Upgrade to D90 or switch to Canon

Nawty

Nawty

Messages
6,473
Name
Ned
Edit My Images
Yes
Current kit is:

D60
18-55 VR
18-105VR
30mm AFS
SB400

And I want to upgrade, primarily I want a 300mm prime but some easier access to creative functions and better ISO performance would be great too.

Given the kit I've got I figured a D90 seemed logical as the D60 is almost too little to balance the 18-105, let alone a 300mm and the ISO performance boost would be good as would the 3D AF tracking.

But then comes the lens... My budget will only stretch to a F4 version (and I don't want to lump around the 2.8 anyway) but the problem is, Nikon's F4 does not have VR/IS which I feel is a must have. Add to that the Canon L lenses seem to me to be much cheaper than the Nikon Pro lenses the case for switching seems to make some sense (I figure a 40/50D for the body).

But then I would have some redundant Nikon gear...

Anyway, I'm rambling - what do people think, does switching make sense?
 
If you HAVE to have VR on a 300mm, then you have two options, save up more for the 2.8, or switch. There's no other way about it really, if that's what you're saying?
 
It only makes sense if you're prepared to take a loss on your current kit. Personally I prefer my Canon gear but I can't say I haven't thought of changing over to Nikon before now. But VR (or IS) isn't the holy grail, it's useful certainly, but you can manage without it.
 
I am actually thinking of moving the other way from Canon to the D90 because Nikon's high ISO performance is much better and Nikon's do feel better screwed together when you handle them
 
TRAITOR,I WILL NEVER FEED PENGUINS AGAIN.:lol::D
 
Bear in mind the 300f/4 (or any 300mm-plus lens for that matter) will have an integral tripod support so the camera, in a sense, doesn't need to 'balance'. The 300mm f/4 is a great lens –*it's next on my hit list – so don't discount it on the fact it doesn't have VR.

I don't understand what you mean by creative functions? If you're camera has shutter release and Manual, AV and TV modes then that's all you need.

High ISO performance is obviously a good thing. Just how bad is the D60 and what is it you're trying to achieve with high ISOs? Are you wanting D3-like performance?

Switching systems is always expensive because you're starting from scratch. Canon does some really good stuff no doubt, but just how far along will you be investing - is a 400mm, 500mm or 600mm lens really a possibility? I agree that many of Canon's lenses are cheaper than Nikon's, and that there's a wider variety of lenses under the EOS banner, but Nikon is starting to pick up speed and I believe it'll rival Canon on the lens front (most counts) within a few years.
 
As a D90 owner I can tell you that you wouldn't be disappointed with the D90, it punches well above its price bracket IMO. Something to consider... the 70-300mm is only a stop slower at 300mm and has VR. It won't match up to a prime for IQ but there's a nice weight saving to be had and your wallet will thank you.
 
use the classifieds to gauge a cost between chopping in all your nikon kit and starting fresh with canon, against chopping in the d60 body for a D90.

Obviously it will cost more to go canon, but you'll then have a rough figure which will definately help you decide.
 
you will not be disappointed with a D90 and as others have stated, there are lens options. I am a canon convert,I swapped my 50d for a D200 and do not regret it at all and today I traded the last of my canon lenses for Nikon.
 
The Nikkor AFS 300 f4 doesn't need VR.

I had a Canon setup before with the 300 f4 IS, the IS wasn't up to much - its a very old version of it, nothing like you get on the newest Canon IS lenses.

So I've had both... sure the Nikkor doesn't have VR, but I don't need it - works fine with a monopod (which I was using before with the Canon too!) and I've had quite a few decent shots without the monopod even.

Glass wise, they are both about equal - both really nice, only bettered by their 2.8 big brothers.
 
I hate to say it but, stick with the Nikon.
 
sammyd56 said:
As a D90 owner I can tell you that you wouldn't be disappointed with the D90, it punches well above its price bracket IMO. Something to consider... the 70-300mm is only a stop slower at 300mm and has VR. It won't match up to a prime for IQ but there's a nice weight saving to be had and your wallet will thank you.
Click to expand...
:plusone: on both counts...
 
Thanks for the thoughts people, if the Canon IS is old and crappy then that reduces the attraction somewhat. The only thing is that I would be expecting to have to hand hold it a fair bit (or maybe a beanbag) so was thinking VR would be dead helpful - it's certainly helped me get some shots with the 18-105 that I couldn't of otherwise. I guess the better ISO performance of the D90 would be a good substitute (in fact batter as it'll also stop motion better).

By creative functions I mean quick access to change the metering, focus modes, ISO, etc

I have considered the 70-300mm in the past but what I decided it wasn't up to what I want so am looking at the prime and probably the associated TCs too.

If you'll indulge me a little I've had a few more thoughts...

I also have a Sony A200 (plus just the kit lens) if that would open up options (although I suspect not). I don't really use it as the lens is rubbish.

What about Pentax? the K20D really interests me due to the weather sealing and the top lenses don't look too pricey and it has in body IS. Also, I've got a soft spot for them as my mum used to shoot with Pentax when she was young(er). The only concern is the noise at high (and even lowish) ISO straight out of the camera which appears to be very high, although I understand they don't use much noise reduction?

Oh, I forgot that I also own a Nikon 55-200 VR which hasn't been used since I got the 18-105 as for only a x2 mag and no better IQ I can't be bothered to change it.
 
sammyd56 said:
As a D90 owner I can tell you that you wouldn't be disappointed with the D90, it punches well above its price bracket IMO. Something to consider... the 70-300mm is only a stop slower at 300mm and has VR. It won't match up to a prime for IQ but there's a nice weight saving to be had and your wallet will thank you.
Click to expand...

I second this opinion, also as a D90 owner.
 
300 f.4 owner and do not miss VR. It is an easy lens to hand hold.

VR is not the holy grail, we managed ok wothout it for many years. It's a tool/aid that is sometimes useful but not always necessary.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top