has the smaller ASP-C sensor, next version of processor, swing-out display, and does quite well at ISO 1600 (just starting to pick up some grain). I picked it up new body-only for $899 in March 2012. I use the Tamron 18-270mm zoom, because the convenience of being able to use 1 lens for a wide variety of situations is important to me. The lens was roughly $600 a couple of years ago. May or may not meet your needs, but thot I'd throw out the option. Spring is the time for new models, so if you can wait until April or May...

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

01/18/2013 02:37:54 AM · #11

Originally posted by gcoulson:

I'll generally shoot up to 1600 without second thinking it, but that's the limit before I start weighing things and thinking if I can't find a way to shoot lower ISO at all, and that does require moderate noise reduction, but it's super use-able. I've used some images shot higher, but try to avoid it if possible. But remember that everybody's idea of "use-able" varies quite a bit.

Kroburg

Nikon Z6II

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S

01/18/2013 05:20:57 AM · #12

Originally posted by gcoulson:

Originally posted by Ja-9:
I freaking love my D7000 it's amazing the difference from my D80 to this...

Ja-9, I've read REALLY good things about the camera, and would pick it up in a snap..I'm just struggling with the selection of lenses, though. Feel like I'm trying to fit the lenses, rather than the lenses fit me.

Do you consider the use of third party lenses as well? I have some Sigma lenses and I like them very much. I use them for hobby only (wildlife, landscape) and I'm very pleased with them.

Alex_Petrini

Sony Alpha a7R III

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

01/18/2013 06:48:00 AM · #13

Originally posted by gcoulson:

I have a D7000 and it's a great camera, a huge step for Nikon in the ASP-C system. I bought yesterday my new D600 and if you are searching a 'no noise' camera, get it. Not even a comparison is possibile.

Mike

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount

01/18/2013 07:14:57 AM · #14

5d mark ii?

The only problem with full frame is, with the exception of primes, the glass is costly. Yo will pay more then what you spend on the body for a single lens.

Unfortunately canon hasn't really upgraded their aps c sensor. I imagine they will with this years offerings. Unless you want to go full frame, wait to see wait gets offered this year.

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount

01/18/2013 07:32:07 AM · #15

Thanks everyone! I see no love for the 5D classic. Not an upgrade to IQ of T2i?

Mike

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

01/18/2013 08:05:25 AM · #16

Yes it is, the problem like said is now you no longer have a wide angle and the options that cover that range cost more than the 5d.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

01/18/2013 09:59:04 AM · #17

The 17-40L is not too bad on second hand market.

Ja-9

Nikon D750

01/18/2013 10:04:48 PM · #18

Damn...my whole comment just went poooofff!!!

Gerry, I don't have alot of $$ invested my lens...some are used, some new. I have slowly built up my collection. I have only one that I'd get rid of for sure as I just can't find the sweet spot. But all the others are well used. It's not like you have a whole slew of lens...in other words your at a good point to switch IMO. Cannon lens are less expensive, but the lens that I have are a real mix...my favorite it the Vivitar 55mm...it's the best macro lens that I've worked with so far...I keep going back to it over and over...and I didn't pay much for it at all.

I think what you have to ask yourself is 1) build the body you want, 2) build up the lens that you want.

I can't tell you how much I LOVE my D7000...but bear in mind that I'm aware it's not the "big boy"...but it sure is sweet...

pgirish007

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

01/18/2013 11:22:35 PM · #19

Originally posted by Ja-9:

I agree with Janine, I also built up my lenses over 6 years. I joined DPC in 2006 and at that time I had Canon 20D with just one lens then I sold and bought 50D and used it for over 3 years before upgrade to 6D. Right now I have both 50D and 6D so my 17-85mm works well with 50D where as rest are all good with both.

NikonJeb

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

01/19/2013 08:39:36 AM · #20

Originally posted by Ja-9:

I freaking love my D7000 it's amazing the difference from my D80 to this...

Originally posted by gcoulson:

-9, I've read REALLY good things about the camera, and would pick it up in a snap..I'm just struggling with the selection of lenses, though. Feel like I'm trying to fit the lenses, rather than the lenses fit me.

Originally posted by Alexkc:

I loved my D7000.......good camera, but now that I have a D600, I never touch it. I don't totally agree with Alex's assessment that it's a no-noise camera, but it is a darn fine piece, and I do love it.

The D7000 was markedly better than my D200, and the D600 is noticeably better then the D7000. Honestly, I think the D300/D300s is pretty much off the curve since the D7000/D600 bodies are out. I know the D300 is better than my D200 was, but it's dated technology now. It's still a good camera, don't get me wrong, but dated.

PM me about a possible loan of my D7000 & 18-200VR if that might help make up your mind. I'm toying with selling it anyway, and who knows where we might go. I'd highly recommend trying bodies out for a couple weeks before you make a decision. I wish now that I'd waited a year and not bought my D7000, though it served me quite well for the year before the D600.