No brainer choice?

[Paul Burdett]

This may be a "no brainer"? For bif and perched bird photography (assume 50/50) the Nikon D850+Nikon AF-S 500mm f5.6E PF ED VR comes in at $AUD10,900 whereas the Canon 500mm+1DXii is around $AUD18,000. Opinions to include low light/High ISO comparison, auto focus and TC use. Cheers.

[arash_hazeghi]

it's a bad comparison. The 500 PF f/5.6 is great but it is not a 500 f/4. you need to compare Canon 500 MKII and Nikon 500 E FL. you get what you pay for....

[Paul Burdett]

Hi Arash. Thank you for replying. I did read your review of the Nikon D850+500mm f5.6 and thought that combo would be a huge step up from my Canon 7Dii/100-400. The Nikon f4 is around $AUD13000 here...so I see your point here. So...Nikon D850+Nikon f4 better than 1DXii+Canon 500f4? for 50/50 bif/perched. I read your review regarding the superiority of the Nikon AF...is that the main advantage?

[arash_hazeghi]

Hi Paul, yes the Nikon D850 + 500 f/4 E FL is superior to the Canon rig. The AF is much better for BIF/action while the high resolution sensor of the D850 gives more details and the ability to crop a lot more than any other camera. The drawbacks of the D850 are slower frame rate (9fps) and limited buffer capacity (sometimes runs out mid action). A professional flight shooter will still need the D5 no matter what but for the casual BIF shooter D850 is more than enough.

[Paul Burdett]

Thank you Arash...all clear now.

[Arthur Morris]

Note: 9fps only with the grip and the extra battery and a new charger and the battery chamber door :)

with love, a