Best combo for bif

[brian simpson]

I have the choice of a canon 50D+400.5.6L or a nickon D300+300f4and 1.4tc Whats your opinions...

[Oscar Zangroniz]

Nikon D300+ 300mm F4 and 1.4tc is a great combination. Sharp and fast. Can't say anything about the Cannon cause I've never had one.

[Ed Cordes]

Of course this may turn into a Canon vs Nikon thread. However, those who use the 50D and 400 f5.6 also swear by it. So, I would handle each body and see which fits you best. Also consider long term costs. You will most likely do other types of photography. So, look at lens availability for focal lengths you will use and the costs of the lenses. Remember, camera bodies will come and go every few years. The average serious photographer updates the body every 4 years or so. The lenses will last forever if well cared for. Your decision should be based on broader, longer term considerations.

Either way you will be happy.

[Desmond Chan]

Also consider long term costs. You will most likely do other types of photography. So, look at...[snip]...the costs of the lenses. Remember, camera bodies will come and go every few years. The average serious photographer updates the body every 4 years or so. The lenses will last forever if well cared for. Your decision should be based on broader, longer term considerations.

Meaning you should look at the costs of the camera bodies rather than those of the lenses.

[Jamie Strickland]

I have not used the nikon combo but I have to imagine that the canon one would have faster AF when your comparing it to a lens with a TC, the canon 400 5.6 is one of the fastest AF lenses

[Jamie Strickland]

Meaning you should look at the costs of the camera bodies rather than those of the lenses.

I would say the exact opposite, the costs of the lenses seems to be a much bigger difference than the camera bodies, compare nikon vs canon 500 or 600 there is 2k difference in both

I dont see any big cost difference in the camera bodies

[Pedro Serralheiro]

I have the choice of a canon 50D+400.5.6L or a nickon D300+300f4and 1.4tc Whats your opinions...

I'm a Nikon shooter for many years and I know well what my gear can deliver.
But I always prefer a naked prime vs. a TC attached one, so the choice is obvious.
Remember bodies and lenses are just tools.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

For birds in flight a bare lens would be preferable since the focus locks faster. If you go the Canon route, you may also look into the 7D instead of the 50D.

[Doug Brown]

I would go with a 7D and the 400mm f/5.6. Aside from the relatively short focal length, it's a great lens for BIF. Very fast AF and super sharp.

[Desmond Chan]

I would say the exact opposite

In the long run, you may end up paying more.

[Flavio Rose]

Related thread:

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=47641

[Bill McCrystyn]

I would suggest, before spending this kind of money, to hold both bodies in your hand and study the big difference in features and performance. Best of luck - good hunting.

Without getting into big money lenses like the 200-400VR and up. My money would be on a D300 70-200VR f/2.8 w/1.7 TC which would leave you fast and light AND very versitile for all kinds of shooting.

[brian simpson]

Well thankyou all very much...Iwill get a 50D and the famous 400 5.6L the price for both here is 2500$ pretty cheap i think. The d300s and 7d cost almost twice the price of a 50D. And saddly nikon still has no modern 400.5.6..I heard canon has stopped making this lens?

[Bill McCrystyn]

WOW - That's a quick study. :D

[Mike Fuhr]

I would suggest, before spending this kind of money, to hold both bodies in your hand and study the big difference in features and performance. Best of luck - good hunting.

Without getting into big money lenses like the 200-400VR and up. My money would be on a D300 70-200VR f/2.8 w/1.7 TC which would leave you fast and light AND very versitile for all kinds of shooting.

As a good starting point for comparison, www.megapixel.net offers the ability to compare cameras and their features side by side. I found it a helpful starting point for this type of thing.:)