Changing from Canon to Nikon

squizza

squizza

Eeyore
Suspended / Banned
Messages
2,855
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi guys

I've always been brand loyal, but have recently considered turning to Nikon. I have decided I am not keen on my 50D but as the 50D is my 5th camera from the Canon range - well I don't really know why I'm not happy. Just one of those things.

I have a 50D, Canon L 70-200 f4 IS and 300mm L f4 IS, 1.4x L extender, 105mm Sigma macro, 17-50mm f2.8 tamron. Grip for the 50D.

I just cannot explain why I feel this way! :shrug: Maybe its the 50D - I guess I've not been happy with the results for one reason or another. What would the alternative Nikon camera be? How much would it cost me to transfer to a decent Nikon, long prime and 70-200?

All help and advice greatly appreciated. And apologies for not making myself very clear. Have realised I'm just not happy with Canon anymore!

Kind regards

Sarah

P.S I have used the D90 (testing it) the D700 and loved the results.
 
Personally, I would have a look at the 7D and see if that sways you or if you have..:thinking: :shrug:. :)
 
Hi Sarah, I've just gone through the process of changing and how I did it was to price up all the Nikon kit and shop about for the best deals and I kept a spreadsheet with all those prices.

I also priced up all my Canon kit second hand so I could see the difference. It will depend on exactly what you want in terms of a body and lenses and if those lenses are something you can get second hand.

So time to do some homework ;)
 
lawrenceots said:
Personally, I would have a look at the 7D and see if that sways you or if you have..:thinking: :shrug:. :)
Click to expand...

I know this is a very naive comment....but although I haven't tried it, it just worries me that its just an 'upgraded' 50D. I think my disappointment in the 50D has made me wary....

Change that.....I have used the 7D at the hotel where I work. A customer wanted me to take a pic of him and his guests. I found the controls awkward - i remember them being slightly 400D/500D - ish and the camera felt smaller.
 
Problem is lenses. Nikon have no f/4 70-200 so you are using the heavier, more expensive f/2.8 version and they have no IS/VR version of the 300 f/4 either.

I think you need to work out why you are unhappy before making an expensive decision like the one you are talking about.
 
grumpybadger said:
Problem is lenses. Nikon have no f/4 70-200 so you are using the heavier, more expensive f/2.8 version and they have no IS/VR version of the 300 f/4 either.

I think you need to work out why you are unhappy before making an expensive decision like the one you are talking about.
Click to expand...

I know that in an instant. The 50D. I'm just so disappointed in it. :bang:
 
Seems you are going to have to spend quite a bit of money to swap over to Nikon.

Just a thought but would you not concider going back to what you where happy with, do not know what you had before the 50D, that way in the mean time saving a fortune on new lens's but getting to be happy again.

As a new owner of a 50D can you just explain very quickly what issues you are having with the 50D please.

Thanks

spike
 
SpikeK6 said:
Seems you are going to have to spend quite a bit of money to swap over to Nikon.

Just a thought but would you not concider going back to what you where happy with, do not know what you had before the 50D, that way in the mean time saving a fortune on new lens's but getting to be happy again.

As a new owner of a 50D can you just explain very quickly what issues you are having with the 50D please.

Thanks

spike
Click to expand...

The ISO / noise levels I find are less than impressive.
 
I know this may seem like a backward step, but if you loved your 40D and it suited you then why not get another one? I really do think that sometimes there are cameras that for whatever reason jus don't suit some people.

Valid points have been made about the lens lineup with Nikon.
 
I felt the same with my 50D totally disillusioned by poor quality that it produced, and using it less than the Nikon D300 i had before - i looked at the images posted on the net by the 7D and decided that would not be a improvement so the only thing to do was try a 5DMK2 before moving back to Nikon ( I do a lot of macro and would have to get rid of the MP-E if i moved back to Nikon), all i can say is the image quality produced by the 5DMK2 is stunning. If you want to stay on a crop format go Nikon if not try a 5DMK2.
 
Hi Sarah
IMO you need to sit and really think hard about why you want to change, what is it about your canon 5D you don't like ?
Will switching to some other brand 'fix' that problem or not ?
Then ask yourself what will it cost me (time and money) to switch and will I lose anything i really like ie Must have.

I am a long term nikon user with a huge amount invested in both lenses and ancillaries, I believe if you are in either the nikon or canon or other quality brand then you would be hard pressed to find a real technical benefit for switching at a realistic price.
Although I would say that at present the D3 and D700 have an advantage in low light performance but I'm sure Canon will counteract that, indeed they may already have done that. I don't think switching will make anyone a better photographer so if you look hard at why you want to do this you may well find its just a distraction.
 
