D300 v A700 again!

[Grayman]

I know I have asked this question before but I am going to ask again.

I have the opportunity to get a 2nd hand D300 although I have never used a Nikon and have no lenses. Currently I have not invested much in my Sony glass and a to me a positive (one of many) for the D300 is the amount of lenses available as opposed to Sony. A problem I have is my lack of knowledge of Nikon glass, although I am sure the 'tinternet' could solve that! Is there equivalent of Canon 'L' or Sony 'G' glass within the Nikon range?

In short, I am tempted to the dark side, however understand that Sony is new to the game (so to speak) and maybe I should be patient and bide time until the Sony range improves?!:shrug: For the price I would pay for the D300 I could get a new A700 and still have some change. I plan to go to my local shop and handle the two in the hope the feel might assist me in the decision.

Decisions...decisions...decisons!

Any suggestions, ideas most welcome. Thank you.

 

[munkie]

I have the sony a350 and im more than happy with the lens range, fair enough there anit as much as canon & nikon.

but the lenses outs do what is needed etc all the lenses sony have out cover what I need but I dont have the money to cover the cost of all the lenses

I would just got with what feels right in your hands and wallet.

As to me the sony camera felt right and I have always had sony compacts so wanted to stick with the brand I have known for years

 

[kevshore]

Maybe its not just what they have, but also what they cost? I have a D300 and D3 with a selection of lenses that I use regularly. Nice lenses. But not cheap. I stopped counting at about £12000.
It will then depend on how passionate you are about your photography and how much you want/can invest in it.
I've not used a Sony, so can't comment on them. I love Nikons and can't see me ever changing. The D300 can sometimes let me down on noise (which I didnt expect after all the hype) but overall its a damn good camera.
As you have already suggested, try them both out, stick a grip on the D300 if you like grips and compare. It will all come together then.
I tried the D80 and Canon 350d when I first started. The 350d just didnt feel right in my huge hands. The D80 was spot on.
Enjoy the exploring.....


Kev.

 

[stan the man]

i've recently stepped up from the A350to the A700,and the difference is amazing.it feels more solidly built,easier access to settings via buttons etc...i would certainly try one out,as well as the D300...then decide from there.

 

[HoppyUK]

Sony appear to be 'buying' market share ATM. They have some very good products and are playing the long game. Like most brands, in the DSLR market they make money out of lenses and accessories and they will get their reward that way eventually

Sure, Canon and Nikon have a bigger lens range, and tons of accessories to do all sorts of things. It's nice to have that depth of reasurance behind a system, but what lenses do you actually want that Sony doesn't make, or that third parties like Sigma and Tamron don't produce?

 

[SimonTALM]

Is there equivalent of Canon 'L' or Sony 'G' glass within the Nikon range?

Yes there are equivalents but they don't market a "range" so to speak. The best way to look at the equivalent is the prices.

As for your dilemma, I would suggest you think long and hard before you decide to either switch or buy more Sony kit.

Think about what your mates have (as in what can you borrow)
Think about hire availability (so you can rent anything you are likely to want once)
Think about second hand availability (cheap routes for good lenses)
Think about exactly what you shoot (e.g. the 2x crop of Olympus is stunning for where you need that extra reach, where as the FF draw of Canon/Nikon/Sony is ideal if you shoot portraits)

IMO this pretty much always steers you towards the Nikon / Canon ranges although in time I am confident that Sony will be catching up.

 

[heidfirst]

but what lenses do you actually want that Sony doesn't make, or that third parties like Sigma and Tamron don't produce?

+1 There are really only specialist niche lenses mostly costing £1000+ missing from the Sony stable.
What they have been releasing has also pretty much been class leading although at the top end we are talking degrees of excellence between brands rather than good v bad.

There is no doubt that ultimately the D300 is the better body but the A700 is probably 95% as good.

 

[Wilky76]

If i was you I would invest in the A700 & a grip, it's a good camera & proberly easier to you to understand when comes to setting it up, with you already using Sony.

The D300 can be a complicated beast to setup.. moreso for a first time Nikon user, lot's of trail & error to get the best out of it, plus the lenses arn't cheap & a we bit overpriced in my book.

Plus you already have a great selection of glass from Mintola than can be had cheap if you look on ebay.