Hello, Nikon (updated)

I just decided to switch to Nikon. I am getting ready to list all of my Canon gear, with details and photos, on FredMiranda.com. Thought I'd mention it here first, as I know many are getting ready to pick up 5d2's and need good lenses. Please email me for details ...

I'll be listing the following items: 5d body+RRS L bracket, 24-70mm f/2.8L, 70-200mm f/4L non-IS, 90mm TSE, 420EX speedlight, EFII 1.4 extender, Kenko auto extension tube set, Remote TC-80N3, and three new, unopened BP-511a batteries.

I know the question will arise ... I'm starting with a D2x, 14-24mm, an 80-200mm D and some primes.

Jesse, I am interested in the 90mm TSE. For some reason you sight with your email is blocked by my office computer. Do you mind posting you email address here?

Sure Tom.

info at jessespeer dot com

Hey Jesse - was wondering if you might share some of your reasons for making the switch from Canon. Didn't you just recently buy a 1Ds mkIII? Not trying to pry, just curious if you've been blown away by the gear, some RAW files, or both?

Yeah, I recently bought a 1ds3. And unfortunately, they also recently announced the 5d2 - with a better sensor and at a fraction of the price. A tough situation, for someone who was only after the sensor quality. Got my money out of the camera (a lot anyway), and then decided every option - every brand - was on the table. I had a lot of fun researching cameras, and even considered my 12MP vs. 21MP experience.

I happen to believe that 21MP isn't "there" on the Canon mount. The continued lack of wide angle (apart from pricey exotics) is a deterrent to making 21MP seriously worthwhile. For my shooting anyway. That said, I'm sure the 5d2 will be a camera for the ages - and something that will drive the prices of my future Nikon FX body down over time. :)

In the meantime, I got an amazing deal on the best kept secret in dSLR cameras - the D2x. Pro level body and features, at 5d image quality. And it's much cheaper than a 5d right now. I'm very content with 12MP for awhile, and superior Nikon lenses. I've been lusting over the outrageous 14-24mm for some time. It's hard to overlook the best zoom ever made - something that beats Zeiss primes.

Anyway, there are a lot of factors here for me - researched over a few months. In the end, I've decided upon a pro-quality system that will offer better optics and features (at the price level) than Canon can offer. This is all valid today anyway. Who knows what tomorrow brings! Regardless, I'm very excited about my new system.

EDIT 12/4: These are the remaining items for sale. I'm unavailable Fri-Tues, so contact me soon about the other items (details/photos on the 5d).

(1) Canon 5d body, about 8,900 clicks = $1200 (shipped)
(1) Canon 420EX Speedlight flash, Mint, used once = $125 (shipped)

Hmm, that's good points Jesse. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Jesse. I figured the better optics may have been driving your thoughts here, especially since you are so masterful with the wides. I figure I will give a Zeiss EOS mount a try when those come out...

Plus I would feel a little burned when the 5D II was announced...

Probably a good idea Michael. Speaking of alternative lenses, here is my list of recommended UWA lens alternatives for Canon's larger sensors (can find older lenses at KEH.com):

Nikon 14-24mm with 16-9.net adapter
- Read this: http://www.davidclapp.co.uk/nikon1424.php
- And this: http://www.16-9.net/lens_tests/nikon_14_24mm_1/nikon14_24mm_a.html

Contax Zeiss Distagon 18mm f/4
- A new ZE version is coming soon, and the older one works with an adapter.
- http://www.pebbleplace.com/Personal/Contax_18mm_F4_Distagon.html
- I recommend the HappyPageHK focus confirmation/EXIF adapter, found eBay

Olympus Zuiko 18mm f/3.5
- http://www.16-9.net/lens_tests/18mm_testb.html
- I recommend the HappyPageHK focus confirmation/EXIF adapter, found eBay

Contax Zeiss Distagon 21mm f/2.8
- The finest wide angle ever made, and pricey/hard to find (new ZE version coming)
- http://www.16-9.net/lens_tests/1740.html

Thanks for the info on the alt lenses!!! Gives me some good food for thought, as these all cost a pretty penny I would guess.

Good luck on the changeover, Jesse. If I had the $$$, I'd be doing the same thing. Of course, with your abilities, you could work magic with a $100 p&s.