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12/15/2004 11:16:34 AM · #26 |
*mental note* Don't shop at Jessops!
Mine runs sweet but the user could do with a new MOT check. |
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12/15/2004 12:00:45 PM · #27 |
Originally posted by cghubbell:
I'm happy with the Nikon focus system... It's highly dependent on what lens you use though. Big difference between AF, AF-S, D, G, etc. My 70-300 f/4-5.6 G lens has horrendous focusing. Slow, and hunts like crazy. On the other hand, my kit lens seems to latch onto a target instantly and silently. Good glass behaves better than cheap glass in every way.
(Ganders, not trying to imply cheap glass is your issue since I have no idea what you use! Just wanted to point out that lens has a big effect on Nikon's AF performance). |
I have noticed it most on the cheap glass (the ever-popular 70-300G) and to be honest, I had previously put it down to exactly that. But after a few conversations with some pro Nikon users I was a bit alarmed to find they had similar issues, and these guys don't use G series lenses!
The other difference is that the kit lens is a LOT faster focusing so even if it decides to run the length of the focus just to get a lock, it doesn't take as long as the G. Come to that it opens up wider, so maybe the Nikon just needs a lot more light to get a decent focus lock.
I'm sure that better glass gives much better results, but most of our photography is wildlife-based, and a focus system that hunts so badly means you lose shots. I think if we were photographing different stuff, it would matter a whole lot less. We also found that the 70-300G focus motor freezes after about 15 minutes in polar conditions but I can forgive that :)
There are other factors that have got us toying with the thought of switching systems, but the focus system is one of the bigger ones.
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12/15/2004 12:08:17 PM · #28 |
I'd be curious to know, since I haven't had my d70 long and I'm only using the kit lens so far - if the zooms are slow to focus, wouldn't you just switch to manual focus instead? Seems like it'd be faster than waiting for it to hunt for AF. I haven't tried manually focusing the kit lens yet because I haven't really had to. I think I'll go try that!
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12/15/2004 12:19:31 PM · #29 |
Originally posted by ganders:
I'm sure that better glass gives much better results, but most of our photography is wildlife-based, and a focus system that hunts so badly means you lose shots. I think if we were photographing different stuff, it would matter a whole lot less. We also found that the 70-300G focus motor freezes after about 15 minutes in polar conditions but I can forgive that :)
There are other factors that have got us toying with the thought of switching systems, but the focus system is one of the bigger ones. |
Using the 70-300G to sum up a reason for a system change is probably going to cost you a lot of money :) It's just about the worst zoom Nikon has in its line up, and isn't really intended to be a good wildlife lens. When you go to the better lenses you get adjustable focus ranges and much faster focusing motors. The difference is day and night.
Looking at your portfolios, something like the 80-200 AF-S, AF-D, or 70-200 AF-S VR would be more appropriate, especially if coupled with a teleconverter. Yep, more expensive, but so is the Canon lens, which is also much better. Another possibility is the 70-210 f4-5.6 which would be more in line with the G budget, yet MUCH better. It's not made today, so would be an eBay purchase, but still a viable option.
The 70-300 G (and its cousin the 70-300 D ED) was OEM'd from Tamron, and was done so to provide an entry level cheap zoom. It's famous for slow focusing, and neverending hunting, color problems, softness, etc. I even am annoyed by its build quality - sloppy when extended compared to the higher end Nikkors. I was bit by the attractive price, and have been kicking myself ever since.
As soon as I have my macro lens (and pay off the credit!), I'll trading my G for a better zoom.
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12/15/2004 12:23:46 PM · #30 |
Originally posted by ahaze:
I'd be curious to know, since I haven't had my d70 long and I'm only using the kit lens so far - if the zooms are slow to focus, wouldn't you just switch to manual focus instead? Seems like it'd be faster than waiting for it to hunt for AF. I haven't tried manually focusing the kit lens yet because I haven't really had to. I think I'll go try that! |
Autofocus is great for highly dynamic subjects. Try to get a sharp image of a bird in flight with manual focus - not easy to keep up compared to continuous servo mode which tracks it like a Patriot missile battery. There are many scenarios which are particulalry challenging for any AF system, and manual is the only option in those cases.
I tend to use manual quite a bit, but I've lost a few shots due to a/f hunting, especially with birds. If you tend to do a lot of still life work or shoot slow moving targets, then manual focus is a very viable way to save some money.
Message edited by author 2004-12-15 12:24:11.
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12/15/2004 12:30:14 PM · #31 |
Originally posted by cghubbell:
Using the 70-300G to sum up a reason for a system change is probably going to cost you a lot of money :) |
Indeed - don't worry, it's not the only reason! Nikon and Canon are very close at the low end, but it feels like Canon start to gain more of a lead the higher up you go. If we're ever going to switch then it's obviously better sooner rather than later, before spending any more on lenses. I'm deliberately trying to avoid starting another Nikon vs Canon war here :)
Originally posted by ahaze:
I'd be curious to know, since I haven't had my d70 long and I'm only using the kit lens so far - if the zooms are slow to focus, wouldn't you just switch to manual focus instead? |
Yes, you do. But depending on what you're trying to shoot, that carries it's own issues. Trying to catch a moving object such as a bird in flight is hard work with manual focus and frankly impossible with the G lens on auto. This isn't, to be fair, in any way Nikon or G-series specific - our film Minolta had the same trouble with a similar (cheap) zoom.
