Only two lenses for D3 - which ones?

[Richard_Coyle]

Terry
Being in agreement with much of what has been said previously, may I weigh in on a couple of these comments and my perspective? Yes, you say? ;-) Well then, here goes.

With regard to the inclusion of two brands in your equipment arsenal, I totally agree that there are pros and cons. (See that was easy!) But the reason for doing so is up to you. If you simply want to evaluate the competition and can afford it, more power to you. If you want to fill a gap not covered by your current offering, such as availing yourself of the excellent Nikkor 200-400 f4 VR lens, by all means go ahead. However, if you're limited in budget, or simply what to minimize your investment in rapidly depreciating equipment, it may make less sense. For instance letting the 5D fill the space of the D3, although it's clearly not apples to apples. (As you already must know, the D3 is really a unique multipurpose DSLR whose ISO range is in a class by itself.) But as they say, "pick your poison".

But assuming you'll continue with the D3 purchase and are still deciding on lens options, here are some suggestions. First, instead of considering just two lenses, consider three or four, but within the same budget as you're initially intending. With regard to the deficiencies with the 70-200 VR and FX sensors, may I suggest you consider a used 80-200 f2.8 AFS lens. It has the old style larger barrel that was initially designed for film and to also accommodate the D1 series. When the 70-200 came out, upon the advice of a most knowledgeable Nikon distributor, I kept mine, and am very please I did. While it's perhaps not "quite" as optimized for DX sensors as the VR lens, it is optically it's equal in all other regards from my experience, and I personally prefer it's color rendering and bokeh better. That will save you about $700.

Then consider either a new 14-24 f2.8 or a new (if you can still find it) or used 17-35 f2.8 AFS lens, depending on your focal range requirements and need for front mounted filters. That, along with either the new 24-70 f2.8, or a used 28-70 f2.8, will cover all the focal lengths you mentioned, and for about the same budget. And you'll have some of the best glass Nikon has ever produced.

PS: In case you haven't already visited these sites by a couple of the best reviewers of Nikon equipment, go to the two that follow for some of the most unbiased opinions available by working pros:

NRFOTO Bjrn Rrslett

Thom Hogan's Nikon Field Guide and Nikon Flash Guide

[Noel_Carboni]

Bravo to you for your wanting to go "hands-on" and see for yourself how the "other side" works.

I've got to say, though, that this old dog (i.e., me) would have trouble switching back and forth between brands in real time. At least within the same family the controls have some commonality. I believe my brain would explode if I tried to use both a Canon and a Nikon in the same day.

-Noel

[Terry Zorich]

Originally Posted by Noel_Carboni

I believe my brain would explode if I tried to use both a Canon and a Nikon in the same day.

I highly doubt something that trivial would slow you down, Noel. I've read your posts, have been amazed by your astrophotography, and know you're an IT guy. I suspect you gravitate towards mental challenges just to keep yourself entertained.

However, I do agree that it would be a less-than ideal situation, switching between the brands.

What I suspect is this:
1. The D3 would be a superior camera (as compared to the 1D Mark III, which I own now) for wedding photography. I base this opinion on the FF sensor and Nikon's (reportedly) excellent flash metering. With the high ISO range, I might be able to shoot some indoor action stuff with available light, whereas I was unable to get good results at ISO 3200 the last time I tried (with my older 1DM2).

2. The 1DM3 (which I will keep, regardless of any impending purchase) would still have the edge for most action/sports photography. I also happen to own a Sigma 120-300/2.8 and a Canon 400/2.8L, both of which I really like. I can't see taking the hit and replacing those lenses for Nikon equivalents, nor do I think the Nikon's AF would match the 1DM3's AF in action situations.

Admittedly, part of the reason I'm even considering this odd move is that I'm curious about how I might utilize the "other team's" tools to help me make better images. I'm not a fierce brand loyalist; rather, I try to sample competitive products whenever possible. (Maybe this is some kind of compulsion or illness with me...!)

Some real-life examples:
- I've owned both Chevys and Fords (Z28 and Mustang GT; Blazer and Explorer; Suburban and Expedition)
- I've owned both Honda and Yamaha sportbikes
- I own (and use, and LIKE) both PC's and Macs
- I've owned a Palm Treo, a few RIM Blackberrys, an HP iPAQ, and now an Apple iPhone
- I once bought a Nikon D70 when I needed a third camera for a weekend job. I didn't like it and sold it the following Monday.

Having said all that, I'm still not quite convinced the D3 is the right move. After all, by the time I bought the body, two or three lenses (like the ones Richard mentioned above, even if used), an extra battery, and an SB800, I'd have spent over $9000. And that's over a thousand bucks more than a brand new 1Ds Mark III would cost me.

I suppose the next step is to decide whether the D3 makes sense in light of the idea that I could get Canon's 21mp FF beast for less than the Nikon investment. And even upon the most cursory examination, I think there's a lot of upside to the concept of having both the 1DM3 and the 1DsM3 in my bag.

The D3 would certainly seem to have an edge in high ISO performance. The DX mode may come in handy for event photography (of which I do a lot...see my event photography biz website: Event Photo Now). And there's still the perception that Nikon's flash system is better.

Hmmm. I've just talked myself in circles. Now I'm stumped...

Thanks for humoring me, guys - much appreciated. (Frankly, there's something I love about contemplating large important purchases...)

[Ronald Garrett]

Noel, we all know you are pulling our chain when you say you couldn't handle shooting both Canon and Nikon in the same day. I do it on a daily basis, in fact I shoot THREE brands on a daily basis. If a moron like me can do it, most anyone could. You would be outstanding as usual.

Terry, I am going to include a link, Nikon D2X vs Canon EOS . He charges for reviews, but they ar every detailed. It would behove you to see what he has to say methinks. He makes some statements that should get your eyebrows raised and your curiousity juices flowing.

[Ronald Garrett]

The link above was for the D2x vs EOS, which is not want you want. This link, digLloyd—Reviews, Articles and More! , is the home section for his site. The article that you would be interested in has been postponed, D3 vs lDs mark lll I could have sworn it was up at one time, but not sure. There are lots of free articles as well to keep one occupied for a little while. Lots of camparisons between the two brands.

[Ronald Garrett]

there is a brand new 34 page review about the D3 on dp review.

[Terry Zorich]

Well, I pulled the trigger on the D3 today. Ordered it, the 24-70, and a TTL module for my Quantum T4D. I'll get an SB800 in short order, I'm sure, and I'll also have my T4D upgraded (to "T5D" specs) soon.

I have a lot of cash invested in the 1D Mark III and long fast glass for Canon, and as such, I will continue to use my Canon gear for all of my sports/motorsports/action work. The Nikon will be relegated to wedding work, as well as most other kinds of 'people photography'. My second lens will likely be the 14-24, and if I get a third anytime soon, it will likely be the 105. For the time being, I'll leave any long focal length chores to the Canon stuff I already own, unless I decide the D3 would ultimately serve me better, in which case I'd start selling off some of my Canon gear.

The camera will arrive Monday. I'm excited!

Incidentally, this afternoon I also made a trip to Canon's service center in Jamesburg, NJ, where I dropped off my 1DM3 and 70-200 for cleaning and the 1DM3 mirror box fix.

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