Tony wanted to switch to Nikon but Couldn't

[jaayres20]

After the release of the D810 Tony was ready to sell off all of his Canon gear and go to Nikon. Then he found out that switching to Nikon required you to also buy Nikon lenses, which are just not as good. So reluctantly he has to stay with Canon. Amazingly it turns out that Canon lenses are hands down major winners head to head. I guess the little extra DR couldn't overcome the lens issue. This really amazes me that you would sell all of your stuff as new technology comes out not knowing what is going to come next.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jva08HY6uLE

 

[Sporgon]

Guess Tony will just have to be content with posting his images on Facebook then.

 

[jrista]

Personally, I would never switch brands. I would just expand my kit. Especially if there is an option to adapt my existing Canon lenses...that makes it easier and cheaper to add something non-Canon to your kit.


I'm considering doing this with the NX1. I still need to see how the testing pans out over the next couple of months, as I am in no rush, but if the camera tests well, and even more so if Samsung releases firmware updates to fix a couple of the known issues with AF in low light, I'd totally add an NX1 to my kit. I'd probably also eventually add some lenses as well.


The same goes for the successor to the A7r...I'd add that as a landscape camera if it fixes a couple annoying things.


But, I wouldn't sell my Canon kit.

 

[raptor3x]

After the release of the D810 Tony was ready to sell off all of his Canon gear and go to Nikon. Then he found out that switching to Nikon required you to also buy Nikon lenses, which are just not as good. So reluctantly he has to stay with Canon. Amazingly it turns out that Canon lenses are hands down major winners head to head. I guess the little extra DR couldn't overcome the lens issue. This really amazes me that you would sell all of your stuff as new technology comes out not knowing what is going to come next.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jva08HY6uLE

That's not quite what he said. He said that there are certain lenses (most notably the 70-200ii) in the Canon lineup that are important to him that don't have an equal in the Nikon lineup; he does't make any sort of blanket comment about the Nikon lenses being not as good.

 

[DRR]

This is why I don't buy cameras, I buy systems. You can always chase the best sensor or the fastest ultrawide zoom or the most technologically advanced camera with the best AF - but the pendulum will swing the other way eventually and you'll have to buy everything over if that's your priority.

When you invest in a system you balance the strengths of the lens lineup with the bodies available and third party support. That's why I'm with Canon, their sensors are not the most advanced but I'm using a 6 year old sensor so what do I care? The strength of the company and the lens lineup more than makes up for it for me.

I am with jrista, if anything I would supplement my kit with specialized equipment, not replace it altogether.

 

[steepjay]

+1 to jrista's comment about running multiple systems...

I was a Nikon guy when I started shooting SLRs in film, my first body was an FM2n. Developed a lens and body collection and then discovered the wonder of Canon white glass and AF with an EOS 3... In the world of digital, Canon had a pretty healthy advantage across the board for a while but the 14-24 Nikon tempted me into a D700 and I still use that wide angle combo a lot, although the absence of easy filters is a bit disappointing sometimes.

There's definitely an argument to be made for one system for familiarity reasons, but I figure I control enough other technology in my life without being confused, I should be able to handle two camera menu / button systems! LOL And on the Nikon, I'm only shooting WA so sub-second config changes aren't in the cards very often.

 

[Loswr]

Lucky for him that he's an Internet personality. If you straddle a fence like that in real life, it's painful...especially if there's barbed wire on it.

 

[jaayres20]

After the release of the D810 Tony was ready to sell off all of his Canon gear and go to Nikon. Then he found out that switching to Nikon required you to also buy Nikon lenses, which are just not as good. So reluctantly he has to stay with Canon. Amazingly it turns out that Canon lenses are hands down major winners head to head. I guess the little extra DR couldn't overcome the lens issue. This really amazes me that you would sell all of your stuff as new technology comes out not knowing what is going to come next.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jva08HY6uLE

That's not quite what he said. He said that there are certain lenses (most notably the 70-200ii) in the Canon lineup that are important to him that don't have an equal in the Nikon lineup; he does't make any sort of blanket comment about the Nikon lenses being not as good.

I guess technically you are correct, but it is true that there are a lot of really good lenses that Canon has that are simply not avalible in the Nikon variety. He didn't even mention the 132 f/2. Also if he is right and the Nikon 70-200 only goes to 130 that is a huge difference.

 

[privatebydesign]

+1 to jrista's comment about running multiple systems...

I was a Nikon guy when I started shooting SLRs in film, my first body was an FM2n. Developed a lens and body collection and then discovered the wonder of Canon white glass and AF with an EOS 3... In the world of digital, Canon had a pretty healthy advantage across the board for a while but the 14-24 Nikon tempted me into a D700 and I still use that wide angle combo a lot, although the absence of easy filters is a bit disappointing sometimes.

There's definitely an argument to be made for one system for familiarity reasons, but I figure I control enough other technology in my life without being confused, I should be able to handle two camera menu / button systems! LOL And on the Nikon, I'm only shooting WA so sub-second config changes aren't in the cards very often.

I am absolutely not interested in anything outside of a single system, it becomes difficult to maintain backup capabilities efficiently and basic things like batteries and chargers, cable releases, flashes etc etc get doubled up when there is no need. It just isn't an efficient, or necessary, way of working for many working pros.

