Big Swap - Nikon to Canon?

[Tobyh]

Hey all,

I'm actually considering going for the "big swap". I'm having real trouble tracking down a secondhand Sigma 500mm 4.5 for the Nikon and there are also a couple of holes in the Nikon range that Canon gear does cover.

I do notice overall it appears that Canon kit is more available on the secondhand market.

I'd basically need to swap out -

Body (currently D300)
300mm prime
180mm macro
18-105 or similar
Ring flash
SB600
1.4 and 2x converters.

Anyone gone through this before that has any comments? It's a daunting thought but I think with a combo of straight trade and a certain auction site I'd be able to do do this and keep the costs down.

Thanks

TobyH

[turkeyneck]

Hi Toby, I have just changed over from Nikon to Canon but I didn't have as much equipment as you so really it was no great loss. I changed purely because in the future I fancy getting the MPE lens that there is no Nikon equivalent. As everyone has advised me on here chose the lens first and put the body to that (seems like you're doing this anyway). You should get a good number for your D300 as they're holding there price well. Also VAT is going up soon so it's going to put people off buying new.

Hey, it's only money and the end of the day, you can't take money or a camera where you/I are going and you never know what's round the corner.
Helps if you have an understanding wife and good credit card

[johnf3f]

I am a Canonite so I am biased!
Think hard before you change! The Sigma 500 f4.5 is (I read) pretty good for the price but how much would you lose on the trade? You obviously have significant funds available to consider this lens, but I would suggest you also factor in the losses of changing systems - there are a lot eg. spare batteries, remotes, flashguns etc, it all adds up!
When you total all this up it may go some way towards a longer (used?) Nikon lens. Have a long look at the numbers before you decide! The Nikon system has improved dramatically over the last couple of years (D3, D300 + newer versions) and is now a worthy competitor to Canon. Thanks Nikon it's making Canon wake up!
If it still comes out in favour of Canon then do it - and welcome to the club!

PS NEVER look back! It will only spoil your enjoyment of this fascinating hobby.

[Tobyh]

Thanks for the comments you two. This post is really borne of frustration and you make some good points - it could well end up being more expensive than paying out for a new one in the end.

I wouldn't say I have significant funds, more of a "can stretch to it at a push" so maybe I would be better sitting tight and waiting for a Nikon one to show up.

If anyone sees a Nikon one for grabs please PM me

Thanks

TobyH

[johnf3f]

Have a look at item 160470940162 on ebay. £1500 nobid yet. May be worth a look.

[nigel_b]

There's been a few 500mm prime Nikons on the second hand market recently. By all accounts the Nikon 500mm f4 is a fabulous wildlife lens. With the setup you already have, personally I would wait for the lens rather than change everything.