D300 0r 40D

[redtail7]

Sorry to ask this question after all I've read on these forums but a few comments may help me make my decision. I was robbed lately and lost all my Nikon equipement, My insurance has come through and this week-end I have to make the decision of what to buy.

I'm looking at the D300 and a AF-D 80-400mm f5.6 VR

or the 40D with a EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM

Comments please.

[Dipper]

The D300 wins, no contest. But the Nikon lens is not so good (slow AF). So get a 300mm f4 + 1.4TC with a good flash gun - Nikon SB800; that set up should allow you to take quality photos without the need for VR or a tripod. I'm thinking of going this route. I have a D200 and the SB800 already, just need to make the lens decision. The overall cost shouldn't be too much different to the zoom + D300.

[Leif]

May the bun fight commence ... ding ding, seconds away, round one ... |=)|

I think there were some comparative comments on Photo Net, Nikon forum.

[robski]

May the bun fight commence ... ding ding, seconds away, round one ... |=)|

I think there were some comparative comments on Photo Net, Nikon forum.

Standing by with first aid kit ;)

[Neil]

For birds in flight the fixed 300/f4 with 1.4x is the way to go. The zooms are too slow to get ducks in flight. Either option would be good but as you're a Nikon guy I think you would be very happy with the D300. Neil.

[Leif]

Another option is a used Sigma 400mm F5.6 APO Macro (not older versions). Cheap with decent optical quality, and compatible with the D200, and presumably D300 too. Sigma lenses tend to have more compatibility issues with Canon cameras, so there might be problems with a 40D.

I cannot comment on the relative AF speed or accuracy, but on a D200 it can track paddling ducks, but struggles with a Red Kite in flight.

But, I warn you, I ain't no bird photographer, so take my advice with a dollop of salt.

[Guidenet]

I agree with the D300 crowd and the 300 F4 with a converter. Absolutely the sharpest out there. If you can find an used AIS 300 F2.8, it works nicely on the D300 but with manual focus, but so what.

[redtail7]

Thanks for the replys guys I think I will stay with Nikon and the D300.

What do you think of the Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f4.0 ED lens?

I know its alot of cash but if I don't buy anymore lenses or stuff for awhile and work lots of overtime I may be able to swing it.

Anybody have any experience with this lens? Do you think it's worth it?

Thanks Redtail7

[Outboard]

The 200-400VR is a superb lens on any Nikon camera. I've used it with my D200 and more recently the D300. I tend to use fixed setups and I can position my hide so that the chickadee size birds are nicely framed at 350-400mm but if a larger bird lands I can easily zoom out to 200mm and get them in the frame too. It also works well with a 1.4 converter and then gives 280-520 mm f5.6

[pe'rigin]

Redtail,


Wait until the end of the month, Nikon in theory are going to announce more kit, whether there's a 400mm F4 lens (please let it be) I don't know.

[Dipper]

PMA trade fair in Las Vegas at the end of the month, usually lots of new kit announcements.

Would you consider the 300mm f2.8, fast AF, sharp as they come. Add TC's as needed. It is one I have considered, just put off by the weight as I do walk a lot.

[pabs]

I use a D200 with a sigma 120-300mm (f2.8 all through the zoom). Check out http://www.birdlist.co.uk/may2007.htm and scroll down to 14th May to the Swift pictures. These were done on manual focus. Photographing the birds were quite easy compared to previous attempts with other setups. This lens is smaller and lighter than the 300mm f2.8 fixed which I find an advantage when using hand held. I think the D300 on this lens would be excellant but will have to wait a bit longer before I finally get one.
As for the 40d, I've seen it in action and it looks like an excellant camera. The results with a small Canon 400mm f5.6 L lens can be seen on http://www.somersetbirder.co.uk
regards,
Paul
http://www.birdlist.co.uk

[Ian Latham]

Redtail,


Wait until the end of the month, Nikon in theory are going to announce more kit, whether there's a 400mm F4 lens (please let it be) I don't know.

Where have you got this information from? Is it hearsay? Is it guesswork? or is it insider knowledge?

I am currently trying to purchase a set up for birding - (Canon 40D with 100 - 400mm) and can get a decent offer on this at present but this deal will only last till the end of the month.

However........

The Nikon D300 would be my camera body of choice, if there was a 400mm lens (around the same price range as the Canon 100 - 400mm). I have waited nearly 2 years for such a lens to be announced and was most annoyed when Nikon gave us 3 lenses that were designed for the pro photographer. But if you you know differently then please let me and anybody else awaiting the arrival of a 400mm (within the said price range) know sooner rather than later and save me £2000. :t:

[Leif]

Where have you got this information from? Is it hearsay? Is it guesswork? or is it insider knowledge?


The PMA exhibition is at the end of February and manufacturers often announce products then. Otherwise he is probably guessing.

[Vectis Birder]

The Nikon D300 would be my camera body of choice, if there was a 400mm lens (around the same price range as the Canon 100 - 400mm). I have waited nearly 2 years for such a lens to be announced and was most annoyed when Nikon gave us 3 lenses that were designed for the pro photographer. But if you you know differently then please let me and anybody else awaiting the arrival of a 400mm (within the said price range) know sooner rather than later and save me £2000. :t:


What about a D300 with a second-hand manual focus AI/S lens? That's what I'm thinking of doing and the older lenses can be metered via the D200/D300 and are very good optically.

[Derry]

well I'll be odd man out,,

I looked at the D300, 40D and the Sony A700,, ended up buying the Olympus E3,, been a Nikon owner for over 30+ years in the film days with an F4 and F5 as my last two film cameras,, I also tried a few of the Nikon and Canon digitals,,

when it was all laying on the counter the Oly glass was smaller and over-all a lighter package to tote around,, have always liked the better Oly glass for the build quality, longivity and mainly the optical performance,,

my second choice was the D300 and then the Sony A700,, really did not care for the 40D,,

[redtail7]

I think I have to agree with Outboard that the AF-S 200-400mm VR zoom is the way to go, mainly because birds move around or fly away or one of it's mates suddenly shows up right in front of you you can then zoom in or out quickly and not loose the shot. You dont have that on a prime fixed lens. I look at the prime fixed lens as one you would use at the marsh for instance on a tripod or monopod to photo a distant bird who is not moving to much. I just got a hide for Christmas so I hope to get a lot of use out of it this spring.

Pabs thanks for those links, the photos on those sites are superb. It just goes to show you that either camera system is good. I imagine you take loads of pictures just to keep one or two to post on BF, I know I do. I can go out on a shoot and take 100 to 150 shots and only keep 4 or 6 of the photos not that they are all bad its those dam leaves the decide to blow in front just as you click or the branch across the bird. Like you say loads of photos just to get that one in a thousand.
Ian I wouldn't hold my breath for Nikon to announce any 400mm as they already have it at a price nobody can afford {$8699 in Canada}. I think if they were to release a cheaper version they would use the same barrel they would just put in cheaper glass or less glass to bring the price down to maybe half the other one. Its very hard to make a decision because as soon as you buy something it is like you were the one that got screwed because just after your 7 day price guarantee something new will be announced or will be a big price drop in what you just purchased. This has been going on forever we just have to make the best of what we got now, and start saving for the next great invention to hit the market. I think either the Canon or Nikon is the way to go, you can't loose on either, Canon might have more glass but Nikon have some good glass also you just have to throw a TC on some of it.
I think I will stay with Nikon, the end.
Redtail7