Canon 7D or Nikon D300 for flight?

Hi all,
I own the Canon 1D Mark 3 which I find useless for flight. I also own the Canon 7D which I haven't tried that much for flight.
I need to have a very good body for flight as the Peregrines in my area start to nest soon and I won't like to miss this opportunity.

My question is - does it make sense to buy a used Nikon D300 to use with my Nikon 200-400 f4 VR for flight (maybe even with the x1.4 TC) or maybe my Canon 7D can deliver with the proper settings. (will use it with the Canon 300 f2/8+ x1.4 TC).

I will be shooting the peregrines against a dark blue ocean where the Mark 3 was absolutely useless.

Thanks in advance,
Cheers,
Ofer

I will send you a PM Ofer, hope it helps

Here is my ideas about 7D AF
http://www.stanford.edu/~ahazeghi/Photos/EOS7DAF/

Ofer,
I think the 7D will focus fine but the noise will be significant with a solid blue background based on my experience. It is easy to deal with but takes a little more photoshop time.

If it means anything, many discussions have been going on regarding the AF capability of 7D but not so much on that of the D300 (or other Nikon cameras for that matter). Here's an example:

http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/view ... p?t=176454

So even if you run into problem with 7D's AF, help is out there.

Shot them both side by side on equal lenses. No contest, the D300 smokes the 7D in tracking against a busy background, It also acquires faster, earlier and in lower light. There is still no Canon camera that out does a Nikon CAM3000 or CAM3500 AF system camera including the 1D mark IV. But it is certainly much closer than it used to be. Either camera can give you excellent results for BIF and certainly the 7D gives you many more pixels but it is not in the same league for AF on BIF.

Thank you Arash, Scott, DChan and E.J !

Based on what you Arash and E.J are saying I think I will get a used Nikon D300. I would prefer the D700 but the full frame is an issue considering I will be shooting with the 200-400 so can't afford loosing the crop factor.

Thanks guys!!
Cheers,

Ofer

I've used the 7D for Eurasian Kestrels, Geese, Swans and Gulls. I got many keepers and the AF is very good IMHO. Needs some playing with it as there are a ton of options. I am very happy with the 7D.
But I can't compare it to the D300 as I don't own that camera.

Markus

Hi Ofer,

I bet I know where you will be photographinbg peregrines.!

For the record I am currently using a D300 with a Nikon 1.4 TC. combined with an F4 300mmED lens.

I have been using this combination for the past twelve months now and am very happy with it.

Its fast and yet light, I personally would like to use a bigger lens , but unfortunately price at the moment is very muxh a factor,.

I know that Neil Fifer is currently using the Nikon. D3s together with the 500mm ED.VR lens combined with either the Nikon 1.4. T.C and /or the 1.7 and/or the 2.00 I think however of all the T.C''s he thinks the 1.4 is the faster
Possibly catch up with you during the year.

David Simpson.

I am not sure zoom with TC will serve you well for BIF shots. I would rather go with either EF400/5.6L or 300/2.8ISL+1.4TC paired with 1D4 (you can sell either 1D3 or 7D to fund it but need to add substantial amount unless selling both). BTW 1D4 has the same pixel density with that of D300.