Canon, Sony or Nikon - What would I choose today (thoughts of a wildlife photographer)

Do I regret my switch from Sony to Canon? Or would I even be better off with Nikon? Today is about my thoughts on the different camera and lens manufacturers. All have their advantages and disadvantages and I want to look at the relevant points for wildlife or bird photography.

Recommended equipment (affiliate links):

[FabianFoppNaturephotography]

Recommended equipment (affiliate links):

[ajc]

Honestly after taking a long break myself and selling my old gear I've gone back to a Nikon D500.

I looked at all the mirrorless options and nothing really caught my attention, with the exception of the R7 but that's impossible to buy at the moment.

I've used the D500 in the past and it's a body I know I can rely on in any conditions, add to the Nikons amazing range of F mount glass and it was really an easy choice.

[charlesworton]

I just bought a Nikon Z8. With the 2, 01 firmware update, autofocus is spectacular, particularly for bird photography. It is lighter than the D850, and has the same general specifications as the Z9 in a smaller, lighter body. The stacked sensor eliminates rolling shutter problems, the 45.6 MP resolution exceeds most modern lenses, and the video performance is phenomenal. It's an amazing camera, and I love it.

[j.kimmer]

I use all three brands....and i have to say... I LOVE to just go shoot and being outside. Sony sucks the most for me, but I love to shoot with the Nikon and Canon as Canon being best all around.

[wellingtoncrescent]

I was reluctant to upgrade to the R7 in part because of problems with AF pulsing on my Sigma 150-600C and the cost of the RF 100-500. But I finally bit the bullet and couldn't be happier. While pricey, I don't have to worry about AF pulsing, the dual focus motors are exquisitely responsive,

[Zimtstangerl]

Hey Fabian, I started out with a Nikon D850, then moved to Sony for an A7RIV, which has been replaced by an A7RV mid-November. If I were to start out again and money was a major issue. I‘d get a Sony RX100 VII for starters. Small, great AF and image quality in pocket size. I own one, so I may judge. If money was no issue, I‘d get the Sony Alpha A1, the 400 2.8, the 600 4.0 and both teleconverters. 30fps @50mp raw is just wow! 🥳

[andrass.]

I use Sony (apsc) and I feel like Sony neglects their APS-Cs. If I'm thinking what camera I'd buy now, that would be a full frame. What's the most important for a wildlife photographer is good AF system (animal/bird eye af), high enough fps, and although the least important: more than 24 megapixels. There is no Sony camera that can give all these, except the A1. I can not afford a flagship. My heart would pull me to Nikon, but the lack of good af system makes me change my mind. In fact, Canon is the only one that gives all these 3 things in one camera, and this camera is not a flagship. If I'd choose Sony, I'd choose between a7iv, a7riv and a7rv. But whatever I choose, I'd miss something. If not the bird eye af, then the fps. IF I get the Canon R5, I get all of these. (damn...I don't want to change system)

[Mike-uzdp]

Any photographer can successfully use any of these systems...but being blocked from new lenses on the RF mount is a deal breaker for me. Please do a video on the Sony A7Rv

[ro]

I got into the canon system and really enjoyed sigma and Tamron lenses. But I became greatly disappointed when they banned 3rd party lenses on their new system. The EF/RF adapter only allows me to use older lenses and not any newer 3rd party models. It's a personal choice for sure but I'm switching to Sony for that reason. Otherwise I would've happily stuck with them.

[helloianzakharov]

That’s all very true. Nikon lenses really shines with integrated TC. But for my taste I mostly never use 1.4x TC only 2x. Canon could design integrated TC for primes because they already have 200–400/4 for ages. And it’s sad new Canon 800/5.6 and 1200/8 are not a real deal

[ScutuRC]

Before you watch this video (I didn't watch it) - read this: If you buy a camera system for the first time, get something most of your friends already have. They will be able to help you with the menu & settings, share lenses, accessories and more. In the end the big difference between camera systems is the price, some lenses availability, and sometimes built quality! .. but after all, nobody will be able to guess which camera system you use just by looking at your photos... so why bother?!

[jtes]

A new Nikon body is on the way. Stick with what you like. Canon has excellent performance, but the no third-party option would keep me from recommending it. Sony is always high tech, but their cameras are never fun to use . However, everyone has different needs and taste . It’s best to try all the different brands and judge for your self .

[Xcx]

Nikon Dseries full frame. It’s the best for starters and professionals. Hands down!

[bioliv]

Mark Denny switched from Sony to Fujifilm.

[ballkd]

Title should read ‘ older’ Nikon. Thanks for your work Fabian

[Xirpzy]

super happy with my Canon gear but it sure is a dent in my pocket. I wish they would make some more durability focused lenses. I really think one should try them out before deciding as usability heavily depends on preference in the end.

[baljindersinghsidhu]

Recently boyght nikon Z8.. it's mind blowing..❤🎉 a powerhouse with a turbocharged engine..

[bladerealm]

Do you have any updated thoughts with the release of the Z8? I'm an R5 user looking to invest in a serious wildlife setup up to $20, 000+. Canon has some great lenses like the 100-300mm f2.8 that nobody else offers but their longer primes seem inferior, basically just the EF design with an adapter slapped on (RF 600, 800, etc). Nikon's lenses look incredible like the 600mm f6.3, 800mm f6.3, and 600mm f4 TC. The Z8 is also supposed to get the recent Z9 update that substantially improves AF and puts it on par with the R5 for animal eye-AF. Sony's lens lineup is also fantastic with the "compact" 600mm f4 and 300mm f2.8.

[MrTmiket]

Thanks for sharing another wonderful video like always, I really enjoy using Canon, I would like to text the z9, I'm just curious about the color science 👍

[OhhhhhhhBugger]

I am extremely jealous as a Canon shooter when I look at Nikon and their low cost, low weight super tele primes. They are just SO good. I can't believe Canon is even still selling to wildlife photographers anymore. It doesn't feel like they really like their customers. They say to either buy their ultra expensive white primes, or their crappy ultra low aperture primes and zooms, (which the 100-500 isn't "bad", but 500mm is a little short for wildlife imo and F7.1 is no good. I know because I had this lens for 2 years). They put out crappy cropped cameras now when they used to be known for their crop cameras, (ehemmm, R7). It's like they only care about FF. To make matter worse, they c*ck-blocked Sigma from making lenses we wildlife people actually care about. I think at the time of this writing there is only like 1 RF lens from Sigma, and no plans to release their newer 500 F5.6.

I am thinking of selling all my Canon kit at this point and moving on to Nikon. They've got everything I could possibly want right now.