Dogfish_magnet said:
I felt the same with my 50D totally disillusioned by poor quality that it produced, and using it less than the Nikon D300 i had before - i looked at the images posted on the net by the 7D and decided that would not be a improvement so the only thing to do was try a 5DMK2 before moving back to Nikon ( I do a lot of macro and would have to get rid of the MP-E if i moved back to Nikon), all i can say is the image quality produced by the 5DMK2 is stunning. If you want to stay on a crop format go Nikon if not try a 5DMK2.
Click to expand...

Wahoo! someone who knows exactly how I feel!
 
D700/D3 have the best noise performance on the market - simple as. But, to get the same field of view as your 300/4 you need a 500 and that will be >£5000. It's horses for courses really.

I thought about a move last year but stayed as Canon's lenses suited my needs and working style better than the Nikon offerings. In an ideal world, I'd run Canon lenses on Nikon bodies but the world isn't ideal. I think you need to research the Nikon range and work out what lenses you would use and then cost up a swap. Then check whether that money is better spent on moving, changing Canon bodies or just keeping for a rainy day...
 
squizza said:
I have a 50D, Canon L 70-200 f4 IS and 300mm L f4 IS, 1.4x L extender, 105mm Sigma macro, 17-50mm f2.8 tamron. Grip for the 50D.

What would the alternative Nikon camera be?
Click to expand...

The D90 and D700 are both excellent, since you've handled them I won't comment. Assumedly if you want to change to Nikon you want to use Nikon lenses.

70-200/4 IS - there's no Nikon equivalent. A secondhand 70-200/2.8 VR1 is the closest at around £1k, or eschew VR and get the 80-200/2.8 for a little less. There're multiple versions of the 80-200/2.8, some push-pull focusing, some with older, slower, noisier AF. None have VR. I'd go for the 70-200/2.8 VR1.
300/4 IS - again, no equivalent. The Nikon 300/4 has no VR. The 300/2.8 does, and for the price you'd hope so!
1.4x TC - easy, TC14EII. It's not compatible with all lenses, but I assume you want this for the 70-200 and 300 which are fine.
105 Sigma macro - either the Nikon 105/2.8 VR, or replace with another Sigma/Tokina/etc
17-50/2.8 - Nikon's 17-55/2.8 is good, but expensive. Might want the Nikon-fit equivalent.
 
grumpybadger said:
D700/D3 have the best noise performance on the market - simple as. But, to get the same field of view as your 300/4 you need a 500 and that will be >£5000. It's horses for courses really.
Click to expand...

I just find with the 50D, because I crop in a lot of the time, if I'm photographing wildlife then I notice the poor ISO/noise levels.
 
I think a lot of people feel similar to be honest Sarah. Nikon do seem to be leading the way both in picture and build quality/design. I like my 40D but I don't love it as it is really lacking in many ways, having played with a D700 I found it to be just miles better in almost every way. I had considered upgrading to a 7D, but having played with one last night I am not sure, video is nice quality seems nice, speed is good, but the ISO handling was much worse than I was expecting....anyway waffling now, but I know how you feel, I don't know whether it is just a case of knowing there is better out there and wanting it, or if it is just that I feel I have many outgrown my 40D but hell I want a D700! :p
 
Yes, but with a FF camera, you either need a much more expensive lens or to crop more. The telephoto lenses you mention you have don't have direct Nikon equivelents so you need to way up the options available inside budget and availability.
 
Incidentally, having been through this, I've just sprung lots of cash on a 1D MkIV, knowing the Nikon D3 has better ISO performance because I can't get the lenses I want on Nikon. I've prioritised lens range over ISO performance. You may choose differently
 
i hope to follow this thread,

Im thinking of making the same move... although im using a 450D atm, i look at the cameras for functions etc and i feel the Nikons are better equipped... bit more thought has went into them, like the Nikon CLS... i would have to buy a 7D for Canons similar, then theres the small things like the hotshoe on a Nikon comes with a wee cover... the display comes with a cover (i think)

Just my views...

James
 
squizza, have you tried a 5Dmk2 as was previously mentioned? you will have far better noise control and this will be a far cheaper option than switching.
 
Sarah in Suffolk,

I'm worried about you slipping into "throwing baby with bathwater" mode here. You liked the 40D but you don't like the 50D. So what would be wrong with going back to the 40D? What didn't you like about that in the first place?

If you're mostly shooting wildlife I can see that you might prefer the 1.6x crop sensor over full frame or even the 1.3 of the 1D.

Are you using the 1.4x extender on your 70-200? I find that a bit of a mixed blessing. How far are you cranking up the ISO levels and what's wrong with using a free noise filter such as noise ninja or neat image?

If it helps I have a 5D and a 1DII and am just outside Bury and if you wanted to have a play with those I'm sure we could sort something out.
 
tikkathreebarrel said:
Sarah in Suffolk,

I'm worried about you slipping into "throwing baby with bathwater" mode here. You liked the 40D but you don't like the 50D. So what would be wrong with going back to the 40D? What didn't you like about that in the first place? Nothing....I thought the 50D would be better

If you're mostly shooting wildlife I can see that you might prefer the 1.6x crop sensor over full frame or even the 1.3 of the 1D.