As for the 14-24 filters, look at the WonderPana system, I have one for the 17TS-E and it is a very good, and reasonably priced solution.

 

[Don Haines]

I think going to a dual system is very restricting

Mostly, I shoot Canon... but for the Kayak there is nothing in Canon land that comes close to the ruggedness of the Olympus "Tough" series of p/s cameras. Despite the improved weather sealing of the 7D2, it does not have underwater modes ... and for use on a kite or a drone, it is very hard to beat a GoPro.

To my way of thinking, it is the task that dictates the equipment choices, not brand loyalty.

 

[slclick]

I was really hoping the OP was writing in third person. Then I saw the link. Made me think of 'The Jimmy'


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apa0nG1OfUc

 

[ahsanford]

Tony Northrup Attacks Again -- Run For Your Lives

Our favorite camera pundit is at it again:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=subDtZIRmnE

Best witty comeback to his latest opus earns my undying respect.

...annnnnnd Go!

- A

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

While Some of the Nikon lenses are definitely lacking, their mainstream lenses, the 14-24, 24-70, 80-200 are pretty much the equal of Canon. Since the photographer makes most of the difference, its not really a factor in the long run.

What does bother me about Nikon is their long repair turnaround.

I'd be happy with either system, each has its strengths and weaknesses, but I would definitely be the limiting factor.

 

[SPL]

Lucky for him that he's an Internet personality. If you straddle a fence like that in real life, it's painful...especially if there's barbed wire on it.

+1

 

[Ryan85]

After the release of the D810 Tony was ready to sell off all of his Canon gear and go to Nikon. Then he found out that switching to Nikon required you to also buy Nikon lenses, which are just not as good. So reluctantly he has to stay with Canon. Amazingly it turns out that Canon lenses are hands down major winners head to head. I guess the little extra DR couldn't overcome the lens issue. This really amazes me that you would sell all of your stuff as new technology comes out not knowing what is going to come next.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jva08HY6uLE

That's not quite what he said. He said that there are certain lenses (most notably the 70-200ii) in the Canon lineup that are important to him that don't have an equal in the Nikon lineup; he does't make any sort of blanket comment about the Nikon lenses being not as good.

Have to agree. That's not really what he said at all. He said there were still a few things in Canon land that were better so he couldn't "Completely" switch to Nikon. Primarily the 70-200 f2.8ii as you said as well as some issues with 3rd party flash. The 400 f5.6 and the MPE65 also got favorable nods. Not saying he's right. Just saying that's what he's saying. No respect given to the big whites at all. For a sports/wildlife budget over $10,000. He says go Nikon.

+ 1. That's what he said on a podcast I listened to today.

 

[Loswr]

No respect given to the big whites at all. For a sports/wildlife budget over $10,000. He says go Nikon.

He found that the D810 was better than the 5DIII for sports...his "sports test" was his co-host walking sedately toward him, shot with a Tamron 24-70/2.8. Really credible recommendation... </sarcasm> :

 

[Ryan85]

No respect given to the big whites at all. For a sports/wildlife budget over $10,000. He says go Nikon.

He found that the D810 was better than the 5DIII for sports...his "sports test" was his co-host walking sedately toward him, shot with a Tamron 24-70/2.8. Really credible recommendation... </sarcasm> :

Lol that's pretty bad. He also wrote in his buying guide that photographers don't need to buy calibration devices or calibrate there monitors that that's for designers or graphic artist not photographers. Which is really bad advice. I agree with him on some things and other times I really disagree. He really brags up the canon 400 5.6 lens which is a great lens for the price and very sharp.

 

[Ryan85]

No respect given to the big whites at all. For a sports/wildlife budget over $10,000. He says go Nikon.

He found that the D810 was better than the 5DIII for sports...his "sports test" was his co-host walking sedately toward him, shot with a Tamron 24-70/2.8. Really credible recommendation... </sarcasm> :

I think the point he was trying to make there was that the D810 is a D800E you can actually use. It sounds like the AF is comparable to the 5D3 although I don't think it surpasses it. No it's probably not as good of a camera for tracking moving subjects.

Yes that goofy stuff is all a bit much but what he does is a tough gig. Being entertaining while explaining high tech gear at an eighth grade level. I couldn't do it. I think his "what should I buy my wife for her birthday" type recommendations are usually spot on. But granted, no experienced/competent photographer should be looking to Northrup for buying advise. I don't think that's the intended market.

Wow, am I really defending this guy? Anyway, I think he's harmless for the most part and probably helps some folks that are new to DSLR's. Doesn't hurt that his wife is kind of cute.

+1....it's weird defending him. He seems like a nice guy and I think he does a pretty good job for the market you described he's aiming at. At least he try's to be impartial or seems to be anyway.

 

[zlatko]

This is the guy who made a video to claim that Panasonic and Olympus "cheat you" by labeling their f/2.8 lenses as f/2.8 lenses.

 

[Ryan85]

This is the guy who made a video to claim that Panasonic and Olympus "cheat you" by labeling their f/2.8 lenses as f/2.8 lenses.

I didn't see that but is he trying to say 2.8 lenses are a little different on that sensor size compared to what it's like on ff or crop sensors? My iPhone is a f2.2 but I'm not going to get bokeh with it since the sensor is so small. Do you think that's kinda what he's trying to say?