Canon 7D Question

[jcb]

I am considering changing from my nikon system (D200 based) to Canon. I'm considering because Nikon does not yet have a full 1080p video/still camera in the mid-professional range (though rumor is that the D400 will have this capacity). I still have my F1 and DD received my old A1 so I am quite familiar and comfortable with Canon. I switched to Nikon digital because the lenses were backward compatible. That has proven to be irrelevant.

I have watched the B and H videos and if I change it would likely be to 7D (unless an updated version of it is about to come out). My questions are largely about lenses. I am just hoping to get input along the lines of, knowing what you know now, what would you do.

I do a lot of landscape photos. I use a wide angle zoom for this but I don't necessarily need a fast lens. Even so, I'd prefer a 2.8. What configuration or brand would you buy (or avoid).

My need for telephoto is pretty sporadic but i will need a 2.8 mid range telephoto or zoom (200 mm or so) for some wildlife (black bears, mainly, but also whales). Vibration reduction isn't that crucial as I will at lest use a monopod. What lenses do you like?

One reason I got away from Canon is that when the rebel film line came out, the abandoned the older but very good line of manual focus lenses (which I still have, of course). I still have two beautiful Canon lenses, however. I realize they won't be "compatible" but does anyone know whether they will "work."

As to 1080 video, how good is the performance of the 7D? I like the idea of full shutter and lens control. My complaints with 1080p that I have shot have been with the dynamic contrast range.

While I may ultimately wait to see what the Nikon D400 does, I do appreciate any input you can give.

(This was cross-posted to the podcast board as there are several Canon 7D owners who frequent it.)

 

[ukcatfan]

If it is just video you want, then why not just add a second body that has it, like a D3100? I think that would be cheaper than starting all over with a different brand.

 

[jcb]

If it is just video you want, then why not just add a second body that has it, like a D3100? I think that would be cheaper than starting all over with a different brand.

It is time to retire the D200. 1080 video is just the icing.

 

[bob100]

I am considering changing from my nikon system (D200 based) to Canon. I'm considering because Nikon does not yet have a full 1080p video/still camera in the mid-professional range (though rumor is that the D400 will have this capacity). I still have my F1 and DD received my old A1 so I am quite familiar and comfortable with Canon. I switched to Nikon digital because the lenses were backward compatible. That has proven to be irrelevant.

I have watched the B and H videos and if I change it would likely be to 7D (unless an updated version of it is about to come out). My questions are largely about lenses. I am just hoping to get input along the lines of, knowing what you know now, what would you do.

I do a lot of landscape photos. I use a wide angle zoom for this but I don't necessarily need a fast lens. Even so, I'd prefer a 2.8. What configuration or brand would you buy (or avoid).

My need for telephoto is pretty sporadic but i will need a 2.8 mid range telephoto or zoom (200 mm or so) for some wildlife (black bears, mainly, but also whales). Vibration reduction isn't that crucial as I will at lest use a monopod. What lenses do you like?

One reason I got away from Canon is that when the rebel film line came out, the abandoned the older but very good line of manual focus lenses (which I still have, of course). I still have two beautiful Canon lenses, however. I realize they won't be "compatible" but does anyone know whether they will "work."

As to 1080 video, how good is the performance of the 7D? I like the idea of full shutter and lens control. My complaints with 1080p that I have shot have been with the dynamic contrast range.

While I may ultimately wait to see what the Nikon D400 does, I do appreciate any input you can give.

(This was cross-posted to the podcast board as there are several Canon 7D owners who frequent it.)

you need to specify a lens budget, telephoto zoom lens can range from $199 to $2,500 and beyond!
For wide angle landscape I prefer Tokina 11-16 2.8

You might want to look at the 7D Canon section at
http://photography-on-the.net/forum

 

[jcb]

you need to specify a lens budget, telephoto zoom lens can range from $199 to $2,500 and beyond!
For wide angle landscape I prefer Tokina 11-16 2.8

You might want to look at the 7D Canon section at
http://photography-on-the.net/forum

Budget is not irrelevant but if one lens is much "better" (however that might be defined) than another, them I'm willing to spend a little more. I'm leaning toward a 70 to 200, which I realize puts me in the $1400 range for a Canon brand but am not averse to Sigma, Tokina or Tamrom if they are good quality.

As to wide angle, I'm hoping to combine two current lenses (17 to 35 and 28 to 70) and get at 17 to 70, if the quality is acceptable. It isn't price so much as convenience.

 

[Shutterbug]

I'm leaning toward a 70 to 200, which I realize puts me in the $1400 range for a Canon brand .

There are other versions of the 70-200 L lens out there that are less than $1400.

I have the F4 Non-IS version that can be had for around $650 which IMO is a bargain for L glass. It does take great shots.

As to wide angle, I'm hoping to combine two current lenses (17 to 35 and 28 to 70) and get at 17 to 70, if the quality is acceptable. It isn't price so much as convenience.

I have the Tamron 17-50 2.8 lens. It takes very sharp shots. Only negative about it is that it zooms counter to other canon lens. Originally I was going to get the sigma 17-70 but every copy they had in the store had focusing issues. So I ended up with the Tamron.

 

[jcb]

There are other versions of the 70-200 L lens out there that are less than $1400.

I have the F4 Non-IS version that can be had for around $650 which IMO is a bargain for L glass. It does take great shots.

Thanks. I'm leaning against an F4. I do a lot of black bear photography and they are devils to try to capture with an F4 unless the sun is bright and overhead. Even in daylight, my ratio of success with my current F4 is about 200 (total exposures) to 1 (usable exposure). My avatar is one of the successes and it isn't perfect. I had to Photoshop out a blade of grass.

 

[Shutterbug]

Thanks. I'm leaning against an F4. I do a lot of black bear photography and they are devils to try to capture with an F4 unless the sun is bright and overhead. Even in daylight, my ratio of success with my current F4 is about 200 (total exposures) to 1 (usable exposure). My avatar is one of the successes and it isn't perfect. I had to Photoshop out a blade of grass.

Thats interesting to hear. I use mine mostly to shoot for my autocross club and other car racing events. If I had the money though I def would have sprung for the 2.8

 

[AndrewWG]

If it is video you want, get a video camera. Although the DSLR video is nice looking, I have yet to figure out how to focus it properly. It isn't like a p&s camera where the focus constantly changes to suit the need. If you zoom with the 7D in video mode, it will not change focus to suit the need. Personally I hate the video feature at this point but it certainly is possible that I have just not learned how to use it properly I suppose. I bought the 7D for the still photography only.

 

[bob100]

Thanks. I'm leaning against an F4. I do a lot of black bear photography and they are devils to try to capture with an F4 unless the sun is bright and overhead. Even in daylight, my ratio of success with my current F4 is about 200 (total exposures) to 1 (usable exposure). My avatar is one of the successes and it isn't perfect. I had to Photoshop out a blade of grass.

you will also need more than 200mm for most wildlife shots, - wouldn't want to get too close to 'da' bears!

 

[zackiedawg]

If it is video you want, get a video camera. Although the DSLR video is nice looking, I have yet to figure out how to focus it properly. It isn't like a p&s camera where the focus constantly changes to suit the need. If you zoom with the 7D in video mode, it will not change focus to suit the need. Personally I hate the video feature at this point but it certainly is possible that I have just not learned how to use it properly I suppose. I bought the 7D for the still photography only.

That's one of those interesting areas about video in DSLRs that isn't advertised. Real enthusiast video volks jump aboard with DSLR video because they like the full aperture control, and don't mind manually focusing. But typical consumer video folks would likely do better and prefer a camera with autofocus and might give up aperture control to get it. Some other brands of camera have developed APS-C sensored cameras that have the ability to continuously focus during video using phase-detect focus just like the still photo mode, but they lose the full manual aperture control (since autofocus systems have aperture requirement minimums to maintain focus, especially when using phase detect).

Arguably, these other brands' models would be better suited to normal consumer video, while the standard DSLR video would be better suited to enthusiast videographers with knowledge and skill in manual focus and aperture control.

 

[AndrewWG]

That's one of those interesting areas about video in DSLRs that isn't advertised. Real enthusiast video volks jump aboard with DSLR video because they like the full aperture control, and don't mind manually focusing. But typical consumer video folks would likely do better and prefer a camera with autofocus and might give up aperture control to get it. Some other brands of camera have developed APS-C sensored cameras that have the ability to continuously focus during video using phase-detect focus just like the still photo mode, but they lose the full manual aperture control (since autofocus systems have aperture requirement minimums to maintain focus, especially when using phase detect).

Arguably, these other brands' models would be better suited to normal consumer video, while the standard DSLR video would be better suited to enthusiast videographers with knowledge and skill in manual focus and aperture control.

Yep. I agree. I luckily just wanted the 7D for the still photos. Never wanted video in a DSLR at all actually. Unfortunately, they all come with it and it is handy sometimes if the focus won't need to change much. Someday maybe I will play with it a bit more and see what it can do. For now I am just still honing my photography skills and don't need the video confusion...

 

[DizzyV6P]

I would recommend the new Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 OS. It comes pretty close to the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS for about $300 less. Check Amazon, BH Photo and Adorama for the latest competitive prices.

I have the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 right now and it is tack sharp. I was going to upgrade to the new Sigma until my lense budget was re-routed for my daughter's summer camp.

For really wide, the Canon 10-22 and Sigma 10-20 are good choices for ultra-wide.

For longer zooms, the Canon 70-200 f/4 is about $500 used, $600 new and gives you great "L" quality for an affordable price. The Canon 55-250 for about $200 is a good non-L lense choice for a super zoom. The Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 has also gotten good reviews as an alternative to the expensive Canon L lenses. Their new OS version costs around $1500 which is still hundreds cheaper than the new Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS.

Good Luck with your search!