OK here's one for all you knowledgeable camera folks. I have a Nikon D200 and D70. When I retire I plan to treat myself to a new 600 VR Nikon when they are actually available. Or am I. Occasionally I get to Houston and I could buy a Canon 5D and a Canon 600 IS lens for the price I would pay for a Nikon 600mm VR or not VR. What is the best bet folks. This may be the last camera and lens I ever buy so I want to get it right.
Many thanks in advance. Daveash
Daveash - I suspect that this will become a religious debate :-)
I prefer Canon, always have, and am likely to stick with Canon. Why? Because when you have 1 second to frame a shot and set the exposure, I know that I can make almost any Canon EOS work. At my local photographic club a while back, I picked up a Nikon, and tried to take a picture. 30 seconds later, I was still mucking about with settings. It just felt wrong to me! Try a Canon and see if it works for you.
There is no doubt that the 5D is an excellent camera, and the prices are coming down. It is likely to be replaced soon, so you may choose to hang on, although the quality of its images are as good as I have ever seen, so do you need more? As for lenses, I don't have any experience with the 600mm. Is that the focal length that you are looking for, as you could save some money and go with a 400mm and 1.4TC. I have heard good things about this combination.
Several things are certain: technology will progress, prices will come down and the Nikon vs Canon debate will continue!
Awallace, Thanks for the feedback. The problem with hanging on is that I've hung on for the Nikon 600 VR and now it's here, or soon will be I thought I'd see what the Canon camp has to offer. I would like this focal length as I have a Tamron 200 to 500 which is good but limited in not so good light. I expect the Nikon 600mm at f4 without any TC would improve the poor light capability. The other problem I have with Nikon is that every shot has to be manipulated in Photoshop or NX whereas Canon images come out of the camera sharp and with good contrast. Once again thanks for your input, it'll be interesting to see what other folks say on the subject.