Full frame for landscape

smenkhare · Dec 19, 2012

Hi All,
I was all set to get a D600 with 24-70mm lens for $4200

I jumped online and saw I could get a D800 with 24-70mm for the same price.

So. Which is better for landscapes? I understand the 800 has a wider autofocus so that would probably be handy, or should I stick with the original plan of the d600 and just get it online for $1000 less than in a store?

Derrel · Dec 19, 2012

I see you are in Australia, where prices are pretty high compared to the USA (as you well know). I would definitely be tempted to save $1,000 by ordering on-line versus in-store pick-up!!! $1,000 is a lot of money to save.

I dunno...I have a 24MP Nikon FX camera...24MP on FX with good lenses is VERY nice for landscapes. Lots of detail, with "bearable" file sizes when shooting onto 8-gig CF cards.

Not sure about VAT/import taxes, but in the USA right NOW, B&H and Adorama web dealers, and many others, have the D600, + 32 gig SD card, remote release, bag, and so on, PLUS A FREE Nikon 24-85mm VR Nikkor lens, for $1999... That is a US $599 lens for FREE...

Vautrin · Dec 20, 2012

shoot primes not zooms for landscape...

djacobox372 · Dec 20, 2012

Vautrin said:
shoot primes not zooms for landscape...

The 24-70mm is better than most primes, most of which haven't been updated in 30+ years.

Sw1tchFX · Dec 20, 2012

djacobox372 said:
Vautrin said:

shoot primes not zooms for landscape...

Click to expand...

The 24-70mm is better than most primes, most of which haven't been updated in 30+ years.

Like the 24 1.4, 28 1.8, 35 1.4, 50 1.8 and 1.4, 85 1.8 or 1.4?

All of which are NEWER than the 24-70...? The 24-70 is a good lens, but it is not a great lens. The cheap primes still outperform it.

smenkhare · Dec 21, 2012

Thanks for comments guys but I was asking about which body. And while I appreciate your opinions, I was recommended this lens by a friend who makes a living from photography who uses it.

Vautrin · Dec 22, 2012

smenkhare said:
Thanks for comments guys but I was asking about which body. And while I appreciate your opinions, I was recommended this lens by a friend who makes a living from photography who uses it.

Then you're putting the cart before the horse. A "beginner body" with an awesome lens will trump a "pro" body with a crap lens.

In terms of body, the D800 is going to have some more features which will definitely be nice if you end up using them. But it's a personal choice trading off features vs. extra cash

Check out this review, Digital rev seems to know what they're talking about generally

Nikon D600 vs D800 vs Canon 5D Mark III - Head-to-Head

teribithia · Dec 23, 2012

Vautrin said:
smenkhare said:

Thanks for comments guys but I was asking about which body. And while I appreciate your opinions, I was recommended this lens by a friend who makes a living from photography who uses it.

Click to expand...

Then you're putting the cart before the horse. A "beginner body" with an awesome lens will trump a "pro" body with a crap lens.

In terms of body, the D800 is going to have some more features which will definitely be nice if you end up using them. But it's a personal choice trading off features vs. extra cash

Check out this review, Digital rev seems to know what they're talking about generally

Nikon D600 vs D800 vs Canon 5D Mark III - Head-to-Head

Helpful

2fastlx · Dec 23, 2012

The D800 is a kick butt camera but...a friend of mine has one and while it has a lot going for it the one complaint I hear from him over and over is the size of the raw files. It eats storage space and takes a lot of horsepower to work with files. Something to consider is what kind of computer are you using for post. The cost savings won't mean much if you have to drop another grand or more on a new pc(or Mac).

IByte · Dec 23, 2012

2fastlx said:
The D800 is a kick butt camera but...a friend of mine has one and while it has a lot going for it the one complaint I hear from him over and over is the size of the raw files. It eats storage space and takes a lot of horsepower to work with files. Something to consider is what kind of computer are you using for post. The cost savings won't mean much if you have to drop another grand or more on a new pc(or Mac).

2tb-4tb NAS problem solved

480sparky · Dec 23, 2012

Vautrin said:
..........Nikon D600 vs D800 vs Canon 5D Mark III - Head-to-Head

He's shooting a boxing match. Hardly the same as taking landscapes.

tevo · Dec 23, 2012

djacobox372 said:
The 24-70mm is better than most primes, most of which haven't been updated in 30+ years.

Wat?

DorkSterr · Dec 23, 2012

Get the d800. The dynamic range is a little better on it too.

djacobox372 · Dec 23, 2012

Sw1tchFX said:
Like the 24 1.4, 28 1.8, 35 1.4, 50 1.8 and 1.4, 85 1.8 or 1.4?

All of which are NEWER than the 24-70...? The 24-70 is a good lens, but it is not a great lens. The cheap primes still outperform it.

Whatever, even with the $1000+ primes, you wouldn't be able to pick out which was taken with the 24-70mm and which was taken with your beloved prime.

Primes are great if u want extremely fast glass for shallow dof portraits, but that's it.

And this is coming from someone that shoots mostly primes.

molested_cow · Dec 24, 2012

For landscape, I find myself doing stitching much more these days instead of depending on a wide angle lens to capture it all.
The reason why I say that is, you can get a lower MP camera like the D600 and stitch multiple photos to achieve a wider photo. You will essentially get a big MP photo, something that the D800 is good for.

Also, other than the 24-70mm, I'd recommend you to look into ultra wide angle lens. Something like the 12-24mm may be of your interest since you seem to have a good budget to work with.