Canon 1D Mk 3 advice

[MarkE70]

Does anybody use the Canon 1D mk 3? i was just wanting a bit of advice on this camera, before I take the plunge and get one. I currently have a 30D that I use with a Bigma, but I want to splash out on a new camera and lens (£7000 max). Do you recommend a lens that I could use solely for wildlife photography. I was thinking about the Canon 500 f4. I am also considering switching to the Nikon D3, but I'm reluctant due to all my gear being canon. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, cheers in advance, Mark.

[matt_xyz]

If I was in your position I'm fairly sure I would get a Nikon D3. Its low light performance seems amazing and I still wouldn't trust the AF on the 1dmkIII despite assurances that they really have, finally, found the source of the problems.

I'm not sure about lenses, I'm not overly familiar with the Nikon range (being a Canon user). If you do go for the 1dmkIII I would favour the Canon 500 f4, this seems to be superb lens.

Matt

[colincurry]

Cordless Dave has just gone down your suggested route. I will point this thread out to him. Alternatively, you could try to PM him and say that Colin put you up to it.

Colin

[DaiTheDragon]

Canon EOS 1D Mk III - Body Only £2589.00

Sigma 300-800mm f5.6 EX DG APO HSM Lens £4069.99

Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens £999.00 (as your walk around lens)

Dai

[pressld2]

Nikon's 500mm prime plus a D3 body would break the £8,000 mark. It's my dream kit mind you, or possibly the 600mm prime instead (add another £1,750)! Where did I put my lottery ticket?

If you went for the Sigma 500mm prime lens instead you'd come in just under £6,000.

If you're seriously thinking of switching brands have you looked into what kind of second hand value your Canon bodies and lenses have?

Not sure that I'd switch if I were you and I'm still a bit surprised that Andy Rouse has. I'll bet that before the end of this year Canon's top of the range DSLR will be better than the D3. Then next year Nikon will take the lead again and so it goes on...

Dave P.

[Jon]

Originally Posted by MarkE70

Does anybody use the Canon 1D mk 3? i was just wanting a bit of advice on this camera, before I take the plunge and get one. I currently have a 30D that I use with a Bigma, but I want to splash out on a new camera and lens (£7000 max). Do you recommend a lens that I could use solely for wildlife photography. I was thinking about the Canon 500 f4. I am also considering switching to the Nikon D3, but I'm reluctant due to all my gear being canon. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, cheers in advance, Mark.

I have been asking the very same advice in different websites and forums. The overwhelming advice is to buy a Canon 1D Mk 111 and a Canon 500 f4 with a 1.4TC. I too have wondered about the Nikon but it is not directly comparable to the 1D Mk 111, it is probably closer to the 1Ds Mk111. The Canons and the Nikons are both very very good. If you have Canon already I cannot see you ever being in a position with an EOS 1 MK111 and saying that you couldn't get the shot because of the limitations of the equipment. If your primary interest is wildlife I would unhesitatingly recommend you stay with Canon - I am - my mind is at rest on this issue.

Jon

[Brocker]

I am currently using the Canon 1D MK3 and I have to say that I have never looked back after paying out the £2500. I took a great deal of concentration to get used to the settings etc and I am still learning some of the finer points. I did not suffer from some of the focussing issues that have been described but Canon did email me and say that my camera could be in the batch that could have the problem. It wastaken to one of their service centres where the issue was corrected, warrenty extended, a free service and calibration on my 100-400mm F4 and a 2g memory card for my trouble. You can't beat Canon for service.
I would recommend this camera hands down. Its speed is awesome, low light/high ISO is excellent with hardly any noise, it's ability to track and stay in focus on a moving target is superb and the ease in which all the primary controls are at you finger tips is an added bonus.

[MagpieMick]

Jon,

First stick with what you have Canon......D3 is more capable to handle noise as its full frame sensor the MkIII isn't full frame but thats not enough of a reason for me to sell all and change to Nikon..
The issues with the MkIII are fairly sorted now, so i'd go for it as well..

As for a Lens well thats my dilemma most people would say Canon 500 F4 and a great lens but for me im torn between this and Sigma's 300/800 as Dai suggested both are heavy so then tripod !!!

Tripod upgrade to be able to manage the weight, no good having 7 grands worth of kit and sticking on 2bob tripod..
And then theres a new head, go the Manfrotto 393 route 400 quid cheaper and thats nearly enough for the new tripod !!

So for me..

Canon 1d MkIII

either

Canon 500 F4 or Sigma 300/800

Mick..

[Jon]

I have no doubt the zoom is very good and I would trust Dai's recommendation. The zoom offers flexibility. Now you feel something else is coming? if you are concerned about weight how does it compare to the 500?
These big lenses, I suggest would be used primarily in hides or cars or with tripods so I am not so sure the weight is an overwhelming consideration.

I have never, ever seen a bad report about the Canon 500 - either alone or with the 1.4 TC. But you might say - with the 2x TC? Ok perhaps not so convenient as a zoom but it is my guess the results would be better.

Have a look at Arthur Morris Birdasart website it will blow you down! The 500 with the TCs is still very flexible.
Good photographic technique and good PS skills - you just can't lick it!! As they say in USA - awesome!!!

Jon

[MagpieMick]

Hello Jon,

Just incase you haven't found these yet....The first has a shot out comparison between 500f4 and the 300/800 and Romy has some brilliant images have a look..

About the Photographer Photo Gallery by romy ocon at pbase.com

Next this has a review of the MkIII

Juza Nature Photography

Mick..