Another new camera question...

[TitusvileSurfer]

The Canon 24-70 f/2.8

If I could only use 1 lens for the rest of my life it would be this one. I also think it is the best fish lens you can buy. The 24-70 is the Canon wedding photographer's best friend in the whole wide world. It gets the job done.

I may also recommend the 100mm f/2.8 Macro as your first to start with...because that is going to be your coral lens. If you are more concerned with closeups and things which are small, get this one first. If you are more concerned about taking pictures of people, cars, fish, or other subjects which are not too small or not too far away, get the 24-70 first.

The other love of my life is the 70-200 f/2.8 IS. This lens works as a team with the 24-70 f/2.8. If you are more concerned with taking pictures of things which are relatively far away, this is your buddy. I wouldn't recommend it as your first lens, but probably your 2nd or 3rd. There are 4 versions of the 70-200. I recommend you buy one of them eventually. They are all top-notch. The 70-200 f/4 is an outstanding lens. It just can't see as well in the dark as the 70-200 f/2.8 IS.

 

[reidcrandall]

What is the best place to buy online?

 

[reefman23]

bhphotovideo.com is probably one of the best places. Adorama.com is a good one too. Whatever you do, check resellerratings.com before you buy from any site that you dont know.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

2nd B&H, they are inspirational!

 

[reidcrandall]

I am thinking I will get the XSi body with the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 to start with. I cant swing the Canon 17-55 just yet. I did read a bunch or reviews for that kit lense (18-55, I believe), and they all said it was a decent lense for a cheap lense, but I guess it's a waste to spend $150.00 on that when I can get the Tamron for $350-400 and have a far superior lense. Next I plan to get the 100mm macro lense, then a good telephoto. After that, I will probablt try to upgrade to the Canon 17-55... probably in a year or so. Sound like a decent plan?

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

I think that sounds like a great plan, but if the 17-50 f/2.8 is working fine for you, maybe you should look into a proper flash system before looking to replace it. I also wouldn't replace it with the 17-55. If you are going to upgrade to a full frame camera, then you will have to replace them both. That would be a great time for a 24-70 or 17-40.

 

[aquariumclown]

All good points. I've been staring at the D700 a lot the last month or so too. I'm pretty sure that will be my next camera body. I have a D70s right now.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14518782#post14518782 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mothra
This is my perspective, anything not listed I consider even...

Canon Pros:
- All the lenses you could ever ask for (almost )
- Lenses are typically more cost effective than the competition
- Software is excellent, and free
- Always aiming for image quality in their camera bodies/upgrades

Canon Cons:
- Strobe system is not as reliable as Nikon
- The AF system is behind the competition (but still good)
- Tendancy to hold features (bells and whistles) back


Nikon Pros:
- Tendancy to pack features into their camera bodies
- State of the art AF system
- Very nice strobe system

Nikon Cons:
- Some gaps in the lens lineup
- Lenses are comparatively expensive
- Their free software seems like it was made in 1990 with Visual Basic
- The software they charge for is not much better



When you consider your intended subject matter one system or the other may look better. I think the worst thing you can do is base your buying decision on which kit seems better now. Once you're settled into either camp you'll be financially invested and switching camps later on will be very costly.

If I was starting from scratch today I have to say I would be very tempted to go with Nikon for the D700, 14-24mm, 105mm macro with VR, and their better strobe system.

I currently have a Canon 5D and a 40D before that. I love them both.

 

[Jacob D]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14528232#post14528232 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquariumclown
All good points. I've been staring at the D700 a lot the last month or so too. I'm pretty sure that will be my next camera body. I have a D70s right now.

If you're already shooting Nikon I don't see how you can go wrong with the D700... very nice camera.

One thing I didn't add in my previous comment - Canon covers the telephoto range much better, Nikon has the ultrawide range licked (mainly talking lens selection).