is "Cost of Lenses" a valid point for comparing bodies from Nikon and Canon?

[andylawcc]

so, setting the features and image quality from Canon and Nikon Bodies aside, would you go with one body over the other just because the potential cost of the lenses that you will purchase? (I know, this will not be the SOLE deciding factor, but I just wanna how deep will it impact your decision on the body)

also assuming we will compare non-full frame bodies (400D Xti vs D60 or 450D Xsi vs D80 or 40D vs D200). Also, for sake of simplicity, the lenses would be purchased as brand new.

 

[jpeyton]

What lenses in particular?

New or used?

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
New or used?

well, if we include "used" then there will be a "YMMV" situation. You may get a really good lense at a faction of the original MSRP, but that's only if you are careful and patient.

What lenses in particular?

Lenses that would be general enough to belong in every photographer's bag (a wide prime, wide zoom, standard zoom, and telephoto zoom) Perhaps, a 25mm prime, 12-24, 24-70, and 70-200.

 

[yllus]

Not especially important. I don't believe the cost difference is ever that huge, and for the most part the two lines are near-identical in offerings. Would be nice to get a Canon equivalent to the Nikkor 18-200mm, though.

 

[GTaudiophile]

I would say so. You are investing in a system.

 

[soydios]

I'd call the lens prices roughly the same.

But, here's some comparisons of popular lenses from B&H:
- AF-S/USM 70-200mm f/2.8 VR/IS: $1625(Nikon), $1700(Canon)
- AF-S/USM 24-70mm f/2.8: $1700(N), $1150(C) <-- holy guacamole, that's a huge difference that I never cared to look up! the Nikon may have slightly better optics by the numbers at Photozone.de, but we're splitting hairs here. they're both exceptional, and that's not enough to justify a $500 price difference.
- 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR/IS: $200(N), $175(C)
- 50mm f/1.8: $110(N), $90(C)

So from that sample, Canons seem to be slightly cheaper. But remember, that's only for new lenses.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: soydios
But, here's some comparisons of popular lenses from B&H:

I did some futile homework as I find myself going nowhere since I cannot compare the exact spec side by side.

lenprice.jpg
(I don't know where to host a non-picture file, so hence the screen cap)

anyway, the problem I encounter is I cannot find two lens with the exact same spec for both Nikon and Canon. Usuauly the range is off by a few mm. I may not have the correct spec cuz all the Nikon's curiously do not have SWM while Canon's do.

The Lens roster is ripped from soydios's Nikon Guide and yllus's Canon Guide.

 

[Deadtrees]

In some degrees, I think it is. I wouldn't go for Sony as the lenses are a lot more expensive.

 

[soydios]

Originally posted by: andylawcc

Originally posted by: soydios
But, here's some comparisons of popular lenses from B&H:

I did some futile homework as I find myself going nowhere since I cannot compare the exact spec side by side.

lenprice.jpg
(I don't know where to host a non-picture file, so hence the screen cap)

anyway, the problem I encounter is I cannot find two lens with the exact same spec for both Nikon and Canon. Usuauly the range is off by a few mm. I may not have the correct spec cuz all the Nikon's curiously do not have SWM while Canon's do.

The Lens roster is ripped from soydios's Nikon Guide and yllus's Canon Guide.

FYI, Nikon AF-S = Canon USM. They're identical in focusing speed (incredibly fast if implemented optimally, as on $1k+ lenses) and manual override (instant, if implemented fully, as on $300+ lenses).
so, you should add "AF-S" to the following Nikkor lenses: 18-135, 18-70, 18-200VR, 16-85VR, 70-300, 70-300VR, 12-24, 14-24, 17-55, 28-70, 24-70, 70-200VR, and 200-400VR.
the third-party lense manufacturers also have their own ring-type focusing motor systems.

EDIT: also, when doing screen caps, try not to save the JPEGs at low quality or in MSPaint, that way you'll avoid all the artifacting

 

[rudder]

I know at least on FredMiranda.com you see a lot more used Canon lenses than Nikon. That can be a significant cost savings if you don't mind buying used. A real good buy is the 24-105L f/4.0 IS lens. A lot of people got these with the 5D as a kit and dumped the lens for whatever reason. You can save about $200+ over new. I would say Canon listings run about 5 to 1 versus Nikon listings.

For 3rd party lenses like the Tamron 17-50 the price seems to be the same across the board.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: soydios
EDIT: also, when doing screen caps, try not to save the JPEGs at low quality or in MSPaint, that way you'll avoid all the artifacting

hehe, I actually did that purposely to reduce the file size; i assumed you all can still read the fonts right?