Are you using the 1.4x extender on your 70-200? I find that a bit of a mixed blessing. How far are you cranking up the ISO levels and what's wrong with using a free noise filter such as noise ninja or neat image?Yes I want as lens as long as possible :lol:

If it helps I have a 5D and a 1DII and am just outside Bury and if you wanted to have a play with those I'm sure we could sort something out.Very tempting, thankyou!
Click to expand...
 
One thing to watch, is that a lot of people aren't that impressed with the D300. There is noise at base iso - you need to check it out before definately deciding to swap.

I myself have sold two D300 cameras because I was disappointed with the IQ. Why I bought the second I will never know. I met another member from on here today who said exactly the same.
 
squizza said:
I just find with the 50D, because I crop in a lot of the time, if I'm photographing wildlife then I notice the poor ISO/noise levels.
Click to expand...

I've just upgraded from a 450D, so bear that in mind when I say that I'm seriously impressed with the noise handling capabilities of the 50D! While I'm sure it's not as good at what Nikon seem to have done (eurgh, going to need to wash my mouth out with soap now:lol:) with their high-spec cameras, I'm still really impressed.

For example, I shot a stage production the other day, and the lighting was hideous. I stuck the 50D on ISO 3200 (at some points I could still only get shutter speeds of 1/20) but it performed seriously well under the circumstances. A quick run through noise removal software (free :) ), and you can hardly see any noise, seriously!

Edit: My efforts are HERE. All ISO 3200, most of them have been cropped slightly as well. Just out of curiosity, what ISOs are you finding noise is unacceptable?
 
RobS said:
squizza, have you tried a 5Dmk2 as was previously mentioned? you will have far better noise control and this will be a far cheaper option than switching.
Click to expand...

Yes I adored the results from a 5D mk2....but that hasn't got the crop factor which I like.
 
I just realised I come over extremely ungrateful. I am very grateful for all replies everyone has made :)
 
I'll echo what Paul (Grumpybadger) said. You would need to price it all up and for wildlife and some sports I do think that Canon still has the better lens lineup. I moved to Nikon (D700) because I shoot people and a full frame sensor was ideal for me.

Now, the problem as I percieve it is that you are comparing the noise levels off the top end full frame cameras with the noise levels of crop sensor cameras and there is something called pixel density that comes into play here. Basically the smaller crop sensors have more pixels per inch than a full frame sensor. That means less space between photosites and therefore less in the way of light gathering ability (Think of a row of funnels) That's why crop sensors tend to be a little noisier then the full frame ones and might help explain what you are seeing.

A slight case of not comparing apples with apples and it's a difficult one to reconcile because it's a case of range vs noise.

hope that helps in the decision making
x
 
squizza said:
Yes I adored the results from a 5D mk2....but that hasn't got the crop factor which I like.
Click to expand...

Yet you want a D700 that is also FF?
 
RobS said:
Yet you want a D700 that is also FF?
Click to expand...
I never said I wanted a D700. I said I had used a D700 and D90 and liked the results. Should have put that I meant I also like the handling.
 
Hi Sarah - I know what your feeling because I felt exactly the same. I too have been very disappointed with the 50d from dirty sensors on brand new bodies, terrible levels of noise, dodgy shutter button - I just really wasnt enjoying the experience - I struggled to take any pictures over 400iso with my 100-400 with any aceptable level of noise.

I have just replaced it with a 5dmkII, Yesterday actually and although you loose the extra magnification you do get an incredible amount of detail captured by the sensor this is a 1:1 crop and actual pic no pp from the raw.

4376904464_8f4a470ec1_o.jpg


4376903930_cb8a5722ab_o.jpg
 
squizza said:
Yes I adored the results from a 5D mk2....but that hasn't got the crop factor which I like.
Click to expand...

Yes, you'd lose the crop factor, but you'd have more pixels to crop in PP, thereby lessening the loss (if that makes any sense)
 
Like you I was in the dilema,I had a 30D and loved it,but got suckered into 'upgrading' to the 50D,what a balls up that proved to be.I know just how you feel when it comes down the noise levels with that body.In fact I was so wazzed off with the Canon that I made the change and thus far I do not regret it.I ended up exchanging my 50D for a D200 and Sigma 50 macro.I know the D200 technology is a couple of years older than the 50D,but the resulting images are in my opinion better and therefore worth it.Lens wise,my 100-400 went in against a brand new 300 f/4,I had always wanted a longer prime and am I glad I did that - you betcha.I put in a Canon 1.4 T/C for the Nikon equivalent and bought an 18-200VR as a walk about lens.I would not say I am happy with my move,more ecstatic,I hope you will be too should you decide to go for it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top