Manual focus is certainly an option, and a solution in a number of circumstances. But a fast and reliable autofocus is also worth it's weight in gold in others.
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12/15/2004 12:47:39 PM · #32 |
I don't want to steer this thread too far off topic...but I feel compelled:
Originally posted by jxpfeer:
[quote]
short of another rebate, i don't really see the d70 price coming down at the retailers any time soon. |
That sucks! I've recently solidified my D70 decsion by getting an N65 (35mm) and Sigma 75-300 3.5/4.5d lens for a really good price. I haven't dabbled too much into the film realm, but I feel the experience is a good thing to have. Since I'm looking to invest in some good glass for the Nikon, I figured I should keep in mind my dSLR future, thus the D70.
Originally posted by jxpfeer:
[quote]i came from a 602z as well. it's great, very easy transition. there is of course a bit of a learning curve to the SLR, but if you're used to your 602, you should have no problems switching up to the d70. it's a fantastic camera, i think you'l love it! |
...again, that's good to hear. I've become *VERY* used to the operation of my 602, and I find the N65 very intuitive in comparison. I've handled (or rather, drooled over) the D70 at Best Buy, and it feels very familiar :)
Thanks for all the posts, I feel better about my future decsion!
Message edited by author 2004-12-15 12:48:19. |
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12/15/2004 01:00:24 PM · #33 |
Originally posted by ganders:
Indeed - don't worry, it's not the only reason! Nikon and Canon are very close at the low end, but it feels like Canon start to gain more of a lead the higher up you go. If we're ever going to switch then it's obviously better sooner rather than later, before spending any more on lenses. I'm deliberately trying to avoid starting another Nikon vs Canon war here :) |
No war intended on my end either. I only jab in jest as both are quite respectable in my book. It's the photographer that makes the difference, although there's no debating that good glass, regardless of brand, does have an impact.
To respond to your earlier point... My only hesitation would be fear of being caught in a leapfrog scenario. Both systems have strengths and weaknesses, and if you randomly pick any 6 month period, one will be better worse than the other. The D70 in many ways knocked Canon on its butt when it hit the market, and the new Canon MkII knocked Nikon on its butt in some ways. The new D2 has some pretty compelling features, and I'm sure Canon has another on the way. It goes back and forth regularly. Is gear really such a limiting factor as to warrant a system switch?
Really, I'm more probing at the nature vs. nurture debate (or something analogous to it) than the Nikon vs. Canon debate (which isn't very relevant). Switching is a big decision, and the thought process behind it is interesting to explore.
Message edited by author 2004-12-15 13:00:50.
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12/15/2004 01:05:02 PM · #34 |
Originally posted by cghubbell:
....To respond to your earlier point... My only hesitation would be fear of being caught in a leapfrog scenario. Both systems have strengths and weaknesses, and if you randomly pick any 6 month period, one will be better worse than the other. The D70 in many ways knocked Canon on its butt when it hit the market, and the new Canon MkII knocked Nikon on its butt in some ways. The new D2 has some pretty compelling features, and I'm sure Canon has another on the way. It goes back and forth regularly. Is gear really such a limiting factor as to warrant a system switch?... |
Back in the film days (when dinosaurs still roamed the earth...) Nikon was at the top of the heap...today in the digital world Canon is way ahead, no doubt about that...We need more competition to get more improvement and lower prices...
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12/15/2004 02:02:31 PM · #35 |
Originally posted by cghubbell:
Really, I'm more probing at the nature vs. nurture debate (or something analogous to it) than the Nikon vs. Canon debate (which isn't very relevant). Switching is a big decision, and the thought process behind it is interesting to explore. |
Ultimately of course, both Nikon and Canon are very good, so there's no "right" system as such. I personally find the Nikon has a much nicer interface than the Canon (possibly influenced by the fact that it's closer to Minolta). For pure range and innovation in lenses Canon seem to have the edge, but there's no doubt that Nikon have some mighty nice lenses too.
It's a very tricky question - we've already been forced into one switch away from Minolta because it took them so damn long to bring a dSLR to the market. We're now at the point of looking at buying more kit - more expensive lenses, and (when I can figure out how to afford it!) a second body to stop us fighting over who gets the digital. By that stage we obviously want to be damn sure that we're in the right system and if we DO decide to change then this is probably the time to do it.
All this said, I DO think that the D70 is a wonderful camera and, for the price, the best camera out there - I'm just unsure that it remains the best camera when you start looking at spending the same amount again on lenses.
See, now I've gone and derailed the thread entirely. Ooops!
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01/12/2005 01:33:46 AM · #36 |
| I have just had a malfunction with my D70. It simply refuses to power up for some reason. Ive only had it a couple of months and will be returning it for repair. A bit disappointing as you would expect, but ive had a good run with it up til now. I dont like the thought of a 3 month old camera thats been repaired already (Id prefer a replacement of course), but thats the warranty structure I guess. I have been getting odd variations in exposure, but generally I think its a pretty nice unit. Feels better in the hand than the Canon, but lenses are expensive (Nikkor). Im also a bit disappointed in the min ISO of only 200. Makes for 'noisy' night shots, but: Hail NEAT IMAGE..... |
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