Need your opinions

[Minimalis]

I am currently using a F90X body. However my scope of work constantly requires me to switch between my 80-200 f2.8 and 18-35mm. I was actually thinking of getting a 2nd body, probably a used F4 as another platform whereby I wouldn't need to change lens at all.
What do you guys think about this proposition? Is this an apt alternative? I guess I would keep the F90X as my main body, and use the F4 only when i need the two lenses at the ready at the same time. Wise?

[ckiang]

Quote: Originally posted by Minimalis I am currently using a F90X body. However my scope of work constantly requires me to switch between my 80-200 f2.8 and 18-35mm. I was actually thinking of getting a 2nd body, probably a used F4 as another platform whereby I wouldn't need to change lens at all. What do you guys think about this proposition? Is this an apt alternative? I guess I would keep the F90X as my main body, and use the F4 only when i need the two lenses at the ready at the same time. Wise?

Having 2 bodies will really help a lot, if you find youself in such a situation most of the time. Why not consider a used F100 instead? The F4 AF is kind of slow.

Regards
CK

[Minimalis]

Erm... a used F100's price is still kinda high, close to 2k if I am not wrong?

[ckiang]

Quote: Originally posted by Minimalis Erm... a used F100's price is still kinda high, close to 2k if I am not wrong?

You should be looking at around $1500 or less. I bought my F100 new for $2080, now it's selling for $19xx. So used should be lower.

Regards
CK

[Ian]

Time for a few facts:

AF on the F4 isn't slow, especially with AFS lenses Though to be fair it's not as fast as the F90x or F100, F5 etc but with forethought and judicial use of focus limiting it's fast enough for most professional level jobs.

According to my trade sources an F4s in reasonable condition in Singapore is going to cost you at least $1100 SGD and more than 1400 SGD for a late model body.

F90x is a lot cheaper at than an F4s at about 1000 (or less) SGD New.

The F90x is also a lot lighter, an F4 with the smaller MB-20 pack is about 30% heavier than the F90x and with the regular MB-21 about 80% heavier and by the time you add batteries about double the weight as the MB-21 takes 2 more AA's than the F90x.

So in all honesty if you don't require the ruggedness of a professional Nikon body then another F90x would be a better bet.

[sriram]

There was a post on Singnet classifieds - someone was selling his F100 for $1500.

[ckiang]

Quote: Originally posted by Ian Time for a few facts: AF on the F4 isn't slow, especially with AFS lenses Though to be fair it's not as fast as the F90x or F100, F5 etc but with forethought and judicial use of focus limiting it's fast enough for most professional level jobs.

Sorry, I only tried it with non-AFS lenses.

Must have been too used to my F100. Actually, unless one needs features such as MLU, 100% viewfinder, interchangeable finders, more rugged body, etc, won't it be a better deal to go for a used F100 rather than the F4?

Regards
CK

[Ian]

Quote: Originally posted by ckiang Sorry, I only tried it with non-AFS lenses. Must have been too used to my F100. Actually, unless one needs features such as MLU, 100% viewfinder, interchangeable finders, more rugged body, etc, won't it be a better deal to go for a used F100 rather than the F4? Regards CK

Well I'd only recommend the F4 body if a user meets any of the following criteria

Uses lenses over 400mm focal length or short focal length fisheyes.

Has Non AI lenses or AI/AIS lenses that are heavy and may warp the F90/F100 bayonet mount.

Is doing more than 3:1 macro with bellows where the need for the 6x critical focus finder is required OR working in a studio environment where the waistlevel finder is useful.

Is pushing lots of film through the camera, eg: 2-3 rolls plus every day of the week.

Requires access to more specialied focusing screens than offered by the non professional bodies.

Requires the specialised features offered in the MF-23 databack (which is available for an extra 400 Sgd or so used, or 1200 or so new).

Requires 100% viewfinder and MLU (long lenses, macro in particular).

Otherwise I'd recommend either the F90x or a used F100.

[skf]

Quote: Originally posted by Minimalis I am currently using a F90X body. However my scope of work constantly requires me to switch between my 80-200 f2.8 and 18-35mm. I was actually thinking of getting a 2nd body, probably a used F4 as another platform whereby I wouldn't need to change lens at all. What do you guys think about this proposition? Is this an apt alternative? I guess I would keep the F90X as my main body, and use the F4 only when i need the two lenses at the ready at the same time. Wise?

go for 90X if you want to spend less $
go for F100 if you willing to spend more

[Lennier]

I was in the same boat not too long ago and settled with another F90x. Managed to get one in near mint condition, plus vertical grip, plus the multifunction back, plus grid screen for $1k.