Uh-oh, I shot a 7dm2 and I really liked it

coastalconn · Apr 18, 2015

I've been at a crossroads deciding what to do next with lenses and cameras. I was thinking I would stay with Nikon and sell a bunch of gear and pick up a 300 2.8 VR. This morning I met up with a new friend that follows me on FB and he was shooting a 7dm2 with a 400 f5.6. I gave it a bit of a test run and I though it was pretty sweet with focus accuracy and oh how that shutter just made me smile. So I think I will be selling a bunch of stuff and picking up a 7dm2. I will probably keep the D7100 with the 300 F4 and go dual system. Any thoughts or things I should be aware of?

I know most people take shots of Cats with new cameras or lenses, but I always use Osprey to judge focus and sharpness..

So before someone says pictures or it didn't happen...

7dm2 400 f5.6

Testing 7DM2/400 f5.6 4_18 1 by krisinct- Thanks for 5 Million views as of Jan 12, on Flickr

D7100 Nikon 300 F4

D7100/300 F4 comparison shot by krisinct- Thanks for 5 Million views as of Jan 12, on Flickr

Rgollar · Apr 18, 2015

I think canon should give you there gear for free to advertise there equipment. Lets face it your photos are top notch. So why wouldnt a camera company not want there equipment to be associated to your quality images. Im not saying its the gear that make your photos great its definitely your skill. But the views you get from your images is great advertising so they should hook you up. I know if I was with canon I would.

BillM · Apr 18, 2015

Have you tried the D7200 yet ?

MSnowy · Apr 18, 2015

Nice couple of pictures but the second one to me looks sharper.

sm4him · Apr 18, 2015

Yes...embrace the Dark Side, Luke...err...Kris...

What chu wanna do THAT for? All YOU need is a pinhole camera and a coke bottle for a lens, and you get these National Geographic-worthy shots. :lol:

Okay, that COULD be a SLIGHT exaggeration.

fjrabon · Apr 18, 2015

I really can't make heads or tails of the differences in bodies above, as all I really see are the differences in focal length.

DarkShadow · Apr 18, 2015

It's really hard to tell the difference in sharpness to me but I am sure you feel the difference speed and buffer wise. I think its really a tough call with the different Characteristics of the lenses as far as sharpness goes.The 7DII is no doubt a birder or sports tool.

jaomul · Apr 18, 2015

My only thought is dual system is a pain in the a**. I went from all Canon to m4/3rds and then bought Nikon for tracking, even though I don't do that much wildlife etc, I need it sometimes. It's costlier and more awkward.

I'd say pick a system and go with it, but I don't recommend having 2 different sets. Ymmv

coastalconn · Apr 18, 2015

BillM said:
Have you tried the D7200 yet ?

I haven't. I know the sensor is great and the improved buffer would be quite helpful. The speed of the 7dm2 is pretty impressive and I really liked the feel of the body.

MSnowy said:
Nice couple of pictures but the second one to me looks sharper.

fjrabon said:
I really can't make heads or tails of the differences in bodies above, as all I really see are the differences in focal length.

The second one was quite a bit closer. These were on passes several minutes apart. It was already around 10:30-11 so the light was getting a bit harsh..

sm4him said:
Yes...embrace the Dark Side, Luke...err...Kris...

What chu wanna do THAT for? All YOU need is a pinhole camera and a coke bottle for a lens, and you get these National Geographic-worthy shots.
Okay, that COULD be a SLIGHT exaggeration.

A pinhole camera would be a lot cheaper

No sure about the frame rate, lol..

DarkShadow said:
It's really hard to tell the difference in sharpness to me but I am sure you feel the difference speed and buffer wise. I think its really a tough call with the different Characteristics of the lenses as far as sharpness goes.The 7DII is no doubt a birder or sports tool.

I have always known about the 400 F5.6. It a very good lens for the price. AF is very fast and it seems as sharp as the Nikon's 300 F4 which is very sharp. It's also quite light and considering how close I generally get, I could live with 400mm I think..

jaomul said:
My only thought is dual system is a pain in the a**. I went from all Canon to m4/3rds and then bought Nikon for tracking, even though I don't do that much wildlife etc, I need it sometimes. It's costlier and more awkward.
I'd say pick a system and go with it, but I don't recommend having 2 different sets. Ymmv

It might be a bit of a PITA. I'm not sure if I want to entirely give up on Nikon yet. I do have the Tamron 70-200 VC and the 300 F4 which are both great lenses. I would probably sell the Tamron and some other lenses and probably the D800. I'm going to ponder it for a few weeks...

Overread · Apr 19, 2015

I'd say give the Nikon camera a try with a 300mm f2.8 because as blown away as you are with the 400mm f5.6 I'm pretty sure a 300mm f2.8 (or heck maybe try a 400mm f2.8) will blow your socks off

Also if I were jumping to Canon I'd kinda want to wait to see how the 5DMIV is going to turn out - crop sensor mode - potential higher ISO range and similar/better AF system might all be on the cards for that one

MSnowy · Apr 19, 2015

Overread said:
I'd say give the Nikon camera a try with a 300mm f2.8 because as blown away as you are with the 400mm f5.6 I'm pretty sure a 300mm f2.8 (or heck maybe try a 400mm f2.8) will blow your socks off

Also if I were jumping to Canon I'd kinda want to wait to see how the 5DMIV is going to turn out - crop sensor mode - potential higher ISO range and similar/better AF system might all be on the cards for that one

I agree try the Nikon 300mm 2.8. I used to use one with my D3oo, super quick focus.

BillM · Apr 19, 2015

Well life is short so do whatever makes you happy :headbang:

The worst thing that can happen is you change your mind and switch back, the only thing it cost you is money.

coastalconn · Apr 19, 2015

Thanks for your thoughts OR, Mike and Bill. Here is a better comparison, One with the Canon, one with the Nikon. These were shot at the same time. Would love your thoughts on this one... (One image courtesy of Michael Beaulieu, used with permission)

full size download. canonNikon comp

Rgollar · Apr 19, 2015

This will be interesting :popcorn:

. I have to say I like the top on better. But when I pixel peep the bottom one seems to have less noise. But thats just my opinion and I have been wrong so many times.

D-B-J · Apr 19, 2015

Tony Northup and his lady were saying that even that Canon 400 5.6 is sharper with a 1.4TC at 560mm than the tammy @ 560. Another thing to keep in mind...

And canons DR sucks....

OH WAIT, you have a D800! Seems like a good second body for you, really.

Jake