danbroad
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This may be a common thread discussion, but it's presently on my mind, so here it goes again...
There are many convincing reasons to go 'Nikon' - for me, it's the D700 for ultra low light ISO capability and the superb ergonomics right now... but Canon's lens range is superb, and Nikon has no direct equivalent of the 17-40 f/4L, the 24-105 f/4L and the 70-200 f/4L.
Is this a problem? Well, there are a great many who would point out that pro's will only look at f/2.8 zooms - of which Nikon's 14-24 and 24-70 are arguably the best made by any manufacturer. They would suggest that Nikkor consumer zooms are well made, and produce good tonal quality and contrast. But to be so blinkered is to miss the point, in my opinion.
If, today, you're going full frame on a Nikon mount, and you don't want the weight or expense of the 24-70 f/2.8 zoom [a not inconsiderable £1000 on top of your £1600 D700 outlay], then your only other viable Nikkor option is the 24-120VR. Indeed, it's the D700's 'kit lens'. It's a worthy lens, but it has numerous disadvantages when you look at the 24-105L that canon 5d owners play with.
Firstly, it's nowhere near as well built. I own an 18-200; it's nice, doesn't rattle, produces sharp shots, and is about as good as a plastic body lens is ever going to be. But it doesn't hold a candle to the metal precision of the 24-105L, a lens I used to own on my Canon body.
Secondly, the 24-120 has a similar VR/IS mechanism, and benefits from an extra few mm of zoom equivalent - but unlike the 24-105, isn't a lens you would hasten to shoot wide open. The 24-105L produces the goods right from f/4.
Thirdly, whether true or not, constant maximum aperture is seen as a sign of a high-end lens. The Nikkor loses an available stop at the long end; perhaps not such a great deal if you're prepared to push the ISO a stop, which you can with the FX sensor, but unnecessary on the Canon. Plus, as it's perceived a high-end lens, it retains almost 100% of its value come resale time. Pop a 24-105L on these sale forums for £550, and it'll sell within 24 hours.
Fourth, as a plastic body with a duo-cam zoom, it's not weathersealed like the Canon. Fifth, it's not that far removed in price from the 24-105, and - my final rant:nuts: - it's not that much lighter than the 24-105 in everyday use.
If I go full frame with a beautiful weathersealed, high-end body like the D700, I'd like a high-end, well made, weathersealed lens to stick on the front of it. Some of us would choose an f/4 over the f/2.8 to save weight and cost, and useable sharpness from f/4.
If pro's [which I am not] would only consider f/2.8's, then [and my information is anecdotal, from a photo retailer] why does the Canon f/4 range outsell the f/2.8?
C'mon Nikon, Canon woke up and smelled the coffee with the lack of an 18-200; surely you guys should see the available market for some Nikkor f/4's?
Anyway, rant over...
There are many convincing reasons to go 'Nikon' - for me, it's the D700 for ultra low light ISO capability and the superb ergonomics right now... but Canon's lens range is superb, and Nikon has no direct equivalent of the 17-40 f/4L, the 24-105 f/4L and the 70-200 f/4L.
Is this a problem? Well, there are a great many who would point out that pro's will only look at f/2.8 zooms - of which Nikon's 14-24 and 24-70 are arguably the best made by any manufacturer. They would suggest that Nikkor consumer zooms are well made, and produce good tonal quality and contrast. But to be so blinkered is to miss the point, in my opinion.
If, today, you're going full frame on a Nikon mount, and you don't want the weight or expense of the 24-70 f/2.8 zoom [a not inconsiderable £1000 on top of your £1600 D700 outlay], then your only other viable Nikkor option is the 24-120VR. Indeed, it's the D700's 'kit lens'. It's a worthy lens, but it has numerous disadvantages when you look at the 24-105L that canon 5d owners play with.
Firstly, it's nowhere near as well built. I own an 18-200; it's nice, doesn't rattle, produces sharp shots, and is about as good as a plastic body lens is ever going to be. But it doesn't hold a candle to the metal precision of the 24-105L, a lens I used to own on my Canon body.
Secondly, the 24-120 has a similar VR/IS mechanism, and benefits from an extra few mm of zoom equivalent - but unlike the 24-105, isn't a lens you would hasten to shoot wide open. The 24-105L produces the goods right from f/4.
Thirdly, whether true or not, constant maximum aperture is seen as a sign of a high-end lens. The Nikkor loses an available stop at the long end; perhaps not such a great deal if you're prepared to push the ISO a stop, which you can with the FX sensor, but unnecessary on the Canon. Plus, as it's perceived a high-end lens, it retains almost 100% of its value come resale time. Pop a 24-105L on these sale forums for £550, and it'll sell within 24 hours.
Fourth, as a plastic body with a duo-cam zoom, it's not weathersealed like the Canon. Fifth, it's not that far removed in price from the 24-105, and - my final rant:nuts: - it's not that much lighter than the 24-105 in everyday use.
If I go full frame with a beautiful weathersealed, high-end body like the D700, I'd like a high-end, well made, weathersealed lens to stick on the front of it. Some of us would choose an f/4 over the f/2.8 to save weight and cost, and useable sharpness from f/4.
If pro's [which I am not] would only consider f/2.8's, then [and my information is anecdotal, from a photo retailer] why does the Canon f/4 range outsell the f/2.8?
C'mon Nikon, Canon woke up and smelled the coffee with the lack of an 18-200; surely you guys should see the available market for some Nikkor f/4's?
Anyway, rant over...
. There are times I wish there was a Nikon 70-200 f4, but then I know it would not be anywhere near as good as the f2.8, most importantly, I know once I get an f4 (if there was such a lens) I would be craving for the f2.8 and wished I didn't spend the money on a mid-way make-do option .. so, I hold on until I can get the f2.8.
Go on, you know you want to!