chemdoc Loc: West Coast

I know there was a related thread yesterday, but as it has grown to five pages of comments, I was afraid my question would be lost there. After a 25 year hiatus from slr photography, I bought a Canon T4i three years ago along with the 18-135 and 10-18 lenses. I shoot almost exclusively landscape and fly fishing photos and am looking to move up to a full frame camera.

I almost always use a tripod and shoot bracketed images at +2,0, and -2 so I can use HDR processing. I must also admit that I am one of those pixel peepers often mentioned on UHH. I like to be able to zoom to 100% and still see a sharp image. I guess that comes from being a chemistry teacher and thus naturally detailed oriented.

I have gotten some very nice images from my current equipment but there are limitations. I currently shoot at 100 ISO, but am interested in the ability to take some landscapes with the milky way which requires a camera that can handle ISO 3200 or so without noise. I would also like the ability to bracket wider than +/-2 and to shoot more than three bracketed photos. I rarely shoot beyond 135 mm (200mm FF), so the weight of a heavy telephoto lens is not currently a concern.

I have always been a Canon man, but since my ef-s lenses won't work on a Canon FF, I am open to either Canon or Nikon. I have been leaning toward the Nikon D750 as it has a reasonable sensor size, high ISO capabilities, and seems well regarded as to image quality. I also love a tilt screen which my T4i has. I almost never use my viewfinder rather set up on a tripod and compose in the live view.

I would be interested in your thoughts about both camera and lens choices for the type of pictures I take. It seems that the Canon 5DIII or 5Ds or the Nikon D750 or D810 would best fit my needs, but as a relative novice, your opinions would be much appreciated.

I do want to get high quality lenses and both Nikon and Canon have a 16-35 F/4, both of which seem to get excellent reviews. I would also need a longer zoom such as the Nikon 24-120 F/4G or the Canon 24-105 F/4L. These would cover the majority of what I currently shoot.

I have attached a few shots of the type I take. When I find a scene I like I just want to be able to get the highest quality image I can. Thanks in advance for your input.

Phil

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

Rongnongno Loc: FL

canon vs nikon?

Come on....

chemdoc Loc: West Coast

Not versus. A simple request for insight into which would best fit my needs.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Doc, if you're a peeper, then get the new Canon 5Ds/r.
Always look at the system first and the camera second!
Cameras come and go, but your system, is your system!! ;-)
SS

Quixdraw Loc: x

You can go either way on brand and do very well in your position. I have a D 750 because it is the logical extension of a long Nikon history and large old lens list. Like the camera a lot -- very capable. Plenty of my sample photos posted -- though quite a different style than yours. Fun decision in your case as you are completely free to research examine and decide on a brand. Good luck.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

nikon D810 and 14-24/2.8

Gobuster Loc: South Florida

Really, you can't go wrong with any of your suggested choices all are great cameras. In my opinion, for the type of photography you do, the Nikons have a few advantages in that the sensors have better color depth and dynamic range. In the case of the 5Ds, the high ISO performance is lower at 6400 vs 12,800 and the boosted ISO is 12,800 vs. 51,200. Both the 5Ds and D810 produce huge files that will tax your computer unless you have a very powerful one and eat up storage space like a hungry dinosaur ate food after a weeks fast! Unless you are making huge prints, the D810 and 5Ds might not be the best choices. Both Canon & Nikon make fine lenses and both have 16-35 f4 and 24-70 f2.8 lenses that are excellent. My friend has a 14-24 f2.8, a nice lens but big, heavy and expensive. We have not seen a noticeable difference between it and the 16-35 (which has the benefit of VR - helpful if you shoot hand held in low light). Suggest you test drive the 5D III and D750. For your style of shooting, my choice would be the D750 for it's superior sensor, dual SD slots, flip out screen, built in flash and up to 9 shot bracketing. YMMV :)

Gobuster Loc: South Florida

BTW, the examples you posted are excellent photos, you clearly know how to get the best from your current equipment!

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Given the type of work you do, the Nikon D750 is unquestionably the best choice. You may also find other lenses very useful, but the Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 will probably be the lens you use the most!

coj Loc: NJ, USA

Both systems work very well. I prefer Nikon, if for no other reason than the fact that so many older lenses can be used on newer equipment. That is a big plus in the game of glass. BTW, how is that guy going to land that fish in the rapids of a pool?

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

This is a Nikon advantage - to date they have and likely will retain the same mount thus your lenses will never "go out of style".

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Your hardest choice to make here is to wade through all the BS and find accurate, unbiased reviews of each manufacturer's systems. SS has offered some great wisdom that might be of value to you. Camera bodies come and go, but the lenses and other add-ons are what make the features of a camera shine. Look at what your friends use, or what the local professionals use. Sporting events offer wide varieties of manufacturers equipment. Don't be afraid to approach professionals in the field and ask them about their choices. If they are not actively shooting most photographers love to discuss their trade and it's secrets. You are looking for camera features and those can be difficult to distinguish separately. There is an endless amount of printed material on this subject that will educate/bore you until you are totally confused. Even more confusing is the fact that you are limiting yourself with only two brands. There are several other brands that have some great models. Read, then re-read what SS has mentioned about systems. The system makes a good camera great. Keep in mind the adage about "taking a drink from a fire hose." Good luck in your quest.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Both Nikon and Canon have good choices. The real issue is which model within the two brands. My suggestion is to look at your current inventory of lenses. If you have an abundant supply of Nikon lenses then you want to stay Nikon, if you have predominately Canon lenses and they will work on the new Canon cameras then that is what you want to do. This question has been asked over and over and the answer remains the same.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You're talking very high end equipment. So, assuming cost is not a limiting factor and that you want to make an informed decision, rent the various set-ups. It's not apples to apples, but I'd pick the D750 against the 5Ds or the 5DIII. You can rent for a week from an outfit like LensRentals.com.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Agreed. Check this out: http://photographylife.com/best-nikon-dslr#more-119131 :thumbup: