Nikon Vs. Canon Lenses

Hello I am a beginner photographer. Currently I own a rebel k2 body

and a 29-90 f4. lense that came with the body. I know that the body

doesnt affect the photograph its all the lenses. who do you guys

think makes a better lense canon or nikon

Your question is irresposible, it seems designed to incite quarrels among strangers.

Neither makes a better lens than the other. It's all about choice; what you want to do photographically, how you want to photograph, etc. Seeing as how you already have Canon, my suggestion is to build a system from that. Depends on how far you care to delve into it, more importantly, how deep are your pockets? Serious photography is a high-priced craft, however it doesn't have to be. It's all up to you. You will hear both sides of which is better, but remember, those who use one or the other extensively will of course have biased opinions either way. Pay no attention.........decide for yourself, having looked at both, go to a good reputable camera store if possible and ask questions and try both. If the store is worth anything, they will patiently answer your questions and let you demo right in the store. Decide for yourself which you like, don't let anyone try to convince you that one system is better than the other. Cameras don't take pictures, people do. Either system is fully capable in the right hands.

ok thank you guys for your advice i will do that

i am looking into getting into outdoor/wildlife photography and am looking to get into photography as a profession

With film bodies it is true that the body is just a light tight box but with digital bodies the body does make a difference. Having said that there is very little to pick between either of the manufacturers. People claim that the Canon image stabilized long lenses are better and the Nikon wide angles are better.

 

Incidentally I have used a variety of consumer and pro Canon lenses and their was only one that I thought was terrible. Unfortunately for you it was a 28-90 kit lens.

 

Canon make a very decent 28-105/3.5 - 4.5 consumer zoom. Beware that they also make a 28-105/4-5.6 that is much less well regarded.

<I>i am looking into getting into outdoor/wildlife photography</i><P>

 

Not sure what you mean by 'wildlife' but usually (just about invariably for birds), that

means big telephoto lenses. And for those, I think Canon has definite advantages over

Nikon at the moment, as almost all of the big Canon teles (300/4, 300/2.8, 400/4,

400/2.8, 500/4, 600/4) are stabilized. Among the Nikon equivalents, only the 300/2.8 is

stabilized. <P>

 

Nikon makes the excellent 200-400/4 (which is stabilized and has no Canon equivalent),

but on balance, in big telephotos, Canon reigns supreme, IMO. At the moment, at least

-- Nikon should be able to add stabilization to their flock of superteles but they haven't

yet.

At present Nikon is laging behind. Alot of discusion on Canon full frame being better than Nikon using non full frame however if you are doing wildlife, non full fram has the advantage as a 400mm works like a 600mm. Some photographers think that by simply cropping the full frame as used by Canon will answer the situation but it does not, as the non full fram has smaller pixles making the pixle count more hence creating a sharper picture.

Go to the <u><A href =

http://www.photo.net/bboard/forum?topic_id=34>Nature Photography Forum

</a></u> and read the archives. Your question is far too broad.

Keep in mind that the things Mark and Jonathan are talking about all cost from $3,000 to $8,000 *PER ITEM*. From your post, I doubt that's within your budget. Bruce has given you excellent advice, and I'll add to it....

 

You have a decent camera - use it and don't worry about what other people are shooting. If you want to spend more money, spend it on lenses for the system you already have. The best lens you can buy right now (and one that is probably in your budget) is a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II for $75. It has a fast aperture, and takes very sharp photos. Use it for a while and learn photography. If you want top quality lenses, primes are a little cheaper than professional zoom lenses. Good values in the Canon lineup are the 28mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2, 85mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/2.8. All theses range from $100-$300 each, used. A 420EX flash will cost $150 used and will also be a very good tool.

 

Mainly, spend your money on film and processing, and on learning your craft. Good luck!

 

Sheldon

<I>Keep in mind that the things Mark and Jonathan are talking about all cost from $3,000 to

$8,000 *PER ITEM*.</i><P>

 

The Canon 300/4 IS, which is an excellent lens for those getting into wildlife photography

(and for those deeply involved in it), is about $1200.

thank you for taking the time to reply to my questions you have all helped so much and i appreciate all the advice thank you again

Sorry Mark - I just glanced and saw that you were discussing the Canon telephotos and didn't check the list. The 300mm f/4 L IS is definetely cheaper than the others (I picked up one yesterday for $750 - Yipee!).

 

I still get the sense that they're all out of Keith's price range.

Given a choice between a Canon lens, vs a similar Nikon lens, you should always choose the one that fits your camera. That will be the best lens for you.

I don't know, but I've never, <i>ever</i> heard Nikon users rhapsodizing about their lenses like Canon owners. Sometimes, Canon owners seem...<i>unseemly</i> in their adoration. You get the idea that some of us Canon owners sit around literally <i>fondling</i> our gear.<p>Short answer? Canon EOS IS lenses.

Keith,

 

Don't forget there are other lens manufacturas like Tamron and Sigma that always have a smaller price tag. I have used a Tamron 200_400 5.6 with some fairly good results. Have a look at my portfolio and see the humming birds; I bought this lens new for $600.00 in Miami about 3 years ago and it cost a lot less if bought in New York. I am sure you can pick one up used for a whole lot less. Sheldon has given you sound advice; remember with film the camera body is just a dark box with a film plane, once used with experience, it will render just as good photographs as any top if the line 35mm camera. Image quality realy depends on 2 things, a good lens and a good photographer.

 

Happy shooting